Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG IF Aspherical Lens

This is the world's smallest, large and constant aperture zoom lens and is ideal for digital SLR cameras. The power layout of the lens is specially optimized for digital SLR cameras, and Super Multi Coating gives superb color performance whilst cutting down flare and ghost.

Two Super Low Dispersion (SLD) elements and four aspherical lenses provide the ultimate correction against distortion as well as all types of aberration, especially spherical aberration. Its advanced optical design ensures high performance throughout the entire zoom range.

The use of aspherical lenses in the construction of this lens not only corrects aberrations but also produces a very small and lightweight lens design. Its compact, yet robust, construction has an overall length of 87.2mm (3.4in.), maximum diameter of 74mm (2.9in.), filter size of f67mm and weight of 510g(18.0 ounces). It has a minimum focusing distance of 33cm (13 in.) at all focal lengths and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.4 which is very convenient for close-up photography.

The inner focus system allows the lens to be focused without rotating the front element, therefore a Petal-type hood and circular polarizing filters can easily be used.

Note: this lens has no built-in motor and will not autofocus on the Nikon D40/D40x, Nikon D60, Nikon D3000, Nikon D3100 or the Nikon D5000 Cameras.

• World's smallest, lightweight, yet Robust, Large Aperture Zoom Lens

• EX DG Lens Series; Designed to give an excellent performance with Digital SLR Cameras as well as 35mm Film Cameras

• Super Multi Layer (SML) coating reduces ghost and flare

• Two pieces of Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements and four aspherical lensesprovide high quality images throughout the entire zoom range

• Minimum focusing distance of 13 in. (33cm) at all focal lengths

Construction: 14 elements in 12 groups

F stop range: F2.8/4 - F22 (wide)

Closest Focusing Distance: 13" / 33cm

Maximum Magnification: 1:4.4

Filter Size: 67mm

Dimensions: (Length x Diameter) 3.4in. (87.2mm) x 2.9in. (74mm)

Weight: 18.0 oz / 510 gr. / 1.125lbs.

• Lens Hood

• Front & Rear Lens Caps

• Pouch Case

• 1 Year International Warranty plus 3 Year Sigma U.S.A. Extended Warranty (Total Warranty is 4 Years from Date of Purchase)

OUTSTANDING, FAST ALL-PURPOSE LENS AT A GREAT PRICE, June 8, 2006

By GT "canon digital rocks" (N.O., LA United States)

This is an excellent lens. I have used it extensively on the 1D, Rebel XT, and the 20D. The lens is acceptably sharp for many purposes at f/2.8, and EXTREMELY SHARP stopped down a bit to f/3.5 or f/4.0, at all focal lengths. I have compared it to the Canon 85mm f/1.8, the 50mm f/1.8, and the 35mm f/2.0, all renowned lenses. I find this lens very competitive with - and in some instances, superior to - all of them in sharpness, contrast, and color. Focusing is fast enough for most action purposes, impressive for a non-USM lens.

I also compared this lens to my Canon 28-135mm USM Image Stabilizer lens. I found the Sigma 28-70 f/2.8 to be significantly superior in image quality. I sold the 28-135 IS. This Sigma is virtually always on one of my digital SLR's.

A significant note - INFORMATION AND PICS I HAVE SEEN INDICATE THAT THIS LENS IS SUPERIOR IN IMAGE QUALITY TO THE MORE EXPENSIVE SIGMA 24-70MM F/2.8. I WOULD RECOMMEND SAVING SOME MONEY, GETTING THE CHEAPER LENS, AND GETTING BETTER PICTURES OUT OF IT.

I HAVE USED A LOT OF SIGMA AND CANON LENSES ON MY DIGITAL SLR'S, AND THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST, BAR NONE.