Large-aperture telephoto zoom lens: SIGMA APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX HSM

A review and sample photos of the SIGMA APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX HSM large-aperture telephoto zoom lens.

Please see the disclaimer regarding advertising here.
Italicized links in the text are advertisement links that take you to other sites.
If you find any images used on this site problematic, please contact us via the comments or inquiry form, either as the rights holder or their representative. We will review the matter and take appropriate action.

Gallery
Review
Specification and more
Reference links

アマゾン・アフィリエイト・リンク
Amazon Affiliate — Amazon Affiliate link

Gallery

The sample photos were taken with the SIGMA SD9.

1．Overview

The “SIGMA APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX HSM” is a large-aperture autofocus zoom lens for 35mm format released by Sigma in 2003.

This lens has a 14-group, 17-element construction, with two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements in the front and back groups. It offers a constant F2.8 maximum aperture across the entire zoom range and is compatible with HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) mounts. The lens has 9 blades and a maximum F2.8 opening, with a minimum focusing distance of 1.8m. It weighs 1,430g and the tripod collar is removable.

The name does not include “IF,” but the lens features internal zoom and internal focusing, which means the lens length does not change during operation.

Compatible lens mounts include Sigma SA, Canon EF, and Nikon F (D) with HSM. Pentax and Sony (Minolta) versions were also released, but without HSM.

The kit comes with a case and a LH1571-02 style lens hood. The list price was ¥140,000 (excluding tax) with HSM and ¥130,000 (excluding tax) without HSM.

This lens is compatible with the 1.4x and 2x “APO Teleconverter EX” models.

2．Usability

The SIGMA APO 70-200mm F5.6 EX HSM is one of the “big three”(*) popular zoom lenses from the film era.

While some reviews mention slight softness at wide apertures, the image quality is generally satisfactory for normal use.

The lens features an early Sigma ultrasonic motor, resulting in reasonably fast autofocus. However, focusing accuracy largely depends on the camera’s performance. The autofocus on the SIGMA SD9 and SD10 is inferior to that of cameras from major manufacturers, so focusing accuracy was not particularly good.

When used with these cameras, autofocus worked well in daylight with reasonably sized subjects but struggled in low light, such as in the evening, when the subject lacked contrast or was hidden behind bushes or wire fences.

The telephoto end of the lens has a focal length of 200 mm, which is insufficient for photographing small birds, such as kingfishers. For photographing small objects, using a teleconverter is recommended, as described below.

With the optional “APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX Teleconverter,” the focal length becomes 98–280 mm, and the maximum aperture becomes F4. This is similar to a “300 mm zoom” lens. Since the sensor in the SIGMA SD9 is smaller than 35mm film, this translates to a 166-476mm f/4 lens in 35mm film equivalent. The f/4 aperture allows for autofocus.

When the “APO Teleconverter 2x EX Teleconverter” is attached, the focal length of the zoom lens becomes 140-400mm with a maximum aperture of F5.6. Since the sensor in the SIGMA SD9 is smaller than 35mm film, the 35mm equivalent is a 238-680mm F5.6 lens. Since the maximum aperture is F5.6, autofocus works.

Automatic exposure remains usable even with both teleconverters attached, allowing the camera to control exposure. However, the autofocus accuracy is noticeably worse with both teleconverters attached, though this is partly a camera issue.

I purchased this lens hoping that using two teleconverters would provide a more versatile telephoto range, but I did not get the results I expected.

In the era of film cameras, Canon, Nikon, Minolta, and other manufacturers offered lenses with these specifications, as did lens manufacturers like Sigma, Tokina, and Tamron.

I purchased this Sigma SA mount version of the lens for the SIGMA SD9 and SD10 digital SLR cameras. The Sigma SA lens mount market was small because Sigma was a rival to other third-party lens manufacturers, and other companies didn’t supply lenses for the mount. Users of major camera brands like Canon and Nikon were envious of the wide range of options available in the 70-200mm F2.8 class.

