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April 30, 2005
[ SIGMA 70~200mm f2.8 APO EX lens ]
SIGMA 70~200mm f2.8 APO EX zoom lens
Price: $1789
Rating: 4.5 stars
The goods: One of the reasons for buying a single lens reflex digital camera is that it can be fitted with a choice of lenses. Which is all very well, but which lenses? The lenses made by the camera manufacturer or those from third party makers, which are usually cheaper?
Sigma is a well-known maker of third party lenses (the company also makes a digital SLR camera) with a reputation for quality in optics and mechanics of their products. The 70~200 f2.8 APO EX zoom is an example of their better, and therefore more expensive, lenses. Seeing that the company sells a competent 55~200 zoom for $289 why would anyone spend 6 times as much for a lens with a lesser range?
The answer is that for the higher price you get a constant maximum aperture of f2.8 – a fast lens for this range – and internal focus and zoom mechanisms, so the overall length of the lens is constant. You get a high speed focussing motor and superior glass. You also get a very heavy lens, which is not necessarily what anyone wants, but it is the price to be paid for the extra glass and machinery. The $289 lens is good but the $1789 lens is stunning. Sadly, camera lenses obey the fundamental law of capitalism – you get what you pay for.
Like this: This lens focusses quickly and is pin sharp, even at the maximum aperture. Resolution and contrast are excellent.
Dislike that: The tripod mount collar – which can be removed – obstructs the zoom ring and the zoom mechanism is stiff and not as smooth as the price leads us to expect.
Parting shot: This is a brilliant lens for portraiture, but its size means that you will never be able to sneak up on your subject unnoticed, even from a distance. Keep in mind that a 200mm focal length is the equivalent of 300mm when fitted to a digital camera, so it’s a good lens for getting close ups of the lions without being eaten.
Posted by terry at April 30, 2005 12:46 PM
