But here it should go exclusively to the evaluation of the Sigma lens, without the direct comparison with the Nikon. Why? Because of the prospect but rather wants to know what supplies the Sigma in results. And just about it. You can compare any lens or any camera for another model, yet do not know if this product exactly sufficient for your needs. Is this Sigma lens worth the money? Is the quality in line with expectations? Should you buy it? To this I would like to address in my review.
Short info about me: I am a professional photographer and exclusively in the field of portrait photography working. My reviews are not calculated mathematically, based on no test magazines, let alone Pixel Peeper charts which I build, to check for errors. My job is to make ordinary photos, love my customers and precisely from this perspective, I would like to evaluate the Sigma 70-200mm, F2.8 EX DG HSM. My valuation basis are my photos. No more, no less.
Scope of supply:
Delivered, the Sigma in a sturdy, well-padded quiver / pocket, incl. Front cover, back cover, lens hood, etc.
The quiver can be worn comfortably with the attached shoulder strap, which I would have still required a small handle on the bag itself.
Materials / quality:
From the beginning, this lens gives a feeling of sturdiness, even if manufactured "the shell" plastic. The weight is approximately 1.4 kilograms is not exactly easy, but it is a still a very valent feeling. The sun visor is also made of plastic, but somehow it makes me feel to be not quite as high as the rest (just a subjective feeling on my part).
Service:
Since there is not much to say. There are two switches available to switch between AF and M, as well as the OS switches in modes Off, 1 and 2. The level 2 is even better grab be important as Level 1 and especially for sports and action photographers loud statements. I sadly can not say because I do not take pictures in this area.
However, what is a little getting used to, is zooming, if you like me works mainly with Nikon lenses. Unlike the "Nikkor" turning namely exactly in the other direction if you want to zoom in or out. Is like saying only matter of habit.
AF / OS / image quality:
The autofocus is fast. In combination with the OS Freehand exposure times of 1/60 sec are possible. With a monopod little longer, provided you have not shaky hands.
But now the times, what is important, namely the sharpness and image quality: It is important to mention, the test was carried out in the factory settings without AF fine adjustment in the camera
Aperture 2.8: The AF does not sit in the place that I had envisaged. None of focal length !!! Photos have a slight yellow tinge and there are hardly contrasts exist. Hair have no structure and look as though they had been edited with the "Gaussian Blur". Great Bokeh ... just does not help if the rest is useless.
Aperture 4.0: The definition is acceptable at 200mm, but the further slips the focal length in the direction of 70 mm, and the AF is set to the left and leads to "blurring", especially in the hair.
Aperture 5.6: Well I like it better. Although not everything is super sharp, the focus sits on the targeted point, contrasts can be seen. Definition is acceptable.
Aperture 8: This is the best aperture for this lens. Here sit sharpness, and contrast AF. No complaints.
Aperture 11: Minimum decrease in sharpness unlike F8. AF and contrast are good.
Aperture 16: Almost like aperture F11, but with acceptance of the sharpness of 100-135mm with a slight shift AF. Contrasts and details are good.
Aperture 22: AF shifted slightly, decrease in sharpness throughout the zoom range,
Overall, I made this test in 3 different situations:
Person on a chair, camera on a tripod, getting himself distance, speed, ISO always the same
Person standing, camera in hand (to test OS), distance variable speed, ISO same focal length variable
Object on a tripod, camera with lens on a tripod, himself distance, speed, ISO always the same
Unfortunately, all three test was the result of the same.
Before anyone sees me wrong and think that I or the like a "Sigma-haters" am who I am definitely not. I want to give each manufacturer a chance and am fixed on any manufacturer. I do not could not care less whether I shoot with Nikon, Canon or Sony lenses and use the same producers or suppliers as Sigma or Tamron. Ausschlißelich counts for me is the end result.
Well, now to the conclusion: I go to the lens with mixed feelings ran. On one hand, it feels just great to, has a great material quality, a continuous aperture of F2.8 and covers a good range of focal lengths.
Not F4.0 absolutely not "overlooked", even if I zudrücke both eyes - On the other hand I must say that I have the "error" in aperture F2.8. Because you can buy an F2.8 lens to photograph with this panel and to obtain proper results.
Make these errors the Sigma to a poor lens? No, not really, because of F5.6 - F16 are the results of "neat", but not breathtaking. With the help of Lightroom and Photoshop minor errors can be repaired.
After consultation with a colleague told me that he had this error with his Sigma, but has sent the lens with the camera to adjust. The errors were minimized it, but not go away (his statement). Therefore, it is hoped that Sigma in this regard can help.
Who I recommend this lens?
Want to earn money with this lens and use professional or professionally and need to fully HOME LEAVE on your equipment? Then it may be that this objective is not the right partner for you.
But if you want to use this lens for hobby purposes or on vacation, take pictures of sports and action scenes for their own purposes, and may in existing errors adjustment by the Sigma Service withstand time, then you get a decent piece of technology for the money.
Under these circumstances, I forgive 3.5 stars for this objective and not round on.
Anyone interested in the photos, I may like to visit in my studio in Berlin :-) Or just send me an email so that I can make the photos available.
I hope you could help my review to make your decision for or against the Sigma 70-200 mm F2.8 EX DG HSM.
In this sense I wish always good light.
PS Some pictures I've done with this lens, can be found on Google+ under / + BarisCihan / posts.
