Sigma 70-300 lens question

[pboreham]

Hi all,

Whats the difference between the APO and non APO versions of this lens? Is the APO version commonly referred to as the 'red ring' version and would it be worth getting the non-APO version?

Thanks, Paul

[dfrear]

The APO version is usually regarded as having better image quality, most people would advise that you get the APO version over the non-APO but I have yet to see any comparison shots.

[pboreham]

Originally Posted by dfrear

The APO version is usually regarded as having better image quality, most people would advise that you get the APO version over the non-APO but I have yet to see any comparison shots.

Notice you have the lens in your kit? Is it the non-APO version?

I'm not sure if the non-APO works with the D40?

[kBm]

Just make sure its got the motor built into the lens. I think its the DC and HSM series.

Found some sigma info here

[senu]

Originally Posted by pboreham

Hi all,

Whats the difference between the APO and non APO versions of this lens? Is the APO version commonly referred to as the 'red ring' version and would it be worth getting the non-APO version?

Thanks, Paul

The APO version has better optics.
APO there standing for apochromatic ( as opposed to achromatic)
Lenses can suffer from chromatic, and spherical aberration (seen as edged with multiple colors when you magnify , or barrel distortion (sperical)
When lenses with glass of better refractive index, and dispersion are used: the primary colours are focused better in one plane to correct for chromatic aberration

This is what the APO version is supposed to do:

Does it,?? Yes (IMHO) , to a better degree than the non APO version but the Sigma 70-300 is still a budget Zoom lens for all that.
Sigma does make even better lenses as do Canon , Nikon, Tamron, Tokina ect
FWIW I would buy it over the non APO
The HSM is the one that willl work as AF with the D40 , it is a more recent version

[pboreham]

Thanks - I was actually asking as i was interested in this lens on Ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...MEWA:IT&ih=001

But I'm dubious if it will work with the D40 due to the low price. I've sent a question to the seller, but they havent replied...

Does anyone know if this will be ok?

Originally Posted by senu

The APO version has better optics.
APO there standing for apochromatic ( as opposed to achromatic)
Lenses can suffer from chromatic, and spherical aberration (seen as edged with multiple colors when you magnify , or barrel distortion (sperical)
When lenses with glass of better refractive index, and dispersion are used: the primary colours are focused better in one plane to correct for chromatic aberration

This is what the APO version is supposed to do:

Does it,?? Yes (IMHO) , to a better degree than the non APO version but the Sigma 70-300 is still a budget Zoom lens for all that.
Sigma does make even better lenses as do Canon , Nikon, Tamron, Tokina ect
FWIW I would buy it over the non APO
The HSM is the one that willl work as AF with the D40 , it is a more recent version

[senu]

Originally Posted by pboreham

Thanks - I was actually asking as i was interested in this lens on Ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...MEWA:IT&ih=001

But I'm dubious if it will work with the D40 due to the low price. I've sent a question to the seller, but they havent replied...

Does anyone know if this will be ok?

The motorised version will as AF

Unfortunately Sigma have not designated this version as such specifically but retailers do call it " Nikon motorised fit"
So If the seller isnt saying it will, maybe it wont ! getting back to you that it will is surely a selling point

If it is a Nikon fit, it would say boldly on the packaging that it works with the D40 D40x and D60 and the seler should easlily suss that out
It is a good lens but if you dont want to be force to rely on MF only, you need to find out
Im not sure that you would spens a whole lot more if you didnt buy it off ebay..

[pboreham]

Hmmm.... it says it works on "ALL NIKONS!" but I'm a bit warey of the D40.

The same lens - but clearly marked it works on D40, is motorised and APO etc is £115 from One-Stop Digital - is there anywhere else good to look as you implied?!

Originally Posted by senu

The HSM version will as AF

Unfortunately Sigma have not designated the HSM version as such specifically but retailers do call it " Nikon motorised fit"
So If the seller isnt saying it will, maybe it wont ! getting back to you that it will is surely a selling point

If it is a Nikon fit, it would say boldly on the packaging that it works with the D40 D40x and D60 and the seler should easlily suss that out
It is a good lens but if you dont want to be force to rely on MF only, you need to find out
Im not sure that you would spens a whole lot more if you didnt buy it off ebay..

[senu]

Originally Posted by pboreham

Hmmm.... it says it works on "ALL NIKONS!" but I'm a bit warey of the D40.

