Posted to Lenses 2009-12-09
If you are looking to add a lightweight lens with macro capabilities to your DSLR collection and you don't want to fork over your life savings to get it, then you may want to check out the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO. Classified as a budget friendly lens, it offers users a wealth of features that you may expect to find only on its more expensive counterparts. Since it is lighter than most lens in this range it allows you to take it with you wherever you go, making it great for those who are always on the go and don't necessarily want to be weighed down by their camera. The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO works with any corresponding AF Mount making it compatible with nearly any DSLR on the market. The lens only weighs 19.4 ounces and can provide a minimum aperture of f/22 with a minimum focusing distance of 59.1 inches when in macro mode. The lens also offers users a maximum magnification 1:4.1 in standard mode and 1:2 in macro mode making it great for the user who likes to capture the detailed shots when they cannot physically get close enough to do so.
FeaturesThe Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO provides a wide range of features that are sure to please the digital photographer on a budget. The lens is made up of 14 elements in 10 groups, which include two special low dispersion (SLD) glass elements which help with the correction of chromatic aberrations at any point in the zoom range, resulting in high quality images. This lens also includes a multi-layer coating which assists in cutting down on flare and ghosts which are common problems when utilizing digital cameras. This coating also helps to create the best color balance through the lenses entire zoom range. The most unique feature to this lens is its macro shooting capability with a maximum magnification of 1:2. With a flip of a switch the user can activate the macro feature which increases the magnification in the 200mm to 300mm zoom range by allowing the focus ring to travel farther allowing the lens to extend out an additional 14mm with a total extension of 84mm when extended to 300mm. This feature delivers a maximum magnification in the 200mm to 300mm range of 1:29 to 1:2. PerformanceThe Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO performs quite well for a budget friendly lens. Those who spend most of their time capturing portraits, sports, nature or any other subject that most commonly requires the use of a telephoto lens will be pleasantly surprised by the results this lens can deliver for the price. Just be careful when selecting a lens because Sigma offers an identical lens except that the other model does not contain an APO lens. This means it does not come with the two SLD elements that this model does which can result in decreased image quality in its sibling. SummaryIn conclusion, if you are considering a new lens that you can take with you wherever you go without the concern of it feeling like a dead weight by the end of the day then look no further than the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO. With decent specs and built in macro functionality this lens can help you capture the perfect shot when you are physically out of range of your subject. So if you are looking for a lightweight, budget friendly, go anywhere lens, then the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO may just be the one for you. Pros
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