Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Lens

DJMorgan

DJMorgan

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Daniel
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I`m looking to get this lens cheap, Iv found it cheapest for is about 150 something, Iv found it as a non APO now what I dont understand is the difference, What is the APO?

aswell as that does anyone know where I can get it cheap, the non-apo is 110.

Im trying to do a price match too, so could anyone possibly help :thumbs:
 
DJMorgan said:
I`m looking to get this lens cheap, Iv found it cheapest for is about 150 something, Iv found it as a non APO now what I dont understand is the difference, What is the APO?

aswell as that does anyone know where I can get it cheap, the non-apo is 110.

Im trying to do a price match too, so could anyone possibly help :thumbs:
Click to expand...

APO is a type of lens coating and is a better lens than the non-APO version.

Just make sure the lens you do get has the built in motor, the older APO does not.

Richard
 
Had the non apo version and its horrible.
 
I used to own the APO version and it isn't a bad lens, it's only really let down by it's AF. It's reasonably quick finding an AF point but if you're focusing from very near to very far it tends to hunt a bit.
 
I have the Canon version.. it gives a reasonable result if you give it lots of light. It doesn't get out much except for a bit of motorsport now and again. Don't be fooled by the "macro" tag.. it's not a macro in any useful sense.. more of a close-up at arms length lens in that respect. And long arms at that (minimum focussing distance is over 3').
 
i think the APO tag denotes a couple of Aspherical elements (well at least 1 anyway) :shrug:
everybody says the APO version is a lot better than the Std version & the prices seem to reflect that but for the money it gives you a bit of reach & a shorter focusing distance than you'd get on a non "macro" marked lens of the same length :)
 
Iv managed to find it for about 125, Im still like a beginner, I mean im getting better with my pictures, I just need a lens which can get me in closer without messing the shot up!

and I think now iv been through my college classes and got used to the camera, I think maybe it could be something that could help me out that little bit more, If not ill sell it on!

Its worth the experience don't you think :)
 
I have the non APO version and was very disappointed with it. The auto focus speed is painfully slow. In manual mode the lens is to loose and easily goes out. You can only also switch the Macro switch when the focus barrel is set at the correct point and at the correct zoom range. So if your in Macro it can be a bit fiddle to get back out. Don't get me wrong it still usable for some thing and it is cheap after all so you cant expect to much from it. Just don't be thinking your getting the equivalent to the Nikon 70-300mm as your not. As always you get what you pay for I guess. I would recommend going for a used Nikon AF-S lens if you can find one in good condition at a good price.
 
Thanks for the advice, I can only afford this within my budget though, :( And considering Im still "newish" to photography, I think it could be ideal, but what do you think?
 
For beginner zooms in the 200-300mm range, it or the Canon 55-250 are the ones to choose from.

The Canon is image stabilised and considered to be sharper than the Sigma, but it looks and feels cheaper (eg no metal mount) and the Sigma has a bit more reach and a faux macro ability.
 
Daniel

the D3000 doesn't have an internal focusing motor, so you need with .....

Nikon......an AF-S designated lens
Sigma use the term HSM
some adverts just say "with built-in motor for Nikon".......like OneDstopDigital .."here"

make sure you get an APO version [red ring top of barrel]
 
well I used my friends the other week, and it seemed fine with my camera... :S I dont understand though yard, the internal focusing meter.
 
I am also looking at getting this lens.

There are varied reviews all over the internet, some very good and some not so.

However for the price it seems to be not half bad, it will never compare to pro glass or even mid price lenses but foe the money I don't think you can get better.

In regards to the motor, it is built into the lens and not the camera, so with the entry level DSLRs from Nikon this is a must as otherwise you won't get AF and some lenses won't sync with your flash and so forth if they are not fully compatible.

Its up to you really.

Just as a matter of interest where did you see the APO version for 125?

the cheapest I found it was 150. Link already quoted above.


Tony
 
leaky5 said:
APO is a type of lens coating and is a better lens than the non-APO version.

Just make sure the lens you do get has the built in motor, the older APO does not.

Richard
Click to expand...


I thought "APO" was short for apochromatic where three lenses are used to converge the different wavelengths of light into a single point, thus preventing chromatic aberration. :razz:
But agree that "apo" is normally the better option.

Save up for the Nikon 70-300 vr, damned good lens for the money
 
Something I forgot to add.

Many cheap suppliers are non UK based so you could be getting a grey import. This means you do not get a UK warranty and may have to pay duties and handling fees. Which if you do then its a false saving. You will end up paying more than if you got it from a UK company.
 
I have this lens and paid £75 for it. I find as long as it's used below 240mm it's not to bad, above this and it's looks very soft

I found it pretty heavy to hand hold but on a tripod you can get pleasing results.
 
I thought this lens was surprisingly sharp and excellent value (APO DG version). Some love it and some hate it but from I can gather the APO DG is a lot better than the earlier version. I never had a problem using it upto 250 before it starts losing it a bit, never had an issue with camera shake either. I'd recommend it to anyone on a budget.
 
Big Tony said:
Something I forgot to add.

Many cheap suppliers are non UK based so you could be getting a grey import. This means you do not get a UK warranty and may have to pay duties and handling fees. Which if you do then its a false saving. You will end up paying more than if you got it from a UK company.
Click to expand...

I`ll be getting it from this website

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/399-900C/
 
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