Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D
Sigma's 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Lens is one of several tele zoom lenses. By incorporating the autofocusing motor into the lens itself, it can now autofocus with all Nikon DSLR cameras (including the D40, D40x, etc.). In addition, with the motor built into the lens, focusing will be quieter and more responsive.
This lens is a compact Apochromatic tele zoom lens incorporating two Special Low Dispersion glass elements in the front lens group, plus one Special Low Dispersion glass element in the rear lens group, to minimize chromatic aberration.
The DG lens design corrects for various aberrations. This lens is specially coated to get the best color balance while also cutting down on ghosting caused by reflections from the digital image sensor.
- Macro photography with a 1:2 maximum close-up magnification at the 300mm focal length
- The built-in autofocusing motor ensures quiet and high-speed auto focusing with full time manual focus override.
- Switch for changeover to macro photography at focal lengths between 200mm and 300mm with a maximum close-up magnification from 1:2.9 to 1:2
- The lens materials used in this product are lead and arsenic free ecological glass
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 70 - 300 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4 - 5.6 Minimum: f/22 - 32 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View | 34.3° - 8.2° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 4.92' (1.5 m) |
| Magnification | 0.25x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:4 |
| Groups/Elements | 10/14 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | Rear: 58 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.0 x 4.7" (7.62 x 11.94 cm) |
| Weight | 1.17 lb (530 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 93 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (72)
- Easily interchangeable (54)
- Consistent output (51)
- Strong construction (39)
- Durable (33)
Cons
- Heavy (19)
- Slow focus (15)
- Poor in low light (6)
- Tough to attach (4)
Best Uses
- Sports/action (35)
- Landscape/scenery (33)
- Wildlife photos (33)
- Macro photography (27)
- General purpose (23)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (27), Enthusiast (22), Casual photographer (16), Semi-pro photographer (11), Semi-professional (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (19), Yes (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Solid choice for the money!
** Please Note that there are two versions of this lens! ** The APO (apochromatic) version has a red ring around the end of the barrel and cost a little more since it...Read complete review
** Please Note that there are two versions of this lens! ** The APO (apochromatic) version has a red ring around the end of the barrel and cost a little more since it contains some elements of special low-dispersion glass to help cut-down on chromatic aberration. Searching this site for just "sigma 70-300mm DG (your camera make)" should show you both of them. The APO is probably a better choice for digital users, and my comments below concern the APO Nikon-mount version of this lens. **
I'll ditto all the best things said about this lens in these reviews – which is mostly that you can't beat it for the price!
I'm a retired professional from the studio/event end of photography who these days mostly shoots nature/landscape stuff for my own pleasure. An average day of shooting has me hiking miles through the Arkansas woods and hills, so keeping the gear to a manageable minimum is essential. I tote a Nikon D80 with a battery-grip attached and it's 18-135mm kit lens, and having this extra lens with it's 300mm telephoto reach and "macro" capability pretty much has me covered for any situation including mid-distant wildlife to close-ups of flowers and smaller subjects.
I'm not going to be a purist who argues over the exact definition of "Macro" - suffices to say that to the general picture-taking public it means "make little stuff look great-big and close-up" - and this tele-zoom has the added feature of it's "Macro" mode which will certainly let you do that! To make it clear how this works (you should read the manual, of course) is that in the Normal Mode the lens will focus from 1.5 meters (just shy of 5-feet) to infinity - and you can't focus any closer. But anytime the lens is between the 200 to 300mm zoom range, you'll be able to flip the switch to it's Macro position, and this allows the front element of the lens to extend even further than it normally would, letting you to focus on objects as close as 0.95 meters (about 3.1-feet or 38-inches) instead. (Though you loose the ability to focus far away in Macro Mode, you've got plenty of play-room.) The Macro switch will not engage unless the lens is extended to at least 200mm – and it cannot be retracted to less than 200mm once the Macro switch is engaged. To return to Normal Mode, you should switch to manual focus (if you're not already) and return the front element to it's "normal" focusing range (it's marked) – then flip the Macro switch off and return to auto-focus if you want. (Auto-focus works in Macro Mode – but you'll probably want to go manual.) Now pay attention to the following:
The length of this lens extends/contracts when you're both zooming and focusing. Furthermore, the front element rotates as you perform either action! (Not much when zooming – a lot more when focusing.) This means any screw-on type filters you have attached will rotate too – so you'll need to zoom/focus first, then turn any polarizing or graduated filters to their proper alignment. This isn't really practical if you're trying to focus and frame fast-moving subjects, but it hasn't been a problem for my slower-paced work. Until you put the lens hood on – and then you can't reach the filters at all without removing it. (I think this would make it a less-than-ideal choice for fast-paced sporting events if you're going to require rotating filters.)
