Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon
The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon is the second generation of large-aperture telephoto zoom lenses incorporating Sigma's OS (Optical Stabilizer) anti-shake system. It offers the equivalent of shooting at shutter speeds 3 to 4 stops slower than without OS, thus allowing handheld telephoto zoom shooting even in poorly lit conditions. Its HSM ensures quiet and high speed AF as well as full-time manual focusing.
It features a large maximum aperture of f/2.8 that remains constant throughout the zoom range, making it incredibly valuable when shooting in low light situations such as wedding or other events. It is also great when shooting fast-moving subjects such as sports, when fast shutter speeds are needed to capture fleeting moments. The 70-200mm f/2.8 is fast and versatile and at a length of 7.8 (19.8cm) will be a tool that seldom sees the inside of your camera bag. The lens comes with a petal-type lens hood plus an adapter to extend its length for users with APS-c cameras.
Note: This lens is optimized for full-frame Canon DSLRs and may also be used with smaller APS-c size sensors but it will increase focal length to about 100-300mm with most cameras.
Note: When using the OS function of the lens with a camera which incorporates a stabilizer unit, please turn the camera's stabilizer unit off.
Note! Optical Stabilizer (OS) function will not work with film SLR cameras except Canon EOS-1V
- Sigma's New APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is the second generation of this large aperture telephoto zoom lens now incorporating Sigma's Optical Stabilization (OS) anti-shake system. It uses two sensors inside the lens to detect vertical and horizontal movement of the camera. It works by moving an optical image stabilizing lens group, to effectively compensate for camera shake.
- Two FLD ("F" Low Dispersion) glass elements, which have the performance equal to expensive fluorite glass, and three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements, combine to provide excellent reduction of aberrations and image quality.
- The rounded 9 blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out of focus images (bokeh).
- Sigma has managed to make the lens more compact than its predecessor, measuring only 7.8" (8.64cm) in length.
- The Super Multi-Layer lens coating reduces flare ghosting and assures high image quality throughout the entire zoom range.
- The exterior of this lens is EX-finished to denote the superior build and optical quality, and to enhance its appearance.
- The lens DG designation translates to large-aperture lenses with wide angles and short minimum focusing distances. With an abundance of peripheral illumination, they are ideal lenses for Digital SLR Cameras while retaining suitability for traditional 35mm SLRs.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 70 - 200 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 34.3° - 12.3° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 4.59' (1.40 m) |
| Magnification | 0.125x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:8 |
| Groups/Elements | 17/22 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 77 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.4 x 7.8" (86.36 x 198.12 mm) |
| Weight | 3.15 lb (1.43 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 45 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (35)
- Nice bokeh (28)
- Consistent output (27)
- Strong construction (27)
- Easily interchangeable (22)
Cons
- Heavy (27)
- Slow focus (4)
Best Uses
- Sports/action (36)
- Low light (30)
- Weddings (29)
- Wildlife photos (29)
- Landscape/scenery (16)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (22), Photo enthusiast (15), Pro photographer (8)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (43)
Most Liked Positive Review
This Sigma or the new Canon???
