I was thinking of buying this lens, however it is the older model, not the macro or HSM version.

I want to use this on an Elan IIe, but I've heard of possible compatability problems.

Could someone who's tried this combo please let me know if it will work or not.

Thanks,

-- Kevin Davidson (kdavidso@caninet.com), June 19, 2000

Answers

I own an Elan II and I bought this lens used last year. I had a problem when trying to set the aperture to anything other than 5.6 so I sent it back to the camera shop to get it fixed. The shop sent it back "fixed",,, not!,, twice!! Sent it back for a refund. I then tried an older Tokina 400 but it had the same problem. So after $160 (canadian) in shipping costs I bought a new Tokina and that works ok, (good dollar value), but if I had my time back I would have saved for Canon 300 f4 or 400 5.6 (you can't beat the Canon usm focusing). I have 6 lenses of which 3 are Canon. When I can afford to I will replace 2 of the non-Canon lenses as I'm finding I am happier with the the results from manufacturer's lenses. (The one exception - Tamron 90 1:1 macro. excelent lens!) Hope this answers your question.

-- Paul Nicol (nicol@roadrunner.nf.net), June 19, 2000.

This lens was one of my first telephoto lens for my EOS 50E. It focusing is very slow, and in less than ideal conditions, I had problems getting focus (don't seem to have it on my Canon lens). Occasionally, the camera would lockup (refuse to click when shutter button is depressed). Only after 2 months of ownership, I begin to see signs of fogging in the rear element and decided to sell it, and I only buy Canon EF lenses from that day on. My advise, forget the Sigma and save for the Canon.

-- Alex Yap (hashigou@yahoo.com), June 20, 2000.

Hmm... I have the HSM/macro version of this lens, have used it on Rebel, Elan, and A2 bodies, and have never experienced any problem. When looking at this lens, I polled several pro users of the earlier non-macro version that you're considering, and their only reservations were along the lines of build quality, but that's after several years of rigorous professional use. The concensus has always been to avoid the early non-APO lens like the plague, but, short of the above comments, I've never heard any negative feedback on this lens.

FWIW, I'd try to save up for the newer version - the HSM is great, allows FTM, and has the close focus capability to get you to 1:3 (if only it came in the EX finish...). I also have a Sigma 105 macro and a Sigma 18-35, and have never experienced any compatibility issues with any. And as much as I'd like to participate in the L-bigotry, as a part-time freelancer, I really can't justify spending twice as much for a lens that I see no immediate return from. Not that I wouldn't like a 24 TSE, but I've been very happy with the build quality and image quality of all my Sigma lenses.

Email me if you'd like some examples.

-- Scott (bliorg@yahoo.com), June 20, 2000.

Actually, mine was the old 400/5.6 (APO) from the pre-HSM era. I don't really like the old Sigma lens, but the new EX series seems OK.

-- Alex Yap (hashigou@yahoo.com), June 21, 2000.