Sigma 300mm example pics?

[Tobyh]

Hey all,

Another dilemma...

Reading mixed reviews about this lense but am seriously considering picking one up. Does anyone out there have experience of this lense or, better still, pictures I can check out please. I intend using it alone and with converters ( i have APO converters that should keep AF according to the charts.

Thanks in advance

TobyH

[rogpow]

Hi TobyH,

I assume you're talking about the 300mm f2.8?

If so, I've been using one since about 1996 (so it's a pre DG model) for freelance surfing/yachting/kitesurfing photography. I think it's a great lens and have sold many pics taken with it, including published shots in magazines and books - so it can't be that bad!

It's quite easy to hand hold and also works well with a monopod for action shots.

I find it's fine with a 1.4x converter but with a 2.0x, apart from a softening of the image, autofocus gets a bit sluggish. Mind you, that experience is with a range of Nikon bodies from F4 and F100 up to D2H and D2XS. I believe you have a more modern D300 so that might not be a problem for you.

Hope that helps,

Rog

[liam71]

I have the sigma 120-300 and it takes quality pictures. The up side is being a fast zoom lens so you get that flexibility. The bad news is it weighs 2.6kg but you get used to its bulk, My example tho is not as sharp at 2.8 as others, really strange, however @f4 and beyond and it sharpens up nicely. I also use it with a 1.4x converter and the images are just as good if lacking a bit of sharpness.

I have read numerous reviews about the fixed 300 being compared to the 120-300 zoom i found this review of the 120-300 which mentions some instances of comparison to the fixed 300mm clicky

Here is a good site for a huge database of sample images for many types of lenses from different makers,, here is the one for the 300mm

i think you have to register to see the images at original sizes, not sure tho

good luck.

[Tobyh]

Thanks for info guys.

I've had a look at the examples and....still can't decide. To be honest I can't help thinking alot of them are a bit soft which could be down to the photographer. I'm looking for some shots that really make me go "that's what I'm looking for!!" but so far none have inspired me.

I'm worried about spending that kind of cash and then feeling let down. I guess renting maybe a way to go - Gonna start a thread about that and see what replies I get. I guess nothing beats hands on experience.

Thanks!

TobyH

[squishy]

you still haven't told us which sigma 300mm you're talking about

[NickCantle]

Originally Posted by squishy

you still haven't told us which sigma 300mm you're talking about

There's only one 300mm prime and that's the f/2.8

[liam71]

if you need to rent lenses then lensesforhire.co.uk are an excellent company.

There is no deposit as long as you can satisfy there long list of questions with satisfactory answers, live in the UK and have a credit card to pay for the hire charge.

Give them a look i have hired from them and they are a 1st class company.

[Tobyh]

I was indeed talking about the 300mm F2.8 Prime. Sorry, thought I'd made it clear but I hadn't /slaps self. That said the 120-300 keeps popping up in comparison so it is interesting to read about.

Liam, thanks very much - I'll check them out. I assume you're talking from experience there?

TobyH

[jcurtis]

I have a 70-300 f4 - 5.6 zoom thats great and a 300 f2.8. The f2.8 lens (APO DG) is heavy to handhold and I only use it with a bean bag, monopod or tripod to support it. The quality of images is good and the wide aperture is great for shooting in low light. I have the sony/minolta fitting and although my 1.4 sigma fits I can only use MF.

If you are going to use the lens a lot and a lens with a f2.8 wide aperture is what you are looking for then this lens is a GREAT piece of kit and worth the high price bracket.

Jase

[Tobyh]

Thanks Jase,

Do you happen to have any examples taken with the 300 prime that I can check out?

TobyH