Review: Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports (fantastic sharpness and image quality)

Sigma 70-200mm F/2.8

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports at a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
  • Nine FLD Elements, One SLD Element
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • Hyper Sonic AF Motor
  • Intelligent OS Image Stabilization
  • Removable Arca-Type Tripod Foot
  • Dust- and Moisture-Sealed Construction
  • Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm
  • Compatible with Sigma Teleconverters

Photography Blog posted their full review of the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports lens.

The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports is getting some pretty good reviews, and Photography Blog confirms this. From their conclusion:

The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports lens is bigger and heavier than all of its main rivals, but we can forgive that because of the compelling mix of fantastic sharpness and image quality, great build quality, and outstanding feature set and performance. In short, this is our new favourite 70-200 f/2.8 lens for DSLR owners, and it also works really well on the Sony Alpha mirrorless system too.

Image quality is simply superb. It’s outstanding at every focal length, with epic levels of sharpness virtually throughout the aperture range. Chromatic aberrations are almost non-existent and flare is only ever an issue when shooting directly into the sun or if you choose not to use the large lens hood. The only real optical issue is obvious corner shading at the maximum aperture, something that can be easily remedied by either stopping donw to f/5.6 or in post-production. Read the review…

Well, this is an enthusiastic review. I didn’t so far have a chance to play around with the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports, but I’m looking forward to get one. If someone here can confirm this is the outstanding lens they are saying, feel free to sound off in the comment section.

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports sells at $1,499:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Sigma Ships Its Most Anticipated Global Vision Lens of the Year – Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports Lens

Sigma 70-200mm F2.8

At a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
  • Nine FLD Elements, One SLD Element
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • Hyper Sonic AF Motor
  • Intelligent OS Image Stabilization
  • Removable Arca-Type Tripod Foot
  • Dust- and Moisture-Sealed Construction
  • Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm
  • Compatible with Sigma Teleconverters

The Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports will begin shipping in Canon mount in late December for $1499. You can pre-order it at B&H Photo

Sigma press release:

Sigma Ships Its Most Anticipated Global Vision Lens of the Year – Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports Lens

Ronkonkoma, NY – December 10, 2018 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading still photo and cinema lens, camera, flash and accessory manufacturer, today announced the pricing and availability of the highly anticipated Sports line addition announced at Photokina – the new flagship large-aperture telephoto zoom Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports. The new lens to complete the Sigma F2.8 zoom trio, including the award-winning 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Artwide-angle zoom and the 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art modern workhorse zoom – the essential tools for professional photographers, will begin shipping in Canon mount in late December for $1499.00. The advanced optical formula delivers the renowned Sigma Art image quality inside the rugged, weatherproof build of a Sports lens.

As Jim Koepnick, a leading aviation photographer and a Sigma Pro, states, “There are three lenses a working professional photographer always wants in his or her camera bag – a wide zoom, a medium zoom and a telephoto zoom. All of professional quality and F2.8 brightness. We call it the must-have trio. With those three lenses you can handle just about any job a client throws at you. The trio in my camera bag has just been updated in a most professional way. I’ve just added the new Sigma 70-200 F2.8 Sport lens. For my type of photography, which includes action, commercial and photojournalism, this lens will get the majority of my use. Putting it to work the last few days, the Sigma 70-200 F2.8 Sport lens delivered in every case with professional caliber results.”

Key Features and Benefits
Outstanding Action-Capture Performance
With the strongest possible optical formula, sturdy yet lightweight design and exceptional handling, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 Sports lens is a staple for professional photographers and advanced amateurs looking to expand their artistic expression in an action setting. The lens incorporates Intelligent OS with an acceleration sensor and the latest algorithm capable of panning in all directions. This algorithm, alongside high-speed AF and HSM, allows photographers to capture instantaneous photography movement, an absolute necessity for the best sports and action lenses.

10 Exclusive Low-Dispersion Glass Elements
The Sigma 70-200 F2.8 Sports’ optical design delivers excellent correction of color aberration through its 9 FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements and 1 SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements. This ensures high resolution from the center to the edges of the image, making it suitable for all photography genres, from news to sports to wildlife. It’s even great for portrait photography, with a smooth bokeh effect achieved through 11 rounded diaphragm blades and optimizing spherical aberration.

