My Sigma 70-200 is here

[HPS3]

When I came home from work Friday my Sigma 70-200 f2.8 EX DG APO HSM II non-OS was waiting at the doorstep. I was so excited to open the box. Boy this thing is big and heavy(I am used to shooting with a 35 f1.8). I have not had much time or the chance to use it much because the weather is terrible here in southeast Louisiana. So far I have taken shots around the house. This lens is awesome. The focus is fast and the bokeh us so smooth. The quality of this lens seems top notch, fit and finish feel great. I havent missed the stabilization so far. I have been keeping the shutter around 1/200 inside with my SB600 bouncing. Maybe this week I will get a chance to get some more photos. Here are some I took this weekend.


I'm Driving by Harry Shields, on Flickr


Grace (6/7) by Harry Shields, on Flickr


Who Dat!!! by Harry Shields, on Flickr

 

[ancestry]

Very nice!

 

[HPS3]

Thanks, I am loving this lens.

 

[TC09]

Saw your post in the Nikon thread. Congrats and have fun! I'll hopefully pick up a lens with that focal range soon.

 

[HPS3]

I wish I could have got the Nikon VRII but I couldn't afford it right now. For the price, this lens this lens is great.

 

[ssuriano]

I may shoot a Canon but I LOVE my 70-200! Congrats on the pick up!

 

[HPS3]

I still haven't got the hang of continuous focus. When trying to track subjects(my kids and dogs) my focus isn't always spot on.

 

[crz4mm2]

How close can you get to the subject?
And how heavy is it?
TY!

 

[Snurk71]

Hey, I just ordered the OS version (Canon) today - should have it in hand tomorrow, thanks to free overnight shipping from Beach.

I rented the Canon version (MKII) earlier this summer - it was as big and heavy as advertised. The Sigma is supposed to essentially be the same.

 

[ssuriano]

I still haven't got the hang of continuous focus. When trying to track subjects(my kids and dogs) my focus isn't always spot on.

What auto focus is your camera set on?

 

[HPS3]

How close can you get to the subject?
And how heavy is it?
TY!

It can focus about 3 feet away and it's 3 lbs. Coming from the kit and 35f1.8 it's pretty heavy. The quality seems very good.

 

[HPS3]

What auto focus is your camera set on?

My D5100 is set to AF-C single focus point(dynamic area). Are there any proper techniques to track focus. Also, what about shutter speed while tracking?

 

[ssuriano]

My D5100 is set to AF-C single focus point(dynamic area). Are there any proper techniques to track focus. Also, what about shutter speed while tracking?

I'm not too familiar with Nikons but I'd imagine you can set your AF to AF Servo so that is will readjust the focus to the focus point you've selected. As for shutter speed that's all going to be based off what aperture you are using and what the shooting conditions are.

Edit: AF Servo is called AF-C on your camera.

 

[HPS3]

I'm not too familiar with Nikons but I'd imagine you can set your AF to AF Servo so that is will readjust the focus to the focus point you've selected. As for shutter speed that's all going to be based off what aperture you are using and what the shooting conditions are.

Edit: AF Servo is called AF-C on your camera.

I was asking about shutter speed because earlier I was shooting my dogs running in the yard at 1/250. I think maybe the shutter wasn't fast enough, they were out of focus.

 

[crz4mm2]

It can focus about 3 feet away and it's 3 lbs. Coming from the kit and 35f1.8 it's pretty heavy. The quality seems very good.

Thanks. Yeah, that's pretty heavy.....

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Thanks. Yeah, that's pretty heavy.....

Yes it is heavier than the kit and most primes. I have it attached to a Pentax K10D with vertical battery grip on a BR strap attached to the tripod ring. I carry it all day shooting and it really doesn't seem that heavy because of the balance. IMHO the battery grip balances the tendency for the lens to be front heavy. Once I bring it up and get locked in, I don't even notice the weight.

 

[crz4mm2]

Yes it is heavier than the kit and most primes. I have it attached to a Pentax K10D with vertical battery grip on a BR strap attached to the tripod ring. I carry it all day shooting and it really doesn't seem that heavy because of the balance. IMHO the battery grip balances the tendency for the lens to be front heavy. Once I bring it up and get locked in, I don't even notice the weight.

That's great Papa. I am trying to decide what I really "want" for my trip in Nov (to China and Thailand).
I have looked at several lens, none of which I like so far... I need some "reach" I think... but I also wanted to be able to use it for close. sigh.

 

[HPS3]

Gianna'sPapa, I carry it the same way with the BR strap. Do you ever have any problems with contiuous focus? When you use cont. focus (shooting my kids and dogs) what shutter speed do you use? Does aperature make a big difference in focus area while continuous focusing? On my D5100 I am using the AF-C and center point(cross type) and I cant seem to keep my dogs focused while they run.

 

[DisDiva2]

Great photos! Enjoy!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Gianna'sPapa, I carry it the same way with the BR strap. Do you ever have any problems with contiuous focus? When you use cont. focus (shooting my kids and dogs) what shutter speed do you use? Does aperature make a big difference in focus area while continuous focusing? On my D5100 I am using the AF-C and center point(cross type) and I cant seem to keep my dogs focused while they run.

Unfortunately, one of the weak points of the Pentax K10D is it's continuous focus. When I'm panning I use a shutter speed of 125th of a second. Any lower than that and I tend to get some subject blurring. I really have to be real smooth and watch my focus. Many times I will shoot a burst and only one is not blurred. My prayer is always let the unblurred one "be" the shot I need!