Sigma AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO macro - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Canon EOS (APS-C)

Sample Images

Ok, finally here're some sample shots taken with the EOS 350D. These images were converted via Raw Shooter Premium v1.0.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window). Please note that the full-size images are supplied in JPEG2000 format. You should be able to display the images in most modern imaging applications such as Photoshop. This is a measurement to limit the bandwidth which is a scarce resource.

If you prefer to watch the full-size samples in your Internet Explorer browser you may try the JPEG2000 ActiveX Control (Windows) plug-in. I've checked out a few plug-ins for Mozilla/Opera but haven't really found a good one. Firefox will open IE if you install the ActiveX Control above.

Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 70.0mm
Exposure Data: f/8.0 @ 1/800s
Size 2312x3472
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 238.0mm
Exposure Data: f/5.6 @ 1/1000s
Size 3472x2312
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 119.0mm
Exposure Data: f/4.0 @ 1/400s
Size 2312x3472
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 108.0mm
Exposure Data: f/5.6 @ 1/125s
Size 2312x3472

Verdict

The Sigma AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO macro came close to a surprise but it still hasn´t won the cigar. It delivered pretty decent results in most aspects, specifically at 70mm and 200mm, but at 300mm the border resolution is nothing short of dismal - certainly not apochromatic as claimed by Sigma (nor would we really expect that from such a budget lens). Nonetheless you may argue that the center performance of the lens is on a very high level throughout the range and for many tele applications your main subject is often located close to the center so the border problems may not be all that obvious in the real life. As such it still remains an interesting budget solution. If you prefer a sharp border to border quality look elsewhere though ... and prepare yourself to invest quite a bit more.

Optical Quality:    
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:
      
   What does this mean ?


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