Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG MACRO Lens

Having gone over to digital, I am building upon my Nikon D80 based camera system.

This lens will work on both digital and film cameras.

When I bought the lens is was sold as seen, damaged and for spares or repair only. I knew exactly what I was getting into and was prepared to write off the £15.00 that it cost me to buy, in the event that it could be "Bin Certificate".

I like to repair and mess about with things and try to get them working again but having received this lens I realised that with a broken mount and internals it was beyond my scope for repair. I sent the lens back to Sigma U.K. headquarters for an estimate for repairs and was pleasantly suprised at the cost of £75.00 for repair and testing with full 6 mths guarantee.

Repairs have been completed and I am now using my lens, what a cracker, able to open up to f2.8 throughout the full zoom range and some cracking macro shots of cactii etc taken in my greenhouse. As yet, I have not used it on any photo-shoots or missions yet, but early results taken in and around the garden and surrounding area have come out superb and pin-sharp. I am also eager to try the lens on my Nikon F55 35mm body (Also from eBay)

Possibly on the downside, this lens does seem heavy, but I think this is attributable to the build quality of the Sigma EX range of lenses and it does feel solid and well built in use. The filter thread size for this lens is a whacking 82mm and it is prudent to cover the lens with a skylight or U/V filter for protection. Other filters that I use are from the Cokin/Kood stables and only need the purchasing of a readily available adapter ring to enable their use.

To summarise, yes I am well happy with my purchase in both performance and in price. This lens is currently retailing at around the £270.00 mark when new. Mine cost me just short of £100.00 in total with the costs of repairs, posting to Sigma etc