Photoclubalpha

Hi all I have had my Sony A200 for about 5 months now, When I first bought it I bought a £40.00 Sigma 100-300 mm to go on it as I mainly do Aviation photography and I needed somthing quick for an upcoming show. Now to say this lens (I Should have guessed by the pice) isnt up to much is an understatement, Its very soft at full length and not really sharp at the 100mm end it also hunts like nobodies business in anything but strong sunight.

Any way enough moaning as much as I would love to get the 70-300mm G SSM my budget (girlfriend) wont let me get it so Im looking for a lens that will be sharp all the way though the range, Now the budget part comes in to play here I have heard good reviews about the Sigma 70-300 APO DI Macro super wajmacallit, but the thoughtof me using it for about 10 minuites and then my AF Stripping the gears does scare me a bit so what im asking is there an updated version of this lens or would Tamaron be a better option for an equivelent lens, ( I have ruled out the sony 75-300 as I have heard ba tings about it).

Any way sorry about the ambling first post and I look forward to picking up some hints whil im here

The Sony cheap 75-300mm actually is not bad. The Tamron, like the Sigma, has a wider real aperture through most of its range. It is not very fast focusing (but nor is the Sigma). Sigma will no doubt release an HSM version of the 70-300mm macro but you don't want to wait a year. I am not aware of any specific gear-stripping stories from the A200 - most seem to relate to the A100 (different AF methods) and the A700 (very powerful drive). The A200 has a fast drive but it may not be quite as torquey as the A700. Sigma has had back repeated lens failures from people whose cameras don't seem to like the lens, but - obviously - no lenses back from those who find the lens lasts for ever (like Sonolta, using it on many cameras).

It is your risk. The Sigma APO DG is the best optical choice, no doubt, for the money. If it fails, Sigma will replace it, a phone call to their UK offices and you speak directly to the management or service dept, no messing around. You have your cheap Sigma as a back up, keep it, don't sell it - after all, the gears have survived on that one! Get the APO Sigma, trust the UK warranty, and try it.

David

Isn't the Sigma 70-300 also 1:2 macro? I was pretty impressed by that, could come in handy

Matt_Atkinson wrote:Isn't the Sigma 70-300 also 1:2 macro? I was pretty impressed by that, could come in handy

That's right...

Thanks for the tips guys, Looks like its the Sigma then , for a 'cheap' lens it gives some cracking shots if the photos on here are anything to go by.

Thanks for the help.

Damned Sonolta guy...
Another one:

Yeap, only "images" showing Don. But that's OK, probably you have posted those pictures earlier (joking)

BTW RJudge, where did you hear bad things on SAL75300 ?

I see the images Don, but it may be cached ones...

Dr. Harout wrote:Yeap, only "images" showing Don. But that's OK, probably you have posted those pictures earlier (joking)

BTW RJudge, where did you hear bad things on SAL75300 ?

I cant remember what sites now as it was when I was researching what DSLR to buy or maybe I have got the wrong end of the stick with it.

Now I see them, thanks.
BTW, any news from your A700?