 Finding an alternative to the manufacturer’s 70-200 f/2.8 zooms has become both important (as prices skyrocket) and problematic for us. We’ve had to discontinue the Tamron version because of reliability issues so we’re going to give the new Sigma a try. The newest version of the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 zoom has an HSM motor for quick autofocus, three Extra Low and two Special Low dispersion elements to reduce chromatic abberations, and new coatings to reduce flare and ghosting. It also can focus as close as one meter allowing pseudo-macro closeups (1:3.5 magnification). Roger’s take: As is often the case with alternative lenses, this one is going to be about expectations, and if your expectations are reasonable I think you’ll be pleased with this one. If you’re expecting it to be indistinguishable from a $2300 Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR II, then you aren’t going to be so pleased. With this lens you get 85% of the performance for less than half the price which is a good deal for most people, but not OK for those wanting the ultimate quality. My summary (as I like to do) first: This is a good quality lens that will give better images in tougher conditions than a consumer grade zoom. Its sharp in the center even wide open, autofocuses quickly enough to be used for sports photography (a big advantage over the Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 we used to carry) and fairly accurately. It has some weaknesses, mostly at the extremes. It has a lot of focus shift when shooting close up so either shoot it wide open or stopped down to f/5.6 if you want accurate focus on objects within 10 yards or less. At the 200mm end its a bit softer than at 150, exhibits some pincushion distortion and has some chromatic aberration—not bad, but apparent if you pixel peep. For most people this isn’t going to be a big issue, but it might for some of you. Initially, at least, I’m quite pleased with the lens, but I strongly recommend you read the in-depth reviews in the Links above before deciding if this is the lens for you. The new Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 OS is also optically different, and clearly sharper at 200, so it may also be worth a look. All of that being said, from long experience I’m only going to recommend this lens if your camera has autofocus microadjustment. We will, of course, test the lens before every rental, but one thing we know, like we know the sun is going to rise in the East, is that there is more camera-to-camera autofocus variation with third-party lenses (less so with Nikon than with Canon, but still to some degree). A given copy of this lens may be very accurate on one camera, backfocus on another, and frontfocus on a third. We obviously can’t test it on your particular body before it leaves so, again, we strongly recommend you do so when you receive the lens and adjust your camera’s autofocus appropriately. Specs:
Links:MTF Chart:
Red lines indicate 10 lines/mm; green lines 30 lines/mm. Solid lines are Sagittal, dotted lines meridional. If you are bored and don’t understand MTF charts, you can read about them HERE Lens Construction:
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