Two Sigma Choices... - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

07/06/2006 11:06:22 AM · #1

From various posts I have determined that one should choose the
Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 APO DG MACRO
over the
Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Macro Super II
However, when I view the photo examples associated with each lens, I am much more impressed with those by the Super II.
Is the DG MACRO really the better choice?

P.S. - I know that there are better telephoto lenses out there, but these seem to be the best bang for the buck (under $200).

pawdrix

Nikon D700

07/06/2006 11:16:14 AM · #2

Originally posted by santaspores:

Careful what you see on the internet for comparison sake. There is no shortage of bad images around...on flikr...on pbase or wherever. Enough so, not to get a proper idea of actual image quality, especially on the less expensive gear, where less experienced photographers tend to gravitate. You'll see amazing images mixed in with not so amazing images but it won't be the equipments fault.

If you have the technical skill's you can make either of those lenses deliver what you want.

edited:As you can see below...great images, both.

Message edited by author 2006-07-06 11:19:33.

MudHut

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

07/06/2006 11:17:03 AM · #3

santaspores all I can say is I'm very happy with the Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 APO DG MACRO
For both macro and telephoto work

You do get a lot of bang for your buck :)

PhantomEWO

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

07/06/2006 11:17:58 AM · #4

Take you camera to the store and try both lenses. Take inside, outside and various zoom and f stop pics. Then go home and compare the photos by yourself.

mkalandros

Nikon D50

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

07/06/2006 11:28:31 AM · #5

What a strange coincidence. I'm planning on buying one of these as well.

Anyone know the difference between those two lenses (70-300 apo macro and 70-300 apo macro super II)? Even Sigma's website doesn't appear to distinguish between the two.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

07/06/2006 11:33:32 AM · #6

And by the way...
I should demure a bit. I have found EXCELLENT photos online produced by both of these lenses. I was speaking about my preferences as a whole and certainly not reffering to individual photos.

mkalandros - here is some info for you...
Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 APO DG MACRO canon part #508101 $183 new (check bizrate.com for example). This is the newer of the two sigma lenses.

Here is an interpretation of their lens codes:
ASP (Aspherical Lens)
The aspherical lens complex allows freedom of design, improved performance, a reduced number of component lenses and a compact size.

APO (APO Lens)
In order to attain the highest quality images, the APO lens has been made using special low-dispersion (SLD) glass and is designed to minimize color aberration.

OS (Optical Stabilizer) Function
This function utilizes a built-in mechanism that compensates for camera shake. It dramatically expands photographic possibilities by alleviating camera movement when shooting by hand held camera.

HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor)
This lens uses a motor driven by ultrasonic waves to provide a quiet, highspeed AF.

RF (Rear Focus)
This lens is equipped with a system that moves the rear lens group for highspeed , silent focusing.

IF (Inner Focus)
To ensure stability in focusing, this lens moves the inner lens group or groups without changing the lens' physical length.

Conv (APO Teleconverter EX)
This lens can be used with the APO Teleconverter EX. It can increase the focal length and will interface with the camera's AE (automatic exposure) function.

EX (EX Lens)
The exterior of this lens is EX-finished to denote the superior build and optical quality, and to enhance its appearance.

DG (DG Lens)
These are large-aperture lenses with wide angles and short minimum focusing distances. With an abundance of peripheral illumination, they are ideal lenses for Digital SLR Cameras whilst retaining suitability for traditional 35mm SLRs.

DC (DC Lens)
These are special lenses designed so that the image circle matches the smaller size of the image sensor of most digital SLR cameras. Their specialized design gives these lenses the ideal properties for digital cameras, the compact and lightweight construction is an added bonus ! including compact and lightweight construction.

talmy

Nikon D300s

07/06/2006 11:34:49 AM · #7

IMHO, there is no discernable difference between any of the Sigma 70-300 lenses as long as there is "APO" in the name. There is a difference between the "APO" and non-"APO" lenses, and the "APO" lenses are better.

07/06/2006 11:35:00 AM · #8

MudHut - Very Nice images. Have you ever tried to add a diopter lens onto your Sigma?

Prof_Fate

07/06/2006 11:36:38 AM · #9

You want this one
Sigma Zoom Telephoto 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS

NOT
this one
Sigma Zoom Telephoto 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS

BOTH are DG, only ONE is APO. You want the APO.

sorry, you have a minolta...so this one is the one YOU want.

Sorry, but it'll cost you $20 more than the Canon one.