Strong Build Withstanding the Toughest Weather
Like all other lenses from the Sigma Sports line, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 is handcrafted with a dust- and splash-proof structure featuring a water- and oil-repelling coating on the front element. Photographers can take on the most difficult shooting conditions without having to worry about lens safety – instead, they can rest assured they will capture sharp images even in the most challenging situations. Despite its robust structure, this lens stands out with its light weight and high mobility thanks to the magnesium alloy components incorporated into its build. The new state-of-the-art facility located at the Sigma Aizu factory in Fukushima, Japan is now fully operational and solely dedicated to the processing of magnesium alloy. It provides toughness and durability while being lightweight, and minimizes the weight typically associated with a telephoto zoom lens.

Versatility with Multiple Customization Options
Equipped with customization options such as a Focus Limiter and Manual Override, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 lens is extremely versatile. An AF Function button is present to allocate various functions. By selecting it from the menu on the camera body, or using the optional Sigma USB Dock, users can locate and manipulate functions other than AF Lock to expand and accommodate their shooting styles. In addition, the tripod socket with 90° click stops, also made with a tough yet lightweight magnesium, is incorporated to ensure easier changes of shooting position from vertical to horizontal and vice versa. It can be attached directly to an Arca Swiss type clamp.

The Third Lens in a Maximum Performance Trio
The 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports, alongside the Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art and the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art, completes the lineup of three F2.8 large-aperture zoom lenses capable of covering focal lengths from 14mm to 200mm. The three F2.8 zooms consisting of wide, standard and telephoto, are also known as “The Big Three Zooms,” offer wide coverage of the focal range, F2.8 brightness throughout the zoom range and extreme durability. Together, the lenses produce maximum performance in various scenarios, including scouting filming locations or overseas reporting assignments.

Deal: Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM – $1079 (reg. $1399, plus free teleconverter)

Sigma 70-200mm F/2.8

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM at a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to 22
  • Two FLD Elements, 3 SLD Elements
  • Super Multi-Layer Lens Coating
  • Fast & Quiet Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM)
  • Auto and Manual Focus
  • Up to 4 Stops of Optical Stabilization
  • 55.1″ Close Focusing Distance
  • Lens Hood & Tripod Collar

For Cyber Monday, B&H Photo has the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM on sale at $1,079. Compare at $1,399. And you get a Sigma APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG for free.

All noteworthy Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals we found are listed here

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III Review by LensRentals

Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS III

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III at a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/32
  • One Fluorite Element & Five UD Elements
  • Air Sphere Coating
  • Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor AF System
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • Internal Focus, Focus Range Limiter
  • Weather-Sealed Design, Fluorine Coating
  • Detachable, Rotatable Tripod Collar
  • Rounded 8-Blade Diaphragm

The folks at Lens Rentals reviewed the new Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III. They got a close eye on the improved anti-flare coating of the lens.

From their conclusion:

So is it worth the upgrade? It’s hard to say. The lenses are identical in construction and sharpness, and the reduced flaring works better on a marketing level than in person. If you don’t have a 70-200mm, then this new one would be worth the purchase. But if you already own the version II of this lens, it probably makes a lot of sense to hold on to it, as the used market prices on it will drop once the new version comes more prevalent. But I’d like to know your thoughts – is this new release justified? Or is it just a cash grab by Canon? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III sells at $2,099 at B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon

Hot Deal: Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM – $1079 (reg. $1399, today only)

Sigma 70-200mm F/2.8

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM at a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to 22
  • Two FLD Elements, 3 SLD Elements
  • Super Multi-Layer Lens Coating
  • Fast & Quiet Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM)
  • Auto and Manual Focus
  • Up to 4 Stops of Optical Stabilization
  • 55.1″ Close Focusing Distance
  • Lens Hood & Tripod Collar

Only for today (8/27/18) B&H Photo has the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM lens on sale at $1,079. Compare at $1,399. Free shipping. An excellent deal for this lens, in our opinion.


More selected and exclusive deals…

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II Sample Photo Gallery (DPReview)

Canon EF 70-200mm F/4L IS II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II at a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/4 to f/32
  • One Fluorite Element and Two UD Elements
  • Super Spectra Coating
  • Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor AF System
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • Internal Focus, Focus Range Limiter
  • Weather-Sealed Construction
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

DPReview posted a set of sample photos shot with the new Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II lens. The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II is getting one positive review after the other. Canon clearly has another best selling lens here.

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II is in stock at major retailers in the US, price is $1,299: B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II world-wide:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE