Fast focusing. Crisp images even up to 11x14 and 12x18. Solid construction. Aesthetically pleasing. Focuses considerably faster on my Nikons than does the Tamron 28-200. Macro feature is a hoot.

None observed.

This is one of my favorite lenses. I have had it for about 5 years. I had thought about getting the newer APO version, but I get such good shots with this one that I see no need to trade up. Fairly solid construction; excellent appearance. I have some great night shots of neon signs with Fuji 800 film; also, many great nature shots. You can see photos I shot with this lens at http://members.aol.com/jhbanda/index.html.

Customer Service

Not needed.

Similar Products Used:

Tamron 28-200.

Cheap lens

I don't know if anybody else have had this problem with Sigmas, but here goes what happened with me. After a couple rolls I noticed that the lens stoped working in high temperature, yes, that's right. Initially I though it was a body problem (I was using a Nikon N90s), but I borrowed a friends N60 and the same problem happened again. That was, to say the least, curious. When I worked in shaded, cool areas the lens worked perfectly, but when I moved to the sun, given a few minutes to warm up the lens, it stoped autofocusing and the aperture number got crazy.

I wouldn't buy Sigma again, but maybe it was a problem of the lens I bought, since I never heard anything like that before.

Customer Service

After a couple months trying to negotiate with Sigma I found a better solution, I sold it to a friend who uses it in a manual Nikon FM2, and he has no complains what so ever.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 24-50, Nikon 105 micro, Nikon 60 micro.

Personally, I really like the way this lens looks mounted on my Nikon N90. I think aestetically speaking, it is very pleasing. Optically, I haven't had any issues with it.

It could be a little bigger, I would like to see a nice 8 inch lens hood instead of the 3 incher I got.

Very pretty lens for very pretty pictures

Customer Service

I called to tell them I liked the lens but was put on hold for too long. I hung up.

Similar Products Used:

Tamron 35-300
Sigma 28-80
Sigma 28-105
Quantaray 28-70
Cosinar 80-200

The lens covers the most used focal lengths. It has a very useful macro mode, down to 1:2, which comes in handy when your out in the field without all your gear. The large rubber focusing and zoom rings are easy to handle. Produces good enough images for an 8X10, at a reasonable price. Sturdy construction, I'm rough on mine, scratch resistant finish, one word "woods", and fast, quiet focusing for someone on a budget needing a great lens to hone their skills.

The fact that macro only works at 300mm can be limiting to creativeness. Sticking in the zoom at 200mm-300mm is a concern, but not a problem. Auto Focus to Manual Focus switch is small and hard to change. This is not a professional grade lens, the Sigma 80-300mm f/4-5.6 Super APO and 80-200mm f/2.8 APO are the next step up.

I'm using an EOS 650 that has no problem focusing with the lens. I have taken many great shots using all modes and focal lengths and not once have I run accross a problem in the image. So, if your needing a lens that will get you in close when you need it,and will also go to macro, plus cover what your standard zoom doesn't then this is what you want. A good price for a well crafted lens that gives you more than you paid for!

Customer Service

Have not needed to use yet.

Similar Products Used:

Canon 80-200mm II Zoom
Vivitar 28-200mm Zoom

Great price, a good lense to pick up used if it's in good shape. I bought it to use at family events including soccer games and I've gotten some great shots.

Probably wouldn't take a lot of punishment, but for the price it could be replaced. If you buy used make sure it's in decent condition.

Good lense for all around, not concerned about banging it use. I've taken some good pictures and gotten blow-ups to 8x10 with minimal distortion.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Nikkor 24-120, Tokina 80-200

1. seems FAST to me
2. SHARP and no distortion
3. CHEAP!!
4. macro switch

1. Sometimes the AF is weird and does not do what i want it to - have to switch to spot metering and still it wont do it right.
2. AF kinda sucks in low contrast - or is it my cheap camera???
3. Sometimes pictures come out darker than i thought they should be.

GOOD BANG FOR THE BUCK !!! got it for 200$
But next time i'm SAVING for a 2.8f... thats it! no more 4.5-6.7456.

Customer Service

no need.

Similar Products Used:

-

SHARP IN FOCUSING,
EASY MANAGING

YOU NEED TO HAVE VERY SENSITIVE PHOTO-FILM
FOR NIGHT SHOTS,SLOW
IN FOCUSING

VERY GOOD LENSE FOR ITS RANGE,NO PHOTO DISTORSION
ON THE ANGLES,HIGHLY RECOMENDED FOR BEGINNERS.

Customer Service

NO NEED

Similar Products Used:

TOKINA 28-70MM

Easy to use and low price for a big zoom. The hood is included ad it does everythign I bought it for

A little "dark" and forget a telxvrtr. I found daylight and some night shots darker than I thought they should be.

Great second lense. On a Nikon N60. Good for reaching out to those ranges you're too lazy to walk to. I was disappointed at the light (my novice experience too) needed to make brighter shots. I have some of my best shots taken with this lense and at close range.

Customer Service

None needed so far

Similar Products Used:

In the less than max zoom range, the Tamron (200 max) was "brighter" but no other apples-apples

It's a very versatile lens, being useful for both telephoto and macro photography. I've tried it with a 2x teleconverter and close-up filters with good success. I think it's light for a 300mm zoom lens.

I've had some problems with the auto focus at 300mm. I'd like to see it have a tripod mount to make it a little more stable in macro mode. It would be nice if it were a bit faster.

It's a very good 2nd lens for a beginner. You definately get a lot of value for the money, and you can experiment with different kinds of photography.

Similar Products Used:

Canon 28-105mm

Cheap, effective

Not all that sharp at 300

I am a wildlife photogarpher and chose this lens because it was cheap and better than its nearest rivals. It performs good but when taking extreme telephoto pictures the back ground isnt too sharp

Similar Products Used:

None