Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 SLD DG Macro Lens with built in motor for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Buy Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 SLD DG Macro Lens with built in motor for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras Order Today!

Design by :
Sigma
Over All Rating Reviews :

Great Deal :
$159.00
Date Created :
Jun 15, 2010 05:34:04

The built-in motor allows autofocus with all Nikon digital ameras. These lenses incorporate a macro feature with aximum magnification 1:2 at the 300mm focal length. It is suitable for various types of shooting conditions. This telephoto lens has a 1:2 maximum magnification at the 300mm focal length. It is ideal for portraits, sport and other types of photography. SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass provides excellent correction of chromatic aberration. The super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range.

Lens Construction

• 14 Elements in 10 Groups
• Angle of View: 34.3 - 8.2 degrees
• Number of Diaphragm Blades: 9 Blades
• Minimum Aperture: F22
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 95-150cm / 37.4-59.1 in.
• Maximum Magnification: 1:4.1 (1:2 Macro mode)
• Filter Size: Diameter 58mm (Rear)
• Filter Size: Bayonet-type Hood
• Diameter: 76.6mm
• Length: 119.5mm
• Weight: 540g/19 oz.
  
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Photography has been my hobby for 30+ years and I have a reasonable collection of lenses - Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, Pentax 50-135 f/2.8, Sigma 10-20, Sigma 100-300 f/4, SMC 50 f/1.7, SMC 28 f/2.8, SMC 135 f/3.5 and SMC 100 f/3.5 macro.

While the Sigma 100-300 f/4 is great, it is heavy and not really travel friendly. I have been looking for a lighter tele zoom strictly for travel. I came across this Sigma but was not sure at first since I had an old Tamron 70-300 before. That Tamron was OK but no comparison to the Pentax 50-135 and Sigma 100-300. As a matter of fact, I wanted to return it before trying because I thought I ordered the APO version. On second thought, I gave it a try. But when I looked at the pictures from this Sigma, I was blown away by the quality. It is still no comparison to the Pentax and Sigma but much, much better than I expected. I did the comparison with the camera on tripod and mirror lock up and set ISO at 125.

The main drawback is the relatively weak out-of-focus performance especially at the short end. Sharpness was very good for the entire range. Focus speed was quite acceptable on my K-x. At the same aperture and shutter speed, pictures tend to be about 1/3 stop darker than the Pentax 50-135. This seems to be the trend for Sigma since the other two Sigmas also show a similar behavior. But it is not a big issue. Construction is about expected for this price tag. The zoom ring is stiff between 200 and 300; better than too loose I suppose. It is too light for hand held at the long end; so it fits the travel requirement. I have not used it for macro yet.

Overall, I am very pleased with this lens and it satisfies my needs quite well. Another reason for picking the Sigma over the similar price Tamron is because Photoshop CS5 has all of the lens correction information for the full line of Sigma lenses. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because of the construction.

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