Lenses Camera Reviews: Sigma 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DG IF Macro Aspherical Lens for Pentax and Samsung SLR Cameras

Sigma 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DG IF Macro Aspherical Lens for Pentax and Samsung SLR Cameras

Ultra compact dimensions, length: 3.3", diameter: 2.9", filter size: 62mm and a 10.7: 1 zoom ratio make this lens the ultimate traveling companion. This versatile, all-purpose zoom can capture a wide ranging series of subjects using its wide angle, ultra-telephoto and close-up capabilities. It incorporates 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. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 50cm at all focal lengths. Equipped with a macro mechanism for close-up photography at 300mm telephoto, with a reproduction ratio of 1: 3. It is equipped with a "zoom lock" to prevent the zoom setting from being changed inadvertently. It incorporates an internal focusing system, which eliminates front lens rotation, allowing the use of polarizing filters and Petal type hoods. The lens materials used in this new lens are lead and arsenic free ecological glass.

Product Details

Brand: Sigma

Model: B0009XQPJS

Released on: 2005-09-20

Dimensions: 9.00" h x 9.00" w x 9.00" l, 1.40 pounds

Features

Compact high performance zoom lens with a 10.7x high zoom ratio, 28 to 300-millimeter focal length

Special low dispersion glass and aspherical lenses produce high level of optical performance

19.7-inch minimum focusing distance with macro mechanism for close-up photography at full zoom

Zoom lock device prevents zoom setting from being changed inadvertently

Designed for Pentax digital SLR cameras

Editorial Reviews

Manufacturer Description
The Sigma 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. The 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.

Two-piece Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements and four-piece Aspherical Lenses, produce a high level of optical performance.
The 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 Macro lens feature two-piece Special Low Dispersion SLD glass elements and four-piece 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.

Macro photography with a 1:3 maximum photography ratio
The 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 Macro lens has a minimum focusing distance of 19.7 inches (50 centimeters) at all focal lengths and is equipped with a macro mechanism for close-up photography at 300-millimeter telephoto, with a reproduction ratio of 1:3.

Inner Focus System
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.

The "Zoom Lock" device prevents the zoom setting from being changed inadvertently.
The 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.

DG Lens
These are large-aperture lenses with wide angles and short minimum focusing distances. With an abundance of peripheral illumination, they are ideal lenses for Digital SLR Cameras whilst retaining suitability for traditional 35mm SLRs.

Customer Reviews

great zoom lens and can't beat it for the price
Nice and strudy lesn,the macro works nice, zoom factor is also good. the zoom lock is simply nice! don't complain on anything for the price i paid. I liked it.

Not bad at all
Thankfully, I didn't get a faulty item, and it worked fine right out of the box, no focusing problems whatsoever. With the quality control issue out of the way, I can tell you that this lens has produced some fine photos, and I can whole heartedly say that I got more than my money's worth.

Let's get the cons out of the way first. The zoom mechanism is a bit tight - but this has loosened considerably, now that I've taken more than 1,000 images in a variety of locations (I've taken this lens into the jungle and up to the summit of Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia). The zoom lock is something I rarely use (since it only locks at the 28mm position), and lens creep is definitely present (I don't mind, I keep my kit in a camera bag). With the lens fully extended, images get rather soft, but this lens has enough range on it that the useable range (with regard to image sharpness) is more than adequate.

Now to the good points - this lens is CHEAP! Considering the range you get, this is really a bargain. It doesn't feel like it, though. This thing is built like a brick, and it's just as tough. It's on the heavy side, and I appreciate the choice of materials (the rubber texture is a plus). This once rolled off my lap and into sand. Yes, SAND. I was able to save it with a couple of stiff puffs and an earnest prayer. Colors are well rendered, and bokeh comes out lovely (given the right aperture and focal length mix - see photo).

All in all, I think this was a good purchase. This was my first lens, and looking back, I think I couldn't have found a more empowering piece of glass considering its versatility, durability and price point.