Sigma AF 70-200mm f/2.8 EX OS HSM (FX) - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (full format)
Article Index
Introduction
Analysis
Sample Images & Verdict

Page 3 of 3

Sample Shots

The following sample shots were taken with a D3x and RAW-converted via CaptureOne.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).

Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 200.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/1000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 70.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 160.0mm
Aperture: f/5.0
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 200.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 185.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 185.0mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Exposure 1/1600s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 185.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 200.0mm
Aperture: f/7.1
Exposure 1/100s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 200.0mm
Aperture: f/5.0
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 200.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 105.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 86.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1600s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 82.0mm
Aperture: f/7.1
Exposure 1/250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 200.0mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 140.0mm
Aperture: f/6.3
Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 160.0mm
Aperture: f/4.5
Exposure 1/1600s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 200.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/5000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 70.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 130.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/7.1
Exposure 1/200s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 200.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1600s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 140.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/800s

Verdict

The Sigma AF 70-200mm f/2.8 EX OS HSM delivers very good to excellent sharpness at the image center and mostly very good sharpness across the frame throughout most of the focal range. At the longest focal length, however, the results at the image borders and corners are disappointing at large aperture settings.

Vignetting is somewhat pronounced at f/2.8, but no longer an issue stopped down. CAs as well as distortion are moderate. The bokeh is very smooth and being an APO lens there is almost no bokeh fringing.

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.

Compared to the "big boys", Canon's and Nikon's reference zoom lenses, the Sigma performs on a similar level in many regards, but clearly lacks sharpness at the image borders at the long end of the zoom range. In addition, it also shows pronounced focus breathing, which means the focal length is reduced considerably at close focus distances (however, this is also true for the current Nikon 70-200/2.8 VR II lens). If the lack of border resolution is not an issue, the Sigma lens offers a nice high-end package for significantly less money.

Optical Quality:    
★★★★★
Mechanical Quality:
★★★★★
Price/Performance:
★★★★★

Click here for an explanation of our star ratings


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