Sigma Zoom Telephoto 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS USA

Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Canon EOS:

I love this lens.. We will see if you buy this.
Much cheaper than Canon 70-200mm.

Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Canon EOS:

The optical performance of the lens is mixed. At the short and medium focal lengths it is great. At the long end it could use a little help just like any fast telezoom. Had problems with the accuracy of the autofocus so I had to touch up the focus manually. Thank goodness for full-time manual focus override - a great feature. Sigma was more than glad to recalibrate the lens...a few times. I still plan on keeping the lens. Not sure if I could recommend it. My advice: put your copy through its paces and if your not satisfied get another copy until you are happy.

Problems Encountered: Inaccurate autofocus at distances less than 3 meters.Less than stellar performance -sharpness and contrast - at the long end(200mm).

Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Canon EOS:

It's a good lens - been using it for the past 4 years. Nomechanical problems. Focuses fast and steady. Compared tocanon 70-200/2.8 it is 95% there. However I have not used ityet on the FF camera.

Problems Encountered: The EX finish is not baked on rather more like glue-on.The EX finish on my copy of the lens started peeling offearlier this year. Now the lower part of the lens (aroundthe tripod ring mount) is glossy. Mind you, this is afterregular use.

Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Canon EOS:

Was fighting between the Canon L and the Sigma 70-200 2.8 and decided that I would stick to the Sigma. I love my 28-300 and 24-70 Sigmas, so I knew it wasn't a big risk. This lens is amazing. AF is fast and sharp and it is nice to have manual override. Put the hood on and walk into a high school football game and there will be no problem getting on the field to shoot. The lens was a little lighter than I expected, still going to get a monopod. If you can afford 2.8 lenses spend the extra money. You will not be let down.

Expertise: Entry level Pro

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Sigma 28-300 3.5-6.3, Sigma 24-70 2.8

Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Canon EOS:

I purchased this lens for my new 30D after being happy with my Sigma 28-300 3.5-6.3 on my Pentax K110. Got 25 test shots out of it and was really excited about what I saw. Got to the field for a game and it quit focusing in AF and MF. Sent it back and spent the extra for a Canon L.Now I dont want to spend the money on a 24-70 2.8 Canon L, so I am looking at the Tamron since I've lost faith in Sigma.

Expertise: 2 yr Hack

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Building my equipment

Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Canon EOS:

Great depth of field and so tack sharp. Took 300 shots the first hour I got this baby and every shot was as advertised..Excellent for portraits and close ups..Been contemplating on spending more for the Canon L version..Glad I didn't..This baby is for keeps..Would have wished for the IS..but I can live without it for now. Build on this lens is just strong and EX coat is a plus on the handling. Very quite when focusing. I'll post another review as soon as I get some Macro shots tested.As for the B&H folks..delivery and packaging was on time and just as sharp..Will definitely order more from them..

Problems Encountered: None . And not expecting any.

Items I Recommend: at least a monopod

Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Canon EOS:

This is a great lens. Super sharp, super fast and silent focus. I'm a freelance photographer, so I shoot a lot of different subjects with this lens. It works great for the weddings and concerts I shoot. One day I will invest in the Canon just for the IS, but for now, I'm completely happy.

Problems Encountered: None!

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: N/A

Items I Recommend: Canon 20D

Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Canon EOS:

This lens is great right outta the box. Its sharp..tack sharp, even at F/5.6 with a 2x attached. I have used this lens for Basketball, Football, Tennis, Swimming, and Golf,(so far). This lens has a good build and is tough, it also has HSM that focuses very fast and has a manual focus override that comes in handy. I have come close to dropping this thing but a friend of mine has dropped his while running to catch his flight, long story short he ran while his backpack unzipped and his 20d with this lens fell smack on the ground, picked it up shot a couple of pics and it was fine. Its very durable. The tripod collar comes in handy(I would recommend you get a monopod for sports) because this lens is a little monster when it comes to shooting long periods of time without any support(like a whole football game). A bit heavy but nothing to worry about, this lens is worth every penny!

Problems Encountered: None...Period

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Canon 70-200mm F/2.8L

Items I Recommend: Sigma 2x Teleconverter, Hoya 77mm UV filter, Manfrotto Monopod

Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Canon EOS:

Have owned this lens for just over a year and can't faultit. Tack sharp, very quick focus, beautiful build quality. Very close to the Canon 70-200L 2.8L and if you're budgetis tight and you need f/2.8 I wouldn't hesitate. IS wouldbe a nice addition. Like the Canon equivalent a monster at3lb - definitely not a walkaround lens...

Problems Encountered: Nil.

Items I Recommend: 1.4x converter - on DSLR turns it into a half decent wildlife lens.