Sigma 70-300mm 4-5.6 Canon APO DG Macro

[Somebody]

Hi,
I found a Sigma 70-300mm 4-5.6 Canon APO DG Macro lens online for $180. I was wondering if it is any good, and if I should get it, or wait and save up for a lens with image stabilization.
Thanks

 

[MLeeK]

Not really. Hence why it's only $180.
It's probably ok if you aren't a big stickler about image quality and just want something to get average snaps with.

 

[Overread]

It's a good lens for its price bracket offering a goof focal length coverage and a decent close up (not full macro - think flowers) feature. I had the older version of this lens without the APO coatings and it certainly served me well as a first zoom lens in this range.

The thing is there are better lenses, but to get better you have to pay more and if long focal lengths are what you are after then the costs go up a lot. It's a good lens to start with if you've no really strong feelings and if you want something affordable, functional and something that you can get experience with then its a good choice.
If you want better, you'll have to save and spend far more.

 

[Somebody]

Alright, thanks.
Do you think the lack of IS is too inconvenient, or is it not that big of an issue?