Sigma 70-300 (Canon) opinions?

[SuperjetMatt]

I have a Canon XTi with the standard 18-55 kit lens. I have been yearning for a zoom lens.
I saw one on Craigslist.

http://kpr.craigslist.org/pho/956790203.html

He says it's the non-APO model. Any opinions?
I'll add that I don't want to buy junk.
I'd rather put up with the kit lens for longer and save my money.

 

[996GT2]

The Sigma 70-300 (both the APO and non-APO) are decent lenses, but the border performance at 200mm and beyond is not so good (although center sharpness is quite good all the way up to 300mm).

Stopping the lens down to f/8 or f/11 does not help the border performance much; it's still not too good.

See this review:Sigma 70-300mm review Sigma 70-300mm APO review

I've heard good things about the Sigma 55-200mm DC though; its sharpness (both center and border) is better than the 70-300's. It also costs less (used ones go for as little as $60), so I'd definitely look into getting the Sigma 55-200 f/4-5.6 DC if you are looking for a cheap telephoto zoom. The other advantage to the 55-200 is that, being designed for 1.6x cameras and not full frame, it's smaller and lighter than the 70-300mm.

Sigma 55-200mm DC review

Basically, I would skip the 70-300 Sigma and look for the cheaper and better 55-200mm Sigma. However...

If your budget allows it, I would shell out $200-250 for the Canon 55-250mm mainly because it adds Image Stabilization, a very useful feature in telephoto zooms.

 

[SuperjetMatt]

Thanks, that's what I wanted to know.
I'll save my money for now.