I only owned two Sigma lenses, hence I cannot speak generally about Sigmas.
However, the 70-210/3.5-4.5 APO Macro I owned for many years (before it was
stolen) was one of my best lenses ever (both mechanically and optically),
and my great appreciation for it was one of the two reasons because I
bought another Sigma lens last year (after using the SMC Pentax F
70-210/4-5.6 for some time).
As someone already knows, my second Sigma lens is the 70-210/2.8 EX
(bought at around $600 from Henry's in Canada).
The second reason for buying the Sigma f/2.8 EX has been it is reputed the
best lens in its class (according to MTF tests), together with the Minolta G
and outperforming Canon/Nikon/Pentax genuine zoom lenses of its kind,
not to speak of Tamron and Tokina.
Some pix here:
http://www.dariobonazza.com/f1_04/02barrich.jpg
http://www.dariobonazza.com/f1_04/08montoya.jpg
http://www.dariobonazza.com/f1_04/09montoya.jpg
http://www.dariobonazza.com/f1_04/13schum.jpg
http://www.dariobonazza.com/bodym04e.htm
http://www.dariobonazza.com/gianna04e.htm
http://www.dariobonazza.com/climb04e.htm
http://www.dariobonazza.com/bris04/bris21.jpg
http://www.dariobonazza.com/bris04/bris22.jpg
http://www.dariobonazza.com/pal04/pal02.jpg
http://www.dariobonazza.com/pal04/pal04.jpg
http://www.dariobonazza.com/pal04/pal11.jpg
http://www.dariobonazza.com/trig05/trig323.jpg
http://www.dariobonazza.com/trig05/trig327.jpg
http://www.dariobonazza.com/trig05/trig341.jpg
http://www.dariobonazza.com/enter05e.htm
http://www.dariobonazza.com/eth052e.htm (except two in the last row, taken
with the 50mm)
http://www.aohc.it/aohcgallery/gall10e.htm
The reason for replacing the Pentax was its slooooowness and its pooooor
focusing performance with the D at 210mm. Yes, I know that many others here
don't think so, but this is my experience with more than one sample of above
Pentax lens. So I replaced it with the Sigma and I never regret of having
done so. Despite owning the Pentax, I've no longer used it lens since I
bought the Sigma, which I find to be a truly fantastic performer. If it only
had SMC on its optical surfaces, I'd probably think of it as the best lens
I've ever owned. Not featuring SMC, I'm unsure which is the best lens I own,
but the Sigma is still one of the candidates, maybe only challenged by the
SMC Pentax 50/1.4 in its A/FA incarnations.
YMMV, of course.
Dario Bonazza
----- Original Message -----
From: "Carlos Royo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2005 3:59 PM
Subject: Re: SV: Dreaming of a fast 70-210mm or 80-200mm AF zoom
Hi Jens:
I am afraid I can't show you any of my shots with the FA* 80-200 2.8, as
so far I have been too lazy to invest some time and effort to look for an
Internet server to exhibit some of my photos.
I also had the chance to "play" with the Sigma 70-200 2.8, it is slightly
sharper than the Tokina, but the Tokina is better built. If you feel you
need a 2.8 zoom, the Tokina is an excellent choice if you don't want to
invest on a Pentax 80-200 2.8
By the way, although I recognize the Sigma Ex 70-200 2.8 looks, feels and
performs as an excellent lens, I personally won't buy any Sigma lenses,
unless my budget is too tight or I don't have other feasible alternatives.
My experience with Sigma lenses hasn't been very encouraging in the past.
Carlos
