Sigma 300mm f2.8

[Newhythebirder]

HAs anyone got any experience of this lens? I have a 100-400 IS but was looking for a fast lens that I could use with a 2x (I can't afford a 500mm prime, and wouldn't use it because of the weight)

Be interested in anyones views.

[Jon]

Originally Posted by Newhythebirder

HAs anyone got any experience of this lens? I have a 100-400 IS but was looking for a fast lens that I could use with a 2x (I can't afford a 500mm prime, and wouldn't use it because of the weight)

Be interested in anyones views.

No experience but I have experience of the old Canon f2.8 - VERY heavy, I know the current one is lighter. I would however be surprised if the Sigma f2.8 was lighter than the canon 500 f4?? I may be wrong - maybe you have seen data??

Jon

[Chris P]

Hi Steve
I have used the sigma 300mm F2.8 on a few occasions and it is a fine lens -- I think the cheaper sigma 120-300mm F2.8 is a better buy though, much more versatile and I think its sharper than the 300mm prime

I think the 120-300mm is the best sigma lens bar none and it works great with both converters, the bonus being that it is cheaper than the prime as well
regards
Chris

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Chris P

Hi Steve
I have used the sigma 300mm F2.8 on a few occasions and it is a fine lens -- I think the cheaper sigma 120-300mm F2.8 is a better buy though, much more versatile and I think its sharper than the 300mm prime

I think the 120-300mm is the best sigma lens bar none and it works great with both converters, the bonus being that it is cheaper than the prime as well
regards
Chris

The reviews I've seen support what you say Chris. The 120-300 is better than their 300mm prime. It's not often you can say that!
The 120-300mm is the lens I would love to own, I'd get one in a hearbeat if I was fit enough to carry it.

[eeyore]

how much does the 120-300 rush you - my poor little little bigma is showing its age now - not to mention its hard semipro life for which it was never designed

- time to whack it on ebabay as a bagain lens - one careful owner

and get summat else - I was looking at a pump but like the idea of a 300mm f2.8 if nots not too much dosher

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by eeyore

how much does the 120-300 rush you - my poor little little bigma is showing its age now - not to mention its hard semipro life for which it was never designed

- time to whack it on ebabay as a bagain lens - one careful owner

and get summat else - I was looking at a pump but like the idea of a 300mm f2.8 if nots not too much dosher

It's not exactly cheap Pete. £1668.99 from Warehouse express. Mind you, compared to Canons F2.8 prime at £3000+....You could almost convince yourself it's a bargain!

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by glsammy

It's not exactly cheap Pete. £1668.99 from Warehouse express. Mind you, compared to Canons F2.8 prime at £3000+....You could almost convince yourself it's a bargain!

i wonder what ebay does em at ? - fingers credit card thoughtfully

mind you sigma also have a 70 -200 f2.8 at under 700 notes list which might be a bit more realistic

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by eeyore

i wonder what ebay does em at ? - fingers credit card thoughtfully

mind you sigma also have a 70 -200 f2.8 at under 700 notes list which might be a bit more realistic

That sounds like a very useful lens. F2.8 at 200mm, with a 2X gives you a F5.6 400mm. Certainly worth considering.

[RogerTheCat]

Originally Posted by glsammy

That sounds like a very useful lens. F2.8 at 200mm, with a 2X gives you a F5.6 400mm. Certainly worth considering.

I was talking to my local camera shop earlier this week about lenses and best quality at 400mm as for me this is the ideal size lens. They recommended the nikon 70-200mm F2.8 with a 2x convertor as being a very good option which would produuce sharp images. This was recommended over the Nikon 80-400mm VR lens. I like this idea as I can use the lens with or without the convertor making it more flexible.

[eeyore]

canon make a image stabilsed 70-200 f2.8 as well but it is over a grand - you can get the 100-400 5.6 for less