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.
This lens can also be used with the 1.4x EX or 2.0x EX APO Tele Converters (optional), becoming a 98-280mm f/4 autofocus telephoto zoom lens or a 140-400mm f/5.6 autofocus telephoto zoom lens respectively.
Note! HSM lenses, while able to manually focus with all Nikon F-mount cameras, will not autofocus with certain older film AF cameras. This is the same limitation as with Nikon's own AF-S lenses. Incompatible models are: N60, N55, N8008/s, N6006, N5005, N4004 & N2020.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 70 - 200 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View | 34.3° - 12.3° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 3.28' (1.00 m) |
| Magnification | 0.28x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:3.5 |
| Groups/Elements | 15/18 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 77 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.4 x 7.3" (8.64 x 18.54 cm) |
| Weight | 3.02 lb (1.37 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Great upgrade lens
I live in Colorado but work in midtown Manhattan (literally a block form B&H). In the store a few months ago I compared this Sigma to the Tamron 70-200 f2.8 and...Read complete review
I live in Colorado but work in midtown Manhattan (literally a block form B&H). In the store a few months ago I compared this Sigma to the Tamron 70-200 f2.8 and the Nikon non-VR. My wife and I currently shoot with a D40 and D3000 (a D300s will be my next purchase). In terms of feel, focus speed, and build quality the sigma wins hands down over the tamron. I even tried both with a sigma 2x tele and in the store under tough lighting conditions the sigma locked on focus every time while the tamron searched quite a bit and sometimes never settled on focus.[...]found that what at first looked like significant softness wide open at 200mm was in fact a case of close-focusing. I confirmed this on other camera bodies. After a little testing and research I concluded it is the lens and not a camera problem (look online and others state that, but I had to prove it to myself, it's the engineer in me). Once I understood that, I was able to assess the lens on its true merits. It is not perfect wide open at 200mm, contrast and sharpness do suffer a little when you look close enough, but by f4.0 it's plenty sharp. There is a fair amount of CA at 200mm, but my software makes it go away, a small price to pay for a lens that is 2-3x cheaper than the best Nikon and Cannon lenses in this class. I love the build quality of this lens, the HSM focusing, and the picture quality.I brought some resolution cards from home and just checked out my new replacement lens. The focusing on this one is right on, the glass is clear, and the resolution is consistent with previous tests I did on the other lens.I'd give this on 5 stars if it were sharper at 200mm f2.8 and did a better job on the CA, but with a touch of sharpening and contrast adjustments either in camera or on the computer, I can shoot this thing at any focal length and aperture and get very good results.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good when it works
Don't get me wrong...I like this lens. I chose to buy it Dec. 5, 2008 from B&H based on reviews and the fact that I didn't have the $'...Read complete review
Don't get me wrong...I like this lens. I chose to buy it Dec. 5, 2008 from B&H based on reviews and the fact that I didn't have the $'s to buy the Nikkor option. I used it several times for some basketball games and on the night of Feb 5, 2009 it stopped auto focusing. I have no idea why. It wasn't dropped or abused in any way. It worked great up to half time in a big high school basketball game. Then the HSM just started going back and forth in and out of focus without locking in to a subject...I was done. My photo buddy who uses the Nikkor just shrugged his shoulders and smiled. I had to send it back to Sigma for warranty repair...what a hassle. but Sigma is a good company and they'll make it good. They've had it for over two weeks. Hope it works better when it gets back.
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
always wanted a 70-200 2.8 lens for all purpose indeed this works for me. i had this lens for the last week and fall in love with it. its sharp and fast but the weight is an issue tho! but for the price i think this is the best lens the built quality is good it fells good when you hold it and its made in japan!
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
Both my daughters are into sports I needed a fast lens when the sun goes down, outstanding images. A friend at work (Newspaper)showed me his set up the rest is history. Fast, sharp and the heft tells me quality glass. I've gotten photo work from other Mom and Dads from what they have seen. Based on the fact I was recommend to this product I would do the same. Very Happy in Maine.
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
I bought this product in hopes of using it with my Nikon D60 but unfortunately my D60 died on me a couple of days after ordering this product. I have purchased a Nikon D7000 recently and this lens works flawlessly with it. Love the lens and the weight of it. Now I am all geared up for sports, indoor and outdoor for the coming year.
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
Top notch lense for medium zoom
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
great action shots in low light
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
I use this lens to shoot sports, mostly hockey. The larger apperature of this lens is amazing for darker indoor sports (for example, hockey in horribly lit arenas). This is so far my most costly lens, and I was able to save 500 dollars ordering it from B and H including shipping and border fees, rather than ordering it straight from the leading photography store in Ontario where I live. This lens is a heavy one, I've made the mistake of not putting money aside for a monopod, so untill I purchase one my back will have to suffer, but the photos this beauty lens produces are well worth it. People with the local hockey team I shoot like to call this lens my monster.
