I purchased the Sigma Zoom Wide Angle lens for my Nikon. I shoot mostly landscapes, animals, birds, and flowers and have taken some very nice photos with this lens. I have shared some of my recent photos that I took using this lens with my friends and family and they were very impressed. Feeling limited by my 18-135 lens I began looking into zoom lenses. I purchased this lens based on the reviews I read, plus I figured, at this price, why not give it a shot, and I’m glad I did. This is an excellent lens, here’s why:
1. Now, no one would mistake me for a professional photographer, but I can tell you that when I pull up photos shot with my D40X and this Sigma lens on my 24″ iMac and view them full screen they are everything I was looking for when I decided to move to an SLR camera.
2. This lens does not have Image Stabilization however using the lens without a tripod does not seem to be much of a problem because I have not had many blurred photos..The lens is very reasonably priced for the amateur photographer..
3. It’s true, you need a fair amount of light for this lens to shine, no argument there. But for the individual who only does this sort of stuff for fun, this lens is hard to beat. So if you only need a lens of this focal length occasionally, this is the one to get.
4. Takes a GREAT Macro at the 200-300mm range with a VERY shallow DOF if you like; Very decently sharp images throughout the range. Great price.
5. I took this lens out and shot the Blue Angels during an air show hand holding every shot using it with a Sony A100 DSLR. Pictures were awesome with the lens, I used a UV Filter Lens as I do on all my lenses.
6. For the money, this is a great lens. Sharp, reasonably fast and easy to use. I love the 300mm aspect, although at that length, you’d better use a tripod or a fast shutter speed. My Pentax body has antishake technology, which helps, but don’t try to get great images hand holding the camera at 300mm in low light conditions.
When downloaded on my computer to view the pictures I was amazed at the clarity of the shots. I love the way it handles. It was lighter than I thought it was going to be but I was having a little trouble holding the camera steady at first. I will be getting a tripod to use with it for still pictures. The pictures I have taken have been crystal clear. I am extremely satisfied with this lens and it has performed well above my expectations. I’d buy it again.