Overall, there are 16 elements built into 11 groups and a 9-blade diaphragm which enables an aperture range of f/4-5.6 to f/22-32. Another crucial difference is that this lens lacks the APO version's macro facility, the maximum magnification factor being 0.25x instead of 0.5x.

• +

  Sharpness is good at 300mm, even when using the largest aperture of f/5.6, Effective 4-stop optical stabiliser, Robust build quality

• -

  Autofocus motor is quite noisy in operation, Front element extends and rotates during focusing, Lacks the 0.5x macro facility of Sigma's older 70-300mm APO lens

Overall, Sigma’s lens performed very well and field testing suggests it loses nothing by offering only single-mode image stabilisation. At some £300 on-the-street, this looks rather a bargain.

• +

  Easy operation

• -

  Noisy AF

ePHOTOzine resident lens tester, Gary Wolstenholme casts his discerning eye over the Sigma 70-300mm. It has long been a popular choice amongst budget-conscious photographers looking to cover this popular range.

• +

  Good resolution at shorter focal lengths, Optical Stabiliser, Low Distortion at 70mm

• -

  Rotating AF ring, Drop off in resolution and contrast at 300mm, Slow focusing speed

I really like this lens. It's light and easy to use, and I can carry it while hiking. The images I get are razor sharp-PROVIDED THAT I take great care in focusing. The major drawback is that lens is a little slow to focus, sometimes has to "hunt," and sometimes is off-focus, so I have to check it.