[mehigh]

Hi guys



I'm wondering when the review for the new Sigma 70-200 OS is coming, especially for Nikon Dx <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />



I'm very curious to find out how affected this lens is by focus breathing and where does it place itself between the Nikon 70-200 VR1 and VR2.



The only info I have is this:



200mm at close focus: http://www.bythom.com/nikkor-70-200-VR-II-lens.htm

Nikon Vr1: 182mm

Nikon Vr2: 134mm



I really wonder where does the Sigma 70-200 OS is at 200mm close distance focus?



If anyone knows this info, pls share



Best regards

M

[mst]

[quote name='mehigh' timestamp='1304245269' post='7985']

I'm wondering when the review for the new Sigma 70-200 OS is coming, especially for Nikon Dx <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[/quote]



Not too soon, I'm afraid. Our review unit is decentered and currently on its third trip to Sigma Service in Germany. See also this thread:



http://forum.photozone.de/index.php?/topic/789-recent-good-and-bad-experiences-with-manufacturer-service/



[quote name='mehigh' timestamp='1304245269' post='7985']

I'm very curious to find out how affected this lens is by focus breathing and where does it place itself between the Nikon 70-200 VR1 and VR2.

[/quote]



Very close to the Nikon 70-200 VR II.



Max. Magnification at MFD of 70-200 VR II: 1:8.33

Max. Magnification at MFD of 70-200 OS: 1:8



-- Markus

[Brightcolours]

[quote name='mst' timestamp='1304245734' post='7986']

Not too soon, I'm afraid. Our review unit is decentered and currently on its third trip to Sigma Service in Germany. See also this thread:



http://forum.photozone.de/index.php?/topic/789-recent-good-and-bad-experiences-with-manufacturer-service/







Very close to the Nikon 70-200 VR II.



Max. Magnification at MFD of 70-200 VR II: 1:8.33

Max. Magnification at MFD of 70-200 OS: 1:8



-- Markus

[/quote]

Markus is of course right, but has to mention the MFD for both lenses too, because if the MFD would be very different, the same magnification factor would not indicate the same focus breathing.



The Sigma OS version has a Minimum Focus Distance of 1.4m, the Nikon VR II has an MFD of 1.4m also.



So yes, both lenses are very heavy breathers, and the exception in the 70/80-200mm group.



Compared to:

Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 D: MFD 1.5m, max. mag. 1:5.9

Sigma 70-200mm EX DG HSM Macro II: MFD 1m, max. mag. 1:3.57

Tamron 70-200mm f2.8: MFD 0.95m, max. mag. 1:3.1

Sony 70-200mm f2.8 SSM G: MFD 1.2m, max. mag. 1:5

Pentax 80-200mm f2.8: MFD 1.4m, max. mag. 1:5

Canon 70-200mm f2.8 IS USM II: MFD 1.2m, max. mag. 1:4.76



So if you, like me, want close focusing ability with a narrow field of view close to 200mm, you best look for other options than the current Nikon and Sigma "portrait tele zooms". For others, this focus breathing might be less of an issue.

[Steinar1]

I admit my ignorance of this issue. Can someone explain to me what it really means in technical terms and what it means for taking pictures every day! Thanks in advance!

[popo]

[quote name='Vieux loup' timestamp='1304332666' post='7996']

I admit my ignorance of this issue. Can someone explain to me what it really means in technical terms and what it means for taking pictures every day! Thanks in advance!

[/quote]

The more descriptive name for it I prefer is "focal length shrinkage" at close® focus distances. Depending on the design of the lens, the focal length of the lens may reduce from nominal as you focus closer. If you shoot a lot at closer distances, just be aware the actual focal length may be less than you think, with consequent effects.

[Brightcolours]

[quote name='popo' timestamp='1304336056' post='7997']

The more descriptive name for it I prefer is "focal length shrinkage" at close® focus distances. Depending on the design of the lens, the focal length of the lens may reduce from nominal as you focus closer. If you shoot a lot at closer distances, just be aware the actual focal length may be less than you think, with consequent effects.

[/quote]

And this will mean two things.



1. The field of view gets a lot wider, with the SIgma and the Nikon, when you focus on something close by. It gets more narrow again, when you focus at something further away. With my Canon, the field of view gets a bit more narrow, when focussing at something close by.



2. Because of the shrinking focal length, the subject is smaller on the image than you would suspect, when looking at the set focal length. It is similar to the difference you get when you shoot a subject with your Tamron 70-300 VC with the lens set at 200mm, and the lens set at 300mm. The Nikon and Sigma show an image of a 135mm lens, instead of 200mm (at minimum focus distance).



It will only matter when you actually want to make a close-ish-up shot with 200mm focal length. If you never do that, but use the lens as telelens only, it will matter less.