The included hood is a basic round (not "tulip") shape and serves it's purpose of being "better than no hood at all". It does reverse to store "backwards" over the lens, but trying to shoot with it in this position would be awkward because it completely covers the focus ring. (The narrow focus ring is on the "far" end of the lens, with the wider zoom ring being next to the body – the opposite of my Nikon kit lens.)
It is a little on the noisy side when focusing, but this seems to mostly be through "long-pulls" when it gives a waspish whine. Once it has the basic range, subsequent critical adjustments only produce a minor clicking sound not much louder than my Nikon lens. It might get a candid subject's attention or spook ultra-skittish wildlife – but only in a very quiet atmosphere. (About a million insects in Arkansas make a sound like it – and half of them are louder.) I'll note that almost any lens can get a little confused searching for a focus in low-light/contrast and at long zoom or close-focus settings – and this is as much the fault of your camera's auto-focus as the lens. (Try selecting different "focus points" in your viewfinder, if you can.) You might anticipate doing more manual focusing with this lens in some situations – especially in Macro Mode. Also, when switched to auto-focus, the focusing ring is torqued way down and you shouldn't try to turn it by hand. Switching back to manual relieves this tension and allows it to turn easily. There is no manual override in auto-focus mode (save for flipping the switch back to manual).
The included soft-case was a pleasant surprise, and much better than the suede drawstring bag that came with the Nikon's original lens. It resembles a small, rectangular shaving-kit and is vertically-oriented with a zippered lid on the top, and a handy belt-loop on the back. It's decently padded and will accommodate any lens of a similar or smaller size plus the hood and perhaps a filter or two, making it a great little hiking accessory when you're only carrying one extra lens.
So if you're a National Geographic caliber photographer with the financial backing to match – you wouldn't be looking at these bargain lenses. But for the rest of you (us) – from hobbyists up to pros - I'd say this is a real solid choice, and an excellent second-lens to compliment the wide-to-normal one your camera may have come with. I was actually looking for an affordable macro lens when I found this one since I do much more close-up work than telephoto, but I'm glad I purchased this one because it basically covers both bases – and the "macro" shots I've taken with it so far have been knock-outs! (You'll see detail in the photos that escaped the unaided eye! I'm anxious to try some diopters on it next...) If you need a dedicated telephoto for fast-action or sports, you may want to keep looking or at least get the recommendation of a pro who shoots in such settings. But if you're a hiker like me who wants to get the most flexibility from the fewest pounds hanging-off of you as possible (plus get those cool close-ups of all the interesting little stuff without having to stick your face right up to it), then I highly recommend this lens. (It also comes in several other mounts.)
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not what I expected
I use this lens for sports/action mostley and when it works it works great. But after 8 months it broke. Sent it off got fixed. Moter inside lens broke. Fixed unter warranty ...Read complete review
I use this lens for sports/action mostley and when it works it works great. But after 8 months it broke. Sent it off got fixed. Moter inside lens broke. Fixed unter warranty and then 7 months later broke again. Now its not under warranty anymore. Don't know if I happen to get the only LEMON made but i will not be recommending this lens to anyone.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 93 customers
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Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
For the money, it is a great LIGHT WEIGHT macro lens. I am happy with the results. I do prefer a solid F/stop and usually a faster lens, but the weight difference is great!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Great in bright light
- Lightweight
Cons
- Blurry Focus
- Poor in Low Light
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
For the price this lens is hard to beat but you Do get what you pay for in some respects.
This lens is not practical in anything but above average lighting conditions at 300mm as you need a shutter speed of about 1/300 and a bit of luck with focus in action or wildlife shots at this zoom length.
I shoot mostly birds in flight with the lens.
