I remember watching a photography show on TV a while ago, in which it was suggested that a plastic flowerpot, painted black, would make a good lens shade for cheapskates those on a budget. I’m guessing that Sigma were watching too, as the shade that comes with this 70-300mm lens bears an uncanny resemblance to the afore suggested plant holder. It also lengthens what is already an impressively long lens, to such an extent that whilst I was testing it, girls were stopping me in the street to say “that’s a big one!”…At least, I assume it was the lens they were talking about…

For the uninitiated, a focal length of 50mm is considered ‘standard’ for 35mm (or full frame digital) cameras, as it most closely approximates normal human vision. Anything much above 50mm is referred to as telephoto and has the effect of  magnifying distant objects, which is desirable for many reasons…candid photography, wildlife photography, portrait photography…and of course, my favourite, stalking… Continue reading »