Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX HSM II DG macro AF Review Round-Up

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If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below.

Digital Photography

The Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II is a prime example of an independent manufacturer producing a design which can challenge the camera companies’ own lenses in most aspects of optical and operational performance, but at a much lower price. In almost all regards it performs well in everyday use, delivering good quality images across a broad range of situations. The optics are perfectly competent, if not outstanding; indeed the lens is really very good towards the short end, but weaker at 200mm, where it’s slightly soft and suffers from relatively high levels of chromatic aberration. Vignetting is impressively low, even on full frame (presumably a benefit of that broad and stubby barrel design), and geometric distortion reasonably well controlled. verall, if you appreciate the limitations of this lens and stick within its practical limits, it provides much of the performance of the camera manufacturers’ equivalents at a much lower price. READ FULL REVIEW

Other Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX HSM II DG macro AF Reviews

Digital Picture

The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II Macro Lens is well built – Sigma EX lenses generally are. The focus and zoom rings are nicely sized and relatively smooth-functioning with a nice amount of friction. The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II Macro Lens incorporates Sigma’s best AF system – HSM (Hypersonic Motor). This implementation is quiet – it makes a “shhhh” sound when in action, but you need to listen closely to hear it. HSM also delivers very consistent results from this lens – unfortunately, it is consistently focusing well in front of the subject. The focal length range and fast aperture are very useful features. They are excellent for portraits, sports, landscapes and other general-type shots including those taken in lower light levels. But at this point, I’d rather have the Tamron that at least autofocuses correctly some of the time and delivers better image quality at 200mm (we tend to use the extremes of our zoom lenses the most). And of course, the Canon 70-200 L versions are the best answer. READ FULL REVIEW

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