Are you a photography enthusiast looking to explore the world of telephoto zoom lenses? If you're just starting your photographic journey, the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras is a fantastic choice to consider. In this review, I'll walk you through its features and why it's an excellent choice for beginners.
This lens is the second lens I bought when I started the hobby back in 2009. I used it for more done two years together with another canon classic the Canon EF 28-90mm F/4-5.6 III SLR Lens.
The Sigma 70-300mm lens is renowned for its impressive zoom range. It lets you capture scenes near and far, making it perfect for a wide range of photography styles. Whether you're interested in landscapes, wildlife, sports, or even close-up shots, this lens can handle it all. For beginners, having such versatility in one lens can be a game-changer.
Back then when I was just starting in photography, I choice to buy the most affordable gear I can find and learn what I can using them. The Sigma 70-300mm lens boasts APO (Apochromatic) lens elements that minimize chromatic aberrations. In simple terms, it ensures your photos are sharp and free from color fringing, helping you capture stunning, high-contrast images. This Sigma Telephoto is sharp enough between 70mm to 100mm, but soft beyond specially at the 300mm range. I didn't expect much from a cheap telephoto lens like this.
One of the good features of this lens is its macro capability. With a minimum focusing distance of just 1.5 meters, you can explore the world of close-up photography. As a beginner, this opens up a whole new realm of creative possibilities. Whether it's capturing intricate details of a flower or getting up close to a subject's eyes, macro photography adds depth to your portfolio.
Sigma has taken the needs of beginners into account when designing this lens. It's lightweight and easy to handle. The autofocus system is responsive and accurate, ensuring you can capture your subjects without the hassle of manual focus. Additionally, a switch on the lens barrel allows you to switch between autofocus and manual focus, giving you control over your shots.
For amateur photographers who are constantly on the move, this lens is a great choice. It's lightweight and compact, fitting easily into your camera bag without weighing you down. Whether you're traveling, hiking, or just exploring your local surroundings, this lens won't become a burden.
Starting your photography journey doesn't mean you need to break the bank. The Sigma 70-300mm lens provides excellent value for its price point. Back in 2009 I was able to buy this brand new for only $180 from amazon. It allows you to experiment with various photographic styles without a hefty investment, making it a perfect choice for beginners.
Tips for Beginners
- Master Your Zoom: Experiment with different focal lengths to see the lens's full potential. Try wide-angle shots at 70mm and then zoom in for some telephoto magic at 300mm.
- Macro Magic: Explore the macro capabilities by getting up close to small subjects. Use a tripod to ensure your shots are steady.
- Understand Aperture: Learn how to adjust your camera's aperture settings to control depth of field. This will help you achieve that beautiful background blur (bokeh) in your photos.
- Practice and Patience: Like any skill, photography takes practice. Don't be discouraged by early results. Keep shooting and learning from your mistakes.
- Post-Processing: Invest time in learning basic photo editing techniques. Software like Adobe Lightroom can enhance your images and bring out their full potential.
In conclusion, the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras is a fantastic choice for photography beginners. Its versatility, macro capabilities, user-friendly design, and affordability make it an excellent choice for those starting their photographic hobby. So, get out there, experiment, and capture the world in a whole new way with this affordable lens in your kit.
You can still find this lens used at Amazon.
