Posted to Lenses 2009-09-06
If you have always wanted to take quality close-up images but you don't want to pay the high price for your manufacturers macro lens, then you may want to check out the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO. While this lens is by no means the lightest of the lenses with a macro classification, it offers users a wealth of features that are commonly found on lenses that cost two to three times as much. With a rugged build, and budget friendly price, the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO may just end up being your go to lens for a variety of different shooting situations. The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO works with any corresponding AF Mount, allowing owners of nearly any digital or film SLR the ability to capture the perfect image on a budget. Weighing 25.2 ounces this lens can provide a minimum aperture of f/32 with a minimum focusing distance of 15.7 inches. This lens also offers users a maximum magnification 1:3.8 in macro mode making it great for those who prefer to capture the detailed close-up shots regardless of where life may take them.
FeaturesThe Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO provides some unique features that are sure to please the digital photographer on a budget. The lens is made up of 13 elements in 14 groups and includes two special low dispersion (SLD) glass elements, one Glass Mold Aspherical and two Hybrid Aspherical lenses that help to correct aberrations that can be common in images. This allows the lens to deliver a high level of optical performance for those who demand performance at a budget price. This lens also includes a Super Multi Layer Coating that helps to reduce the reflections that can be caused by the digital image sensor. The most unique feature to this lens is its Dual Focus system. Unlike other lenses, this feature requires two different settings to be changed before the lens can be focused manually. This makes the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO easier to hold while auto focusing and provides a large focus ring which makes manually focusing much easier. PerformanceWhile the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO provides a decent image for the price, it is not without its flaws. Many have complained about how loud the auto focus mechanism is in this lens and the fact that the manual focus ring can be quite difficult to turn. While it is claimed that the ring will loosen up over time, it is hard to get around the noise of the auto focus, which can be quite a hindrance to use, especially if you prefer to capture shots of things that may spook easily. The lens hood that this lens comes with is also noted by many as nearly useless, particularly since it is much smaller than the hoods that come with lens that cost much more. This makes your images quite susceptible to lens flare which can render potential images useless. The worst part of this lens is the fact that it does not seem to deliver the sharp images at the aperture of f/2.8 that this lens claims to deliver. Many have found that at the maximum focal length of 70mm, an f/2.8 renders images completely useless, and only delivers somewhat useable images at an f/4. SummaryIn conclusion, if you are considering a new lens that can provide you with decent features at a budget friendly price, then you may want to check out the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO. While image quality is decent, its performance is hindered by a loud auto focus mechanism, hard to turn manual focus ring and nearly useless images at the lenses marketed aperture of f/2.8. If your budget is your main focus, and you don't mind these flaws, then the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO may be the way to go. Pros
Cons
Related LinksSigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM: |
