Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX DG OS HSM opinions?

[ceemuk]

Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX DG OS HSM on an APS-C camera.

Worth it for a novice to learn with, for outdoor nature shooting?

Cheers.

 

[a1ex2001]

It's a really good lens and represents great value for money although the newest tamron offering is certainly worth considering too.

My only concern is you say nature 200mm is fine for many things but if it's birds your after you'll find it too short!

 

[ceemuk]

Cheers, yeah I was concerned about that too, but my reasoning was that on a crop sensor DSLR the effective length becomes 105-300mm and its pretty much the best(?) I can afford (brand new only). http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sigma_70-200mm_f2-8_EX_DG_OS_HSM/

I assumed I was better going for a 2.8 lens too as it would be better to learn with and more future proofed than a budget 70-300mm lens or lenses such as the Sigma 15-500mm that don't have 2.8?

Cheers.

 

[Columbo]

200mm even on crop is too short for most wildlife particularly birds, you still have to be relatively close to the subject.

Whats the reason for wanting f2.8? Light gathering or DOF?

 

[D.P.]

As above, 200mm is too short for nature, with a 1.4xTC it just about comes useable for larger animals, but not birds. In that respect a 70-300mm is more or less as usable.

 

[-|ScottFree|-]

My go to portrait lens taken...Yep, yesterday now..