Sigma 70mm F/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras from Digital Camera Showroom

This medium telephoto macro lens is ideal for both digital SLR cameras and 35mm film SLR cameras. The 70mm focal length gives an equivalent field of view as the popular 105mm macro lens when used on digital SLR cameras with an APS-C size image sensor. The design of this lens makes it suitable for taking pictures in all situations from infinity to 1: 1 macro, both with natural light conditions or flash.A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) lens and two high refractive index SLD lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations and produce an exceptional level of optical performance. Sigma's super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, and helps create a natural color balance. The floating focus system provides extremely high optical performance from infinity to 1: 1 Macro.

Sigma 70mm F/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens ...- User Rating:
Summary for Sigma 70mm F/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens ...- Super sharp lens
Notes on Sigma 70mm F/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens ...- I chose this as I didn't want a 105 or 50mm macro, so far this is one of the sharpest lenses I have ever used, on par with the Pentax 70mm limited ( which is a great lens just can't focus close ). Yes the lens is heavy and the AF is typical macro lens laboriously slow but for macros your typicaly shooting subjects that won't need fast AF. Good rendering and good bokeh.

My only problem with the lens is it's close focus, about 7 cm to get 1:1 is too close for insects and such, it's not the normal close focus of 25cm they claim ( which is close focus in non macro mode with the limiter on ). I would have liked if they had mentioned that ( sigma ) so I would have known as it might be to tight for some ring lights and 1:1 with this lens.

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Sigma 70mm F/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens ...- User Rating:
Summary for Sigma 70mm F/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens ...- Amazing hunk of glass and metal
Notes on Sigma 70mm F/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens ...- After researching macro lenses and considering my uses, I decided that I would get more use from a 70mm macro than other focal lengths such as 50 or 105. I see this lens as primarily a 70mm with macro capability for my purposes. And it is a great lens. Very sharp for all distances. Very nice color, contrast, etc. Solid construction, smooth focusing both manual and auto. This is a hunk of gear that is excellent in almost every way.

And HUNK it is. Heavy, big. Be prepared for this. Use a can of peas to get the idea. This isn't a complaint; on my Pentax K10D, it balances well and is a pleasure to hold. But it will start weighing you down after time around the neck.

My negative comments: The lens hood should be sized tighter so that it stays in place when reversed and you place it in a bag. The Sigma 'EX' crinkle finish is fine but not my favorite. The supplied case is bigger than it needs to be and yet doesn't provide much padding.

My most used lens. I didn't know that 70mm on an APS-C sensor (105mm equivalence for 35mm) would be such a nice focal length but it has become my new 'standard' lens.

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