Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 review

According provided by the Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 lens (version for Canon EOS cameras) 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 Canon cameras.

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Increase katinka. The picture shows the lenses: Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 (from this review, for Canon), Sigma 70-300mm D 1: 4-5.6 APO DG (for Nikon) and Sigma 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 D DL MACRO SUPER (for Nikon)

Browse Navigation:

  1. Browse Navigation
  2. In short
  3. History
  4. Main Specifications
  5. Assembly
  6. Stabilizer
  7. Focusing
  8. Image quality
  9. Sample Photos
  10. My personal experience with the lens
  11. Prices / where to buy
  12. Alternatives
  13. Results
  14. User Comments
  15. Add your review or question on the lens

This review shows the Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 lens for Canon EOS cameras.

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

In short

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 - The cheapest full-format telephoto lens with image stabilizer for full-length SLR cameras. Unfortunately, discontinued, it is very difficult to meet on sale new. Optically good, almost not inferior to the original similar lenses.

The low cost is most likely due to the lack of an ultrasonic focusing motor, which all such lenses have, and the lack of internal focusing. In the secondary market, Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 costs even less than the original Canon Zoom Lens EF 75-300mm 1: 4-5.6 IS USM.

It is very strange that the Sigma company, which is famous for its huge variety of telephoto lenses, does not have a full replacement for the Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6. At the same time, older and simpler models Sigma DG 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 и Sigma APO DG 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 continue to be produced and sold.

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6


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.


Main technical characteristics of Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6:

Review Instance Name The inscription on the housing Sigma DG 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 ø62 LENS MADE IN JAPAN 10191644
Basic properties
  • DG - the lens is designed for full-length SLR digital cameras
  • SLD (Special Low Dispersion) - use of elements with extremely low dispersion
  • OS (Optical Stabilizer) - built-in image stabilizer
  • AF-M (Auto Focus - Manual Focus) - the lens is equipped with a focus mode switch
  • stabilizer operating mode switch OS ON / OFF
  • built-in micro motor for auto focus
  • multi-illuminated optics
  • Important: a lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its practical use.
Front Filter Diameter 62 mm
Focal length 70-300 mm

Zoom ratio 4.26 x
Designed by for digital full-format cameras (available in versions for Sigma SA, Sony A, Nikon F, Pentax K, Canon EF).
Number of aperture blades 9 rounded
Tags
  • focusing distance in meters and feet
  • focal lengths for 70, 100, 135, 200, 300 mm
  • depth of field scale (only for 70 mm) for F / 11 and F / 22
  • label to set the hood
  • bayonet mount mark
Diaphragm
  • 70mm - F / 4.0-F / 22
  • 100mm - F / 4.5-F / 25
  • 135mm - F / 5.0-F / 29
  • 200mm - F / 5.6-F / 32
  • 300mm - F / 5.6-F / 32
MDF (minimum focusing distance) 1.5 m over the entire range of focal lengths, the maximum magnification ratio is achieved by 300 mm and is 1: 3.9
The weight November 610, XNUMX
Optical design 16 elements in 11 groups

Optical design Sigma 70-300 OS DG

One low dispersion element Super Low Dispersion is used (shown in blue)

Lens hood bayonet model LH680-02
Manufacturer country LENS MADE IN JAPAN (Japan)
Period Since 2009 Out of production in early 2014.
Instructions See
3D view See
Price

Prices for modern Sigma telephoto lenses can be viewed here.

It's a pity, but compared to the older model - Sigma APO DG 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6, Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 uses fewer low dispersion elements and does not have a special macro mode that allows Sigma APO DG 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 shoot with a maximum magnification of 1: 2.

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Assembly

Build quality Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 is at a fairly good level. The lens is very nice to the touch, good shot down without any obvious flaws... The Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 uses a metal mount. The retractable bezel is made up of one plastic section. The focusing ring is plastic with corrugation, the zoom ring is rubberized. The zoom ring rotates 90 degrees without jerking.

The lens body is covered with a characteristic Sigma lens. velvetwhich is typical of many old SIGMA lenses. This lens also exists in a newer version, with a classic matte black body.

Frame (trunk) for Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 can spontaneously resize under its own weight (perhaps this begins only with time). For example, when the camera is tilted down, the trunk of the lens spontaneously lengthens (focal length increases). Also, the lens can change the focusing distance under its own weight (only in focus mode 'M').

The Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 uses a sturdy velvet plastic hood that locks into special slots located near the front lens element. When changing the focal length, the hood moves with the movable frame of the body. The hood can be installed in the opposite direction for transportation. In this position, access to the focusing ring is lost in the range of 70-200 mm.

