lemontart Loc: uk

Been saving hard and xmas has provided me with boost to now purchase the long lusted after lens - but low and behold I discover a 2nd lens but cannot find a proper comparison between the two

So kind folk of the forum your opinions would be welcomed

Original choice - Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens for Nikon
Now this - Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Nikon

also saw this just to confuse matters further Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO HSM Macro Autofocus

It is to go on Nikon D5200

Your advice and opinions will be must welcomed

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The first two listed are actually the very same lens. The last one listed is the old, discontinued version that does not have OS.

lemontart Loc: uk

same lens one called apo other not? and price difference of around £100 ?

amehta Loc: Boston

It's possible that, when you see two with a £100 price difference, you're looking at the first/second and third.

The common stuff: 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM (pro-level, full-frame coverage, hyper-sonic motor for AF). So you are seeing

Sigma OS
Sigma APO OS
Sigma II APO Macro

The APO means "apochromatic" lens. I'm pretty sure all of Sigma's 70-200mm f/2.8 have some APO glass, so they are not always consistent in using the label.

The third lens, which came out in 2007, does not have OS (optical stabilization), but it focuses closer than the newer lens (#1/2), which came out in 2010.

When I put "sigma 70-200mm f2.8 ex dg os hsm lens for nikon" in my google search, I get Amazon links for both lenses, and the price difference is $180 US.

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

Hi lemontart - I think you got your answer from MT and amehta. I have this version (non OS) of this lens which I use with a D300. It will function fine with your camera as it has its own focus motor (HSM in Sigma speak) -

http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/325-sigma-af-70-200mm-f28-ex-hsm-apo-dg-macro-nikon-review--test-report

It's a brilliant lens and very sharp. You can hand-hold it (unless you have wobbly hands !) and you will love the versatility that it offers you. I added 3 different pics as examples ......

BBQ Chef


Lincoln Cathedral (UK) facade at 200mm


Night shot of fairground ride

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

As I have said many times, camera companies have to hire a professional to help them with product names. This - "Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM" - is ridiculous. It conveys almost no information to anyone who has not learned all the letters. With so many companies making lenses, why should potential customers have to learn what all the letters mean?

lemontart Loc: uk

thank you for the input, I will be going for sigma .....well that is the plan at present - will order during the week ad share results of my choice in near future.