Sigma 120-300mm F/2.8 APO HSM.

[galanthus]

Having read about this on another thread I was surprised as usually only the bigma or pump is mentioned.

I have a 70-300mm canon IS lens which is my predominant walk about looking for wildlife lens. Does anyone own or know of anyone who owns the sigma 120-300 mm lens ?

[glsammy]

I owned one for about a week if that's any help!
Not really, the one I had was faulty and was quickly returned. I lost faith in Sigma and decided against another. From what I've seen, IF you get a good one, it can produce excellent shots.
I found the auto focus to be hopeless, others have commented it's a bit slow, including one well respected testing site which commented that the lens is incapable of keeping up with fast moving subjects. Others may well prove this is all wrong!
The point I'm making is that Sigma seem to suffer more than most with quality control issues. Get a good one, and no doubt it would be fine. Get a bad one, like I did, and hope you can return it fast!

[ron1863]

I remember that thread Roger and recall that you had a bit of bother with that particular lens and with Sigma.

I think most wildlife photographers opt for the Bigma for the greater range and the fact that it always seems to get good reviews.

[galanthus]

Yeah I normally look to canon. I feel the bigma will be too heavy to hold and have toyed previously with the idea of the canon 400mm prime; however, reading some posts yesterday about prime lenses missing out on some close snow bunting shots I feel a zoom is best staying with.

I use the canon 70-300 IS most of the time for wildlife, however, as the sigma appeared to have 2.8 wide open I thought it could potentially be used with an extender.

I suppose if it were that good a lens I'd have heard about it by now Back to the drawing board.

thanx

[ron1863]

You could always use a monopod ot tripod Lily. Think positive

[galanthus]

I use the tripod sometimes, never really thought of a monopod. Have you used one ? I suppose it may be easier to erect that 3 lots of 3 legs

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by galanthus

I use the tripod sometimes, never really thought of a monopod. Have you used one ? I suppose it may be easier to erect that 3 lots of 3 legs

I always use a monopod. I can't managed a tripod, unless I'm not moving, far to bulky and heavy for me. A monopod works very well with the Bigma and any other lens for that matter!

[momji1971]

Originally Posted by glsammy

I always use a monopod. I can't managed a tripod, unless I'm not moving, far to bulky and heavy for me. A monopod works very well with the Bigma and any other lens for that matter!

Sorry to jack the thread, but, can you point me in the right direction for a monopod that can handle a 500mm prime.

The ones I've seen in the shops seem a bit on the flimsy side!

regards.
Stu.

[John D]

Originally Posted by galanthus

I use the tripod sometimes, never really thought of a monopod. Have you used one ? I suppose it may be easier to erect that 3 lots of 3 legs

Yes IMHO it is much easier to use than a tripod.
Although I do have a tripod I much prefer the monopod as it is easier to use in long grass,around woodland and shrubs, on rocky foreshores etc and it's lighter and much easier to carry with the camera/lens attached.
John D

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by momji1971

Sorry to jack the thread, but, can you point me in the right direction for a monopod that can handle a 500mm prime.

The ones I've seen in the shops seem a bit on the flimsy side!

regards.
Stu.

I use a Manfrotto 694 Magfibre with a 234RC head. It's supposed to support up to 2.5kg, I've had a much heavier lens than that on it with no problems.