Westjet22 From Canada, joined Aug 2008, 98 posts, RR: 0 Posted (1 year 5 months 2 weeks 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 2170 times:
Hi guys,
I am wanting to upgrade to a faster lens then my current 70-300L 4-5.6 and need some ideas. I have been looking at the new Sigma 120-300 OS mainly for the ability to become a 300 2.8 at half the cost of a canon 300 2.8. If anyone here uses it I would love to hear how it is, mainly in terms of IQ and hand holding ability.
I would like to hear any other ideas too, image quality is the most important factor though.
SNATH From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 3232 posts, RR: 24 Reply 1, posted (1 year 5 months 2 weeks 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 2162 times:
I don't own it but I tried the Nikon version at photoplus earlier this year (on my D700, so FF). That thing is heavy (like: real heavy if you're used to smaller zooms; as my friend Dan says it's a 70-200 2.8 on steroids) but I managed to handhold it for a few shots (indoors, so I couldn't use a fast shutter speed and had to rely on OS). I have to say I was quite impressed with the results. The shots were sharp at f2.8 and also were very good at f4 when I tried it with the (Sigma) 1.4x extender. AF seemed pretty accurate and OS helpful.
The only thing that'd stop me from buying is Sigma's "infamous" QA (or lack of) and sample variation. I would have thought that they'd do a more thorough job for their higher end lenses. But I've seen complaints about this one on forums too (sample variation and also AF issues, i.e., AF stops working / is inconsistent). So, unfortunately, the usual Sigma warning "this will probably be a great lens, provided you get a good copy" also seems to apply here. It's a bit disappointing as I would seriously consider it for the reasons you are considering it (about half the price of the Nikon 300mm 2.8 and more flexible as it's a zoom).
Make sure you check out the (mostly favorable I'd say) photozone review:
RonS From United States of America, joined Feb 2009, 761 posts, RR: 24 Reply 2, posted (1 year 5 months 2 weeks 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 2154 times:
Wolfram is one of my Contacts on Flickr. He was one of the first I know of to get this lens and he has had very good success it appears and from what he told me via email.
He has a lot of wildlife and even aviation on his stream, so look through it.
Westjet22 From Canada, joined Aug 2008, 98 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (1 year 5 months 2 weeks 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 2133 times:
Thanks for the info guys, I will have to go check out Wolfram's photos. I am concerned about the weight, and the quality control issues, however I haven't had much luck with canon so I am willing to take my chances if the lens is sharp which it seems to be.
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