Actual rating is 4.5 stars.The question on everyone's mind who's considering this lens is "is the Canon worth slightly less than double the price of the sigma?"Its an important question afterall. ...Read complete review
Actual rating is 4.5 stars.The question on everyone's mind who's considering this lens is "is the Canon worth slightly less than double the price of the sigma?"Its an important question afterall. If you're a pro, do you take a chance on a Sigma lens? This is my second, the first one (24-70 f/2.8 HSM) caused me a lot of heartache, but after 3 trips to Sigma heavan, they finally got it right and now I like it more than my Canon L 28-70.I am a wedding photographer who likes his primes, but I need some versatility at times in low light. I needed a 70-200 f/2.8. There is no shortage of choice in this category. However, given the lens's weight (all that glass to make it 2.8), some kind of stabilization was going to be mandatory - eliminating the non-IS Canon. Even with the high ISO capabilities of the newer cameras like the 5D Mark ii and the 7D, the f/4 from Canon (with IS) version doesn't cut it in most churches (as AWESOME as that lens is, and it IS!!) - its great outdoors at sunset, but it won't fly in the church.So along comes the Sigma, on paper it looked impressive, Kai did a comprehensive review and claimed that the Canon version "[*] all over the Sigma in the image quality department" - then later, he's surprised at how good the quality was - so that review left me with more questions than answers.So what did I do? I went to some photo sites and found threads with photos dedicated to this lens and frankly, an expert might be able to tell the difference, but only the most crazed of 'bridezillas' would ever notice...Based on that, I pulled the trigger and bought the Sigma from B&H - it arrived on Thursday (its Sunday, 3 days later) and I've already used the Sigma on assignment and have taken over a 1,000 images with it... The results? I think I hit the Sigma lottery...I've taken about half of those photos at f/2.8 and no matter where I focus on the subject in the frame and regardless of focal length (unless I miss the shot completely) - I'm simply amazed at the level of detail I am able to capture.Interestingly, I've tried this lens on three bodies (the 5Dc, the 1D Mark ii and the 7D) - on both the 5Dc and 1D, it focusses perfectly, however on the 7D...? Its a seriously mixed bag... I cant get sharpness at f/2.8 (even messing with the whole range of micro adjustments) with the 7D, yet I have no problem with the other two bodies...? Strange. No matter, I intended to use it on a full framer (and the APS-H of the 1D) anyway...So, in a nutshell;Build Quality - not weather sealed, but solid. - 9/10Focus Speed and Accuracy - as I mentioned, the HSM (Hyper-Sonic) is quick and deadly accurate on 2 of my 3 bodies - 9/10Optical Quality - I can't find any major flaws across the frame at all focal lengths - a truly excellent peformance - 9.5/10Quality of Results - a hair worse than the Canon, but fantastic when you consider is slightly more than half the price of the Canon - 9.5/10Value - 10/10Overal - 47/50 - HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Nice lens, but not for me and my 7d
I have both good and bad to say about this lens. I will start by saying that I am shooting with a Canon 7d mostly using the kit supplied 28-135 , I must have...Read complete review
I have both good and bad to say about this lens. I will start by saying that I am shooting with a Canon 7d mostly using the kit supplied 28-135 , I must have gotten lucky with my copy, it gives me great quality, crisp and clear and for me the range of this lens is perfect, if it came in an f2.8l series I think I could work with just one lens, so my mission is to start adding pro quality f 2.8 lenses.
I read every review on every web site about the Sigma 24-70 and I tried it, please see my review under that lens , to sum it up, I got mostly blurry shots with that lens, I thought wow, I must really need the image stabilization after all, I can,t get a clear shot here. So I sent it back and decided to try the Sigma 70-200 lens, I just can't justify the $2500 price tag of the Canon, and so many of you have given the Sigma great reviews, I though the price was fair so I ordered it.
I think the lens is a thing of beauty, the finish is top quality , I thought the feel of the lens was perfect, it fit my hand like it was custom made for me, the monopod collar fit right into the palm of my hand, the zoom ring was perfectly positioned for my fingers and it adjusted easily and smoothly, It fit on the camera body nice and tight, some of you have mentioned that it had a loose feel, mine was great.
The lens hood was fine and the lens just looks awesome , also the HSM focusing was totally silent and very fast. Some have said, it's very heavy, of course it's heavy, the lens is a foot long and it's high quality, I found the weight to be a bonus, made it easy to balance and hold on to.
But now for the important part, how do the shots look?
For the sake of argument, i am a good photographer, doing mostly senior portraits, theatrical headshots, and I have done five weddings, all outdoor events, but now I have two Fall weddings booked , both in churches, so it's time for me to get the top of the line glass.
I started using one of my daughters as a volunteer model, took dozens of shots, trying various f stops and shutter speeds, flash , no flash, zoom in , zoom out, I got a few great shots, but again lots of blurry shots.
