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According provided by Sigma 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 D DL MACRO SUPER lens (Nikon camera version) is huge thanks to the store www.fotika.com.uawhere you can find a huge number of different used photographic equipment, including similar lenses for Nikon cameras.

Sigma 70-300 1: 4-5.6 D DL MACRO SUPER (to enlarge)

This review shows the Sigma 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 D DL MACRO SUPER lens, version DL MACRO SUPER II 14/10 with 1 SLD element (version II, differs from the first with a smaller focus ring).

History

There are a huge variety of various modifications, versions and subversions of Sigma class 70 (75) -300 mm lenses (approximately 13 versions).

The reasons for this wide variety are:

1. Continuous lens improvement. For example, older versions designed for film cameras have been updated for better compatibility with digital cameras. Marking versions optimized for digital cameras includes the prefix 'DG'(latest versions from this line - DG, Apo dg, OS DG) First of all, the updates concerned enlightenment.
2. Improvement of lenses by increasing the number of low dispersion elements Sigma SLD (Special Low Dispersion). Sigma lenses with 14/11 and 14/10 optical designs may have different numbers of SLD elements. An increased number of SLDs can be recognized using the prefix APO (apochromat) and red decorative ring. The APO 14/11 version has 1 SLD element more than the NON-APO version. The APO 14/10 versions have 2 SLD elements more than the same NON-APO versions.
3. Non-observance of unitary marking for lenses with different mounts. So, for example, for Nikon cameras, some 70-300 Sigma lenses in their name written on the housing may include the additional letter 'D'(indicates the possibility of transferring the focusing distance to the camera). Also, the same version / sub-version for cameras of different systems can have a different style of its name on the body (for example, different parts of the name can be written in golden letters). Over time, the same version / subversion could change the location and method of applying name markers on your case.
4. Most likely the versions of Macro Super, Macro Super II, unlike earlier models, have the ability to macro in the range of 200-300 mm. Earlier models had this mode only at 300 mm focal length.
5. Improvement of lenses with body design changes... There are so-called 'second' lens sub-versions, for example DL Macro Super -> DL Macro Super II, APO Macro Super -> APO Macro Super II. Identification is complicated by the fact that there is no 'II' indication on the case, the 'II' mark is found only on the box and / or instructions. Such subversions can be distinguished the width of the focus ring, newer versions have a focus ring that is smaller in diameter than a zoom ring. There are also versions with a velvet-coated housing.
6. In 2008, the DG and DG APO for Nikon cameras are updated to sub-versions with a built-in focus motor. New versions with a built-in focus motor do not have an aperture control ring, and number of microprocessor contacts increased to 10. All previous Sigma / Quantaray lenses for Nikon cameras came with no built-in focus motor.
7. These lenses were also branded Quantaray. Finding out which version of the Sigma 70 (75) -300 is hiding under the name 'Quantaray' can be more difficult than with the original Sigma lenses.

In the general case, four main classes can be distinguished (depending on the optical design):

1. Optical design 14/11, used in the first versions. APO subversion used 2 SLD elements. Conventional subversions used 1 SLD element. It is easy to distinguish by the very 'chubby' switch 'NORMAL MACRO 300' (only 300).
2. Optical design 14/10, used in a huge variety of subversions. APO subversion used 3 SLD elements. Conventional subversions used 1 SLD element. Easy to distinguish by the small / conventional 'NORMAL MACRO (200-300)' switch (in the range of 200-300). Curious that the lens Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 ED Replicates the Sigma 14/10 optical circuit with 3 SLD elements.
3. Optical design 16/11, used only in the latest version with image stabilizer.
4. Lenses with a 14/11 optical design are easily recognizable by the focal length range of 75-300 mm.

List of major versions:

1. APO Macro 14/11 (2 SLDs)
2. DL 14/11 (1 SLD)
3. DL Macro 14/11 (1 SLD)
4. DL Macro Super 14/10 (1 SLD)
5. APO Macro Super 14/10 (3 SLD)
6. DL Macro Super II 14/10 (1 SLD)
7. APO Macro Super II 14/10 (3 SLD)
8. DG Macro 14/10 (1 SLD) (for Nikon, there are 2 options depending on the focus motor and aperture ring)
9. DG APO Macro 14/10 (3 SLD) (for Nikon, there are 2 options depending on the focus motor and aperture ring)
10. DG OS 16/11 (1 SLD)
11. 14/11 with a focal length of 75-300

The information I provided may not be accurate or incomplete, please, experienced users, please indicate inaccuracies in the comments.

