Money, Money, Money. Lens.

[BRASH]

Going to be coming into some money in the very near future as a critical illness payment (didn't even know I was covered through work - bonus). First stop will be a 40D body but I was toying with the idea of getting either the Sigma 300 - 800 EX DG HSM or the 800 EX DG APO.

Just wondered if anyone had/has one of these and can give me any info on how good/bad they are. I have read plenty reviews and seem to be pretty solid lenses. I'll be using it for wildlife stuff.

It's either that or get a new car for the wife. Now let me think about that .................................................................Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

 

[fracster]

Get a 300-800 mate, then let me know how you like it before I buy one..........

 

[Richard Peters]

I know someone who uses the 300-800 and gets very very good results. I'd consider it for sure if I was about to spend money on another big lens.

 

[Joe T]

Matt (one of the mods) has the 800mm prime. It might be worth a PM.

 

[blazzar]

Looks like it gets 9.7 on Fred Miranda so I suspect it is pretty good:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showcat.php?cat=37&page=2&sort=7&perpage=12&stype=

 

[frank]

Going to be coming into some money in the very near future as a critical illness payment (didn't even know I was covered through work - bonus). First stop will be a 40D body but I was toying with the idea of getting either the Sigma 300 - 800 EX DG HSM or the 800 EX DG APO.

Just wondered if anyone had/has one of these and can give me any info on how good/bad they are. I have read plenty reviews and seem to be pretty solid lenses. I'll be using it for wildlife stuff.

It's either that or get a new car for the wife. Now let me think about that .................................................................Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I had to get the wife a new kitchen to keep her happy when I got my critical illnes payment, that way I got my 40D and 100-400L with her blessing

 

[BRASH]

Cheers for the tips guys. It certainly seems to be a quality piece of kit. I'll review the situation when the money arrives. Actually mentioned it to the wife to day and she did not protest too loudly, another bonus

 

[Brains]

I was toying with the idea of getting either the Sigma 300 - 800 EX DG HSM or the 800 EX DG APO.

I own the Sigma 300-800.

First of all it is a HUGE lens and weighs a fair bit!!

In use it is smooth, quick to focus, and easy enough to handle with a decent tripod and head (I use the Wimberley II).

You do need to practise a fair bit and don't expect pin sharp results immediately.

Spotting at 300 and then zooming in is a breeze with this lens. Tracking birds in flight is also easy enough with the Wimberley.

For wildlife photography it's the business.

Good luck in your decision.