This seems to be an obscure Sigma lens as there is almost no information to find, and it was only in production for one year, so likely not to many samples were made, but it also exists in a manual focus version. On my Sony a600, used with a non electronic Minolta AF-NEX adapter, I have to focus manually. So my review does not include any statement on how well it can auto-focus.
When handling the lens, I started to understand why it was only in production for a year. It kind of sucked... The lens mount is very loosely attached to the lens, although that might be a problem specific to this copy, it sure made for a very wobbly lens. A bigger problem is the zoom creep. This lens is a simple push/pull design, and on the heavy side. When pointing downwards, the outer barrel slowly slides to the maximum tele-end of the lens. It makes this lens unusable for macro, or any situation where you have to point down. The manual focus ring is very slim (the cartled front side of the lens), giving little grip, and the focussing itself has little resistance, making accurate focus difficult to do.
Image quality is nothing special. Regular sharpness, reasonable color, no extensive color fringing. But I did like the smooth bokeh. One other major problem... not sure if it was the adapter, or the lens, but I was not able to get infinity focus. It was just a little out of reach.
So, definitely not a keeper. But for someone who does have a compatible camera with autofocus, it might actually work as a low-market option to reach 200mm. But for me, the slippin'n sliding outer barrel was a deal breaker.
Lens Specification:
Focal Length: 60-200mm
Maximum Aperture: F4
Minimum Aperture: F22
Image Format: 35mm
Lens Mount: AF
Optics: 12 elements in 9 groups
Blades: 6
Focussing: Manual & Auto Focus
Minimum Focus: 150cm
Filter Size: 52mm Weight: 497g
Length: 84-123mm
Production: 1986-1987
Serial Number: 1001737
Made in: Japan
More information on: Sigma Corporation
Samples:
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| 1/160 sec - ISO1600 - Handheld |
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| 1/160 sec - ISO1600 - Handheld |
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| 1/320 sec - ISO1600 - Handheld |
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| 1/80 sec - ISO1000 - Handheld |
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| 1/320 sec - ISO1600 - Handheld |
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| 1/320 sec - ISO1600 - Handheld |
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| 1/160 sec - ISO1600 - Handheld |
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| 1/320 sec - ISO1600 - Handheld |
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| 1/320 sec - ISO1600 - Handheld |
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| 1/320 sec - ISO1600 - Handheld |
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| 1/160 sec - ISO1600 - Handheld |
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| 1/800 sec - ISO1600 - Handheld |
Sources:History of Sigma Lenses
I got this lens as a freebe on ebay with the purchase of a Pentax Super A camera in Dec. 2020. The mount is for a Minolta AF. I tried it on several Minoltas: 3000i, 5000i, 7000i and it only froze the cameras; could not even release the shutter. Tried to sell it on ebay for 1 dollar with a new just for this lens but cheap AF/NEX adapter and got no bidders. I am now so happy it did'nt sell; as I since purchased a Minolta 2000 and the lens works perfectly on this camera in full Program, Aperture and Shutter modes. It looks like this lens was made specifically for the 2000 camera. I think you have or had a bad copy. Mine was in minty, like new condition. Maybe because it did'nt fit on the Pentax? I was able to get a very sharp infinity focus with a cheap $13 adapter on my Sony A7. The mount is tight and solid on the Minolta 2000. But it was floppy on the adapter. The problem was the low quality adapter as was obvious with the defects in the machining. I also don't have the zoom creep of your copy. In fact, it takes a litte more effort to push-out and pull-in than any other of my push/pull zoom lenses. I plan to field test it on my 2000 and on my A7(Sony) after I get a better quality K&F Pro adapter with some Ebay bucks later this Spring (2021). I agree that the focus ring is skinny, but it was designed for the AF Minolta 2000. After all, the 2000 was adverised as focusing almost as quick as the human eye and was the first successful AF camera. As a customer you would have lost confidence in that functionality if the kit and 3rd party lenses had big manual focus rings. So all Minolta AF lenses of this era have the same very narrow focus rings. I don't think Minolta would have licensed the 3rd party lenses for the 2000 if the designs included a big focus ring.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback! I completely follow your explanation, but my review was for the lens when used as a manual lens, and not as an auto-focus lens on a native Minolta camera. Good to know it shines when used on a Minolta Camera.
ReplyDeleteSigma push-pull telezooms of the late 1980s seem to have smooth and pleasing bokeh in general. Not surprised this one isn't an exception. Shame about the excessive zoom creep, but yeah...another shared trait. Those were still all metal and glass, but not build to the standard of the 1970s and early 1980s.
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