(*Note: “Big Three” is a mahjong term referring to having three or more of the three dragon tiles: White, Green, and Red.) In the context of camera lenses, it refers to having three F2.8 constant aperture zoom lenses: a wide-angle zoom (16–35 mm), a standard zoom (24–90 mm), and a telephoto zoom (70–200 mm). “Small Three” often refers to three zoom lenses in the F4 class. However, this differs in meaning from the mahjong term, making it feel incongruous.)

3．Summary

The “SIGMA APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX HSM” is an old, large-aperture telephoto zoom lens. Because it’s an older lens, its performance doesn’t match that of modern lenses. Furthermore, used Sigma SA mount versions are extremely rare. If you find one, it will likely be very inexpensive or quite expensive.

The Nikon, Minolta (Sony), and Pentax versions are compatible with current digital cameras. However, the Canon EF version is highly likely to be incompatible with Canon cameras released after this lens due to Canon’s Sigma block. Therefore, it’s recommended that you check its functionality before purchasing.

Specification

The EX DG HSM was released shortly after the EX HSM. The only difference between the two lenses is the presence or absence of digital-compatible lens coatings. The lens construction is the same for both. Since both lenses are over 20 years old, used versions in average condition can be found for around 10,000 yen. At this price, they are worth buying. However, due to their long minimum focusing distance and older design, it’s probably better to look for a more recent lens if the price exceeds 20,000 yen.

The 70-200mm was one of Sigma’s most profitable lenses during the film era, and it has been regularly updated. In terms of usability, the 2007 macro version and the 2011 model with image stabilization are convenient. The latest sports type is impressive, priced at 150,000 yen. However, functionally, it doesn’t completely surpass previous lenses. The minimum focusing distance is not as short as the macro lens’s 1.2 m. The inclusion of image stabilization has resulted in a significantly larger lens construction of 22 groups and 24 elements compared to previous lenses. This brings the weight close to 2 kg. This specification feels excessive.

A comparable prime lens with a similar telephoto focal length is Sigma’s “APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX IF HSM.” It features the sharp rendering characteristic of a prime lens, a minimum focusing distance of 0.23 m, and a lightweight design of under 1 kg. This makes it a viable option for those who prioritize macro performance.

Around the same time, I was using Tamron’s manual focus lens, the “SP 180mm LD [IF]” (63B), which has a similar focal length. In terms of bokeh at the same focal length, the Tamron 63B comes out on top because it is a prime lens. Furthermore, its minimum focusing distance of 1.2 meters offers the advantage of being able to get closer to the subject. However, by 2024, the price of this lens will have risen to over 50,000 yen due to the decrease in high-quality lenses, making it too expensive for an older lens.

Items	EX HSM	EX DG HSM	Ⅱ EX DG MACRO HSM	EX DG OS HSM	DG OS HSM-S
Focal length(mm)	70-200	70-200	70-200	70-200	70-200
Max aperture	2.8	2.8	2.8	2.8	2.8
Min aperture	22	32	22	22	22
Lens Construction	17 elements in 14 groups	17 elements in 14 groups	18 elements in 15 groups	22 elements in 17 groups	24 elements in 22 groups
Aperture blade	9	9	9	9	11
Min distance(m)	1.8	1.8	1.0	1.4	1.2
Lens length(mm) SIGMA-SA	181.2	181.2	184.4	197.6	202.9
Lens Max diameter(mm)	86.2	86.2	86.5	86.4	94.2
Filter Size(mm)	77	77	77	77	82
Lens hood	LH835-02	LH835-02	LH850-01	LH850-02	LH914-01
Weight(g) SIGMA-SA	1270	1270	1370	1430	1805
Release date	2002	2005	2007	2011	2018
Price(Yen/No-tax)	130,000 yen (without HSM) 140,000 yen (with HSM)	145,000 yen	142,900 yen	165,000 yen	Open 150,000 yen

Reference links

First FOVEON sensor camera: SIGMA SD9

寄付のお願い・Request for donations

Affiliate links

Sigma・Ads by Amazon
Sigma lens・Ads by Amazon
Sigma books・Ads by Amazon

Update history