[Alan]

As promised, here is the review on my Sigma 70-200 2.8 APO D DG EX HSM lens.

I used this lens this weekend for local sports, parade, and whatnot. To my surprise the AF was very fast, faster than my Nikkor lens with AF-S. Zoom control was firm and smooth. After about 300 shots, there was not the first bit of flaring or ghosting in any picture.

Any sound from the HSM was minimal. Full time manual focus overide was good and smooth. Tripod collar is great whether for a monopod, tripod, or even hand held. As far as weight, after 10 minutes I was looking for my monopod. It feels great for the first little bit, but becomes heavy after that. Lens hood is a petal type that adds about 3" onto the length of the lens. This lens is built like a rock!

Overall I'm VERY pleased with this lens. I still have some specialty testing I want to do, but for the money you won't beat it. KEH in Atlanta was extremely helpful, as they do not have a retail store in front (I basically called and made an appointment to get this lens and have camera cleaned). But once thru the locked door, they were very friendly and helped process the order from 3-4 days down to about 2 hours instead ( the time length was due to me exchanging a lens).

1/1250, f/4.5, ISO200


1/1000, f/4, ISO200


1/800, f/3.5, ISO200


1/640, f/3.2, ISO200


1/500, f/6.3, ISO200


1/320, f/4.5, ISO 200


1/400, f/5, ISO200


1/640, f/3.2, ISO200