Just got myself a new Toy

Guess who got himself a new Lens? That's me of course :p

Specifically, I purchased the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II Macro Lens. I know, I know, why not go for the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L Lens? The answer is pretty simple, It's recession time for The StiXX *head down, hands on forehead, sighing*

Anyways, let's go over some things with the Lens. The stages of quality and specs check:

Stage 1: The Physical Inspection

• No scratch-marks
• Glass is clean and clear
• No foreign material/object found inside the lens
• Owh, so heavy. Weighing at 1.37Kg, its what you'd expect from a zoom lens.
• Hood all good - clear from marks and attachable
• Zoom ring is very smooth with the 'just right' amount of friction
• Focus ring is a bit far to reach, but again, its a zoom lens, what do you expect. Its also smooth and its friction is well build.
  

Stage 1 - Passed

Stage 2: Focusing

• Not the sharpest zoom lens around, but for AUD999, it's well worth it
• AF is very fast and silent, unlike its younger brother, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Lens. The world has too much noise pollution as it is.

Stage 2 - Barely Passed

Stage 3: Extras

• I love it when Sigma gives extras to their customers
• The first one is the front lens cap. Its new center pinch and pull cap is much more user-friendly compared to its old cap. Less wobblying and quick fit is key to any Lens Cap.
• The bag is to die for. It comes with the lens for free, and it is padded just how you'd like any lens bag to be padded. The nylon material is also an added bonus.
• Yes, you get the hood (petal design - typical of Sigma)
  
• Tripod ring also included
• Lastly, a Strap for the padded bag. Whoah!
  

Stage 3: Passed with flying colors

To sum it up:
Pros: f/2.8 means low light capability and bokeh! Cheap, Sturdy, Fast HSM AF.
Cons: focus not so sharp, tripod is needed due to the non OS function

Note: In the next coming days, you won't find the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II Macro Lens priced under AUD1K anymore. My sources tells me, some of the shops are already being forced to raise lens prices up. One shop-owner told me that its going up by 20-30%. Blame it on the US and Oz economic recession. Glad I got mine just in time.