Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
This is a nice lens that is a bargain for the money. It's a bit soft at 2.8, but becomes *very* sharp by f5.6. It's heavy, but not as heavy as Nikon's equivalent.
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
I was looking for a lens that would not break the bank so I took a chance with Sigma. Before this I used only Nikon lens but the Nikon lens was almost double the price. I had hands on experience with the Nikon lens prior to purchasing the Sigma. I can deal with the differences between the two products. Sigma put the zoom ring at the back of the lens (I just need to get use to it) and some people say it is heavy. I used to shoot with a F3 so the weight is not an issue. Other than that, I find the focus quick and sharp. The only con I have is there is not a manual focus option.
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
First let me comment on Abe's of Maine, Fast and Excellent sevice. As for the 70-200mm F/2.8 Sigma, no problems, Sharp. AF on this lens is quick and quiet.
Now I do have this lens mounted on a D700, the perfomance and accuracy in low light from this lens is right on target.
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
Great budget alternative to a Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR. For the price you get a very well built zoom, fast autofocusing (not as fast as the Nikkor though), very sharp image quality when stopped down to f/4-f/8 though it's a heavy lens and OS would have been nice to help with slow shutter speeds. The Sigma is a great alternative for those looking for a 70-200mm f/2.8 on a budget!
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
Great prime lens. Very fast AF. IQ is awesome
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
I had a problem with this lens as expected with Sigma QC problem on focusing issue. I sent it in for repair, and 3 weeks later, the lens is awesome. I guess it's what it takes when buying 3rd party lens instead paying way more for Nikon.
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
This lens has a very bad front focus problem and is more obvious at longer focal length, since depth of field is the shallowest there. i read bad reviews about the front focus problem with this lens, but though i should at least give it a try since it's so much cheaper than nikon's. the reviews are true!!! i returned this lens and bought the nikon one instead and couldn't be happier.
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
As much as I love this lens for its fast focus and sharpness, it has a severe front-focusing issue which becomes more noticeable with the focal length. Like a lot of the reviewers said, Sigma definitely has a quality control issue. Some people are lucky enough to get a good copy on the first try, but I wasn't...
I ended up spending 2.5x and bought a nikon 70-200mm instead.
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
Ordered from Abe's on Wed. [...]Best price on the Web. This lens is great. Sharp as a tack wide open. Close min. focus distance a big plus. HSM blazing fast.Build quality is A+. Took portraits of my daughter for prom and they are all tack sharp and nice color rendition. This is my first Sigma but not my last. This is now the best lens in my bag.
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
This lens is absolutely amazing! fast focusing, easily interchangeable, sturdy, great image quality, depth of field is perfect! I couldn't be happier with the Lens.[...]
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
There is nothing better for the money.
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
Excellent lens, great for the price. I can't say anything bad about it. Though I wish I could afford the F2.8 Nikon VR lens.[...].
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
Great product, very satisfied with the lens! I used to shoot with the Nikon VR equiv, and this matches up to the Nikon brand.
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
We use this lens for sports photography--basketball and motocross. Prior to purchasing this lens, we used a Sigma 28-300 lens with our new Nikon D90. That lens had a great zoom range, but couldn't focus well in low-light conditions inside a gym. This lens focuses quickly and takes very sharp pictures of our motocross friend. At half the price of the Nikon 2.8 zoom, this lens is a real bargain.
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
This lens is one of the best that I have used.It's easy to use and very handy to take pictures from far away to up close, Very happy with this lens. Abe's of Maine is one web-site that I will use for a long time to come..Great people to deal with, very profesional with the product that they sell.Just started to use the lens,and monopod. But when installed monopod on lens the screw broke off in it. [...]
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
I've used other Sigma gear prior to this, and I am quite happy with their products, that is why I got this when it came out. This is a great lens, with it, at its constant F/2.8, HSM and fast and quite auto focus, I am able to take great shots of my girls at their gymnastics events that I couldn't take before, especially so close. And for the price, less than half the price of the Nikon VR version, it is a great buy.
The only 2 reasons I gave 4 stars instead of full 5, is because it does not have OS, which Nikon calls VR and Cannon calls (IS ?), and I didn't really use it outside of gymnastics yet, so not sure how it will perform, but research and reviews from other photographers show it to be great glass and takes sharp pictures. So, my advise! if you want one, go ahead and get it, you wont regret it. And with the money you save from not getting the $1600 nikkor, you can get a 2x Sigma AF teleconverter, and more :)
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
I was looking at getting a Nikon 70-200mm, but decided I should save my money and get the Sigma instead at half the price. I have found that this lens is perfect for the price. It doesn't have the panning option on it, or a VR system, but with the f/2.8 it does just what I need it to. The lens is very sharp in its mid range, but somewhat soft at 200mm. Still better than the Nikon 55-200mm VR lens at 200mm though. The HSM autofocus system is very fast, and is one reason that I went with this lens instead of the comparable Tamron 70-200. My advice is if you are on a tight budget and want a 70-200 lens that has great optical quality for a great price, go with the Sigma. You won't regret your decision. If you have some extra cash burning a hole in your pocket, and need the absolute best quality you can get, go with the Nikon. Overall, the Sigma is a great lens and I am very happy with my choice.
Comments about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for Nikon:
A hefty lens with all the quiet, quality attributes a photogapher can appreciate. Love it.