E
Edwin Herdman
Guest
Quick edit: I'm wishing I had followed my gut instinct and taken a picture of the Sony version. The rest of this post, as noted, is for the non-OS (Optical Stabilization) Sony version, which seemed very different from this lens in a number of respects - so much so that perhaps they can't even be called equivalent or close. Impressions about the Canon version are starting three posts down.
I'm going to say *very* initial because no photographs through the lens are possible at the moment - Amazon sent out the wrong version! I ordered the Canon version, got the Sony version (which, of the four versions, has no Optical Stabilization). There's a stock sticker on the side of the black box saying "APO DG OS HSM" but the box itself clearly says "For Sony" and "APO DG HSM," which is as expected because Sony Alpha bodies have stabilization in-camera - and so the lens I held today did not have Optical Stabilization. I put the confusion down to Sigma making four different variants of the lens (Sigma, Canon, Nikon, and Sony) but the actual box clearly states what it is - and the back lens cap states FOR SONY.
The contents of the box, in total: The lens, a hood, open bags around both, two straps (one is a Sigma-branded camera strap, the other I didn't check too closely) in bags, a big squarish black case, a manual for the APO DG OS HSM (I'm wondering if there is a hollow point inside this lens where the IS mechanism normally goes; it generally seems like it's considered the exact duplicate of the OS versions), and a warranty card slipped in between the two folding parts of the box and the back.
No case needed?
The case was the first big surprise. People have speculated about why this lens was not deemed an EX series lens (which signifies it being like Sigma's version of the Canon L series) despite its quality build, yet the case in the box has the EX emblem sewn on. The box does seem to have had a mild amount of shelf wear (scuffing) but it doesn't seem to have had its contents shuffled around or replaced. The case is also considerably bigger (mostly wider) than the Lowepro S&F Slim Lens Pouch 75AW, which should have fit the lens (according to the dimensions of both on Amazon there should be extra space between the lens and the case dimensions given) but which barely fits with the tripod ring on (as it is by default - I didn't play with the ring much just to keep it nice for whoever eventually gets the lens), and it will apparently not fit with the hood on, reversed or otherwise. I'll be checking the Sigma lens's size versus the Canon 100-400mm, which Sigma seems to recommend a 200 AW bag for. The fold-over cap of the Lowepro is stiff, which is good, but it barely will fold over into place when touching the velcro, and feels like it will easily come off, which is not good. A zipper would be better. I will likely return that as well, and this time remember to get a S&F compatible camera holster bag instead. There's a cutout in the top panel of the Sigma lens case for the bottom cap to fit into, to prevent the lens from sliding around. It looks more like a storage case than a case to use in the field.
Lens handling impressions
The lens didn't have the cold metal touch, but feels very solid and the finish was quite pleasing if not striking - it's black or very, very dark grey, but with faint diamond-like sparkling bits all over. The lens hood isn't quite as effective-looking as the third-party Adorama hood I bought in place of the ES-71II for the 50mm f/1.4, which has a surface inside which does not reflect light. Instead, the inside of the Sigma lens hood is made up of ridges, with most of the flat surface pointed toward the outside. It still seems to reflect some light, though - the amount of light is clearly less when looking out through the hood than looking into it, but it's not perfect and it seems like with flocking it would be less reflective.
The lens itself feels quite solid and at least assuringly heavy; though I assume it's made out of engineering-grade plastic, it doesn't feel flimsy at all.
The manual focus ring was smooth, though the zoom ring, straight out of the box, was very stiff, just as I've read, though it doesn't jerk when turned, but moves smoothly. I didn't notice any change in the positioning of any internal elements (front or back) when turning the focus ring - and yes, it was focusing since the reading in the distance window changed. It's possible to turn the focus ring past near focus or infinity focus, which it will do with slightly more resistance than usual (obviously I stopped when this happened). This is still less force than seems to be needed to change the focal length.
The lens extends (without rotation of course) when zooming, and I noticed that it will very slowly creep back at least slightly toward the 120mm setting if zoomed out even partially and then stood straight up so the lens mount is down. The reverse seems to be true as well. So that's where the focal length lock switch should come into play...
Since what I got isn't an OS lens, there are only two switches on the side - a lock-unlock switch nearer the front, and an AF/MF switch nearer the mount. The lock-unlock switch seems strange; on the focal length scale markings found on the outside of the lens (not the ones under the distance window - yes, there's two sets), to the left is a "LOCK" marking, followed by 120mm (the widest setting). At 120mm it locks easily. Anywhere to the right, pulling the switch upwards towards "lock" only moved the switch closer to the first "unlock" setting; it wouldn't go further (at least not with any amount of force I cared to try on it). It didn't seem like you could easily lock it in at a farther focal length. I dare not open the fold-out manual to check, but I don't think that putting the focal length lock up a bit will increase friction on the zoom. With the zoom ring being so stiff, however, I didn't think there was really a need for a zoom lock at longer lengths (though I've read people say the zoom ring loosens up with use, which is considered good) unless you were pointing it at extreme angles - in which case you probably will have to keep your hand on the focal length or else bring along some tape perhaps.
The front cap is my preferred Sony type, pinched about midway from the edges to the center. I hope this cap style will be used for the Canon variant I ordered, since the pinch-type is the only type you can realistically get on with a hood in place. I'm not sure I'd chance it, however; with this lens the outer edge of the front optical element is actually very close to the edge of the barrel, so it would be easier to hit that front element. It's Sigma-branded so I'm confident it's the part I'll see again.
The front element isn't one obvious color from the front; tilted to a light source it seems to be mainly purple, with then green coming in from the part tilted away from you closest to the light. Gut feeling was that the surface is not going to be weather-resistant as much as the new Canon 70-300mm L series lens, and that I ought to avoid getting it wet or dirty.
