Sigma website mentions that the Sony version of this lens does not have OS feature. Is it true? Does that affect the performance?
454178
I have a Canon. Not sure about Sony. Most Sony DSLRs have "in body" stabilization therefore no need to have it in the lens I guess. Mine has stabilization built in the lens.
454179
Sony camera bodies have built in stabilization and hence provide stabilization to all lenses fitted to the camera. As a result you do not need lens stabilization for lenses fitted with the Sony mount, so missing this feature in the lens for a Sony camera should not affect performance in this respect.
1831371
There is a Fotodiox or chinese adapter for this lens to a Sony E mount but there are tradeoffs. First, there is no electronic control which means no AF, no Aperture adjustment, and no lems recognition. The second and more pressing issue is heavy vignetting/ blackout due to the image circle on this lens being designed for a Micro Four Thirds sensor vs a APS-C sensor. If you can live with that, it's a great lens.
1183536
I have not had a chance to compare both but this sigma is the first non canon lens I have put in my bag. Have 6 different ones and the sigma is a great value. I have not regretted it.
616752
First, it's not a Nikon. There is a chance that it may not fully functional properly on future Nikon models. The new Sigma ART series can have firmware updated after release, this could solve the problem. Secondly, I have had slight out of focus problems. But this might not the problem of the lens: the camera has to detect the focus difference and send a signal to the lens. If the camera fails to detect the difference at a particular point, it will not send any signal to the lens. And you will have a focus problem for that shot. Therefore, the problem might not relate to the lens after all. Overall I have 99% positive experience. As for the rest of 1%, I would argue that's is true for any lens you purchase, even for a $1,500 Nikon lens.
75253
http://www.flickr.com/groups/d40slr/discuss/72157602509321717/?search=sigma+vs.+nikoni know it's been a while but that may give some insight.i have the sigma version and it's great value for the price paid.
1087492
Yes it is. The new version has OS and I would recommend it. The lens is heavy and slow, but for nature and outdoor versatility it rocks. I am not a professional but the images quality is very good.
827134
Both lenses share the same drawback: There's no constant aperture throughout the zoom range. This is a bummer if you want to zoom in during lowlight situations, because the aperture gets smaller the more you zoom. That said, the Sigma lens is certainly a step up. It's aperture is wider than the kit lens, so it performs better in dim light. And I'm surprised by how much I've enjoyed the macro feature. When I shoot videos of my kids, they run right up to the camera and I can keep them in focus no matter how close they get.I've had the Sigma for about a year and it's on my camera all the time. If you can get one for a good price, I'd say go for it. Both lenses share the same drawback: There's no constant aperture throughout the zoom range. This is a bummer if you want to zoom in during lowlight situations, because the aperture gets smaller the more you zoom. That said, the Sigma lens is certainly a step up. It's aperture is wider than the kit lens, so it performs better in dim light. And I'm surprised by how much I've enjoyed the macro feature. When I shoot videos of my kids, they run right up to the camera and I can keep them in focus no matter how close they get.I've had the Sigma for about a year and it's on... » Read More Both lenses share the same drawback: There's no constant aperture throughout the zoom range. This is a bummer if you want to zoom in during lowlight situations, because the aperture gets smaller the more you zoom. That said, the Sigma lens is certainly a step up. It's aperture is wider than the kit lens, so it performs better in dim light. And I'm surprised by how much I've enjoyed the macro feature. When I shoot videos of my kids, they run right up to the camera and I can keep them in focus no matter how close they get.I've had the Sigma for about a year and it's on my camera all the time. If you can get one for a good price, I'd say go for it. « Show Less
710056
Well I may be muddling the water but I just called Sony and asked this question. The Lady I talked to said they still ship this lens without the new firmware and when purchased you must send it back to get the update. Doesn't make sense but its the only answer I could get.
1199011
My opinion goes against some other comments. I use a Sigma 150-500 and Sigma 70-300 (the newer version) on my D7100, shooting motorsports, where the speeds reached are quite a bit higher than kids playing football, and the focusing speed is very good, especially on the 120-300. I've never lost a shot due to slow focus, even when panning as the cars go by at 150mph+. I've used the 20-700 Sigma, and it's even a bit faster.
1966949
I almost decided in favor of Sigma, but then I realized that Sigma is made for a crop camera only. While I'm not looking to buy an FF one any time soon, when I do, it will be costly, so I wouldn't have the money to follow it up with expensive lenses, not to mention that a good prime is a good prime, which I expect to last me a long while... So that is becoming a big drawback for me...
833868
I may very well be in this very situation. I have ordered this lens used from a private seller thru Amazon.com. It was sold under the heading of being an OS system lens. However I have reason to believe it is not. I believe that 'Pastor Aguiar' has purchased the older model of this lens which is sold thru Amazon.com with no AF listed in the posted add. However it does have AF. I am guessing that the lens only has a limiting switch on the side and no OS or AF switches. Judging from the date or your posted question, I bet that I am a little late with this answer.
1756270
No personal experience with the Tamron, but sure it is excellent as well. I really like my Sigma and have no issues with it at all. Look up Matt Granger on YouTube for an excellent comparison on Nikon, Sigma and Tamron versions of this lens.
2071193
Yes. It is WAY better in every aspect. Although it costs a bit more, the image quality is much higher with the Sony lens. The Sigma is very soft, especially above 300mm. I tried the Sigma and was not satisfied with the images. My Sony 70-400 never disappoints.
1451391
Matthew, Sigma has released information of a replacement lens which will hit the market towards the end of March. the lens is priced at $499 and boasts significant upgrades to almost every aspect of the lens. With that being said the price of this version of the lens has been slashed (lucky people like me found it for $289). I would consider your need for this type of lens. Most of the bad reviews come from earlier models of this particular version (matted black Vs smooth black). The defective lens's rightfully so get poor reviews, however the functioning models get high praise. I have tested the sharpness and autofocus and my unit is perfectly fine. I decided that $500 was too much for a new lens and $289 was a bargain for its older brother. If you look around you may still find that clearance price. I hope this helped!
543320
I had the 1.8 and switched to the sigma and LOVE IT!! My pictures are more colorful and sharper plus I love the depth of field!!!
341413
Hi, this lens does not have image stabilization. I bought it because I needed a wide angle lens and the Sigma brand is a very good alternative to the expensive Canon lenses. Hope this helps answer your question.
274733
Hello, This lens was discontinued by Sigma some time ago. We do have a used one in great condition in it's original box currently listed on Amazon.Thanks, Chadd