All my reviews of such lenses (marking according to the inscriptions on the case):

1. Sigma 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 (for Canon, Macro 200-300)
2. Sigma 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 D D.L. Macro (for Nikon, Macro AT 300)
3. Sigma 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 D DL MACRO SUPER (for Nikon, Macro 200-300)
4. Sigma 70-300mm D 1: 4-5.6 Apo dg (for Nikon, Macro 200-300)
5. Sigma 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 DG OS (for Canon)
6. Quantaray 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 D LDO Macro (for Nikon, Macro AT 300)
7. Quantaray 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 D LDO Macro (for Nikon, Macro 200-300)

1. Sigma Zoom AF-APO 1:4.5-5.6 f =75-300mm multi-coated Macro (for Nikon)
2. Quantaray TECH-10 NF AF MULTI-COATED 1: 4-5.6 f =75-300mm (for Nikon)

A catalog of modern Sigma telephoto lenses is available see here.

Sigma 70-300 1: 4-5.6 D DL MACRO SUPER

In short / main

Common features of all Sigma 70-300 1: 4-5.6 lenses (except for the OS version):

• normal / good build quality
• inconvenient switch to switch to advanced macro mode
• the ability to shoot macro with a maximum magnification ratio of 1: 2 (a very good indicator)
• slow focus
• tolerant image quality
• low / very low cost (depending on model modification and age)
• small front filter diameter equal to 58 mm
• rotation of the front lens along with the front of the barrel and focus ring during focusing
• 9 aperture blades (a good indicator for a budget lens)
• the presence of the aperture control ring (for versions under Nikon)

The Sigma 70-300 1: 4-5.6 D DL MACRO SUPER is one of the most affordable and affordable telephoto lenses for Nikon cameras, yet it's not bad enough to pass by.

Sigma 70-300 1: 4-5.6 D DL MACRO SUPER

Sample Photos

Pictures from Nikon D90. The photos in the gallery below are shown without processing, the conversion of the source RAW files by the original Nikon ViewNX-i utility without making additional adjustments.

'JPEG' source photos from the camera Nikon D90 can be downloaded here.

Sigma 70-300 1: 4-5.6 D DL MACRO SUPER

My experience

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than to create a complete and accurate list of all versions of the same lens from Sigma.

Sigma 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 D DL MACRO SUPER is an old and solid zoom. The image quality does not shine, but it is great as an inexpensive telephoto.

I recommend using the latest version SIGMA APO DG (with a red ring and a golden inscription SIGMA APO DG), but there are no fundamental differences between such lenses.

It is very, very convenient to have a telephoto camera at hand with the ability to shoot macro in the range of 200-300 mm. Owners of Nikon cameras without a built-in focus motor should look for a motorized version of the Sigma DG / DG APO, or look at a similar (equally cheap) lens Tamron LD DI AF 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 Tele-Macro (1: 2) A17.

By the way, only one original telephoto camera has similar macro shooting capabilities - this is Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 70-180mm 1: 4.5-5.6D ED, the cost of which is prohibitive in our time (the only specialized macro zoom for Nikon).

All Original Similar Nikon FX Telephoto Lenses

Below is a list of all Nikon Nikkor telephoto lenses without high aperture and with auto focus support:

1. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4, 1986-1987
2. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1:4-5.6, 1987-1993
3. Nikon AF Nikkor 75-300mm 1:4.5-5.6, 1989-1998
4. Nikon AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1:4.5-5.6D, 1991-1999
5. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1:4-5.6D, 1993-2000
6. Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 70-180mm 1: 4.5-5.6D ED, 1997-2005
7. Nikon AF Nikkor 75-240mm 1:4.5-5.6D, 1999-2000
8. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4-5.6D ED, 1998-2006
9. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4-5.6G, from 2000 to 2014, black or silver
10. Nikon AF S Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6G ED VR IF SWM, from 2006 to 2017
11. Nikon AF S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 4G ED SWM VR IF N Nano Crystal Coat, from 2012 to the present day
12. Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6E VR ED, 2017 to present

The names of the lenses are indicated according to their spelling on the case.

Sigma 70-300 1: 4-5.6 D DL MACRO SUPER

A few more photos of the lens for its more accurate identification Sigma 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 D DL MACRO SUPER:

Sigma 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 D DL MACRO SUPER is not new on sale. It is preferable to look at a newer model for use. Sigma APO DG 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6, prices for which you can see hereor in the price block located below:
All prices on Sigma 70-300
The catalog of modern Sigma telephoto lenses can be viewed here.

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