Heavy Bolide with optical qualities.

As you can see my heading, this lens is really no lightweight. During my first experiments with this impressive device I really came only doubt whether this is the right one for me.
However, I had to try it before buying the other occasion (even lighter) lenses and these all have not convinced me. In this price range and with these optical values ​​but no lightweights are expected. For a Canon L lens I shoot now but too little, because the investment is not worthwhile. So I opted for this lens from Sigma.
After the first test images I was really convinced. The handling is excellent, everything is solid, the zoom runs smoothly, nothing wobbles or becomes self-employed. In contrast, you could even catch a manual ... but I have not yet needed.
I use the lens on a Canon 60 D and the combination looks already impressive, but that is naturally not enough.
The objective is to accompany me on a three weeks tour through the mangrove jungle of Sri Lanka and of course catch larger animals in the local national parks and represent perfectly. I think it is well constructed ....

So now to the optical and mechanical qualities, which I will try to describe in simple terms.

+ The Image Stabilizer operates reliably in all levels, you can turn off the horizontal plane to photograph such as racing animals, the noise is totally ok, only the power consumption is slightly higher
+ The representation is in all zoom ranges without blemish, I see no distortion or vignetting
+ The color representation is very natural in dark areas
+ To powerful color surfaces show no fringing, everything is clearly defined
+ Due to the relatively high luminous intensity is still achieved even in dark areas of ordinary shutter speeds and thus sharp images
+ You can "abuse" the lens as a macro, but then with 150 cm minimum distance, but the images are still pretty neat that has still surprised me. So I photographed the test bees or spiders to flowers and was thrilled. Of course, the smaller lenses and especially macros can significantly better ....

Positive to mention is still the perfect lens hood and generously padded bag. Such extras can be Canon pay very expensive ... here it is part of the basic equipment.

My conclusion: certainly no lens for professionals, but for the serious amateur a step in this direction.