Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 and 2x teleconverter

02/17/2009 09:51:50 AM · #1

Is anyone using this set up? How do you like it? I'm considering it because it is much cheaper than the canon 70-200 f2.8 or the canon 100-400L.

What do you guys think?

Justen

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF for Nikon

02/17/2009 10:33:07 AM · #2

I have used this combination. I love the 70-200 it is a great lens (even against the Nikkors) , but using with the 2x teleconverter is not reccommended IMO. The drop in optical quality can be clearly seen. So far my success with this combination is when the light is really good. Using with the 1.4x teleconverted IMO is much better. If you need the range I'd rather go for the Sigma 150-500mm OS. It is a great lens.

amathiasphoto

Nikon D300

02/17/2009 10:43:57 AM · #3

great lens, but remember that the tele really does help show any flaw in your lens. I use it occassionally, mostly for sports, but its gotta be bright so I can close down a bit on my aperature. Agreed though, the lens itself is great.

Ken

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

02/17/2009 11:16:53 AM · #4

NM - my reply was for the Canon 70-200.

Message edited by author 2009-02-17 11:24:48.

02/17/2009 11:49:29 AM · #5

Well, I will only use the converter when photographing small birds. I'd like the 70-200 for everything else so I think I'd be willing to slack a little on the quality for the few times I do use the converter. How does the lens by itself compare in quality to the canon 70-200 f4 and the Sigma 150-500 OS.

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM for Canon

02/17/2009 06:45:38 PM · #6

I am a nikon user , so can;t really comment about the 70-200 f4. I have a friend that uses the lens and it is extremely sharp and wonderfully built.
As far as a nikon user is concerned , the Sigma is an excellent lens in all aspects (I do like my nikkor lenses). You have to be really discerning to see differences.
VS. the sigma 150-500mm , the 70-200 is better. However for the range the 150-500 provides definitely better that a len-converter combo.

inshaala

Canon EOS-7D

02/17/2009 07:06:44 PM · #7

Originally posted by andrewt:

Ditto - i love my 70-200. However, put the 2x converter on it and you get CA in the middle of the lens almost! And small birds need a lot of detail considering the distances involved. And yes - you would definitely need good light.

I took this shot with the lens + 2x converter on an rather bright overcast day. Note the settings i used. I also had to do a load of processing to bring out the detail as well as minimise the CA. And i was only ~3 metres from the bird.

I almost ditched the two in favour of the canon 100-400 and a 1.4x, but the 70-200 range sits nicely with me at the moment.

Message edited by author 2009-02-17 19:08:27.

02/17/2009 08:06:37 PM · #8

Originally posted by inshaala:

I took this shot with the lens + 2x converter on an rather bright overcast day. Note the settings i used. I also had to do a load of processing to bring out the detail as well as minimise the CA. And i was only ~3 metres from the bird.

So you stopped down to 7.1 and you still had to PP in order to get the picture sharp? Wow! I think I'm going to try and stay away from teleconverters and go with either the Sigma 150-500 or 120-400 or the Canon 100-400. Thanks for all your help guys!

Justen

Message edited by author 2009-02-17 20:07:19.

02/17/2009 09:41:22 PM · #9

If you are really considering the long range Sigma zooms , my recommendation is to go for the 150-500 because of the OS. The OS performance is fantastic & very effective. I love it because I usually hand-hold this lens a lot while shooting.

02/17/2009 10:25:01 PM · #10

Originally posted by andrewt:

Here is the 120-400 I was considering: //www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/549247-REG/Sigma_728101_120_400mm_f_4_5_5_6_DG_OS.html It also has OS. Do you know if there is a difference in the IQ between the two?

Message edited by author 2009-02-17 22:27:16.

02/17/2009 11:55:46 PM · #11

Nope , have not used this lens yet. The 120-400 with OS is their latest offering and kinda new. I think the big advantage on this lens will be the weight. The 150-500 weighs a ton when you hand-hold. Sorry!