Joined in 2023 
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It is a little bulky compared to the Pentax 55-300 but not so much that I would consider an issue for me. Best sharpness is a stop or two down from wide open. It has long been a popular choice amongst budget-conscious photographers looking to cover this popular range. This latest version does away with the macro functionality of previous versions in favour of an optical stabilisation system that promises to provide sharper shots at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than normal. Strong light sources in the frame will cause a little flare, spreading from the light across the image centre. Typically this lens controls flare pretty well throughout the zoom range, with only feint green and amber ghosts appearing in extreme circumstances. Light sources just outside the frame cause few issues, with contrast being reduced a little in extreme circumstances. The supplied lens hood virtually eliminates this, so I would tend to leave it fitted at all times.
Physically identical to it’s cheaper, non APO sister lens with the first 12mm given over to accommodate the AF/MF switch situated on the left of the barrel, the next third is occupied by the zoom ring which is marked at 70, 100, 135, 200 and 300mm. Although not hard to move, you do know you are moving a fair amount of glass as the front element travels forward some 55mm through the range.
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The lens is quite lightweight and feels at home on full-frame as well as cropped sensor DSLRs. It is mostly constructed of plastic, which is typical for lenses of this price point. The plastics used are high in quality and the lens feel very well put together. The metal lens mount will stand up to many lens changes. A powder coated finish has been applied to the barrel of the lens and this looks very smart out of the box. From my own experience I know this coating is prone to showing marks under normal use, so it may not look so smart in time, depending on how you look after it. Sharpness is better at the short end of the range 70-150mm. If there is enough light to keep the aperture in the f8 - f11 range, then images are relatively sharp (for the price of the lens). They do not compare to my Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 but that lens is in a whole different category.
Above and below: Shot at focal lengths of 190mm and 70mm from the same spot. Both at f/8 in aperture priority on a Canon 300D. I was not expecting much from it, as I used the older one mainly with my Film Cameras, due to the A ring and FF capable. My 55-300 was the better replacement for the K-5/K-3 etc etc. this lens is much more better corrected than the Sigma 3.5-4.5/70-210 APO MACRO with unfortunately some visible CAs This lens is one of two virtually identical offerings from Sigma in the extremely popular 70-300 category in which almost all manufacturers have at least one contender. Although still in the budget sector, this one, the APO version, is the better of the two offerings. We take a look at what you get for your money.The Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 DG says it’s a Macro lens so why would you not use it? It’s fun during the summer time when flowers are abundant with provides perfect times to use the Macro feature. The Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 DG Macro handles these types of shots very well. It’s not the best, though in an indoor light box or product shot setting. There is just too much fumbling being up close, for me anyway. I used manual focus and auto and i just did not enjoy the lens in this scenario.
If you want the highest quality stop it down to f10/f11, f8 seems to have a bit softness but wide open f4 its soft but not too bad. This is the least expensive of the Sigma 70-300mm autofocus zoom lenses. It has a macro mode offering 0.5x magnification. Its range is useful for portraiture, amateur sports, and trips to the zoo.Below is our lens test data. To find out how to use these graphs look at this article: How we test lenses With a nice light lens body, it makes for a great companion on an all day hike, or a day at the rodeo when you have the camera to your eye for most of the time. The next part of the barrel has a basic depth-of-field scale marked and, again on the left, carries the switch to enable ‘Macro’ photography. The final 25% of the barrel forms the focus ring, which, in manual focus, is nicely torqued. Once switched to Autofocus, it cannot be over-ridden and becomes stiff for that reason. In normal mode, focussing can extend the lens a further 17mm. There is a red ring around the lens to denote the APO version, which is needed if you have the two lenses side by side! When it comes to using this lens in general, if your camera is too light or you don't have a counterweight by using a metal tripod plate you will struggle to comfortably use this lens, I use a 230g tripod plate to counterweight the body of the camera specifically for heavy lenses like this and it works fantastic. Although if you have a light camera body even with a counterweight you might struggle as when using my K100D nothing helps counter balance the lens and i can only hold the camera for 2 minutes at a time.
the Sigma 70-300 fits right in and does the job i need it to do-when the light is good and you can shoot F8 or better @1000sec this lens is a great lens for budding photographers on a budgetThis is where this APO lens differs from its sister, utilising two extra SLD (special low dispersion) glass elements in the front group, making three in total. SLD glass is denser, accounting for the slight increase in weight over the lesser lens. Despite not being the fastest of lenses, it is still usable in low light conditions. This five bar gate at the end of a country lane was taken at 1/80sec at f/8 and 70mm. ISO400. Canon 1D. I have used this lens quite a bit on my K5 and I like it. I use it in situation where I need different focal for fast subjects. For example, it is very convenient in amusement parks and animal shows. The AF is very fast and pictures are ok. So, I am very satisfied with the results.
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