Now I know the Sigma shows as a full frame lens, but is also listed for the crop sensor cameras, such as the 7d, but it should be able to focus correctly, it is being sold for a Canon camera after all.
Round two. For this test I wanted to shoot at f2.8 because that is what I am buying the lens to do..low light shooting.
I went to a dog agility event indoors, with those big sodium lights, perfect for a good f2.8 lens.
I shot at f2.8' about 1/500. To 1/640 shutter speed, various iso settings but the camera seemed to like 800 to 1200 iso, I thought I was doing great, I loaded the shots into my 27 iMac expecting to be knocked out, but instead I had not ONE tack sharp image.
I don't mean blurry dog because of how fast he was running, I mean the entire shot, soft and some just plain blurry. Not ONE usable shot!
I know you might be saying, use your micro focus adjustment to fix it , but no.
The lens Just will not give me sharp shots. If I had taken my new lens and shot a wedding with these results, I would have a nightmare on my hands.
So here is the bottom line, some of you are getting good results with this lens, and I wish it worked for me, I would have loved to own this lens and maybe if you are shooting with a 5d Mll, full frame, the lens might be your answer.
But speaking just for me and my Canon 7d, it just won't do the job.
If you decide to try this lens make sure you give it a good workout test session BEFORE a real job.
I'm ordering the Canon 24-70L f2.8 and I will save up again and hope for a price drop on the canon 70-200 f2.8 IS USM.
Also as a parting note, I tried various focusing modes at the dog event, I know how to use my camera, I never have trouble with focus, the Sigma lens just won't sync up with my 7d
I hope this helps any other shooters who are looking at this lens.
Reviewed by 45 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
Cons
- Blurry Focus
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
Would not buy. I would purchase original canon lenses. This lens is noisy and images are not sharp at all. Cannot roll the dice with my camera equipment, my customers pay me to take beautiful photos, I did not feel comfortable with this lense. I traded up for canon 70-200 is II. SORRY SIGMA!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Price
Cons
- Weatherproof
Best Uses
- Low Light
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
I am really happy I purchased this lens. I upgraded from a Canon 70-200mm f4 is to this lens. Not that much difference in weight. Wish it had better waterproofing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Fast accurate auto-focus
- Great picture quality
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
This is one of my first real pro style len's. I have to say though i am really impressed. It is alittle heaver than i thought but you get use to it pretty quick. The picture quality is just amazing and the af is also great. I can't think of anything negative about this lens. I use it alot for portraits and landscapes.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
NOT AS BEAUTIFUL WITH THE CANON VERSION BUT GIVES YOU THAT NICE BOKEH. THE OS WORKS FINE THOUGH A LITTLE NOISY.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
This lens is a great buy if you cant spend on the Canon 70-200 L.
The image stabilizer can be a bit rough on the video.. but still works a bit. On image quality, o dont find much difference from the Canon L, but dont try it with an extender.
The only thing i really hate about this lens is that is not weatherproof. You probably have a weatherproof camera (Like the 7D and up) but with this lens you will not be able to use it under the rain or dusty conditions.
Is kinda heavy. Mine gets some errors when i shoot continuous with the 50D but is not a big deal for me. Seems tough on the build.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
I really love this lense so far. Sharp focus, quick autofocus. Optical stabilization is key for long shots at full zoom. Af is not as fast or silent as its canon counterpart, but for half the price of the canon, it has twice the value.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
So far with the tests I've done, this is the standard high end Sigma quality. Images are super sharp even at high ISOs.
I did a compare at 70mm and there is a slight loss of light compared to other Sigma lenses but it's very minor.
It also has that slight knocking noise for the image stabilizer which I guess is standard but I think Sigma could add some rubber coatings to fix this internally.
You can't go wrong with Sigma's high end lenses and I'm very happy. This is my 3rd one.
Video looks really good even at 200mm.
