Sigma 70-300mm SLD DG Macro Review

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 SLD DG Macro Lens with built in motor for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras Review

I think its fair to say that no one should expect a 70-300mm lens, in a sub $200 price range to match the performance of a prime lens, or $2000 zoom. In this light I have to say that a week into playing with this budget lens, I am starting to warm up to it.

In the past months, I have been busy falling in love with my Nikkor 85mm 1.8g, which is one of the sharpest lenses that Nikon currently offers.  When I first put the Sigma 70-300mm on my D5100, I just felt like all the color had been sucked out of my photos.  Aside from the loss in sharpness, the contrast and rich color depth of the 85mm was lacking. I thought, how can I use any of these shots.

Nikon 85mm 1.8g vs Sigma 70-300mm ( Sigma Right )

Nikon 85mm 1.8g vs Sigma 70-300mm ( Sigma Right )

Shoot Underexposed

Today was my first day of full sun with the Sigma, and it performed much better in these conditions.  At least on my body I noticed that I had to set the exposure compensation to -1EV almost consistently as the lens seemed wash out the highlights otherwise.  It seemed to just perform better, and I cant explain why. ( I watch the histogram to get to this point )

After playing with some birds in the trees, I realized I can both hunt flying creatures with my can, and dive into micro-macro worlds on the same shoot.  This was liberating.

Macro Results

The macro shots came out the best, so I am going to post these for now.

For a $179 macro, and super tele all in one, I am quite stoked so far.

Available in Canada, here