Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by John D

It also has the advantage of a constant f4 aperature and constant length throughout its operation.
John D

not if you use it with a converter on most of the time - in this scenario it will have a constant f5.6

i agree with jon, boddie , graham et al - you'd be better off with the pump - or if weight is a problem you could go with the 400 prime , but i suspect you might find the lack of a zoom a bit restrictive

of course if you arent bothered about having IS the bigma is also an option

[Matt Hunt]

Hi

I bought one last year and love it.

This is taken with a 2x adapter.


This is the lens only


No animal pics on photobucket!!
I find it a decent weight without being too heavy and it feels well built.

[eeyore]

how is it with moving subjects ?

[Matt Hunt]

Just a tick!

Right, OK, this is from a moving ship, hand held with kodachrome 64 (so not terribly fast shutter speed), and not a fair test but..
Flight on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

The only other moving object I have is a 1/15 shot of a Bald Headed eagle, the lens tracked the eagle well, but the result is lost because I used too slow a shutter speed:

Adolescent Bald headed eagle on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[Jon]

Originally Posted by Fourwings

I have been toying with the prospect of getting a longer focal length lens for ages now, the choice out there is huge, but, after loads of research I think this will be my prefered choice.

Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd

It has loads to offer, It's a fast lens, constant f.4 right across its focal range.
It can close focus down to 180cm at 300mm
Add the Sigma 1.4 EX DG converter and you have a 140 - 420mm f5.6 zoom.

What I'd really like to know is, does anyone one out there have any practical experience of this lens?

Steve
Trust me I am a scientist! If you can stretch to a Canon 100-400L IS go for it, if you can't wait a bit and then go for it! ( I am waiting a while but I an definitely going to buy a canon 500mm f4 IS lens). I was once given some advice by a certain gentleman who subscribes to WAB - he said, "sell the house you know it makes sense", well I think he has a point, trouble is my wife doesn't share this veiw point!!
Jon

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Jon

Steve
Trust me I am a scientist! If you can stretch to a Canon 100-400L IS go for it, if you can't wait a bit and then go for it! ( I am waiting a while but I an definitely going to buy a canon 500mm f4 IS lens). I was once given some advice by a certain gentleman who subscribes to WAB - he said, "sell the house you know it makes sense", well I think he has a point, trouble is my wife doesn't share this veiw point!!
Jon

sell the house with the wife thrown in - get a second body as well .... makes perfect sense to me

[Fourwings]

Thanks for the advice everyone it is greatly appreciated.

I have to admit I really do like the Canon 100 - 400 ISL zoom (pump), the only thing that leans me towards the Sigma is the slightly faster speed and less weight.

My new lense's primary function would be to photograph Insects in-flight so it needs to be fast and lightweight. I am really begining to enjoy bird photography with my Siggy 150 so a larger focal length lens will make it even easier for me, but at the end of the day insects will always be my main target.

[Fourwings]

Originally Posted by Boddie

He'll stare at my pump tomorrow and change his mind

I bet you say that to all the boys!!

[Jon]

Originally Posted by Fourwings

Thanks for the advice everyone it is greatly appreciated.

I have to admit I really do like the Canon 100 - 400 ISL zoom (pump), the only thing that leans me towards the Sigma is the slightly faster speed and less weight.

My new lense's primary function would be to photograph Insects in-flight so it needs to be fast and lightweight. I am really begining to enjoy bird photography with my Siggy 150 so a larger focal length lens will make it even easier for me, but at the end of the day insects will always be my main target.

Steve, the Canon is heavy but so is that Sigma 150mm macro! Go to the gym three times a week then you will be just fine, you can have a a Canon 100-400 L IS and a body like mine
Jon

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Fourwings

Thanks for the advice everyone it is greatly appreciated.

I have to admit I really do like the Canon 100 - 400 ISL zoom (pump), the only thing that leans me towards the Sigma is the slightly faster speed and less weight.

My new lense's primary function would be to photograph Insects in-flight so it needs to be fast and lightweight. I am really begining to enjoy bird photography with my Siggy 150 so a larger focal length lens will make it even easier for me, but at the end of the day insects will always be my main target.

if you can afford it the canon 300mm IS f2.8 prime would be perfect (between 2k and 1.5k) its not light but it is very well balanced so you dont notice the weight - and it is lightning fast

alternatively the canon 400 f5.6 prime is reputed to be a good light weight alternative to the pump

mind you i still reckon that the pump will be your best bet

once youve played with andrews you wont want to give it back