After searching, and waiting for weeks now for the Sigma 70-300 Macro Zoom Super 2, and either finding them for extremely high prices, or out of stock, i've decided maybe I can buy a different lense... I've actually seen pictures taken with the sigma which is the main reason I wanted it, pluss it had good reviews from what I found... But since I apparently can't get it, I was wondering if anyone has had experience with a similiar lense, in the same price range($200.00)? Canon Digital Rebel

Might be similar - I bought a Sigma 400mm lens (a few years ago) for fairly cheap. I found that the lens (optics) were more than acceptable - impressive, I might say (even though the lens was a painfully slow 5.6 - but I harly ever shoot ANY lens wide open anyway.) The problem came about six months later - when the cheap lens collar (made of a lightweight plastic) simply gave out (cracked completely in half) - so this otherwise decent lens has been sitting in a drawer for the past eight years. For the most part, the manufacturing of lenses today is so computer CNC controlled that excellent optics are fairly easy to achieve - but the "wrapper" that the lens is presented in can make all the difference in the world. Perfect optics in a plastic case that tends to swell and shrink with the slightest temperature change (especially with a long lens), will drastically alter the performance of the lens. there's no replacing a "solid-feeling" lens. I have no experience with the lens you're asking about - it may be a wonderful lens (but $200? - i would have to be cautious) if at all possible, get ahold of one and test shoot it in several environments, and then judge for yourself. Just my $3.89 worth (I've decided to charge a bit more!) Wolf

I have the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III USM and I have had no problems with it. I did read what some others were saying about sigma lenses being a little soft around the edges especially when zoomed. Over here in the UK my lens retails at 189 but well worth the money, ideally I would have liked to buy the Image Stabalised version. I also use a canon 300d

Attached Link: http://www.adorama.com/skudooraid003925.tpl?sku=SG70300SEOS;cfA3F3B2C5=bmVuMjcyMjpnb29keWVhcl9lbWVh

These seem to have some in stock at $209

Yeah i've been to adorama, the only thing holding me back is it says it's the super, not super 2. And the only way I know how to tell them apart is by a red stripe around the lense, which I can't see in the picture they provide. And supposedly the super 1 has minor problems which the super 2 fixed. Anyone know another way to tell the 2 versions apart?? Thanks for the info guys. I'm gonna check out the cannon 75-300.