Sigma 28-70 AF-Epsilon f/3.5-4.5

Does anyone else have this old Sigma zoom lens ?

I saw it on e-bay last week as I'd been looking for a general purpose lens in the 'cross-over' range between the DAL 18-55 and DAL 50-200.

However, before making a bid I did my 'homework' but only found 2 user reports ? Both commented on the sharpness saying they liked it. One said it was as good as some Primes but the auto-focus on his example was rather ragged.

As no one had bid I jumped in at the last minute (literally) and bought it for the starting price (which was high for 'starters' but reasonable for a 'buy' price as it came complete with both end caps and the original leather case and cardboard box).

It functions fully automatically on my K-r, testing it in 'P' mode and (so far) the auto-focus appears quiet, fast and smooth, fully as good as my brand new DA and DAL lenses.

I'll give it a proper 'workout' in the coming week.

I'd be interested in hearing other users experiences if there are any on this Forum ?

Peter

I bought exactly that lens on Fleabay some months back for the same reason. I haven't got around to testing it fully, but the few snaps I did take were not expecially promising.

Now that you've reminded me - - - and it's not raining - - - watch this space.

Andrew

Many thanks for your help and rapid actions, Andrew.

As I said, I got this lens as a 'long legged' alternative to the DAL 18-55 as I find the 55mm limit a bit restricting and the 50mm lower limit on the DAL 50-200 the same. I wasn't expecting miracles but feel, as you said, it is probably similar in IQ to the 18-55, so fair enough.

From what I've seen so far I'd need a mortgage to get a high quality fully auto lens in this range so I won't relegate it to the top of the wardrobe but use it as a convenient carry around on holiday etc.

Thanks again

Peter:

I meant that I have relegated it to the top of my wardrobe - not that you should. As rule, I tend to have primes 24mm, 28mm or 50mm on the camera most of the time - so that I'll have the best possible quality if I manage to fluke a decent shot. I use the kit lens for anything wider than that - and a Pentax-M 75-150mm f4 zoom (which is amazingly good) or Vivitar (Komine) 200mm f3.5 if I need something longer.

Andrew

I fully agree, Andrew, that a fast Prime will beat any zoom for IQ almost every time and if you have such 'weapons' in your 'armoury' then they are the ones to shoot with when you want best IQ and have time to change lenses.

However, for general use, especially when you want to take a 'spur of the moment' shot, a fully auto zoom is a handy thing to have already on the camera. Also, this intermediate range of 28-70mm meets MY requirements better than the 18-55 kit lens.

But it's 'horses for courses' and everyone has their own preferences (and lenses !).

I've posted another shot taken in low light and feel this lens is a match for the DAL 18-55 so will give it some more use.

Whatever, the great thing about this Forum is that different people's experiences can be published so that if anyone else in the future is looking for comments they will find them here.

Thanks again

Peter

I've taken several test shots with the Sigma recently and have discovered that, especially at the short end, it tends to back focus a little giving images that are nothing like sharp. If focussed manually (I have a split image focussing screen) it is perhaps a little sharper than the Pentax 18-55mm ALII kit lens. I doubt that they all back focus, so it looks like I might have a duff copy.

Andrew