Sigma Zoom-Master 1:2.8-4 f=35-70mm Review

Sigma Zoom-Master 1:2.8-4 f=35-70mm is a zoom lens for 35mm cameras with a variable aperture. Produced in 80-s for a variety of 35mm systems - Nikon, Canon FD, Pentax K. Information about it on the internet quite a bit. This copy was originally has been for Canon FD, and was successfully adapted for Nikon F with infinity safe.

Adapted from Canon FD bayonet to Nikon F

Sigma Zoom-Master 1:2.8-4 f=35-70mm Specs

Focal length: 35-70mm

Aperture: f/2.8~4 - f/ 22

Weight (gr): 310

Length (mm): 72

Filter Ø (mm.): 52

Aperture blades: 6

Min. Focus distance (m.): 0.5  

Sigma Zoom-Master 1:2.8-4 f=35-70mm Handling and Mechanics

The lens has a small size and weight, which is why it is easy to carry on the camera as a staff luns. Soundly constructed. It has a metal barrel.

At focal length 70 mm

Focusing ring rubbered and has a convenient for grip, the thickness of about 2 cm. Helicoid is rotated by 180 degrees, while the lens is extended by 1 cm. The front element rotates.

At focal length 35 mm

Zooming has the "trombone" mechanism. It has the opposite effect, for extending the viewing angle the lens is extended and extended to the end of the focal length is 35 mm, while the lens is extended by 2.5 cm. On the barrel is marked zoom 70mm, 50mm, and 35mm. 

At MFD mode

There is also a focus scale in meters and feets. The lens can shoot close-up on the reproduction ratio 1:6.7. So it indicated on the barrel. But I do not belong to such a serious macro. Yet the ratio closest than standard 50 mm lenses. 

Aperture has 6 blades.

View on Nikon D80

In general, I want to mention the excellent mechanical quality of the lens. Do not gaps and not the front of the arbitrarily extended. In general, it is pleasant to shoot. Designers is well thought out for lens ergonomics.

Sigma Zoom-Master 1:2.8-4 f=35-70mm Sample Shootings

Pictures were taken with the camera Nikon D3100 and Nikon D80. RAW export without any post-processing.

Sigma Zoom-Master 1:2.8-4 f=35-70mm Sharpness

At the 35mm the aperture of 2.8 quite well. Sharpness certainly does not excellent, but it is normal for the zoom.

35mm f/ 2.8

35mm f/ 2.8

35mm f/ 2.8

At the 70mm the aperture 4 also shows good sharpness.

70mm f/ 4

When covering the aperture, sharpness increased.

70mm f/ 5.6

Sigma Zoom-Master 1:2.8-4 f=35-70mm Character and Bokeh

Lens character does not have some special. Boke creamy, but does not claim to uniqueness.

70mm f/ 4

35mm f/ 2.8

70mm f/ 4

70mm f/4

35mm f/ 2.8

35mm f/ 2.8

70mm f/ 4

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Sigma Zoom-Master 1:2.8-4 f=35-70mm Contrast and Color Rendering

The lens has multi-coated, as evidenced by the inscription «Multi-Coated» in front of the barrel.

70mm f/ 4

It has good contrast and nice color reproduction. But in contact with strong direct light, the contrast decreases. This does not always happen but only when exposed to light at a certain angle.

35mm f/ 2.8

35mm f/ 2.8

70mm f/ 4

35mm f/ 2.8

Distortion

The lens has a barrel distortion on the short and the long end. This is clearly seen when shooting architecture, in all other cases, the distortion is not noticeable.

35mm f/ 2.8

Vignetting

At 35mm and aperture f/2.8 at 35mm there vignetting. 35mm f/ 2.8

Summary

Sigma Zoom-Master 1:2.8-4 f=35-70mm is a budget zoom lens. It attracts aperture f/ 2,8 at the wide end, and its price. Good as the lens for everyday wearing.