Test/ First Impression Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports - experiences?

[ermesjo]

After I throwed my Canon gear (5Dii + 40D) with five EF lenses overboard in 2024-25. I have some experience with my two S5ii/X bodies. Photograpy and 8 YouTube videos out there. Four L-lenses type f/1.8 of 18,35,50,85mm. After struggling with considerations (GAS-syndrome?) and budget, I finally ordered a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sport lens on Monday April 13th. Sigma Europe (Germany?) states that there is «few in stock». So now, the new lens must find it’s way through Germany to my Oslo reseller («Foto.no»). Any experience here in the Forum? The lens boasts excellent reviews. I cant wait to test it, also together with a Sigma TC 1.4 which extend the 70-200 to 98-280mm. This is purely Purchase-Joy!

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[Prosecutor]

Great choice. To my mind it‘s one of the most attractive lenses. Lighter and cheaper than the Lumix. Fast AF. Even very sharp combined with the TC-2011 at 400mm. I‘ve made several thousands of photos with the Sigma and I am very pleased with the results.

 

[ermesjo]

Thank you, «Prosecutor». I had the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 and this was the sharpest of my five Canon EF’s (17-40 f/4.0, 24-70i f/2.8, 50 f/1.8, 100 f/2.0 and 70-200). I bet the Sigma surpasses with better optics, faster AF. I will publish samples in this forum later. Thank you also that you have tested the teleconverter!

 

[pdk42]

I bought one recently but decided not to keep it. It's quite spectacular in its IQ and the AF and OIS seem to be up with the best. In terms of delivering results, it's hard to really criticise it. But, there are some downsides:

- It's a big and heavy lens. Maybe lighter than the Panasonic 70-200 f2.8, but it's still heavier than 70-200 f2.8 lenses from other systems (notably the Sony GM)

- The tripod foot is non-removable (well, not without an Allen Key). Along with the lens's size it makes it a bit big for a compact bag.

- The zoom ring is relatively small and is positioned at the very front of the lens, which isn't ideal for handling IMHO.

- The lens hood has a fiddly screw-clamp fitting.

So, bottom line, this is a superb lens in terms of its performance, but it's got a few ergonomic issues that would be good to see fixed in a Mark II .

 

[Prosecutor]

I removed the tripod foot - just 4 small screws to turn off.
Unedited example with TC-2011 at 400mm:

• Panasonic DC-S5M2
• ƒ/5.6
• 400mm
• 1/800s
• ISO 6400

 

[dirk]

I use my Sigma 70-200/2.8 for sports photography on the S1Rii with around 46MP (do not know the exact MP anymore).

I do a lot of cropping, which is an even harder quality test for that zoom. It performs very good. I am really happy with that lens in all aspects. Yes it is not light, but the first generations of the Sony GM equivalent lens was not very light neither and costed a lot more.

You will enjoy the lens for sure. And the price advantage too

 

[Prosecutor]

It´s razor-sharp, great for sports & action...

• Panasonic DC-S5M2
• 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | S 023 + TC-1411
• ƒ/4
• 280mm
• 1/800s
• ISO 10000

• Panasonic DC-S1RM2
• 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports 023
• ƒ/2.8
• 102mm
• 1/500s
• ISO 4000

...and has a decent bokeh

• Panasonic DC-S1M2ES
• 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports 023
• ƒ/2.8
• 200mm
• 1/320s
• ISO 100