Sigma 70-300mm APO Lens

Borderfox

I got a Sigma 70-300 APO lens on Friday on foot of the review in this months Digital Photo magazine where it got second to a Tamron, went out to Bowden Park hunter trials this morning just past Ashbourne and took a few pictures to test it. Here they are ( at half resoloution )

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y213/Borderfox/BowdeParkHunterTrials16.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y213/Borderfox/BowdenParkHunterTrials17.jpg




As you can see weather was pretty crap ,just as I got to the water jump it started raining hard and I forgot my umbrella

Dimy

Wow that second shot is a really nice action picture! Good job.

Borderfox

Really happy with the lens, build quality is excellent.. Thanks Dimy

pgbtec

I've had mine since November and I love it, a pro friend said I was mad that I should have save for the canon 70-200 L, but I feel the sigma is great for me.

This was taken on Mount Leinster one a cold Sunday in November.
Hope this works, my first time uploading a photo

pgbtec

I've had mine since November and I love it, a pro friend said I was mad that I should have save for the canon 70-200 L, but I feel the sigma is great for me.

pgbtec

sorry need more practice

Borderfox

I wont argue with Digital Photo magazine's budget zoom lens review. One other thing I saw Bison in the field next to the competition? who would guess in Co. Meath....

Borderfox

Here's 2 pictures taken from my apartment window through the glass sitting on the floor with a tripod and max zoom and manual focus....

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y213/Borderfox/WindowBirds24.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y213/Borderfox/WindowBirds7.jpg

rabbitinlights

How big is it and how much was it if you dont mind me asking?

Borderfox

It's €200 from The Camera Exchange in Trinity Street just off Dame Street, it's the same price in Conns but the other shop is nearer the car park. It weighs about half a kilo and is 120mm long at 70mm and probably double that when fully zoomed. Had no trouble with in on a mono-pod yesterday. I must remember to bring an umbrella next time as I would say there were a few falls into the water....

Fajitas!

It's a nice lens alright, played about with a newer version of it the other week, but mine is about... 15+ years old. Still in perfect condition though.

Borderfox

I was pleasantly suprised with the pictures from it.

ladgie353

I'm currently at my second, brilliant optics (especially in the sun) but flimsy build (hence the second part...)

Borderfox

What bits are flimsy? I thought it was better built than the 100-300 canon lens that I tried too..

FX Meister

whats the max aperature range on it?

Borderfox

f4 at 70 and f5.6 at 300. Its does me for what I want which is outdoor sports in good light..

ladgie353

Borderfox wrote:

What bits are flimsy? I thought it was better built than the 100-300 canon lens that I tried too..

The "metal" mount is only attached to the plastic ring that houses the AF/MF switch and that ring is (was in the case of my first one) attached to the lens by 3 small plastic fittings. In fairness, it took quite a bit of abuse before giving up, I would just not recommend leaving the lens on the camera when travelling.

Borderfox

Thanks for the advice ladgie353

Dimy

Well... I just bought myself the same lens. For 200 euro you can't really go wrong and I desperately needed a larger zoom (I only have the 18-55mm kit lens and 50mm prime). I'm saving money for the Canon 70-200 IS L but that's gonna take another few months before I can afford it. Until then I can use this one . I also bought it at Camera Exchange and got a UV-filter for free with it. Also bought a circular polariser as I didn't have one of those yet. If the weather allows it, I'll probably gonna try it in Phoenix Park this weekend to shoot some deers, I tried last weekend but my zoom just wasn't good enough to get any decent pictures without cropping the bejesus out of it.

Borderfox

Nice one Dimy why not pop into the Zoo while you are there and use the zoom for some African wildlife?

Dimy

Borderfox wrote:

Nice one Dimy why not pop into the Zoo while you are there and use the zoom for some African wildlife?

Hmmm didn't even think of that! I might just do exactly that! I've only been there once but that was in 2003, quite a while ago now. Assuming the weather is decent though... I'll have to go there by bicycle (no car ) from Blackrock/Monkstown.

Thanks for the tip.

-Dimy

Borderfox

Assuming the weather is good you should have no problem getting some good pictures, around where the Giraffe's and Zebra's are you can get a picture with just trees in the background, then the Chimps then Lions then stick on the macro for the Meerkats for some lovely close up's when they are sunning themselves. I will have to go myself, now where's the weather forecast...:)

Steffano2002

Might be going to the zoo myself on Sunday (weather permitting of course)! Even before getting my D-SLR I was thinking about going to Dublin Zoo. Can't wait!

Dimy

Maybe we should do a mini-meet & greet

Steffano2002

Dimy wrote:

Maybe we should do a mini-meet & greet

I was thinking that!

We could call it the "Boards Photography Forum Outing N°1" hehehe

Borderfox

Good idea, if I can get off work on Saturday I will take a trip to the Zoo....:)

Dimy

Saturday or sunday is both fine for me

Borderfox

No work on Saturday so to the Zoo...:)

Borderfox

Dimy you can get into town then take the 10 from O'Connell Street
http://www.dublinzoo.ie/visiting_getthere.htm

Dimy

Oh don't worry about that, I love to cycle and it's healthy . It's little more then an hour to Phoenix Park from my place so it's not too bad. And I'll be more flexible as well..if there's time I might go and check out the deers as well if I can find them.

Saturday is good for me... and pray for good weather (= no rain and I'm happy). :rolleyes:

You can also text/call me on my mobile, will PM my number by saturday.

Cheers,
Dimitry

P.S. I'll start a new thread "Mini-meet Dublin Zoo this Saturday", let's use that thread to post details. Maybe others wanna join.