The only gripe I have is the minimum focus is only 4.5 feet. This is a little much more than I'm used to. I had an older lens at 200mm that would focust at 2 feet and was a lot more versatile for macro stuff. Just an FYI - but this isn't listed as a macro so I guess that's okay.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
The lens is really a wonderful piece of equipment, and for the price cant be beat. If I had my time over, I would buy it again. having said that there are a couple of things Im not so so happy about. Firstly, the manual focus ring doesnt stop when it reaches infinity. When handholding the lens it is difficult to know when youve reached the farthest focus point as the ring keeps revolving. I really dont like this and wonder why sigma made this the case on this lens??? The only other minor beef I have is that the photo reproduction comes across a little soft, particularly when compared with my other sigma lenses. All is all, a fabulous super telephoto.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
at this price you get the best to take your narrow angle shots with best focous,large-aperture telephoto zoom lenses incorporating OS (Optical Stabilizer) anti-shake system. It offers thebest result , good quality , Imagination , wonderfull foto
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
This lens is great. It stays on my camera most of the time now. It is very crisp throughout the zoom range. Autofocus works great with my 5d mk II and my T2I. I have used this lens with a 3x teleconverter and still had great results with it. It is heavy but that is to be expected with a F2.8. Granted I have not used Canon's version of this lens, I would feel safe in saying that for half the price, this lens is the better buy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
Great for wildlife.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
Since most of my photography is done in studio, I don't often need a lens of this length. But when I need it, I need it. The Sigma has been a great lens for weddings and concerts, providing plenty of sharpness and beautiful bokeh, without the hefty price tag of the Canon L lens. If you're someone who will not compromise on your lenses, sure, buy the Canon. But if you have to make priorities with your equipment dollars, you can't go wrong with this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
I use the lens primarily for indoor and low light work where flash is too much or not allowed. So the anti-shake combined with large glass is excelllent.
The lens also allows the camera to fully control the aperture so I'm not going too light or dark based on the ASA settings.
The only downside is the weight. I don't feel it is any lighter or heavier than any other lens of similar purpose but after holding it for a long period the weight is noticable.
I would completely recommend this lens. I does everything it says it will do and very well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
I'm a true amateur but take 1000's of photos every year. This is my first professional level telephoto zoom. The photos have looked great. I used it several times on our trip to PEI and Maine. The images are crisp. Frankly, a lot better than my new Canon 2.8 17-55 with image stabilization. The Sigma is every bit as quiet as the smaller Canon. For an $1100 savings over the similar Canon, it's an easy choice. Like the Canon, this is a heavy, well-built lense. The package include a lens hood and a great padded carrying case which was handy when taking the extra weight on a hike.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
Is only 2nd to the Canon version L lens. And is a close 2nd at that.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
I use this for general portraiture all the way to high action sports! Its very sharp, even wide open.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
As a Professional Wedding Videographer this lens is great for shooting a ceremony. I simply attach it to my Canon 7d and it gets amazing reach. The picture that comes out of this glass is excellent and in my opinion nearly the same as Canons 70-200 2.8is but its way cheaper. This was a no brainer for me and one of the most used lens's in my bag. The only con is that its a tad bit heavy but I can live with that : )
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
Very solid lens. I took it to the Ren Fest to test it out and came back with some pretty sharp images.
Comes with a tripod collar, lens hood and lens case.
I'd recommend it to anyone.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
This lens has been great so far!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon:
shoot weddings, kids, seniors.
The Image Stabilization is FANTASTIC. shooting low light, hand held, fairly stationary objects at 200mm and 1/35 sec and I can get sharp images. It is a little noisy, but not bad, I am coming from no IS on my canon 135mm f2.0 so I noticed the sound.
I jumped on this with the recent prce drop and do not regret it.
I am using it on a 7D so the hood makes it look really long with the attachemnt so I have just been leaving it off. Great images, great lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $53.85
- Price: $47.20
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $13.95
- Price: $18.99
Protection/Camouflage
- Price: $79.95
- Price: $89.95
What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Caps
- Lens Hood
- Lens Hood Adapter
- Soft Case with Strap
- Tripod Collar
- 1-Year Worldwide Warranty + 3-Year Extended USA Warranty
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