What is the difference between these two Sigma Lenses?

[ashadiow]

1. APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM
https://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3340&navigator=3

2. APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO HSM
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3316&navigator=3

What is the difference? The 2nd is on sale pretty cheap, but I can't seem to find any of the "II"'s... I just don't understand the difference between the two. I have done some looking and haven't seen a comparo. Any help?

 

[Big Mike]

The II, is just the new version of an older lens. It says "improved optical performance".

 

[AlexParlett]

Nothing to be quite honest, a bit sharper round the edges and thats it.

 

[D40]

I have that lens (non II) and love it Great lens for the price and works great on a D40

 

[John_Olexa]

Same here. My work horse lens. I use this lens 85% of the Time.

 

[ashadiow]

Yeah, I am torn between picking up one of these new or the Canon L used. I will be using it for Hockey and Horse Shows on my 400D. And I would really like to see a link to a review that shows the difference. I doubt there will be much...

 

[schuylercat]

...of that very lens - used it in a technical photo assignment on this very board earlier today. Coincidence? I think so...

http://thephotoforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1124342&postcount=70

And for a dinosaur, it was pretty good, except in the day it would flare very easily. I need to take it for a cleaning now - things get cloudy on me at all focal lengths - but it gave me faith that Sigma could build nice glass.

Irrelavent, rhetorical response, really - this lens and the new one probably don't share a single element feature. Just tickled my coincidence bone...

 

[ashadiow]

Thanks. Everytime I look at pictures from this lense they look so close to the Canon L Glass that I don't know if I would ever be able to discern the difference. And with a HUGE price difference, I will probably be picking up a Sigma.

Although, with that said, Tamron has just released its competitor due up in March... So we'll see what that one can do as well.