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
I use this lens mainly on portraits, weddings, some sports. Sharp lens, after a lot of research, and checking out the cost, I am satisfied with my purchase. I will say this about this lens its HEAVY, built like a tank, but if I get sharp images that out weights it being heavy, and I might as well count in the $ on this as well. I`m very pleased.
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
I use this lens for everything!! I love it.
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
After many months of thinking about getting a 70 - 200mm lens. I finally order this lens. I am very happy with my purchase, cost wise and the quality of the lens. A little on the heavy side, but don't mind the workout. I just got the lens and took it for a ride. So far the pictures I have taken in the f4 - f8 range have been tack sharp. I can't wait until my next outing to continue to test the lens.
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
I used the lens within 1 week on a trip to Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier NPs. Not one problem, fast response time, clear pictures.
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
Comparing this lens to the 80-200 by Nikon (2-ring), this lens is not as great. The only reason I use the 80-200, because I previously owned it, sold everything, and am now getting back into the game. I woudn't consider this "tack sharp" either. It does have a rather fast focus on my D300, at least fast enough to make me satisfied. The lens is heavy for sure, but not ridiculous when comparing to other fast glass in this category. It's the durability which makes it that way, and it is important to you, isn't it? It seems to lock on to objects without really getting lost too much. This lens is overall acceptable, but I am trying to sell it so I can buy my Nikon 80-200 again. For someone who just wants to take pics and isn't fussy like me, it's a great lens and would recommend the purchase. But a pixel peeper like me who wants great quality, buy Nikon. That extra money will definitely pay off! Either way, you will get some satisfying images with this lens, and photography isn't just about how sharp a pic is, it's about the whole picture, and what it says. I just happen to be perfectionist, and with that, I have to pay the price.
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
I've just purchased this lens and was amazed with my test shots...really sharp especially at f4-11. At 200mm f2.8 is a bit soft as tested by others, but can easily fix in post processing. The OS version are only for those who has the extra bucks, but for those skilled photographers the non-OS version is enough.
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
sharp, fast, nice bokeh lens, people say its heavy but what do you expect when buying good glass.
has tripod mount and feels awesome.
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
I needed an affordable zoom and had some concerns about this lens as others gave the impression it was no match for a Nikon version. I have used this lens shooting a bodybuilding show and portraits. I think it the best money I have spent and I will put any images shot with it up against any Nikon. It is tac sharp, contrasty and I have not had any problems with it hunting. Maybe I got a good one but I HIGHLY recommend this lens. Next purchase......Sigma 85mm 1.4
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
I have been using this lense for wedding photography, sporting events, it is a fast lense, great low light capability, quick response on focusing. I find it comparable to far more expensive nikon lense. Great all around capability for in-door and out door shooting. I would recommend this lense to any serious photographer.
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
I was looking for an economical lens to use to shoot football games. I didn't want to have to purchase a new camera. I'm using a Nikon D60. This lens was recommended because it has it's own motor. The lense works great. Very pleased with the speed, focus and final photos.
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
I wanted a 70-200 that wouldn't break the bank and this is it. Fast focusing and sharp images. The overall construction is solid. It does get a bit heavy after continued use, but that is to be expeted with this size lense. I decided on Sigma after reading about Tamrons' focusing issues and that Nikons'version was out of my budget. There is a OS version of the lense offered at about $500 more but I shoot mostly on a tripod so decided against it for now, maybe later if I feel I want that option. I plan on keeping this lense for a long time and getting a lot of use from it. Buy it, you won't be dissapointed.
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
Bought this to photograph my sons football games. I photograph for the game program. What a difference this makes! Very few settings to bring light and still action photos to what would have been grainy and distorted/blurred on a F/4.5 combo lens. Have taken in gyms for daughters volleyball games and equal results! One happy customer!!
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
The Sigma 70-200 F2.8 II was surprisingly a far better lens than I was first expecting. Having used it, I feel confident in saying that there is no other lens I would feel more comfortable with for the mere [$] price tag (1/3 the price of the Nikon version). The lens struggles a little with focusing in high action instances (like a volleyball game), but performs most admirably in slower paced shoots.
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Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon:
Well, to start of - I am an intermediate level Photographer. I use a Nikon D5000 and was hoping to buy a telephoto lens to shoot wildlife. I was at the b&h store which obviously has the widest selection of lenses. I tried the Nikon, Sigma, Tamron lenses. I had to consider a lot of things before purchasing the lens. The cheapest was Tamron, then Sigma and then Nikon. By rule of thumb, you get what you pay for. But, not in all cases. The Tamron, though cheap lacked a basic feature of a telephoto (fast focus) which immediately turned me off on the Tamron. Next is the Sigma lens, which has fast focus, rigid body, has macro in telephoto and great image quality. Nikon is good too but I didn't want to spend almost double the price of a lens just for the brand. The Sigma lens, serves very well and is very reliable on the price. One thing I was thinking when buying the lens is the weight. But, think about it - a difference of weight b/w 4lbs and 4.5 lbs is no big difference. So, I definitely would recommend the Sigma lens[...]
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