Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II Overview
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| I own it | I want it | I had it |
The Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II is a prime example of an independent manufacturer producing a design which can challenge the camera companies' own lenses in most aspects of optical and operational performance, but at a much lower price. In almost all regards it performs well in everyday use, delivering good quality images across a broad range of situations. The 'Macro' tag denotes an unusually close minimum focus distance, however image quality when shooting at short distances is distinctly weak, especially at larger apertures. Autofocus and build quality are both very good, though, and if you're looking for a budget fast telezoom for low light or action work, then this is the lens for you.
| Lens type | Zoom lens |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 70–200 mm |
| Image stab. | No |
| Lens mount | Canon EF, Four Thirds, Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF3, Sigma SA Bayonet, Sony/Minolta Alpha |
| Max aperture | F2.8 |
| Min aperture | F22 |
| Min focus | 1.00 m (39.37″) |
| Max magnification | 0.28× |
| Weight | 1390 g (3.06 lb) |
| Length | 184 mm (7.24″) |
Overall, if you appreciate the limitations of this lens and stick within its practical limits, it provides much of the performance of the camera manufacturers' equivalents at a much lower price. If you're looking for a budget fast telezoom for low light or action work, then this is the lens for you.
Good for: Casual sports and wildlife work or general-purpose short telephoto portraiture and landscapes.
Not so good for: Macro / close-focus work and handheld telephoto shooting, where the lack of image stabilization puts you at risk of camera shake in images take at slow shutter speeds.
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