When changing the focal length, the rear lens moves in the middle of the lens body like a pump - it draws in and pushes out air. This behavior of the rear lens is called 'vacuum cleaner effect', which can increase the amount of dust that accumulates in the camera.

Устройство aperture comprises 9 rounded petals and forms a fairly round hole.

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Stabilizer

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 has a built-in image stabilizer which, according to the instructions, can compensate 4 steps by shutter speed. In values excerpts this means that you can shoot at shutter speeds 16 times longer than what a lens without a stabilizer requires. In practice, the stabilizer can compensate up to 3 steps in shutter speed. I shot 300 mm focal length and 1/30 second without any problems.

On the case there is a stabilizer operating mode switch 'OS ON / OFF'. Where 'OS' is short for 'Optical Stabilizer'.

The stabilizer have their own characteristics. If you listen to the inside of the lens, you can hear a slight hum in the middle of the lens, even if the stabilizer is in the 'OFF' position. When the camera is turned off, even if the stabilizer was in the 'OFF' position, JVI noticeable image twitching (this is normal), as well as audible lens parking noise, is a sign that the gimbal has turned off 'one more time'. In 'OS ON' mode, the gimbal works more efficiently.

Thus, the stabilizer with the camera turned on continues to work continuously, which can adversely affect the battery charge level. I observed similar unusual stabilizer behavior on many other Sigma lenses.

It is recommended to set the stabilizer to the 'OFF' position when shooting with a tripod, or at slow shutter speeds, for example, in BULB mode (excerpt by hand).

Unlike the original Canon Zoom Lens EF 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 IS USM, Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 does not have a switch responsible for changing the stabilizer operating modes.

It is not known whether the Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 stabilizer can track the movement of the camera during panorama creation.

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Focusing

Auto focus speed medium (closer to high). As the focal length increases, the focusing speed decreases slightly. Focus speed independent of camera orientation

For focusing, a conventional micro focusing motor is used, which very noisy... The nature of the noise is shrill and unpleasant.

The lens does not use internal focus. During focusing, the front lens, together with the frame for the filters, rotates and drives forward. Using polarizing and other specialized filters will be difficult. When changing the focal length, the front lens does not rotate.

Focus ring rotates 90 degrees. The movement of the ring is smooth, but you need to make an effort to break the ring from its place. There is a feeling of 'plastic on plastic' when rotating the focusing ring. The minimum focusing distance is 150 cm, and the maximum zoom ratio (macro) is reached at a focal length of 300 mm and is 1: 3.9 (not bad for a similar lens).

When used on a camera Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi (aka Canon EOS DIGITAL 450D, aka Canon EOS Kiss with very simple 9-point focusing system) the lens behaves well, very rarely makes a mistake in focusing. I had no problems with focus accuracy and focus. On camera Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi I checked the presence of the back and focus front at different focusing distances and different values ​​of the focal length (infinity and MDF as well). Pictures taken using the Live View mode (which does not suffer from back / front focus) were used as a measure. Focusing accuracy using phase sensors completely coincided with the Live View mode.

Focus Features:

  1. Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 has focus mode switch 'AF-M'... To perform manual focus, the lens must be in focus mode 'M'. Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 does not have a manual focus control function.
  2. During auto focus focus ring rotates and cannot be touched.
  3. There is a strong effect of 'Focus Breathing' (changing the viewing angle during focusing).
  4. Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 - a lens from a third-party manufacturer. It may happen that it will not work correctly with some Canon EOS cameras.
  5. When changing the focal length, focusing is lost.
  6. There is depth of field scale, but only for 70 mm focal length and only for aperture values ​​of F / 11 and F / 22. There is no tag for infrared operation.
  7. The lens has scale with focusing distance in meters and feet. Such a scale in itself is of little use and is present more for show (justification of this thought here) The distance scale is plotted on the focus ring, and not made using a special window.
  8. Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 has no focus problems in Live View (tested on Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi).
  9. Unknown compatibility with teleconverters.
  10. Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 does not have hard stop (hard infinity mechanical stop) which allows you to accurately and quickly focus the lens at infinity under any external conditions.
  11. There is no focus distance limiter.
Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Image quality

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 does not shine with special indicators, but as a whole creates an image with normal / good quality.

