Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8 review

According provided by lens Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8 (for Nikon) huge thanks to Mad Nikolay.

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8 review

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8 review

An old and outlandish lens again came to my review - Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8. This model stands out in the lineup of lenses Sigma Class 70-200 / 2.8. Such a lens was produced for different camera systems; in this review, a version for Nikon cameras is presented.

I observe that due to the fact that most old third-party Nikon lenses for cameras do not have a built-in focus motor, their survival is several times higher than the versions for Canon cameras, which must have both a focus motor and electronic aperture control .

There are two versions of the old Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1:2.8 autofocus lens, which are easy to distinguish from each other by the diameter of the front filter, the subsequent model had an 82mm filter, while the version from this review has a filter diameter of 77mm . Also, the subsequent model was produced under the name Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm 1:2.8 Apochromatic Auto Focus Zoom (82mm filter).

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8 is interesting with a triple zoom, in contrast to similar lenses with focal lengths of 70-200 or 80-200 mm, in which the zoom ratio is 2.5-2.85. The lens is made in Japan, mainly the body consists of metal, with a metal thread for filters.

Sigma 70-210 / 2.8 has a removable tripod foot, which can rotate freely 360 degrees and is fixed in position with a special clip. Also, on the case you can find three marks-strips, which, when compared with the white mark-point of the clamp on the tripod foot, make it possible to quickly turn the lens into a landscape or portrait position. To remove the tripod foot, unscrew the latch and pull it towards you, after which the tripod ring will open in two parts and it can be easily removed from the lens.

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8 Lens Tripod

The zoom at the lens is internal - when the focal length is changed, the lens does not change its size. When changing the focal length, as well as when focusing, the rear lens remains stationary, which completely deprives the lens of the 'vacuum cleaner effect' and, therefore, reduces the possibility of contamination of the insides of the camera.

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8

The lens is usually supplied with a plastic bayonet hood that can be set in transport mode. With the hood installed backwards, access to the focus ring is not lost.

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8

Auto focus is slow and noisy, and the lens does not have a focus distance limiter. The focusing time from MDF to infinity and back is almost the same as Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D (MKII) in the 'Full' stop position. The front lens remains stationary during focusing. The lens has a window with a focusing distance scale in meters and feet. The MDF is 180 cm. There is a depth of field scale, for a 70 mm focal length, the values ​​for F / 8, 11, 16, 22 are indicated, as well as the 'R' mark for working in the infrared spectrum. For 210mm, there is only one depth of field mark for F / 22.

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8

The lens has a 'AF / MF' focus mode ring. To change the focus mode, rotate the ring located between the focus and zoom rings. During autofocus 'AF', the focusing ring is stationary and can be freely rotated to either side without affecting focusing. In manual focus mode 'MF', the focus ring rotates only 90 degrees. After switching the lens to manual focusing mode, you do not need to switch the focusing mode near the camera mount.

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8

The copy that came to me for review is badly battered over the years. The zoom ring rotates with 'dips', during automatic focusing, you can feel how the camera's motor 'suffocates' in places, moving the lenses from infinity to MDF, moreover, the front huge tube (on which the lens name is written) has a strong backlash. The focusing ring also has a strong backlash. In general, when you hold the lens in your hands, the sensations are rather unkind;). But its lenses are in good condition and the image quality is on par.

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8

This giant weighs almost one and a half kilograms, looks great on the camera. The lens diaphragm consists of 9 blades that form faint notches from F / 2.8 to F / 5.6. And on F / 7.1, the hole is already a regular polygon. The aperture ring rotates with pleasant clicks, the values ​​F / 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22 are plotted on it, but you can set one intermediate value between each pair of numbers.

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8 and Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D (MKII)

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8 and Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D (MKII)

It's important: auto focus with this lens is available only when using him on cameras with built-in motor focusing.

Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras with a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will focus automatically:

Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras without a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will not focus automatically:

Only auto focus and sound confirmation of focus will not work with these cameras, all other important functions, such as automatic exposure metering and automatic iris control, will work well.

You will find a lot of useful information on the types of cameras and lenses Nikon here.

The lens has a manual aperture ring. To be able to control the value aperture from camera or for automatic installation aperture on modern central control valves, you need to turn the control ring to the F / 22 value and fix it with a special lever, which is located to the right of the marks aperture. If this is not done, then on a number of cameras, the display will display an error - 'fEE' (ring is not installed aperture) Some cameras having diaphragm rheostatallow you to control the aperture using the ring aperturebut only in metering modes exposure 'M' and 'A'. You can read more about this issue in the section on Non-G Lenses.