The same lens - but clearly marked it works on D40, is motorised and APO etc is £115 from One-Stop Digital - is there anywhere else good to look as you implied?!

It works on all Nikons , but does it work as an AF lens on the D40 40 X and 60?
Only the seller would know that as the packaging would say but if it is less than 6 months old it is likely to
However it could just as easily be older stock from Earlier

[julian_fraser]

That lens will FIT your D40, it will WORK on your D40, but it will NOT autofocus on your D40, you would have to manual focus it. Neither will the 70-300mm APO Macro version... and Sigma don't do a HSM autofocus motor in their 70-300mm lenses like they do in their 55-200mm model, despite what Microglobe advertise the lens as!

What you need is the Sigma 70-300mm APO Macro with built-in focus motor. I got mine from Mifsuds HERE for £153.

And it's a great lens.

Hope that helps.

[pboreham]

Thats brilliant, thanks Julian.

In that case, I may go for this one after all:-

http://www.onestop-digital.com/catal...roducts_id=275

And thats £115 and sounds the same as the one you've got?

Any other recommendations for a real newbie to SLR Zoom lens?

Originally Posted by julian_fraser

That lens will FIT your D40, it will WORK on your D40, but it will NOT autofocus on your D40, you would have to manual focus it. Neither will the 70-300mm APO Macro version... and Sigma don't do a HSM autofocus motor in their 70-300mm lenses like they do in their 55-200mm model, despite what Microglobe advertise the lens as!

What you need is the Sigma 70-300mm APO Macro with built-in focus motor. I got mine from Mifsuds HERE for £153.

And it's a great lens.

Hope that helps.

[senu]

Originally Posted by julian_fraser

That lens will NOT autofocus on your D40. Neither will the 70-300mm APO Macro... Sigma don't do a HSM autofocus motor in their 70-300mm lenses like they do in their 55-200mm model, despite what Microglobe advertise the lens as!

What you need is the Sigma 70-300mm APO Macro with built-in focus motor. I got mine from Mifsuds HERE for £153.

And it's a great lens.

Hope that helps.

A little confusing those titles Reread your post..
HSM or not..
The Sigma 70- 300 DG APO that does have a built in motor for the D40, D40X and D60 is not called any other name but simply has "with built in motor" on its Box, not anywhere else
Surely it is inaccurate adverstising ( by Microglobe) ect ( and more than likely the e-bay seller) to sell it as if it will AF with the baby Nikons
Sigma really should have simply given it another name or a letter to distinguish it for advertising purposes

[booyaka]

Originally Posted by pboreham

Thats brilliant, thanks Julian.

In that case, I may go for this one after all:-

http://www.onestop-digital.com/catal...roducts_id=275

And thats £115 and sounds the same as the one you've got?

Any other recommendations for a real newbie to SLR Zoom lens?

I am a D40 owner and highly recommend the above lense from the onestop - great service, excellent comms and the lense does indeed autofocus with the d40. REally busy at the moment and not had the chance to get out with it yet much.

It's not HSM motor but it focuses quickly, can be a touch loud when the motor starts to focus but otherwise it's superb

[Boldonion]

Originally Posted by booyaka

I am a D40 owner and highly recommend the above lense from the onestop - great service, excellent comms and the lense does indeed autofocus with the d40. REally busy at the moment and not had the chance to get out with it yet much.

It's not HSM motor but it focuses quickly, can be a touch loud when the motor starts to focus but otherwise it's superb

Just picked this lens up for my D40. Initial impressions are the auto focus is very loud and searches around alot in lowish light indoors. I have a Sigma 10-20 and the HSM motor is in a different league to this, fast and quiet in low light. Only plan to use it outdoors for wildlife / airshows etc so will reserve judgement till I get the chance to use it in anger.

[booyaka]

Originally Posted by Boldonion

Just picked this lens up for my D40. Initial impressions are the auto focus is very loud and searches around alot in lowish light indoors. I have a Sigma 10-20 and the HSM motor is in a different league to this, fast and quiet in low light. Only plan to use it outdoors for wildlife / airshows etc so will reserve judgement till I get the chance to use it in anger.

would agree but for £115 it's a great lense with a macro function as well and the 10-20 sigma is around £300 or so.

Guess you get what you pay for but it's still a great budget lense that now has the autofocus option for the d40.