Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX HSM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

Sigma's has been known the world over for their innovative design, ease of use and for the excellent results that their zoom lenses produce - this offering is no exception. The new 70-200mm f2.8 EX APO IF HSM lens features an apochromatic optical design and four elements composed of Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass for high image contrast, resolution and color saturation. For optimum performance in just about any photographic situation, an internal focusing system means that the front barrel does not rotate during focusing. For stability and the use of specialty filters, This internal focusing system is a must. The internal zooming mechanism allows the lens length to remain constant during zooming. Sigma's new Hyper Sonic Motors (H.S.M.) provide silent, responsive autofocus action with both Canon and Nikon AF SLR cameras. The H.S.M. feature also permits manual adjustment of focus without the necessity of switching off the autofocus function.. The Focus Free mechanism keeps the manual focus ring from spinning when the camera is auto-focusing. The 70-200mm f2.8 EX APO IF HSM is fully compatible with both the Sigma AF 1.4X and 2X APO EX Tele-converters. The new dedicated 1.4x APO Tele-converter features a high performance 5 element/3 group optical design, and it is optimized for use with long telephoto and tele-zoom lenses.

1 Super lens for the money
I bought this lens shortly after buying my Canon 20d. Given the weather in Moscow, wasn't able to give it a real trial. First impressions were not exciting. A few weekends ago, I went "candid hunting" in Red Square. With a polarizer attached, this lens blew me away. The boken was nice and the lens seemed sharp enough. I compare it favoribly to my 100-400 canon L lens. If you are looking for a fast reasonably priced high quality zoom in this range, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to you. Of course I would rather have the Canon L with IS, but for the money, I am pleased with the lens.

2 Average lens for an average price...
Let me start by saying that the lens looks very nice. It's build quality seems ok. The zoom ring has a little play to it when zoomed out and there is a little play when attached to my Canon 20D. The lens is not very sharp at f/4 or 2.8, but you can get by with sharpening in photoshop. I also bought a Sigma 1.4x comverter and I have to shoot at f/8 to get a sharp image. The focus is very quiet but is not that fast. It searches a lot and seems to focus just behind fast moving subjects. I switched over from Nikon and I didn't have a ton of money to buy all of the Canon EF lenses. If you have the extra money buy the Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8. I'm sure it's focus is right on and is tack sharp. But if you're on a budget like me you'll have to settle for the Sigma. You always get what you pay for and I feel that I should shelled out the extra money for the Canon. I hope this will save a few people the mistake that I made.

3 Great Lens/Great Price. Don't hesitate to consider this lens
First the technical data
Specifications

Filter Size 77mm
F-Stop Range 2.8 - 32
Minimum Focus Distance 72" (6')
Magnification 1:7.8
Zoom/Focus Control Two-Touch (Twist)
Angle Of View 43.3 (70mm) - 12.3 (200mm)
Groups/Elements 14 / 17
Length 7.1"
Max. Diameter 3.4"
Weight 49 Oz.
Specialties "Hyper Sonic Motor" For Quiet And Smother AF, Instant Manual Focus Override In AF Mode, Low Dispersion Glass, Non-Rotating Front Ring, Tripod Collar

I have owned this lens for about a year now in the Canon EOS mount. When first considering this lens, I debated over buying it or the more expensive Canon version. After reading numerous reviews, it was obvious that many other users felt this to be a great lens, comparable to Canon's, but at a much lower cost. So, I decided to get the Sigma version. I have never been sorry for that decision.

I should note that I have used both this lens and the Canon equivalent, so comparisons can be drawn from this. I have not used any comparable Nikon or other lenses in this focal range.

This lens allows for great versatility. There are numerous scenarios in which this lens performs well. Below are just a few.

Positives
1) The 2.8 aperture allows for great low light photography, or dusk/dawn outdoor photos
2) In the 85-135mm range, the constant 2.8 aperture makes this a very good portrait lens; throwing the background out of focus and making the subject stand out.
3) With the Sigma 2x APO teleconverter, this lens becomes a very nice 140-400mm 5.6. It will still autofocus with all Canon EOS bodies, and produces sharp photos despite the 2X converter.
4) High Speed focusing motor, rivals Canon's USM technology
5) APO, low dispersion glass produces top quality images with clear, contrasty images
6) Full time manual focus
7) Tripod mount is included, something that Canon will make you pay for...
8) Very sturdy lens design, solidly constructed

Negatives
1) Tends to hunt just slightly more than the Canon Version. This is easily overcome with full time manual focus
2) When the hood is attached in the "storage" position (reversed on the end of the lens) the full time manual focus ring is hard to manipulate
3) HSM is just slightly slower than USM (Canon's ultrasonic focusing technology)
4) Lens is heavy, but so are all similar lenses. I suggest a monopod if prolonged use is expected

...

Sigma also has a new 100-300mm F4 lens that is similar in quality and design to this 70-200mm version. If you tend to stay at the longer focal lengths and don't need the extra 2.8 f stop, then I would suggest looking into the 100-300 F4 lens that is new to the market.

Overall, I am very happy with the performance of this lens. In my opinion it is well worth the price tag and with the money you save over the Canon version can be spent it in other areas. I used the extra savings to purchase the 2X teleconverter and a few 77mm filters.

...Thanks for your time...