Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6

[maybetomorrow]

Hello, everyone!

Lately, I've been shooting quite a lot with my Canon EOS1000D / kit lens.
So I've been thinking about buying a new lens that has bigger zoom since 55mm seems quite insufficient to me. I've chosen this Sigma lens since it has a 300mm zoom and rather good aperture values. What I'm concerned about is that it is said to be a macro lens and I don't really know whether this lens is supposed to be used only for close-ups or not.
Another issue is the lack of image stabilization. When shooting with a 18mm lens it doesn't really matter that much but with 300mm I guess it does.

I would greatly appreciate if you dropped a line.

Thank you!

[tailora]

hello!

i have used this lens ( for a nikon) but that doenst make a difference really. i would say two things.

1) use a tripod or monopod for the longer zooms it will REALLY help out!
2) do not be shy of getting a lens with no VR or IS on it. for years people have been shooting without this technology and their photos are superb!.

also the macro on this lens is o.k., i would not go as far as saying its FANTASTIC. if you want to do macro photography purchase the 100mm canon has i believe.

hope that helps!

[Saralonde]

This lens has some macro capabilities, but it is not a true macro lens. It just enables you to do a little close-up photography. It also does not have Image Stabilization. For that you'd need to spend a little more. It is, however, a decent budget lens. It is limited in it's capabilities, but for the price it does a respectable job.

If you get it, make sure you get the APO version.

Here is some info about that lens.

[LoveDSLR]

Personally I prefer the new Simga 70-300 OS Sigma - Lenses or Canon 70-300 IS.

BTW, it is not a true 1:1 macro lens but a close focusing lens (1:4.1) Sigma - Lenses .

[maybetomorrow]

Thank you very much for all the comments!

Can somebody explain how are the APO version and the normal one different?
Also what about the sharpness of the lens. I've read comments by people who say that it is very very soft at 250-300mm.

Thank you once again .

[LoveDSLR]

Lens makers use special glass for their premium lenses. Sigma has APO, Canon has Fluorite and Nikon has ED.

You can read about APO here Sigma - Lenses - Overview.

I'll avoid buying the low end version of 70-300 from Canon, Nikon and Sigma.