For Nikon cameras, the lens is an analog FX, AF, Non-d lens. Please note that Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8 does not transmit focus distance values into the camera, which may give errors in exposureespecially when shooting with flash in automatic TTL modes. When using the lens on Nikon DX cameras EGF will be 105-315 mm :) When shooting handheld during daylight hours, there should be no problems, since a large aperture lens allows short excerpts at low values ISO.

Front Lenses Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8 and Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D (MKII)

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8 front lenses and Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D (MKII)

There are only scraps of information online regarding the image quality of the Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8. The sample I reviewed is weak at F / 2.8, but still the image quality at F / 2.8 is not that terrible. Surprisingly, at extreme focal lengths, I did not notice a strong drop in image quality. If you close the aperture to f / 4.0, then it will not be so easy to find the difference with modern counterparts. Of course at F / 2.8 it is subject to chromatic aberration. But it produces a rather pleasant picture, perhaps not sufficiently contrasting, but quite interesting. The lens also handles backlight very well (unexpected for such an old lens!). But still, after working with modern technology, one feels that in some situations the lens lacks power :).

Here link to the archive with the originals - 232 MB, 25 photos in .NEF format (RAW) from Nikon cameras D700 (FX). Gallery Pictures converted with ViewNX 2.

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8 on the ZK

Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8 on the ZK Nikon AF N8008S

You can hardly find a rare Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8 in good condition easily. Despite its shabby appearance, I liked the lens much more than another cheap fast zoom - Tokina AT-X AF SD 80-200mm 1: 2.8... By the way, on Radozhiv there is a review of another similar outlandish lens, with a 'clean' XNUMXx zoom - Tamron SP AF LD 70-210mm 1: 2.8 67DN.

Catalog of modern Sigma lenses can look at this link.

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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Dmitry Kostin

 

 

Comments: 31, on the topic: Overview of Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8

  • Do_Oraemon

    Oh, good. A weak contrast is not a problem. For example, I really love Tair 3A, despite its weak contrast and fringing in contrasting areas. Weak contrast is easier to deal with than other flaws.

  • Mrbsd

    Thanks for your review. Just the other day I saw such a glass on sale, I started looking for information - and it really is only scraps. And finally, you "surveyed" this unusual glass)
    tell me, Arkady, how is this glass compared to the native Nikkor 80-200 2.8?
    And then I am faced with a choice ... there is an opportunity to take such a sigma or pay extra 700 UAH and take Nikkor 80-200 2.8 mk2

    • Arkady Shapoval

      MK2 will be better, though MK2 is push-pull :)

      • Sashko D3s

        And MK3 is cool-cool;) Although the glass from this review is also nothing, at least in Arkady's photo everything is sharp and clear without soap, and the boke is pleasant.

  • Gene jb

    I have a sigma 70-210 4.0-5.6 EF. A photo from him with some strange color rendition. In these photos I see fly in cold tones, but it can be a camera. In general, it’s interesting to shoot like that, but just as interesting. The practical results are vintage, but not always necessary.

  • Alexander Gvozd

    Two years ago I faced the choice of Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8 or Nikon 80-200mm f / 2.8D ED, after testing two Sigma 70-210mm lenses and one Nikon 80-200mm without hesitation I bought my own Nikon, although it is more expensive but still not happy with the picture!

  • Alterace

    You have overlooked the Kenon brand. For decency, a pair of lenses. It's a shame. All about Nikon and Nikon (((
    And we would be interested to hear about Kenon.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Actually, the review is generally about Sigma, so there is no need to dissolve the snot here.

      • Lynx

        Yes! We demand an indecent review of canon!

      • Alterace

        Arkady. Review about sigma for Nikon, in fact you yourself, as I understand it and wrote. Aggression on your part in the form of your own snot - I don't understand.

        • Arkady Shapoval

          There is no aggression, the review is about Sigma, but the fact that it does not change the case for Nikon. If you want reviews for Canon - send Canon technician :) This has been discussed more than once.

  • German

    Thanks Arkady, good review! After reading it, I got interested, but looked through the auction description and bought such a lens, but for Canon ... (((No, no, some disappointment - I only use Nikon.

  • anonym

    Arkady, I need your help. I have a nikkor 18-70. I saved some money for a long focal length. The choice is between 70-210 f2.8, Nikkor 85 f1.8 or native 80-200 (but more expensive). What do you recommend for pottert (sometimes reporting)
    Camera - nikon d200 ... (if you can advise another alternative of a similar focal point for little money, I will be very grateful)
    (respond, who are tormented / tormented by torments of this kind)

    • Arkady Shapoval

      85 1.8 or native 80-200 starting with MK2.

