Digital SLR Reviews Blog

Sigma 70 300mm f 4 5 6 SLD DG Macro Lens with built in motor for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

The 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens has excellent cost performance and is optimized for use with digital SLR cameras. Capable of macro photography, this lens has a 1:2 maximum close-up magnification at the 300mm focal length. It’s the ideal high performance lens for portraits, sports photography, nature photography, and other types of photography that frequently use the telephoto range. SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass in this lens provides excellent correction of chromatic aberration. This also corrects for fluctuation of aberration due to focusing. High optical performance is demonstrated throughout the entire zoom range. The multi-layer lens coating and lens design reduces flare and ghost (a common problem with digital cameras), and also creates an optimum color balance throughout the entire zoom range. The minimum focusing distance is 1.5m/59″ at all zoom settings. It also has a switch for changeover to macro photography at focal lengths between 200mm and 300mm with a maximum close-up magnification from 1:2.9 to 1:2 and a minimum focusing distance of 95cm (37.4″). You can also change the shooting magnification without changing the distance between the camera and the subject. 58mm Diameter Filter Size Dimensions – Diameter 3.0 x Length 4.8 (76.6×122mm) Weight – 545 grams (19.2 ounces) NOTE – While this lens is designed to mount on Nikon SLR cameras, some functions may not apply to all Nikon-series SLRs.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Good Utility lens
I bought this lens based on reviews here and my budget. I was just stepping up to a DSLR and wanted a long reach lens but I didnt have the budget for much. I went back and forth between the Sigma and the Tamron and ended up with the Sigma, again based on reviews here.

The Good:

This is a great starter lens or budget lens. With a 1.5 crop factor it is a 105mm-450mm lens with true macro from 200-300mm (250-450 converted). Thats a lot of lens for $150. The macro is good but takes some getting used to. First you have to go past 200mm, then flip a switch to go to macro focusing. When you are done, you have to do all of that in reverse or it wont retract. The macro focusing is good but most of the time you will want to switch to manual. The zoom ring has a nice positive feel that lets you stop when you want to and go when you want to. Some zooms are a little too “lose” for my taste. Because of its size, hand held shooting needs daylight and even then if you can use a tripod, do. With a tripod, the sharpness is excellent. This lens has a definite sweet spot between 135mm and 200mm, f/8. Shoot in this range and you will get amazing results.

The Bad

This thing is BIG and HEAVY. At 300mm and the full macro focusing, this lens is HUGE!! Do not try using it on a cheep tripod. I did, its frustrating. Because of the size and weight, it flops around more than some lenses. BE CAREFUL! Focus at either end is not a strong point. There is softness and CA at 300mm and at the low end of the f-stops. IF you can shoot f/8 or better, you will get better results.

This is not a “digital” lens. It is a full frame, 35mm film lens that works great on new Pentax digitals. AS long as you understand and accept its limitations, you will get a lot of value from it.

1 Star This lens has taken great shoots until the motor stop working
I have had this lens for less than a year. I have used it for son ball games and outdoor shoot. I have not used for an ever day lens. Yesterday the lens would not focus. It looks like the motor only turns one way and stops. I have not contacted sigma yet I will keep you posted. Would of been a great lens for the price, but you get what you pay for.

4 Stars very satisfied customer
I bought this lens to use with my Nikon D60. I needed a lens that I could use to take close up action shots of my son playing football. The lens has turned out to be a great buy for the money. It takes great, sharp, clear pictures. I recommend the lens to anyone that needs to keep their purchase price down, and wants quality pictures.

2 Stars just —ok—-
i sent the lens back…. didn’t do what i wanted it to do…. macro keep getting stuck…. and when zoomed all the way out pic too soft. i wanted it for my sons sports and it just didn’t do the job. even though i sent it back the company was quick on the return.

5 Stars Great value
So far this lens has proved to be a great value. While I am new at photography and haven’t figured out all of it’s capabilities, this lens has been great for my purpose. Shooting photos of my kids’ football games has been great. The zoom gets you very close action shots on the field that my (great) little point and shoot digital can’t get.

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