Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 SLD DG Macro Review

I had high hopes on the Signa 70-300mm zoom because of its price and zoom range. After buying the lens I started reading reviews online. I should have done the before buying the lens although sometimes they're not all accurate. This time they were right.

The lens is great at the lower end of the zoom range, 70mm. Everything is crystal sharp and clear. The problem begins at the longest focal length, 300mm. I can't get a sharp focused photo even on a very stable Manfrotto tripod using a wireless camera trigger. That's disappointing because I really need a "big" lens sometimes. I'm 100 days from retirement & can't afford another lens so I'm stuck with a limited use big zoom lens.

Perhaps it's worth selling it on Bob? Someone may be looking for that lens for the shorter range perhaps.

That may be a possibility Azz. I could add to what I may get & look at a different lens, like the nikon 70-300.

The non VR 70-300mm lens isn't all that expensive.

Take a look on ebay.

Bazza

And, for good reason.
NoBody who knows better wants one.

The Nikkor VR version is far better and the Nikkor 80-400 much better than that.

I would call the dealer and see if they would take it back for credit against a Sigma 50-500 or 150-500 OS.

RRRoger

I have owned the non 70-300mm Nikon lens and now own the VR version. What you havn't taken into consideration is the price difference £80 against £350. I actually found the non VR version for the price was good value, but I do agree I prefer the version I have now.

The other lens 80-400mm you quote is around £1400 so is bound to be better, but you could say the Nikon 200-400 mm lens is better again at £4600 using this arguement.

I was quoting the cheapest Nikon 70-300mm lens available in the market as a starting off point.

Realspeed

Sorry to hear you're not happy with the results Bob.

When you say you "can't get a sharp focused photo"...Is it the sharpness of the image you're not happy with or do you think you (or it) is missing focus somehow ?

Is it better or worse at particular apertures ?

Perhaps you could post some of the images you're unhappy with ?