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Sigma 70-300mm ~ APO vs non-APO?
tipsinartok
Registered Users Posts: 61 Big grins
I just got some unexpected cash for Christmas and I really want to spend it on a lens. I did post another thread before Christmas about camera gear to get and was given suggestions for books, DVD's, etc. since my budget is small. I ended up getting a couple of books. But with a family and all the other expenses that come into play, it's rare for me to have a chunk of cash to spend all at once, whereas it's easier to occasionally buy another book. So I'd like to spend this on a lens. I'd like a telezoom, as that's where I tend to feel the most limited right now. The Canon 55-250mm was suggested in the other thread, but I haven't found a used one within my budget (I have about $200 to spend, though could likely add in a bit more if needed, though not too much, we have a baby coming in less than two months. And saving up for a nicer one just doesn't happen, the money ends up getting spent on something else needed with the intention to pay myself back and so on and so forth.)
I have been reading about the Sigma 70-300mm, and wonder if it might be a good one to go for? I can get a brand new one, non-APO, for $190, or a new APO one for just over $300. Not sure if the APO one is feasible for us right now, but I can't figure out what the difference between the two really is. I don't need a lens for taking pro quality shots or anything, I just want a lens that will take decent pictures for going out to the zoo, or that I can take shots of the little juncos that visit our back yard, or the cool mushrooms growing in the trees in the forest nearby. Personal shots, really. Is the non-APO version worth it, or am I better off trying to hold off a little longer and keeping an eye out for the Canon one mentioned above?
I have been reading about the Sigma 70-300mm, and wonder if it might be a good one to go for? I can get a brand new one, non-APO, for $190, or a new APO one for just over $300. Not sure if the APO one is feasible for us right now, but I can't figure out what the difference between the two really is. I don't need a lens for taking pro quality shots or anything, I just want a lens that will take decent pictures for going out to the zoo, or that I can take shots of the little juncos that visit our back yard, or the cool mushrooms growing in the trees in the forest nearby. Personal shots, really. Is the non-APO version worth it, or am I better off trying to hold off a little longer and keeping an eye out for the Canon one mentioned above?
Please don't be afraid to critique my photos, I'm here to learn and get better.
Canon XS with kit lens, 50mm f/1.8, 55-250mm f/5-5.6, 420EX external flash
Canon XS with kit lens, 50mm f/1.8, 55-250mm f/5-5.6, 420EX external flash
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KEH.com
... then "Digital", then "Canon Digital", then "Zoom Lenses"
An "APO" lens is an abbreviation for "apochromatic" and means that extra lens elements are used to control the color qualities of the lens, particularly the color convergence and chroma aberration. Sigma is somewhat more prone to using the term than other manufacturers with the same technology, so it's not like a Sigma APO lens is automatically that much better than, for instance, a Tamron "SP" designated lens. It does generally mean the better Sigma lenses however, so you can use it as a determinant designation of a higher quality Sigma lens, especially against Sigma lenses without the term.
The Canon 55-250mm probably has the best center sharpness wide open, and it also has IS, which will help in some situations.
None of the mentioned lenses are very good indoor lenses, especially if you lack an external flash with an AF assist light. None are going to work well with fast moving subjects either. Still, the Canon 55-250mm is probably a pretty good value amongst these choices. The only problem with the lens is a rather low-end construction, i.e. it won't take a lot of abuse.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Please use the Flea Market and appropriate sub-forum for buying/selling items. It's OK to mention the item in another thread but do confine any discussion into the Flea Market area.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
JohnRog, I'll e-mail you but it may still be out of my price range because of the aforementioned taxes, etc., when shipping across the border.
Canon XS with kit lens, 50mm f/1.8, 55-250mm f/5-5.6, 420EX external flash
You might want to PM Ann McRae about shipping to Canada from the states. I think I remember a number of threads that she has been involved in that say the faster shipping via UPS is actually cheaper than ground because of NO SEPARATE BROKERAGE FEES. I am in the US and thus have no personal experience.
Jane B.
Another decent (for the money) 70-300 lens is the Tamron 70-300. B&H currently has it for $164.95; used ones can be had for a good bit cheaper than that.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423725-REG/Tamron_AF017C700_70_300mm_f_4_5_6_Di_LD.html
One of the neat things about it is that it will do 1:2 (half life-sized) closeups.
HTH,
Heather
My pics
"He who cannot dance will say: "The drum is bad!" --African proverb.