Hopefully I'll have a replacement soon after the New Year - though it'll be another whole day before I can even send this out.
I'm going to say *very* initial because no photographs through the lens are possible at the moment - Amazon sent out the wrong version! I ordered the Canon version, got the Sony version (which, of the four versions, has no Optical Stabilization). There's a stock sticker on the side of the black box saying "APO DG OS HSM" but the box itself clearly says "For Sony" and "APO DG HSM," which is as expected because Sony Alpha bodies have stabilization in-camera - and so the lens I held today did not have Optical Stabilization. I put the confusion down to Sigma making four different variants of the lens (Sigma, Canon, Nikon, and Sony) but the actual box clearly states what it is - and the back lens cap states FOR SONY.
The contents of the box, in total: The lens, a hood, open bags around both, two straps (one is a Sigma-branded camera strap, the other I didn't check too closely) in bags, a big squarish black case, a manual for the APO DG OS HSM (I'm wondering if there is a hollow point inside this lens where the IS mechanism normally goes; it generally seems like it's considered the exact duplicate of the OS versions), and a warranty card slipped in between the two folding parts of the box and the back.
No case needed?
The case was the first big surprise. People have speculated about why this lens was not deemed an EX series lens (which signifies it being like Sigma's version of the Canon L series) despite its quality build, yet the case in the box has the EX emblem sewn on. The box does seem to have had a mild amount of shelf wear (scuffing) but it doesn't seem to have had its contents shuffled around or replaced. The case is also considerably bigger (mostly wider) than the Lowepro S&F Slim Lens Pouch 75AW, which should have fit the lens (according to the dimensions of both on Amazon there should be extra space between the lens and the case dimensions given) but which barely fits with the tripod ring on (as it is by default - I didn't play with the ring much just to keep it nice for whoever eventually gets the lens), and it will apparently not fit with the hood on, reversed or otherwise. I'll be checking the Sigma lens's size versus the Canon 100-400mm, which Sigma seems to recommend a 200 AW bag for. The fold-over cap of the Lowepro is stiff, which is good, but it barely will fold over into place when touching the velcro, and feels like it will easily come off, which is not good. A zipper would be better. I will likely return that as well, and this time remember to get a S&F compatible camera holster bag instead. There's a cutout in the top panel of the Sigma lens case for the bottom cap to fit into, to prevent the lens from sliding around. It looks more like a storage case than a case to use in the field.
Lens handling impressions
The lens didn't have the cold metal touch, but feels very solid and the finish was quite pleasing if not striking - it's black or very, very dark grey, but with faint diamond-like sparkling bits all over. The lens hood isn't quite as effective-looking as the third-party Adorama hood I bought in place of the ES-71II for the 50mm f/1.4, which has a surface inside which does not reflect light. Instead, the inside of the Sigma lens hood is made up of ridges, with most of the flat surface pointed toward the outside. It still seems to reflect some light, though - the amount of light is clearly less when looking out through the hood than looking into it, but it's not perfect and it seems like with flocking it would be less reflective.
The lens itself feels quite solid and at least assuringly heavy; though I assume it's made out of engineering-grade plastic, it doesn't feel flimsy at all.
The manual focus ring was smooth, though the zoom ring, straight out of the box, was very stiff, just as I've read, though it doesn't jerk when turned, but moves smoothly. I didn't notice any change in the positioning of any internal elements (front or back) when turning the focus ring - and yes, it was focusing since the reading in the distance window changed. It's possible to turn the focus ring past near focus or infinity focus, which it will do with slightly more resistance than usual (obviously I stopped when this happened). This is still less force than seems to be needed to change the focal length.
The lens extends (without rotation of course) when zooming, and I noticed that it will very slowly creep back at least slightly toward the 120mm setting if zoomed out even partially and then stood straight up so the lens mount is down. The reverse seems to be true as well. So that's where the focal length lock switch should come into play...
Since what I got isn't an OS lens, there are only two switches on the side - a lock-unlock switch nearer the front, and an AF/MF switch nearer the mount. The lock-unlock switch seems strange; on the focal length scale markings found on the outside of the lens (not the ones under the distance window - yes, there's two sets), to the left is a "LOCK" marking, followed by 120mm (the widest setting). At 120mm it locks easily. Anywhere to the right, pulling the switch upwards towards "lock" only moved the switch closer to the first "unlock" setting; it wouldn't go further (at least not with any amount of force I cared to try on it). It didn't seem like you could easily lock it in at a farther focal length. I dare not open the fold-out manual to check, but I don't think that putting the focal length lock up a bit will increase friction on the zoom. With the zoom ring being so stiff, however, I didn't think there was really a need for a zoom lock at longer lengths (though I've read people say the zoom ring loosens up with use, which is considered good) unless you were pointing it at extreme angles - in which case you probably will have to keep your hand on the focal length or else bring along some tape perhaps.
The front cap is my preferred Sony type, pinched about midway from the edges to the center. I hope this cap style will be used for the Canon variant I ordered, since the pinch-type is the only type you can realistically get on with a hood in place. I'm not sure I'd chance it, however; with this lens the outer edge of the front optical element is actually very close to the edge of the barrel, so it would be easier to hit that front element. It's Sigma-branded so I'm confident it's the part I'll see again.
The front element isn't one obvious color from the front; tilted to a light source it seems to be mainly purple, with then green coming in from the part tilted away from you closest to the light. Gut feeling was that the surface is not going to be weather-resistant as much as the new Canon 70-300mm L series lens, and that I ought to avoid getting it wet or dirty.
Hopefully I'll have a replacement soon after the New Year - though it'll be another whole day before I can even send this out.