This is my second lens as I dropped the first on the road, and it stopped working. So not the toughest lens around, still good enough at the price that I bought a second.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by SLR
Crow in flight D50 Sigma 70-300 auto settings good
Images shared by SLR
D50 high shutter speed, 70-300 in macro, manual fo
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
im a semi pro photographer i use this lense ALOT OF THE TIME even in low light. The things i like about this lense is first the price its not to pricey second thing it takes amazing pics i was very impressed even in LOW LIGHT dont let the other reviews scare you you just have to know how to shoot in low light and i have taken amzing low light shoots indoor as well as out door it focuses fast slight noiser but i dont have a problem some of my thousand dollars lenses are super noiser.Third is the macro WOW i love this cause you can be away from the subject and not bother it and get super close pics with out scaring it off the first day i got it i hooked it up to my nikon and started to use it just within the first couple hours i took over 1000 pics macro and far,tight shots ect... This lense is perfect its a zoom and macro all in one. I took me a while to buy it i did alot of looking at reviews and everyone had there says but i went ahead and bought it and im glade i did and the shipping was realy fast. But i love this lense ive been useing it more than my high dollar lenses cause it does what i want with out having to change lenses all the time but if your a person thats on a budget and wants realy good pics and that has two settings zoom and macro this is the lense for you and trust me you will not be let down with this lense ive spent thousands and thousands on lenses and this is one of my favs that goes in the bag to photo shoots with me so dont hesitate about buying it just buy the lense you will not be disapointed with it cause im not i havent found nothing to nitpick about this lense it doesnt creap like othere lenses it takes high quality pics even in low light and with high ISO settings fast focusing i could go on and on but you all get my point this is hands down a really good lense that does an amazing job taking pics. Well i hope i help put some of you at ease with this review and hope it was help full but im glade i bought it cause i was in the same spot like some of you should i or should i not buy this lense just buy it and you will not be let down. And i will be doing much more bizz with B&H cause they do have the best prices and super fast shipping and an awsome tech suport thanks guys for everything. Thanks Mike (Mikes Photography)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by mikeb26
the first shot i took with the lense of my son
Images shared by mikeb26
wife/baby girl low light hi ISO 6000 5sec
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
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- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
Good for the money - quite sharp - and fairly fast - light but seems quite well built.
This is not a lens for a pro in the elements day in day out - but a super lens for amateurs that has a nice reach and is quite sharp - not so great in low light -
So I give this a 5 star as it is all about the money or what you are getting for your money -
I got this as a second or backup 70-300 and it gets good use
a must have for a beginner or an intermediate person -
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not IF
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Architectural details
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
I'm an architect and professional architectural photgrapher and mny times finding myself taking photos of architecural details. I have the Nikon lenses for this kind of shots but they are very heavy. This Sigma lens is pretty good and very sharp and vertually no distortion. Aperture wise, I do not need a 2.8 because architectural details are best taken when the sun is bright and hand held and 4-5.6 is so much more than enough.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
I have researched for a telephoto lens since I purchased my Nikon D3100 two months ago; I love to capture flowers and birds, but due to my arthritis in shoulders and hands, weight is an issue. Although this SG Macro weighs as much as my camera, the autofocus allows me to get my focus and shot more quickly. I have captured almost 500 keepers over thd past three weeks, and this has justified the purchase. My only complaint or objection is the autofocus is a bit slow between 250 and 300mm, but I don't push that range often. I look forward to adding filters; if anyone has suggestions, please share.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
Like the autofocus lens. The zoom lense is a bit tight when using, but works great!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear pics quick shot
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- No cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Love it
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
I love this lens and recommend it highly.
I had the Nikon lens and returned it cause the shutter speed was so slow;the price exceeded its' ability to shoot a clear picture quickly.
This one is quick, takes a nice picture.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
I shoot at local Dirt tracks and this has proven to be awesome in the low/poor light shooting , I have yet to find anything bad about this lens well worth the price......
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
Using this for capturing my child's t-ball games. Does exactly what I want it to do!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
I bought his lens primarily to shoot pictures at soccer games. My sons are just beginning to play on large fields and I felt that I needed a bit more power to take great pictures. I shot my first game last weekend and this lense was great! My only 'complaint' is that the hood is cheap plastic. Probably not a problem but putting the lens onto my camera body is rather tight.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
this is a verry good lend for the money...i would deffenatly replace this lens with a idenical one if it was dammaged...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
good cuality fast focus
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
My wife uses it to photograph birds at the feeder and it really does the trick. Thanks............
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
Took nice photos of my daughter playing ice hockey. Macro seems fairly good. The only negative is the heaviness.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
Cons
- A little Heavy
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
I shoot alot of football games and this lens does not disapoint. Im able to get the tight close up shots I could not get with my previous 200MM lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good price value
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
Lens is exactly what I wanted. While it was a gift so I can't review the product, B&H is a great business.[...]
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
Great lens! Just what is needed if you're looking for Macro Autofocus lens. And the price is affordable.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Great price
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D:
I looked into simular zooms by Nikon for my D60.
But not being able to cough up the cost I started to look into other companys.Sigma seemed to be the best bang for the buck.The 70-300 APO DG Macro far exceted my expectations in all areas. A little slow on auto focus ,a bit heavy, but thats a small price to pay for a great lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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- Price: $8.48
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- Price: $39.95
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- Original: $9.79
- Save: $0.98
- Price: $8.81
What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Lens Caps
- Lens Hood
- Soft Lens Case
- 3-Year USA Warranty
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