Sigma 300mm f2.8 EX APO HSM for sports

helloimkev

helloimkev

Suspended / Banned
Messages
68
Name
Kevin
Edit My Images
No
Hello all,

I've got an opportunity at a Sigma 300mm f2.8 EX APO HSM lens (non-DG version) and before going through with it I was wondering if anybody had any experience of using this lens for sports or know anybody who has. I'm after a 300mm f2.8 predominantly for football, rugby & cricket (and eventually with use a 1.4x converter to push myself towards motorsports), I'll be mostly using on a D3.

My main concern is focussing speed as it seems to be a pretty old model, there's loads online about the DG version but not so much on the non-DG. Any help appreciated, I trust Sigma implicitly on past experience & the reviews online seem to be good, just wanted to hear from somebody with practical experience or a greater exposure to sports than myself (about 18 months experience & only ever see Nikon / Canon 300mm lenses).

Thanks!
 
The DG model I have had a play with and works really well for the used price It was at around £1000, Haven't heard much of the non DG model, Do you have a chance to test the lens before you buy? Mite be the best way to see if you like it or not!
 
Yep opportunity to test first, just want an idea from other before testing & thinking about taking the money out etc.
 
helloimkev said:
Yep opportunity to test first, just want an idea from other before testing & thinking about taking the money out etc.
Click to expand...

Haven't come across anyone that uses it, apart from the second photographer at Walsall who said it is great for the footy but not sure which version he was using, Best test it yourself and see how you personally find it :)
 
I used it for about two years before I dropped it and it snapped in two. A great and very versatile lens that was used for everything from rugby - football - cycling - cricket - ice hockey and so on. Focus was slow (but not too bad) so you will probably miss a few shots, just be aware of its limitations and you wont go far wrong.

Edit to note... that's the lens in action at the 2012 Olympics in my avatar
 
Last edited:
Buck the Fifer said:
I used it for about two years before I dropped it and it snapped in two. A great and very versatile lens that was used for everything from rugby - football - cycling - cricket - ice hockey and so on. Focus was slow (but not too bad) so you will probably miss a few shots, just be aware of its limitations and you wont go far wrong.

Edit to note... that's the lens in action at the 2012 Olympics in my avatar
Click to expand...

That's great Ian thank you, how slow is slow? Not expecting it to focus as quickly as a Nikon equivalent but wouldn't want to miss too much.
 
I'm now using a Canon 300mm f2.8 L and it's not that much slower to be honest, it does tend to search a bit in lower light but it has coped well with some pretty awful ice hockey arena lighting. You won't miss too much once you know it's limitation and work to it's strengths.
 
Seriously, i wouldn't waste your money on the Sigma prime when the much more versatile and faster focusing Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 knocks spots off it, the prime is as slow as a dead dog to focus in low light and it hunts more than a shark off the Florida beaches.

You can always tell a poor lens when everyone says, it was good, it was sharp, it had quite decent focus, it hunts just a little bit but not too bad, then finish off by saying they sold it
 
Last edited:
I've just bought the Sigma 120-300. Aa Gary says, it is fast focussing. Faster than I expected for a Sigma. I was impressed yesterday at Charlton.
 
I recently had the DG version of the 300mm when my 120-300 OS was taking too long to get fixed and I needed a longer lens. I used it a couple of times for motorsport and quickly decided to swap it back for the 120-300 OS as it is a much better lens, sharper, faster, more focal lengths and OS.
 
Buck the Fifer said:
I used it for about two years before I dropped it and it snapped in two. r
Click to expand...

haha i did the same... got my camera bag out the boot of my car.. slung it over my shoulder.... but the bag was open... you can guess the rest....


PS Kelack... why have you got a pic of your granny as your avatar ?
 
:p to both of you :lol:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top