Sigma 70-300mm F/4-5.6 DG OS SLD Super Multi-Layer Coated Telephoto Lens for Canon AF Mount Digital SLR Cameras

Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS for CANON AF

Brand: Sigma Model: 70-300mm OS Canon AF Mount Dimensions: 5.00" h x 3.00" w x 3.00" l, 1.34 pounds Lens Construction - 16 Elements in 11 Groups Minimum Aperture - F22 Minimum Focusing Distance - 150cm / 59.1 in Number of Diaphragm Blades - 9 Blades (rounded diaphragm Angle of View - 34.3 degrees - 8.2 degrees

Most helpful customer reviews 42 of 43 people found the following review helpful. Sigma 70-300 OS By Ken Barlow I only had 2 days to play with this lens, but so far I am impressed with his performance. I bought this primarily for outdoor use because I have a Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR lens for indoor shooting. I just do not want that mammoths lens of my camera while walking, etc., especially when bright light is not necessary in a good light. It looks like they are right. Focus is pretty fast - a couple of hunts in low light at telephoto, but it is quite common for most lenses of this type. Picture quality is very good so far. Some very small fringe at a couple of shots (not a problem with JPEG's from my D90, because it automatically removes most of CA). I'm going to shoot some RAW pictures outside if I see a chance to see if there is nothing to fear, to get, but so far it seems to be acceptable. The approach is very accurate - dead in each captured photo (no front focus issues that some objectives, Sigma) is also very impressive OS. I would say very close to the best Nikon lenses VRII. It took a couple of 1 / 4 sec. shooting hand with only his elbows against his ribs, at full telephoto, and shots clear. You can see the splash screen to float when the shutter button halfway, so you know that the stabilizer is working. The lens is mounted on the camera perfectly and has a good frame and sturdy metal as the best lens Nikon has. It fits perfectly. I like the size and weight compared to Nikon (more compact). The only drawback is that the lens is internal focus, such as the Nikon (which probably explains the compact). This means that the lens cover should be a first round (not a petal type hood, which I prefer) because the end of the lens rotates as it focuses. It extends about 7 / 8 of an inch at the closest focus, making the total length, quite long at 300mm (about 8 cm, without the hood, about 10 hooded confirmed), none of that really means a lot to me, however. One thing I like about this one compared to the Nikon 70-300 VR was the opening starts with the F4, not f4.5, so it's a bit faster than the Nikon. The shallow depth of field was surprising to me. Longer focal lengths tend to really enhance the effect of close, and it is very clear on this point. The best way to rate this lens will be to break down characteristics, and then give a score (1-10) in that capacity, so here goes: Picture quality (so far): 9 (of someone who impressed so far - color, sharpness, etc. quite good) Focus Accuracy: 9 (low light, the only problem) focus speed: 8 (can be a little better), focus sound: 7 (not as quiet as the Nikon AF-focus lenses - even with my big 70 -200 f2.8 8 VR is much quieter) Set: 10 The quality of finish: 7 (surface does not look right or seeking durable as Nikon, but not ugly) OIS: 95 Size / Weight: 9 Ease of Use / Features: 9 I update with more information after using this lens. I can not give the lens 5 stars, but I think it is far from achieving it. I think most people will agree that this goal is worth the money spent and do what you want to do, and do well. Updated: February 2010 - have taken some more shots with this lens. All-in-all still very happy with it. All say he is - a little more than first indicated. RAW shows a little more than JPEG, but it is very easy to remove most of that in Lightroom. Some images are slightly soft. When compared to Nikon 18-105 kit, initially thought they were quite similar, but are a little smoother when seen up close. It is much smoother than my 70-200 f2.8 8, even if a shot is open - and the Sigma is far behind in no way stopped to F4 or higher on the Nikon Yet I would expect nothing less than a lens that more than 5 times more expensive. Outdoor shots are very reputable.