Sigma 120-300 OS released - First Samples.

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The Sig 120-300mm /2.8 OS was officially released in Japan yesterday and the first real world test shots have hit the web already.

The first is from a pre-release version sanctioned by Sigma, using a Sigma body with fairly static targets (geese):

http://www.rytterfalk.com/2011/04/30/exploring-the-new-sigma-120-300-2-8-os-lens/

The second is from a Japanese bod using a Canon 5DMkII with moving targets (trains) - warning Japanese language site:

http://www.imagegateway.net/ph/OPA/VisitorChangeDisplayStyle.do

Click on the right hand tab at the top left, and then the enlarged images (on the right) can be viewed at full resolution when you click on them...


...warning: eff off big files @ 6.5Mb+ Jpegs.


No indication of the speed of the train is given, so the AF can only be guessed at, but those are some seriously sharp images.

It's going to be interesting to see the results of some decent 3rd Party rigorous testing and reviews, from a reliable source,, hopefully in the very near future.

Anyone tempted yet? :lol:
 
I've got the non os version that I use for birds, often with the 1.4x converter. I love it but os would make it perfect so very tempted. I expect it to go for £2300-£2500 though so it would depend what I could get for mine as to whether I buy it or not.
 
scottthehat said:
heres another review, which puts it against the canon f2.8 300mm and the siggy looks sharper but not 300mm.
http://www.microsofttranslator.com/...net/viewthread.php?tid=1020682&extra=page%3D1
Click to expand...

I've seen much discussion from various people on other forums who own the 300 f/2.8L IS who think that the results in that comparison are sub-standard for this lens.

certainly looks like an excellent lens, but I highly doubt a £2500 sigma zoom will out perform the image quality of one of the sharpest telephoto primes on the market.
 
Last edited:
Left? They haven't actually arrived yet!

Who are you getting it from?
 
A few arrived and were distributed to a limited number of resellers by Sigma last week.
This is, to the best of my knowledge, the last one left but some more might arrive this Friday to be given to shops next week.
 
Just confirmed that mine was posted and will be delivered tomorrow afternoon.

Will, eventually, be testing with the tele-converters listed below, individually and in every possible combination! (420mm, 450mm, 510mm, 596mm, 600mm, 630mm, 714mm, 765mm, 840mm, 900mm, 1020mm)

Kenko 1.4x DGX
Canon 1.4x II
Vivitar 1.4x
Kenko 1.5x DG
Teleplus 1.7x
Kenko 2x DG

Will also compare it with:
1. an extremely sharp copy of a Canon 100-400mm (sharper than two 400mm primes I tested it against)
2. a Canon 200mm f2 with stacked tele-converters
3. a Canon 800mm
4. Maybe a Canon 500mm f4
 
If you want to produce a test that will pull in the crowds then forget anal IQ testing v this lens or that lens; every man and his dog will be doing that.

Do a real world Autofocus efficiency test for sports, preferably football or failing that rugby.

Can the Sigma AF reliably and consistantly on moving targets, switching longish focal distances quickly, and still produce a high keeper rate. That's the real question, and one that it's previous incarnation didn't stand up to that well.
 
I will test it on birds in flight but sports shooting is not my cup of tea I am afraid.

Not exactly the same thing as usually birds fly from left to right and not towards me, although it does sometimes happen.

I bought it as a lightweight alternative for birding and IQ with tele-converters is the most important thing for me to be honest, along with OS efficiency for cloudy days, but I will try moving targets too if this is of interest to other forum members.

Edit: I can also test it for tracking my 2 dogs, that will give the AF a workout :) :) :)
 
I'd settle for a Woodcock or Woodpecker in flight as an admirable substitute for footy! :lol:
 
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