  • Alexander Malyaev

    How does this Sigma compare to the Nikon AF 70-210 f / 4? It is already clear that it weighs twice more and is lighter by the stop, but what about the quality of the picture at f / 4 and the combination of price and quality? And then only today Nikon 70-210 left Japan for me, and now I wonder if I was in a hurry with the choice. Although ... Nikon is still much easier to carry, and it's never too late to sell.

  • M

    > the previous model had an 82mm filter, while the version from this review has a filter diameter of 77mm

    On the contrary. First 77 mm, then 82 mm.

    • Ulan

      Exactly so, the first with 77mi, the second with 82 mm, version.

    • Ulan

      Precisely noted.

  • Andrei

    good afternoon. I choose now between this glass and Tamron SP AF LD 70-210mm 1: 2.8 67DN. both are rare, but the description tamron is more like it. maybe have experience using it and others?

  • Oleg

    Arkady, hello. I watched a similar sigma the other day for 11 rubles. In principle, not much money. Actually the question. I have a nikon AF-S VR 70-300 mm f / 4.5-5.6G I shoot them quite often. In the area of ​​lack of aperture, the stabilizer rescues well, which allows you to shoot from fairly short shutter speeds. Does it make sense to change it to Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8. Thank you in advance for your reply.

  • light action

    If you are used to the stabilizer, then on Sigma this is all pretty sad and most likely you will be disappointed. We tested with a friend Nikkor 18-300 with a stub and such a Sigma, all on the Nikin D7000. It’s difficult to shoot with Sigma at shutter speeds longer than 1 \ 800. The picture is yes, excellent if you get into focus and is light enough for 1 \ 500-1 \ 1000, but 18-300 with a stub turned out to be much more useful and convenient that evening. The monopod saves in part, because it does not eliminate jitter right and left. But, in the picture, sharpness and aperture, I like this lens, I do not regret the purchase, again, I’ll take portraits with it and all that where you can put a short shutter speed.

    • Vladimir

      Lightaction really want to know from you how difficult it is to shoot longer than 1 \ 800? What wild nonsense? I shoot with Nikon d750 handheld at 1 \ 125 - 1 \ 160 and everything is fine. No jitter. Do not scare people with stupid statements, after reading such experts as you, a person will not buy a wonderful lens

      • Ulan

        Really scared with such a statement. Previously, from this category of televisions at 2.8 I had a tamron 70 210 and a nikon 80 200, the first version. So the tamron gave the best focus and a clear picture, nikon more artistry. But due to size and weight, both sold after purchase Nikon afs 28-300, which seems to be for all occasions. But the sediment somehow sat that I miss the old televisions in the picture. Therefore, the other day I found a sigma 70 210 of the second version. I hope that after the tests I will unsubscribe what it is like in the background, tamron and Nikon.

  • Maksim

    Years passed from the review)
    But maybe someone knows the name of the 82mm lens hood

  • Dmitry Kostin

    There is also a version of this lens, which is distinguished externally by rings and inscriptions - now I am wondering which was later and which is optically better.
    The design of the lens is similar to that released by Sigma in the mid-90s - for example, the Sigma 70-210 APO Macro 3.5-4.5D

    • Dmitry Kostin

      Here is another photo.
      Interestingly, this case design is not available on the lens club.

      • Lisandro

        Where did you find this photo?

    • Vadim

      This is the Sigma AF 70-210 mm f/ 2.8 Zoom APO (I). Produced since 1992. Here is a review of the second version of this lens.

  • Jan

    Thanks a lot for the review! Not much out there about this lens, so the comparison is greatly appreciated! I bought exactly this lens (77 mm filter) new in the 90s, now I am sometimes wondering if I should upgrade. I was deciding between the Nikon 80-200 and the Sigma 70-210 at the time and pondered about this decision for a long time, it was a lot of money for me back then. At the time I remember the reviews favoring the Sigma, and the price was much better, too. Have lugged this lens around since then, including on a lot of shoestring travel to South America, India, Asia and Africa. First with an FE2, now with a D810. I am still quite happy with the performance, the outside is battered but the lenses and mechanics are still pristine. Mine is a MF focus lens, so I mainly use f4 and above, at 2.8 I find accurate focusing hard and as you wrote the image quality gets a bit soft. I guess I will keep it for now. Cheers Jan

  • Consultant

    Finally I came across this monster, in pretty good condition. A little shocked by the overabundance of sharpness. It was as if I was photographing with a microscope))

  • Consultant

    Of course on Nikon

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