Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8.. Someone clear this up for me!

Razor-BladE

Razor-BladE

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I've been trying to research into this but 90% of the threads I read are from a few years ago so I'd like a view on it now.

So I'm right in saying there are 4 different versions of this lens?

Non-DG Non-Macro
DG Non-Macro
DG Macro I
DG Macro II

Now the DG has a different coating apparently to help reduce flare? Does this actually make a difference?

Now the 'macro' versions just have a closer minimum distance over the non-macro version? But I've been reading that they aren't as sharp as the non-macro ones. Correct?

If that's correct then I'll be wanting to look at either the first two versions.
I've also read that the non-DG has an old chip so may not give the correct FL in the EXIF, but that I'm not bothered about.
Is there anything else very different (other than FL and different coating) between the two?

Which one is sharper out of them, and which one has quicker/more accurate focusing? They're my main priority.

Thanks!
 
Ah, those I'm not looking into as I don't have the money for the OS version.
 
As I understand it the first version is the sharpest ( the one I have). Although it is a non DG version I have never had a problem with flare (I always use the hood) and it is a very sharp lens.

I can only go by what I have read though, obviously I did a bit of investigating before buying mine but having not tried the others it may just be rubbish and they are all as good as each other.

Great lens though.
 
As posted above i understood ver 1 to be the best
I have the hsm ex dg macro (number 3 on your list) and it is a seriousley sharp lens
Your also right the min focus is the macro bit and i think it is 1 metre
As for autofocus that again is impressively fast no complaints here
well excluding the weight of it ;)

R33SY
 
I have the latest F2.8 II APO EX DG Macro. Haven't had it too long but very impressed with the image quality and the speed it focuses. Only really used it for football as well. As mentioned it is a bit heavy if like me you haven't used any other more higher end spec lenses. But I am a very happy customer.
 
Yeah, I read that the first version is the sharpest. Just wondering if anyone has used more than one of them?
I guess if people find the macro versions sharp then I should be happy with the non macro versions!

Last couple of questions.
Does the non DG version feature full time manual?
And not sure if I can ask this here (let me know if I can't and I'll remove), but what kind of price would I be looking to pay for the non DG version?
 
we've got 2 of the first version "macros" both fast and sharp throughout if that helps.

ive got a non DG 120-300 and dont notice the lack of the coating on the element(s).

to be honest i wouldnt worry about getting a non-DG version, plenty of others are happy with their DG's :)
 
When i was looking for mine
i dont recall ever coming across one
most were DG non macro / macro and prices vary around the £300 to £350 mark and a lot depends on the amount of flaking


Hope this helps
R33SY
 
Not actively looking for a non DG, the other way around in fact. A non DG has come up for sale for ~£400. So that's quite high in price?
 
I brought my dg non macro from here for 210 but it wasn't in the best condition externally
 
jamin100 said:
I brought my dg non macro from here for 210 but it wasn't in the best condition externally
Click to expand...

Wow cheap! If it works how it should and the damage was purely cosmetic then I wouldn't mind paying that!

neil_g said:
the last "mint" Sigma EX 70-200 f2.8 APO DG MACRO HSM on here went for £360 if that helps.
Click to expand...

Ah ok thanks.

Hmmm, might leave this one for sale then.. or see what's his lowest.
 
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