Equipped with all the capabilities serious outdoor and nature photographers demand, the Sigma SA-5 is a versatile camera. It is a fine choice for a broad variety of subjects from travel to landscape and wildlife photography. (SA-5; at 200mm; +1EV exposure compensation; f/11; Bogen tripod; Elite Chrome 100 at EI 200.)

Now you get increased magnification right up to 0.5x or a 1:2 reproduction ration, also called 1/2 life-size on the film frame. Four reproduction ratios are marked on the internal barrel--1:3.5, 1:3, 1:2.5, and 1:2--for those who need to know the exact level. The barrel protrudes an extra inch at maximum extension. Does the lens now become rather front heavy? Not at all, since weight distribution is ideal with the rear section of the barrel and much heavier than the protruding front section. Consequently, this did not create any problem when working with the camera on a tripod for 1/2 life-size images of small blossoms.

Optical Construction. Because it includes two elements of low dispersion glass, the 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Macro zoom is approximately 30 percent more expensive than this DL Macro model. Even so, this more affordable lens includes a similar optical formula and extremely close focusing ability like its APO Macro counterpart. Its one "special low dispersion glass" element minimizes chromatic aberration and "this lens effectively compensates for the astigmatic variations created by focusing," so optical performance does not suffer.

Sigma also offers an optional accessory close-up lens called the Achro-matic Macro Attachment Lens (AML). Resembling a filter with magnifying glass, this device significantly reduces the minimum focusing distance at any focal length. Because of the highly corrected "achromatic" optics, image quality remains high. Although Sigma does not indicate the maximum magnification possible with this accessory, nor the diopter rating, you can achieve nearly a 1:1 reproduction ratio. Set the zoom to 300mm and set focus to 37.4" and you get almost a full 1x magnification. In practical terms, this means that a bumblebee will be rendered almost life-size on the film frame, an impressive level of magnification.

Though not intended for formal architectural work, the Sigma DL zoom was a suitable choice for buildings in travel photography. (SA-5; +1EV exposure compensation; at 70mm; f/11; Elite Chrome 100.)

Evaluation. While shooting with the DL zoom--and after examining my slides--I made the following notes:
·The Macro mode was definitely useful, making this zoom a suitable back-up to a 180mm true Macro lens. The longer 300mm focal length required in the extreme close focusing range was ideal in my opinion. The narrow angle of view allowed me to exclude background clutter, framing a nature subject against a small patch of greenery, for example.

·At 1/2 life-size (300mm) the slides are very sharp and contrasty, comparable to those made with other fine zoom lenses with a +1.5 diopter accessory.

·In very close focusing, peak optical performance was provided at f/11-f/16 and at f/16-f/22 in the Macro setting at 300mm. These are the most commonly used apertures for adequate depth of field. In either case, the images are suitable for sharp 8x12 prints or a half page reproduction in a magazine.

·The standard close focusing distance of roughly 5' was fine for most subjects, reducing the need for the AML accessory. Still, the latter is a worthwhile purchase as it allows for much closer focusing at all focal lengths, increasing versatility. As with any lens/accessory of this type, stop down to f/16 for the optimum in edge to edge sharpness. This is a commonly used aperture in extreme close focus work for depth of field considerations.

A lightweight camera/lens is an ideal combination for shooting quickly. The Sigma SA-5 and 70-300mm DL Macro zoom certainly fall into this category. (SA-5; at 150mm; f/8; Agfachrome 100 RSX.)

·At more typical focusing distances, sharpness/contrast were high from 100-200mm, especially at f/8 and smaller apertures where the slides are truly impressive. Even at the widest apertures, this lens is capable of image quality suitable for an 8x12 print in this focal length range. At the longer focal lengths central sharpness was high, but edge sharpness did benefit from stopping down to f/8 or f/11.

·Slight pincushion distortion (bowing inward of lines near the edges of the frame) was observed, especially at longer focal lengths. Unless you plan to use a tele-zoom lens for formal architectural photography--highly unlikely--this factor is irrelevant.

·Flare is well controlled. The bayonet-type lens hood (removable for reversed storage) is very effective at focal lengths up to 200mm.
·The front element rotates when focusing (though not when zooming) as is common with affordable zooms; adjust polarizers and special effects filters just before tripping the shutter.

·Autofocus speed with the Sigma SA-5 was quite good, capable of tracking vehicles traveling along a freeway. AF sound level is comparable to that of many other independent brand (and some camera makers') lenses. For nearly silent and super-fast AF performance, check out the new HSM series of Sigma lenses with Hypersonic Focus Motor. (See the August '98 issue for my review of the 70-200mm f/2.8 APO HSM for Canon EOS, Sigma SA, and Nikon AF cameras.)

·I appreciated the Macro feature, although it would have been even more useful at all focal lengths from 200-300mm. Still, this will definitely entice the nature photographer--and anyone who finds that most tele-zoom lenses do not focus adequately close.

Conclusion. In the July '96 issue, I had tested the "APO Macro" model of this lens. On reviewing my notes from that earlier test, I found that my conclusions for the more expensive model were similar, but for 11x14 prints instead of 8x12 prints. If you routinely order oversized enlargements, the extra cost of the AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Macro zoom will be a suitable investment. But for an entry-level zoom lens with impressive close focusing ability, the Sigma AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DL Macro offers an excellent value for the price.

Technical Specifications

Construction: 14 elements in 11 groups
Angle of View (Diagonal): 34 to 8°
Minimum Aperture: f/22-f/32
Minimum Focusing Distance: 59.1" and 37.4" at Macro
Maximum Magnification: 0.25x and 0.5x at Macro
Dimensions: 3"(D)x4.6"(L); 58mm filter size
Accessories: Lens hood included; optional AML available
Weight: 20.8 oz
Mounts: AF: Sigma, Minolta, Nikon D, Pentax, and Canon. Manual Focus: Minolta MD and Pentax