Sigma 120-300 f2.8

Simplythebeast

Simplythebeast

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Graham
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Anyone on here using a Sigma 120-300 f2.8? I picked one up recently and its a nice sharp lens with fast and accurate AF. Just wondering if anyone has experience using it with the Sigma 2xTC? Any views on that combo would be appreciated.
 
I've used mine with the Canon 1.4x and 2x both mkII it is great with the 1.4 but does get a bit soft with the 2x although focus speed is fine. Could be different with the Sig ones so please say how it goes then I may look at them instead or at least the 2x.
 
The reviews all seem to suggest that they work best with Sigmas own TCs. As I type Ive just grabbed a 2x on ebay for £135 in mint condition so hopefully I can find out for myself soon.will let you know how it goes Andy.
 
I have that lens & both TC's. Found it really soft with the 2x & just ok with the 1.4..
However,
My sig has just came back from repair (AF repaired !!) and I will be testing it this weekend if the weather is fine.
 
Mark are you using it on a body which autofocuses to f8 like the D7100?
 
I'm using the latest "sport version" with a 2x converter, check my last few shots on Flickr and you decide if you think it's any good :thinking:

HERE
 
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Nothing wrong with those!! Tried mine yesterday with the 2xTC and they are okay but not in the same league as yours Neil. Mine are soft and wont take any cropping at all. Maybe a technique thing so I will persevere a while.
 
It might be helpful to be clear which version of the lens you're referring to: as with all lens manufacturers, Sigma seem to delight in similar namings for slight or gross variations in design.

I have the version before the 2013 "Sports" variant. That includes optical stabilisation, which I've found rather useful on some occasions - it does indeed work well on static subjects, down to implausibly slow shutter speeds.

As for the lens and the Sigma 2x DG EX TC: I'm afraid I wound up selling the TC. The 120-300 (of that generation, at least; I'm not sure if the 2013/2014 "Sports" version is optically different) certainly is good, but on the quite high resolution sensor of the D7100 (24MP APS-C), whilst I loved the concept of 600mm f/5.6, it simply didn't seem to be all that sharp when coupled with the TC. That said, that was when pixel-peeping - but then, if you're not looking at a sharp result, what's the point in the TC? By itself, the lens is satisfactorily sharp. (I say that in reference to the Nikkor 300mm f/4D, which is excellent by itself, and remains sharp with the 1.4TC. With the 1.7, I'm not so keen. Probably fine for anyone dealing in larger subjects, but I'm always having to crop)
 
Even the Nikon 300 2.8 VR and TC-20III looses a lot (25% apparently if you are into the MTF numbers). Stopped down to f8 it's pretty good but it's certainly not something I enjoy using in dingy light, AF is dire and the ISO goes through the roof. Currently I'm trying to work out how to fund a true 500 or 600 f4 rather than the 2x (I should be paying for a house dpeosit not a tube filled with glass). There was talk of some Sigma super telephoto primes later this year which going on what their Art range is like could be fantastic.
 
Hi,

I just posted a new review of the 120-300mm f/2.8 "S" on my blog

Here's a link: Sigma 120-300mm "S" Review

I have owned the previous version for well over a year now and borrowed the new version to see how it compares.

Also I've posted some example shots with both 1.4x and 2x converters.

Any opinions or things I've missed out please let me know!

Thanks.
 
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