Sigma Apo - worth it? (Canon, lenses, digital cameras, cameras)

[swagger]

I'm looking at two Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 lenses, 508101 and 509101. The only difference is that the 508101 is an apochromat.

I'm new to photography, but thanks to my background with telescopes, I understand the difference. But I'm wondering if it's worth spending the extra 30% when you take into consideration that it's a 2nd tier manufacturer. Are Sigma's apos significantly better than their non-apos?

Has anyone used this particular lens before? Is there any noticeable fringing when fully zoomed in with the apo?

I realize that it's not a lot of money for a lens, and that I won't get the same results as I would with a comparable Canon lens, but we have to work within our budget and I don't want to waste the extra $60 if it's not worth it.

[PanTerra]

You two sigma lenses

Sigma | 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens | 508101


Sigma | 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Autofocus Lens | 509101 | B&H



Sigma, as a brand, is no slouch. I haven't used these before, but I do have the Sigma 70-200 2.8 EX APO and the Sigma 28-70 2.8 EX Aspherical. I couldn't be more thrilled with the 70-200, even compared to Canon's "L" lens, for the price. However, the sigmas you are looking at are not the Sigma EX (pro) line and are definitely priced accordingly. I would just scour the the reviews.

The only draw back I have with my Sigma telephoto is the potential incompatibility with newer Canon digital cameras. I have tested them on a 5D Mark II which resulted in an little fishing for focus. However, still usable, maybe because they are "EX." I have heard that older non-EX lenses are not usable at all, because the mirror simply locks up when you shoot. For this reason, I would bite the wallet and get the Canon lens, especially at this lower price point. You would not have to worry about future compatibility should you upgrad the camer body at a leter date.

Canon | 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III Autofocus Lens | 6473A003AA | B&H

[PA2UK]

Check out this review: Sigma 70-300mm F/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Interchangeable Lens Review

You'll get less CA with APO but whether or not that is worth it to you as an individual is really up to you. To me, it would be worth it but everyone has different standards and expectations of their photography and equipment. What is acceptable to one photographer may not be acceptable to another and vice versa. I would hate to tell you "yes, get APO!" if actually, you would have been perfectly happy with the non-APO version.

[swagger]

Thanks everyone for the info. I just ordered the Sigma Apo from a local shop. Since I expect to be using the longer end of the focal length range most of the time, I figured the apo would probably be worth the extra money. I didn't realize that Canon had an offering in the same price range - good to know, even though I'm not going that way.

Thanks again.