Fixed 200 mm F/2 is a very rare and special lens. In DSLR days, very few were available, and they were all ridiculous expensive. Both Canon and Nikon created some very iconic versions, which distributed the razor-edged optics and incredibly to the shallow depth-region. They were also useful for low-light sports and action photography.
Surprisingly, we have not seen a version for Mirrorless – so far. Sigma announced a new full-frame 200 mm lens F/2 sport for $ 3,299. It is an ambitious enterprise that considens how specific these lens designs are, but I had an ideal test landscape that plays for the strength of Sigma Lens. A local college baseball team called Okotox Dogs gave us sideline access to try this latest sports lens.
Sigma 200 mm F/2DG Sport Review: How does it feel
The 200 mm F/2 sport is designed for intense sports conditions and comes with a white paint job to limit the thermal expansion as well as the rugged weather-cinema construction. The lens comes with a generous hood with a screw-lock release and surrounds a large 105 mm filter mount. There are adaptable buttons and autofocating controls to limit distance and switch to manuals. You also get a beautiful aperture ring, which can be set for smooth or step functionality. There are also optical stabilizer controls because this lens has an effective image stabilization system.
The collar is not removable, but it facilitates the dowtel cut to make compatible with the arch-swell tripod heads. 200 mm is a full-feature lens designed for rugged sports and action, but it all comes with a little weight. At 63.95 ounces (1,800 grams), the lens weighs much more than expected from 70–200 f/2.8 lenses. I chose to shoot the game without a monopod and found manageable handheld (with topical comfort), although I want a monopod for wildlife work. It was easy to use all controls without removing my eyes from action, and I liked short zoom throw for quick changes.
Sigma 200 mm F/2DG Sport Review: How does it shoot
Sigma high -speed linear actors, or HLA motors, had zero issues with baseball games. Of course, the lens has an effective focus limit to maintain important focus. There were no autofocus compatibility issues with Sony body that I was using; However, there will still be a ridiculous range of 15 frames per second of Sony if you want to maintain tracking autofocus, which, of course, you do.
There is a huge hood that does a great job of protecting the front of the lens from physical and provoking issues. However, I tested the lens without a hood whether there was any problem with the latter, and the lens prevented the flash beautifully. The contrast was maintained well, whether it is shooting towards the sun or the bright stadium light. You can see a touch of ghosts regardless of the chosen aperture, but using the hood should prevent most unpleasant flare issues anyway.
Boke is incredibly clean and soft on this new Sigma lens. It is understandable that the depth of the area with such bright aperture can be so shallow. Specular highlights were clean and were free from any bright halos or dirty onion rings. It gives a very smooth transition throughout the focus range, and also gives a soft -looking background that does not distract the audience’s eye. I liked the out-of-focus crowd in the background on f/2 because the context of the scene is clearly shown, but the players are still standing against the backdrop of almost painters.
It is clear that Sigma has adapted this 200 mm for maximum acuity at maximum aperture. This lens is designed to work on F/2 throughout the day, and the test chart is agreed. At f/2, the lens is incredibly sharp with the need for any improvement by stopping the lens. Corners are also very decent, although there are some small benefits to use a tight aperture. I also found the lens to shoot in a very flat manner, which means that if the center is in meditation, the corners are largely. Loca, or longitudinal chromatic aberrations, are also easily controlled, which are accompanied by very low colored fringing in focus areas.
Sigma 200 mm F/2DG Sport Review: Stunning Sports Lens
Sigma is just one such bliss to use 200 mm F/2 sport. Alternatively, this lens is still unmatched, a unique form for excellent acumen and sports compositions that thank the shallow depth and beautiful bokeh of the region. I did not find extremely difficult to carry weight, and it is easy to use control and tasks. There are only more about one thing to complain about the lack of support for the mount and the boundaries placed on this lens by Sony. You have the option to use teleconverter on L-mount bodies, if you want, which unlocks even more capacity; However, this is not an option on the Sony e-mount.
The price is going to be high at $ 3,299, but consider that only other options are old Nikon and Canon DSLR lenses that are not being well changed to e-mount or L-mount anyway. In addition, those DSLR lenses are still more expensive options than the Sigma 200 mm F/2, and I will enter the venture to say that this lens performs at least, if not better. Nevertheless, this lens has a lot to offer a potential game or wildlife photographer, and a lot of pictures and wedding shooters can also get utility here.
Sigma is first in the field to introduce this lens on a mirrorless platform, and they came out swinging.
What are the options?
Practically, not. Sigma is the first to tap in this optical formula for mirrorless cameras, and will hold a bit of monopoly for the future.
Should you buy it?
Yes. This lens provides a unique look that uses transcide especially for sports and action. Photographers who shoot concerts, portraits, weddings and street will all find something to love.
