Build, handling, fast focusing

none

This is my first fast lense and I can't get over how good this lense is. The focusing is very fast compared to the HSM motor in my 28-200 lense. I also use this with the 1.4 converter and find the focusing is just as quick.

Customer Service

Not needed

Similar Products Used:

Nikon AFS80-200

Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus. Very good image quality. Nice hood included.

Tripod mount gets in the way of the zoom ring making on-the-fly zooming a bit of a pain.

Very good lens in every way.

Customer Service

Unused

Similar Products Used:

None

Low cost for a high quality lens with an f/2.8 aperture; fast autofocusing thanks to HSM motor; good construction; tripod mount is provided, as is lens shade; lens case delivered offers good protection; internal focusing and zooming provides for a much cleaner, efficient design; manual focus is wonderful with the big focusing ring upfront!

Heavy (1.5kg); sheer physical dimensions; imposing (people notice it - which can be both good and bad depending on situation).

An incredibly well priced lens that provides people on a budget with a high quality lens for both low light situations, and situations where low depth of field is useful. Unfortunately, the lens is imposing - and this can have both positive and negative effects. In Europe, it seems to scare people off - however, in Africa, more specifically Tanzania photographing people with it draws crowds (of children especially)! This isn't a good lens for candid shots - unless the people you're with are accustomed to your presence (as are all my friends).
The lens seems to be popular, I've met three professional photographers since I purchased the lens who use it. All three of these photographers used Nikon, but preferred the Sigma due to its lower price, and HSM focusing motor.
Recently it once again proved to be immensely useful for low light photography during a music festival in the area. This lens is my 'jewel'.

Customer Service

-

Similar Products Used:

-

Quality, professional c aliber,build

none

I bought this lens after doing alot of homework. it does the job very well.i have a intrest in landscape photography and considered a 200,2.8 ef,but its nice to be able to compose from one vantage point,the 2.8 is nice for focusing in dim light.for a 3rd party lens,well done sigma!

Customer Service

not yet

Similar Products Used:

canon ef 100,2.8 micro canon ef 50,1.4 canon ef24,2.8

Build Quality
Ruggedness
Extremely Brilliant
Sharpness

Weight (so what)

Just a great lens. My preferred match with my F5. If I get a bad shot with this lens, it's something I screwed up. They did a great job on this one...

Customer Service

Great. Believe me, they stand behind them

Similar Products Used:

Nikor 80-210 AFS
Sigma 28-70 2.8
...

Price and optical quality. Well build. Matches the original brands for half the price.
AF speed is very nice, although possibly not the fastest available.
Performs very well with the teleconverters from Sigma.

Heavy.

Excellent lens, especially if you are looking for a good lens without the price. For 99% of all users it's a good alternative for the orignal brands!

Customer Service

Not needed.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 80-200 (old and S),
Tokina AT-x

I love the quiet focusing and also how quickly it focuses on my subjects. Very accurate focusing. It balances very well on my F100, no complaint about the weight. Price is unbeatable.

They have a problem with continuous autofocus on Nikon F100's. I sent the lens back with this problem. They acknowledged that they are replacing the computer card with a special one just for use with F100 bodies. This is a bother but at least they are correcting it. They could have sent out some kind of publications about this problem though.

I love this lens, just wish I would get it back soon to continue on with it. I wish they would go public with this problem so others would know about it to remedy the problem. I like it very much and would buy it again.

Customer Service

A bit slow in getting new computer cards from Japan, still waiting after 1½ months.

Similar Products Used:

Sigma 500mm f 4.5
Tokina 20-35 f 2.8

Nice build, very good optics, fraction of the price of the Canon 70-200/2.8

Still looking for one...

I've never actually used the Canon 70-200/2.8, but I can't imagine it being so much better to justify the higher cost. The pictures I've made with this lens have so far exceeded my expectactions. It's a pretty heavy lens...hand-holding it is a chore. The AF is quite fast and the FTM is great. The one thing I find odd is using the smallish zoom ring while the tripod collar is attached...seems somewhat uncomfortable to me. Overall though an awesome lens...can't wait to get out and try the Sigma 1.4x APO teleconverter I just got in the mail...

Customer Service

Never needed it.

Similar Products Used:

70-210/4-5.6 Sigma is as close as I've been.

Silent HSM Full Time Manual Focus. 95% optical performance and 90% mechanical perfomance of the canon @ 60% of the price.

Has to hunt a bit more than the Canon.

This is probably the best deal out there in terms of a third party pro lens. The performance is amazing, even wide open. I'm waiting to try it with the 1.4x converter. I just wished the Sigma 28-70mm had HSM with FTM, and the 17-35mm with FTM. Then I'd end up with a system of all sigma lenses and a Canon body. if you don't need the extra speed, get the canon 70-200 4.0. It's even better than the 2.8.

Customer Service

never needed it.

Similar Products Used:

Canon 70-200mm 2.8
Canon 70-200mm 4.0

Fast lens, well made, comes with excellent case, hood and tripod collar.

Heavy

An outstanding lens and an excellent value. This lens rates very close to the 70-200 f/2.8 L Canon for $300 less. With the matched 2X APO teleconvertor it is a fast 400mm F/5.6.

Customer Service

No problems at all

Similar Products Used:

Canon, Tokina, Sigma lenses