Sigma AF 300mm f/2.8 APO EX DG (Opinions Sought)

Pirate! · 23 Dec 2010

Ahoy!

If anyone owns the lens or has used it, could you post your findings and opinions here please?

I have a Sony, so the HSM isn't a factor, but it's more a case of sharpness, build, IQ, colour, handling etc.

It's £1665.44 new at OneStop-Digital, but I don't know if this lens is appearing on the used market (I haven't found any as yet).

Thanks in advance

Oh, and if you have any links to image samples, that would be great as well :wave:

micloi · 23 Dec 2010

Had both the 300mm and the 120-300mm.

The 120-300 was both more versatile and sharper.

salacalvet · 24 Dec 2010

Hi Mark I currently use the lens and love it.

Yes it can be soft at times depending on light and distance to the subject. Personaly I would not let that put you off the lens as it also gives you pin sharp results.

Works great with Canon converters. The Canon 1.4x II is superb with the lens for that extra reach. I will be using it over the next few days with the Canon 2x II and will let you knwo the results if you want.

The lens can be sharper when stopped down to F4 but you will have to play between F2.8 and F4 as I have found that its not always the case.

Being over £2000 cheaper than the Canon F2.8 IS I would say its the better option as its much lighter and easy to carry it around. I am not saying its better than the Canon as that is much sharper.

These are a few shots taken with it.

Red Stag very little crop

King Vulture

Osprey

PM me if you want any more info and sample images. Have various about the net.

On the build quality. Great but only flaw I would say is the rubbery coating on the body can ware a little in places.
You can find them second hand at around £1300 - £1400 but have seen one for less.

DemiLion · 24 Dec 2010

micloi said:
Had both the 300mm and the 120-300mm.

The 120-300 was both more versatile and sharper.

I have to say that I've read more than a few comments along the same lines; ie that the 120-300mm performs better than the prime.

Pirate! · 24 Dec 2010

I've got some stunning captures with the Minolta 300mm f/2.8, but the Sigma 100-300mm F4 isn't that shabby either. Here's a chance capture of a Kestrel taken with the latter.

I'm going to have to use the Minolta 300/2.8 APO as the benchmark I think.

Euan · 24 Dec 2010

Ive got the Canon version (non dg) and am very happy with it, quick to focus, not to heavy or long. Takes the 1.4 TC with no problems, not had much use with the 2x yet so cant comment there.

If im honest id prefer the flexibility of the 120-300mm and am waiting to see what price the OS version ( us poor canonites with no in-body IS) comes in at.

Heres a couple at f/4.0 in poor light.

DemiLion · 24 Dec 2010

Euan said:
If im honest id prefer the flexibility of the 120-300mm and am waiting to see what price the OS version ( us poor canonites with no in-body IS) comes in at.

Isn't everyone!

Clifton have it on a preorder price of £2500, which might be a trifle optimistic considering the bump in the price of the Canon IS MkII, but if it settles anywhere near the £2k mark I'll be saving up for it like a loon.

I suppose that a lot comes down to it's initial release reviews!

holty · 29 Dec 2010

whats the 120-300 like with no image stabilisation ???

seriousrikk · 29 Dec 2010

holty said:
whats the 120-300 like with no image stabilisation ???

Still very usable.

Just needs more shutter speed a or a tripod/monopod setup.

x777 · 29 Dec 2010

The 120-300 is a cracker and, as always, shooting technique can easily overcome the majority needs for VR.

mho · 29 Dec 2010

As I remember it the 120-300 2.8 sigma has a reputation of being sharper than the 300 2.8 sigma, its also a lot more versatile,

http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/us...gma-120-300mm-f/2.8-ex-apo-hsm,-canon-ef-fit/

MPB currently have a sigma 120-300 2.8 used for £999 a good saving and if you decide its not for you i would say you should get your money back give or take £50

EDIT - Forgot you have a sony sorry.

diggerz · 29 Dec 2010

Pirate! said:
I've got some stunning captures with the Minolta 300mm f/2.8, but the Sigma 100-300mm F4 isn't that shabby either. Here's a chance capture of a Kestrel taken with the latter.

I'm going to have to use the Minolta 300/2.8 APO as the benchmark I think.

It looks like that Kestrel had a lucky escape from a 12 bore judging by the damage to its' tail feathers. :clap:

salacalvet · 30 Dec 2010

Sample of crop as requested

original - no cropping or any photoshop. as it was taken. Taken on Canon 50D F2.8 ISO 200 8000 sec

Realy heavy crop, but no photoshop

Sorry its late just got home and been working solid since.