This lens is one of two virtually identical offerings from Sigma in the extremely popular 70-300 category in which almost all manufacturers have at least one contender. Although still in the budget sector, this one, the APO version, is the better of the two offerings.

Excellent optical performance for price; Good close focus ability (1:2; Light enough to carry all day

Long extension when close focussed and zoomed; Front element and extension rotates during focussing

Overall, this is one of the best budget telephoto zoom lens that is in production. I bought this to compliment my Canon 350D, and it has treated me well. The alternatives all leave much to be wanted.

#1 Price; Without a doubt this is the star shining upon this lens; At less than $200, this lens provides fantastic results, #2 Macro Mode; With a 1:2 macro mode, this is not true (1:1) macro, but in this price range, there is nothing near this lens.

#1 Focusing, a) Speed; The focusing motor tends to be a little sluggish, especially when at the end of the focal range, b) Accuracy; I am fairly certain that this ties in with the speed of the focusing, but I find that probably 1 in 10 shots is slightly misfocused, c) Sound.

Throughout modern times the Sigma 70/75-300mm APO variants were always positioned as a supposedly superior alternative to the base offerings of the genuine manufacturers in this lens group. The latest incarnation is the Sigma AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO macro.

I feel that this lens is great with its fantastic zoom and brilliant macro setting. This lens for me is great for nature and sports photography because of its zoom. However when you try to focus it does make a slight noise so if your close to a animal it may get scared, but that happends rarely.

The Sigma 70-300mm F/4-5.6 APO DG Macro is a good low end telephoto lens. For someone with a small budget, looking to get better shots of wildlife, this lens is ideal. Sharp images with fast enough AF performance although slightly noisy.

Price; APO and Macro features

Speed

As per usual, screw a filter on the end to protect the lens.

Focuses great - sharp and relatively quick; Doesn't feel very heavy around the neck for a big lens, I can use it for hours before I need a break; Works great for shooting wildlife, portraits and landscapes; The price is great.

None

by far the best telephoto lens for my sony dslr. Sharp pictures however low lighting is problematic. otherwise, this lens cant be beat for the price. I dont regret the purchase whatsoever.

sharp crisp images throughout the focal range

low lighting can be tough for the lens

I bought this lens in the pentax k mount for my K10D. I have to say that for the most part I'm mostly disappointed with the autofocus of this lens which tends to hunt in all but the brightest conditions.

the price, f4 at 70mm makes for a useful portrait lens

poor image quality after 200mm. auto-focus very disappointing

This is an APO version, still low price compared with Tamron and Pentax 70-300mm, sharp at 200mm, even at 300mm it is good. I used it to take many shots and like it. It even comes with a case. There's one problem with its rotated front glass, so may be trouble for CPL filter.

low price; sharp at 200mm; even at 300mm it is good

have not found so far

This is an APO version, still low price compared with Tamron and Pentax 70-300mm, sharp at 200mm, even at 300mm it is good. I used it to take many shots and like it. It even comes with a case. There's one problem with its rotated front glass, so may be trouble for CPL filter.

low price; sharp at 200mm; even at 300mm it is good

have not found so far