  • moderate chromatic aberration
  • the usual level of distortion for this kind of lens, from a small barrel-shaped at 70 mm to a podobraznoy in the television range
  • good contrast
  • confident work in backlight
  • very poor vignetting when used on Canon APS-C cameras
  • Normal / Neutral / Correct color reproduction (new lens with good multi-illumination, optimized for digital cameras)
  • on open apertures, good sharpness in the center of the frame in the range of 70-200, a slight subsidence of sharpness by 300 mm (the sharpness level in the center of the frame by 300 mm of focal length can be considered acceptable)
  • cream bokeh when shooting small objects in the range of 200-300 mm focal length
  • even circles in the blur zone due to 9 rounded aperture blades
Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Sample Photos

Pictures from Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi (aka Canon EOS DIGITAL 450D, aka Canon EOS Kiss) The photos in the gallery below are shown without processing, on camera JPEG. Everything was removed from the hands using a hood with the stabilizer turned on.

Download source files in format JPEG can at this link (97 files in the '.JPG' format, 500 MB). Part of the photo helped me prepare Anna Ishtar nTr. You can see more examples of pictures in a pleasant tube review here.

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

My experience

I really like Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6. There is nothing superfluous in it, while there is a much-desired image stabilizer.

For amateur photographers who don’t need different charms of modern original lenses, Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 can give a huge scope for creativity.

I safely recommend Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 as an inexpensive telephoto to all amateur photographers.

In general, Tamron DI SP 70-300mm F / 4-5.6 VC USD A005 will be better, but not enough to overpay almost 2 times.

Who has thoughts on why Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 was discontinued and why there is still no replacement for the lens, write in the comments.

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Prices

You can look at the real prices for Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 in popular online stores at the following links:

Prices for modern Sigma telephoto lenses can be viewed here.

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 is on sale less and less. At the same time, older models Sigma DG 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 и Sigma APO DG 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 continue to produce and sell to this day, prices for which can be viewed in the price block located below:
All prices Sigma AF 70-300mm F4.0-5.6 APO MACRO DG

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6


All 70-300 Class Full Frame Lenses with Stabilizer

Sigma

Tamron

Canon (EF, EF-S)

Nikon (F, FX)

Sony (E, FE)

The names of the lenses are indicated according to the inscription on their body.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment.

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6, front lens enlightenment

Results

Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 is a balanced lens, I recommend.

Main advantages

  • the lowest cost among other similar lenses. Many offers in the secondary market
  • nice built-in image stabilizer
  • good ratio for macro photography, which is 1: 3.9
  • normal / good build quality, the hood is supplied, light weight, small size, small diameter of the filters
  • image quality comparable to other original similar lenses of the same era
  • 9 aperture blades, fairly flat discs of blur
  • good contrast and color reproduction, resistant to flare, low amount of chromatic aberration, slight distortion

The main disadvantages

  • ordinary micro focusing motor instead of an ultrasonic motor (or similar) that other similar lenses use
  • loud noise during auto focus
  • not fast enough auto focus (but not slow too)
  • rotation of the focus ring during autofocus and, as a result, lack of the function of constant manual focus control
  • rotation of the front lens and the frame for the filters during focusing (inconvenience when using polarists and other specific filters)
  • lengthening the front of the frame (trunk) during focusing
  • slight drop in resolution with increasing focal length
  • strange gimbal behavior ('always on', etc.), lack of gimbal mode switch
  • the zoom ring rotates in the opposite direction (inconvenience for those who have original Canon zoom lenses)
  • It is possible to independently change the focal length and focusing distance (in position M) under its own weight
  • focusing accuracy is lost while changing the focal length
  • strong 'Focus Breathing' effect (changes in viewing angle during focusing)
  • obsolete model that is difficult to find on sale with a guarantee
  • there may be incompatibility with some cameras and / or teleconverters (no exact data)

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval.

Add a comment:

 

 

Comments: 99, on the topic: Overview of Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6

  • Alexey

    Another similar lens was discovered on Sigma. 70-210 mm f3.5-4.5 APO Macro, in two versions, the first is trombone, the second is similar to the 70-300 version of the APO Macro. This lens was no longer updated. I bought the mk2 version, the first one is also sold on Avito, I need to buy it and write a review on them, because there is practically no information on them on the Internet.

  • Liana

    Lens Sigma 70-300 mm f4-5.6 APO DG Macro. Pentax mount.

    I'm selling a lens left over from my father.

    Buyers ask whether it, which was on a Pentax camera, will fit other cameras: Sony, Canon, Nicon?

    Thanks in advance for the consultation

Add a comment

Copyright © Radojuva.com. Blog author - Photographer Arkady Shapoval. 2009-2024

English-version of this article https://radojuva.com/en/2017/06/sigma-dg-os-70-300mm-4-5-6/

Version en español de este artículo https://radojuva.com/es/2017/06/sigma-dg-os-70-300mm-4-5-6/