Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd

	Digital Photo ‘Once mounted, the lens balances very well with a smooth movement through the zoom ring, and the manual focus offers bags of control for precise focusing. AF is quick and quiet, and it's also worth mentioning the excellent close focusing capabilities of this lens. It has a very good minimum focus distance of only 100cm through the entire zoom range, allowing plenty of scope for close-up photography and a maximum reproduction of 1:3.5.' 'It's a really well made lens and gives its more expensive rivals a good run for their money.'

	Digital Photography Review ‘The Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II is a prime example of an independent manufacturer producing a design which can challenge the camera companies' own lenses in most aspects of optical and operational performance, but at a much lower price. Of course a key determinant of the overall performance of a fast telezoom lies in the focusing system, and here the Sigma does not disappoint. The near-silent hypersonic motor delivers fast, accurate and consistent autofocus, including when shooting in low light or tracking moving subjects, and feels no less speedy or responsive than the Canon or Nikon systems. Manual focus works well too, with a decent focus ring travel allowing high levels of precision, and full-time override of autofocus available.'

	Amateur Photographer ‘In the field, if noise levels and autofocus speed come into the purchaser’s equation, the Sigma scores notably.’ ‘The choice will then depend on the practical aspects of ergonomic design, build and cost. Viewed in that way, the Sigma zoom noses ahead for a number of applications.’

	Master Photo Digital ‘Combine the 2x accuracy of an f/2.8 sensor with the sheer speed of Sigma’s new HSM hypersonic focus motor found in the Sigma 70-200mm, and the result is more than impressive. Well, the Sigma when fitted to my Alpha 900 came as a surprise – I had no idea an ultrasonic focus motor could shift a big lens like this at such speed. Once a few test shots had been taken, it was clear that the Sigma has optical advantages over the Sony despite costing half the price.’

	Photoworld ‘Where Sigma have excelled is in controlling the field flatness of this lens. What impressed me was the speed of the HSM focus. It’s significantly faster than the Sony SSM. Overall, I feel the 70-200mm HSM Sigma is a very solidly made and optically well designed revision, at a price which makes me less worried about using it daily. After many years of resisting big APO lenses (I even bought and then sold an 80-200mm f2.8 back in the 1980s) I find myself with this one in my regular kit and I’m enjoying the results it can produce.’

	Practical Photography ‘Considering this lens is just a few pounds more than the Tamron optic, it feels a great deal more expensive when you’re holding it in your hands. Sigma is well-known for producing great independent off erings, and the build quality is always a strong point. In use, the pictures look nice and clear, plus they show good contrast. The sharpness of the lens is very good.’