My Photography Gear 1 - Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II

Another section in my blog, that I would like to introduce you to, is the gear that I use to capture my pictures.  I am a serious enthusiast and my gear has some limitations, the major one being budget.  On the other hand, on a very limited budget, one can get hold of superb third party brands equipment which does very good for the price being paid.


Today I would like to share my views on the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II. Here are some technical data which one ought to know:

The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX APO Macro HSM telephoto zoom lens has a large maximum aperture of f/2.8 which remains constant throughout the zoom range, an improved optical performance, macro capabilities, and is optimized for digital SLR cameras. It also features super multi-layer coating, which reduces flare and ghosting.

This Macro lens has improved macro capability, with a minimum focusing distance of 39.4" (100 cm) and maximum magnification of 1:3.5. All zooming and focus movement is achieved internally, allowing for a constant length and great resistance to dust and moisture. It comes rendered in a hard coated, baked black EX crinkle finish. 

The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures a silent, high-speed AF function as well as full-time manual focusing capability for Sigma, Canon, and Nikon mount lenses.

Apart from all the technical data available in several written reviews posted on the web, I would like to share some pros and cons which I have personally experienced  when using this camera lens.

This lens is a major upgrade from a low budget telephoto zoom lens having as its minimum aperture of f/3.5.  It is a heavier lens, the mechanism is all laid in the interior of the barrel which will avoid infiltration of dust or matter. The tripod ring of the lens has some awesome mechanics which facilitates the handling of the lens and camera body, mostly when shooting sports and making use of a monopod. Being an f/2.8 lens, it focuses very fast and it does it very quietly. The performance of this lens is superb especially for wedding events as the photographer remains unnoticed when focusing and composing his shots. The focusing rings are very subtle and at reach. The rubber material added to the lens barrel does their job very well and they ensure a tight and approachable experience. Despite of its dimensions the lens fits nicely to a wide range of DSLR camera bodies, including beginners camera body types, such as my Nikon D3100 to more advanced camera bodies such as Nikon's D700.

In practise the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II does a very good job.  Considering the limited budget which this lens costs (you can easily get a second-hand version of this lens for 550 Euro) it delivers very well.  Several complaints noted on the web specify that this lens is sweet at 200mm. I strongly agree with statement.  On the other hand, I still believe that Sigma has given the opportunity for beginners and enthusiasts to invest and get hold of a fast and affordable telephoto lens. For those who are not earning their bread out of photography and who simply enjoy the art of capturing a fleeting moment, this is the way to go.  Personally, I avail my self of post processing by adding some sharpening layers to counterbalance the lack of sharpness when focused at 200mm.  Regarding optics and colour rendition, I find this lens to be a decent third party item which honours merit.  When captured at a correct exposure colours kick.  This lens is capable of immortalizing some of the most beautiful chromatic representation which one could imagine to capture.

On a final note, I highly recommend this lens for those out there who are into photography and would like to get a decent, fast and silent telephoto zoom lens.  This is the ideal lens for enthusiasts hitting the streets on a budget, who are not after collecting expensive and phallic equipment, but who are after freezing passionately the fleeting moment.