Sigma 70-300mm DG Macro
Review Date : Thu, 26 Mar 2009
Author : WDC Team
- Sample Photos: See sample image gallery
Review of the Sigma 70-300mm DG Macro lens
| Pros: | Multi-format image coverage |
|---|---|
| Cons: | Very poor image quality at 300mm |
Sigma's 70-300mm has an impressive list of features but it also calls forth the warning that if something sounds too good to be true, then maybe that's exactly what it is. Its 70-300mm focal-length range may be more than many users will really need in an everyday tele-zoom but there is nothing wrong with having a little bit of extra power - provided, that is, nothing more essential has to be sacrificed along the way.
The wide zoom ring has a very comfortable feel but its quarter-circle throw is quite highly geared and the lens extends by more than 50mm. Coupled with a close-to-camera hold 
on the lens, the considerable extension increases the risk of camera shake. It is not possible to steady the lens with a further-forward grip because the entire front section of the lens rotates during focusing - and the instruction book specifically warns against obstructing this movement. Using the lens at its 300mm setting is therefore very difficult indeed. All of this is a huge shame because the 70 -300mm has an image circle big enough to accommodate full-frame sensors and the lens even includes an infrared focusing mark for those who need it. There is also a very useful 'macro' capability that, while not being fully deserving of the term, manages a very creditable 1:2 reproduction ratio.
Image Quality
Unfortunately, MTF testing reveals that the 70-300mm is lacklustre at best, climbing above the critical 0.25 cycles-per-pixel value only between about f/8 and f/22 for short-to-medium focal length settings. It fails to get anywhere near the magic figure at any point when set to 300mm. 
Have your say!
Latest comments
May 25 15:18
Richard Wahl
Not knowing all the details I now know this lense was sold to me. Taking nothing away from Sigma who produce great value for money equipment this lense without the OS is a disappointment. I first thought that I couldn't work the focus but after a photographic course and spending a lot of time with the lense (handheld, good light, stationary objects )the conclusion is that the lense is poor. The downfall is its focusing.No pictures are actually coming out with great sharpness at most zoom levels.Extended its to difficult to hold still due to its built. My advice to everyone - save some money and buy a lense always with IS; OS or VC in its class and model
January 06 09:03
Paul Muscat
Can you tell me, if this lens will work with the D5000 Nikon?
November 04 21:22
John Kish
The lens the others on the review must of received was a bad issue. Used on my Sony 390 I get great results, all the way up to 300 and cameras built in teleconversion of 2 produces a 900 mm 35 mm shot. Macro was availiable throught entire range. For its price, the Sony version takes awesome shots, all were hand held, the no parking signs were quite clear and readable at 3 blocks away. The light weight of the lens and anti shake of the Sony combo makes for a good lens IE at the zoo. This lens takes extremely sharp pictures mated with the Sony 390. The lightness of the lens makes handhelds easy compared to its brother heavyweight 70-400which requires a tripod, my handhelds with it is to cradle the camera and lens in my lap (since I'm in a wheelchair)It's a super lens when mated to a Sony.So I highly rate the Sony sigma 70-300 for its price superior.
December 21 11:12
john
hi i have a sony and it takes amazing pictures even at full zoom buy a sony they are amazing camera's