Sample Shots

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Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 98.0mm Aperture: f/2.8 Exposure 1/4000s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 135.0mm Aperture: f/4.5 Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 120.0mm Aperture: f/3.5 Exposure 1/1250s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 70.0mm Aperture: f/3.5 Exposure 1/1250s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 90.0mm Aperture: f/2.8 Exposure 1/1600s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 85.0mm Aperture: f/5.6 Exposure 1/640s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 150.0mm Aperture: f/6.3 Exposure 1/160s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 125 Focal Length 85.0mm Aperture: f/7.1 Exposure 1/200s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 125 Focal Length 85.0mm Aperture: f/5.6 Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 125 Focal Length 90.0mm Aperture: f/4.0 Exposure 1/1250s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 125 Focal Length 102.0mm Aperture: f/4.5 Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 125 Focal Length 150.0mm Aperture: f/4.0 Exposure 1/1250s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 125 Focal Length 135.0mm Aperture: f/4.0 Exposure 1/1000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 160 Focal Length 150.0mm Aperture: f/4.5 Exposure 1/1250s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 160 Focal Length 150.0mm Aperture: f/5.0 Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 160 Focal Length 150.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/400s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 160 Focal Length 150.0mm Aperture: f/2.8 Exposure 1/2500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 160 Focal Length 150.0mm Aperture: f/2.8 Exposure 1/6400s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D7000 ISO Speed 160 Focal Length 150.0mm Aperture: f/2.8 Exposure 1/2000s

Verdict

Image resolution is very high across the frame. Vignetting is a bit pronounced wide open at the longest focal length, but otherwise no issue. Distortion is well controlled and CAs as well as bokeh fringing are very low. The lens delivers very smooth bokeh at large apertures (less so when stopped down).

The build quality of the lens is excellent. Thanks to a HSM drive the autofocus operates very fast and silent. The optical stabilizer allows for up to 3 stops longer shutter speeds in the field and subjectively performs in the same level as Canon's IS and Nikon's VR II implementations. Unfortunately, the lens is quite large, so there is no size advantage that is typical for many other dedicated crop lenses.

So, who is this lens for? Obviously, the Sigma competes with native FX lenses, the high-end 70-200mm f/2.8 zooms. On DX cameras, it offers less magnification at its longest focal length, but adds flexibility at the short end of the zoom range. There are applications, like weddings and concerts, where this makes the lens more attractive to existing DX shooters.

However, one should also be aware of the fact that the Sigma resembles the field of view and depth of field of a 70-200mm f/4 lens on a full frame camera. A 70-200mm f/4 lens on a FX camera is not neccessarily cheaper (especially if one takes the camera into account, too), but offers a less bulky and most likely lighter package.

Still, to those who fit the narrow niche the Sigma aims at, it is highly recommended.

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