Camera Buy - Sigma 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Macro Lens for Pentax SLR Cameras

Average Evaluation:

Batteries Included: 0
Binding: Electronics
Brand: Sigma
Color: Black
EAN: 0085126793456
Feature: It incorporates 2 pcs of Low Dispersion SLD glass.
Is Fragile: 0
Label: Sigma Corporation
Manufacturer: Sigma Corporation
Maximum Focal Length: 300
Minimum Focal Length: 28
Model: 793-109
Optical Zoom: 10.7
Publisher: Sigma Corporation
Release Date: 2003-10-23
Studio: Sigma Corporation
Variation Description: Black

Features

It incorporates 2 pcs of Low Dispersion SLD glass.
It also has 4 pcs. Of Aspherical lenses to produce a high level of optical performance.
This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 19.7" (50 cm) in all focal lengths.
euipped with a macro mechanism for close-up photography at 300mm telephto with a reproduction ration of 1:6
this lens is eqipped with a "zoom lock" to prevent the zoom setting from being changed inadvertently.

Accessories
Lowepro Lens Case 1S (Black)

Editorial Reviews:

The 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 MACRO lens covers all the focal lengths from 28mm wide angle to 300mm telephoto with 10.7: 1 high zoom ratio as well as macro capability. 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 MACRO packs a lot of performance in a compact package with ultra compact dimensions that make this lens the ultimate traveling companion length. The 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 MACRO lens feature 2pcs Special Low Dispersion SLD glass elements and 4pcs Aspherical Lenses, to produce a high level of optical performance. Aspherical lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberration while making a very compact construction possible.The 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 MACRO lens has a minimum focusing distance of 50cm at all focal lengths and is equipped with a macro mechanism for close-up photography at 300mm telephoto, with a reproduction ratio of 1: 3. This design allows for stability and compactness in design as changes in focus are made in an internal lens grouping. This also gives the advantage of a non-rotating front lens assembly, which is of great benefit when using polarizing filter and Petal-type hood. 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 MACRO lens is equipped with a zoom lock to prevent the lens from creeping due to its own weight, and to offer protection whilst the lens is being carried.

Reviews :

Evaluation:

Conclusion: Nice optics. Poor mechanics.

Review: I bought this lens as my primary lens for use with my Pentax K100D Camera. For the price, I would have to say that this lens is very good. The quality of the pictures that I have taken with this lens is excellent. This is a great multi-use outdoor walk-around type lens with the right f-stop range and wide zoom range that make it adaptable to many different situations.

However, I have found a couple of negatives about this lens. The biggest problem that I have had is that the mechanical components associated with the zoom are not very smooth. The design is poor and I have actually had to repair the lens a couple of times because a small screw inside keeps coming loose. When the screw gets loose the lens will just slide in and out and becomes "disengaged" from the zoom dial on the outer case that you would normally use to zoom the lens in and out. The auto focus is not great either. Sometimes it "hunts" and other times it can be practically useless.

Basically though, it has served me well as a starter lens, but I'll definitely upgrade at some point.

Evaluation:

Conclusion: great travel lens for Pentax K10D

Review: I got this lens for a Disney cruise in the Western Carribean this Fall, wishing for a one-lens solution. Had to settle for bringing the 18-55mm too, but this lens is the one I mostly used, and enjoyed.

My only complaints are that it is a little stiff in adjusting the zoom, and that the flare limiter thingy (great technical term, huh?) was a little loosish, though it never fell off. The lens cap usually comes off in my Lowepro Slingshot bag though. The tightness wasn't a problem in the Caribbean, but I'll have to see how it performs in Wisconsin winters.

All of this being said though, it is a great lens. It functions flawlessly with my Pentax K10D, allowing the camera sensor image stabilization to work very well. (Despite nary a word from Pentax or Sigma about compatibility, so I was sweating it). I would have liked to have the new Tamron 18-250 even more perhaps, for more wide-angle range, but the 300mm reach was very nice. It was decently fast, and the clarity was good. Very worth the money. If it wasn't for the minor issues above, I would have given it 5 stars. Most importantly, it works with tbe Pentax image stabilization system.

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