Review Sigma 70-200 mm 2.8 APO EX DG OS (C APS-C)
The Sigma 70-200 mm 2.8 EX DG OS HSM, summarized Sigma 70-200 mm 2.8 OS, is also a popular lens in combination with a camera with an image sensor of the APS-C format. Due to the crop factor, it does become another lens than when a 70-200 is used on a full frame camera. Thus, its use in cases such as weddings might be less worthwhile. Sigma is the only supplier of a 70-200 with built-in image stabilization not tied to a camera brand with the Sigma 70-200 mm 2.8 OS.
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Construction and autofocus |
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The lens is made of a high-quality type of plastic, and the mount is made of metal. The whole feels solid, but the Sigma is not splash proof, in contrast to the Canon 70-200 mm 2.8. Both the zoom ring and the focus ring rotate smoothly without play. The filter does not rotate during focusing. The lens includes a large lens hood and a handy tripod mount. Assembling and disassembling of this collar can happen without taking the lens of the camera. The autofocus is of the HSM type. Focusing with a Canon 7D is not very fast; from 15 meters to 1.50 meters in 0.52 seconds. Focusing is sufficiently quiet and in low light, the camera rarely commutes.
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Image stabilization |
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The effectiveness of the built-in image stabilization is measured at a focal length of 200 mm. The focal length equivalent, because of the crop factor, is 320 mm. The gain amounts to just over 3 stops. By installing the image stabilization, the Sigma has become much more universal than its predecessor.
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Vignetting |
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Vignetting in stops is low to very low at all focal lengths and apertures. |
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Distortion |
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The distortion, expressed as a percentage, is on an average value at the 3 focal lengths measured. This will rarely be annoying in practice, also because of the scope of this lens.
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Flare |
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In strong backlight, we see all kinds of flare and light spots.
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Resolution |
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The resolution, expressed in lines/sensor height, already reaches a good value at f/4.0 in the center at 70 mm. The corners have good values at f/5.6. At 135 mm, the entire image from corner to corner is very sharp even at f/2.8 and stopping down further is not necessary. At 200 mm, it is necessary to work at f/5.6 in order to obtain an optimal resolution in the corners. Click on the image to view the Imatest details. |
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Chromatic aberration |
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At this Sigma, the chromatic aberration is low and does not need to be removed with software. Click on the image to view the Imatest details. |
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Conclusion
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Sigma 70-200 mm 2.8 APO EX DG OS
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Look at our list of tested lenses to compare the performances of this lens to other lenses. |
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Pros
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Cons
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The Sigma 70-200/2.8 APO EX DG OS is relatively lightweight and is provided with an effective image stabilization. Both vignetting and distortion are kept well within boundaries. The resolution is high at most aperture/focal length combinations and the chromatic aberration is low. The AF is somewhat slow and the lens is not splash-proof. The recommended retail price of the Sigma 70-200 mm 2.8 OS is remarkably favorable and this Sigma is a good alternative to the Canon 70-200 mm/2.8 L IS MK2.
