Sigma 120-300 f2.8 - price reduction = tempted

D_Fivehundred

D_Fivehundred

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Darren
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Hi all

I notice that Sigma UK have just revised (= reduced) the prices on their high spec lenses, including the 120-300 2.8. I've seen this available now for £1900, the first time I've seen it for less than £2,000 for some time.

I am aware of the capabilities (and the issues with focusing in low light), but having not owned a 2.8 lens before, I would like to know whether the absence of VR (or whatever Sigma call their version) is a concern.

I'm hoping that shutter speeds at 2.8 would be fast enough not to warrant VR, but just thought I'd check before raiding the off-shore bank account ;)

Cheers
 
£1849 here;
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-sigma-120-300mm-f2-8-apo-ex-if-hsm-dg-lens-sigma-fit/p1009947

I just got a second hand one for £1200 which I thought was a good buy

Here's a first test shot at f2.8

20100119-1AW_3340.jpg
 
I'd been toying with this lens for ages, I really fancied one but couldn't justify the cost... but a couple of weeks ago I cracked and bought one used on here. My initial impression is that it's a very nice lens, but with the weight and focal length you'll need fast shutter speeds or some support to get the best out of it (not sure I'd want to handhold it for long). There's a used one (Nikon fit) on here at a temptng price... http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=195345
 
I had one (canon fit), sure its a bit heavy but its a 300 2.8 lens of course its going to be. I found that it was an excellent performer....I used it on the mach loop and it always focused perfectly, the only times it ever did miss focus were my fault.

A cracking lens and one I would heartily recomend.
 
Hmm, this is getting very tempting, but I may have to save some of the money first... Mark, are any of those great shots in you flickr account taken with this lens? The bokeh on some of them is fantastic
 
Thanks Mark, you've got some great pics in there... I'm hoping to look at more motorsport and wildlife photography, so I think this lens will fit the bill nicely... now where's that calculator... :D
 
Thanks for all the responses guys... I was at Oulton Park today and I shot at around 115-135, so it looks like the Sigma might just have a sufficient "minimum" zoom (is that the right word...?!)

I'm definately going to go for it, probably with the 1.4 extender for wildlife stuff, even the "bank manager" doesn't disagree, although I have to save a tad more just yet... watch this space.
 
sorry about the bad link - I menat to point to nikon - but all the same ££££
I got the 1.4 extender too - works well - but I need more time with it.
 
i was really tempted to buy one of these just before the price increase a while back but then changed mind, at the BTCC meeting at oulton last year a friend of mine brought his along and let me have a go for a while and although i didnt use it for very long it made me glad i didnt buy the lens. Its weight just seemed to limiting and although it is a very good lens i know i wont be buying one anytime soon.
 
I have heard good and bad reports about this lens but I have a feeling I'm going to give this lens a try, the weight doesn't bother me as it will be mostly on a monopod.
The low light focusing might be a problem, how low does the light have to be for the problems to start?
 
Handheld with a D3 on the back it's really nicely balanced! :thumbs:
 
There certainly seems to be a divide over this lens... on one had it's heavy and can struggle in low light... on the other hand it's the only zoom to maintain f2.8 right through to 300mm and used with a 1.4x converter I get a 420mm f4. Cost plays a part also...

Personally, I'm hoping to use it for motorsport and, with the 1.4x, wildlife.. hence I can make more use of the monopod.

Thanks for all the comments folks :)
 
If you go to the Northwest meet at Marten Mere in March,you can have a play with mine,lens that is.......:thumbs:
 
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