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

[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?

[matt_xyz]

I've never used that lens Steve, so can't help you there. It sounds a nice lens. The only comment I would make is that 300mm doesn't give you that much reach, particularly if you're shooting birds. So if the 1.4 converter is likely to stay on permanently might you be better off going for a 400mm lens in the first place (e.g. the 100-400 IS)? Just a thought.

Matt

[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 if the sigma lens and a converter cost nearly as much as a canon 100-400L IS I would definitely go for the canon. I don't know anyone with a canon who doesn't like it. Occasionally some folk don't like the pump action but you get used to it in no time. If you buy the canon you will buy once (sorry I am very biased, I just have to admit it.)
Jon

[SteveHL]

Hi Fourwings.
I have one of these lenses and have used it quiet a bit for flight shots. It is light and fast focusing and can be hand held for log periods without fatigue.
Hope this info is usefull.
Cheers
SteveHL

[Jon]

Originally Posted by SteveHL

Hi Fourwings.
I have one of these lenses and have used it quiet a bit for flight shots. It is light and fast focusing and can be hand held for log periods without fatigue.
Hope this info is usefull.
Cheers
SteveHL

Good point SteveHL, the canon gear isn't particularly lightweight, the lens and 20D are 7-8lb in weight,
Jon

[John D]

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?

I have the Sigma 100-300mm f4 lens with the Sigma 1.4tc. I have had it now for six months and find it to be very good. I researched several reviews and forums before purchasing it and found it to be highly rated. Some 'reviewers' reckon it be one of the best lenses Sigma have.
It also has the advantage of a constant f4 aperature and constant length throughout its operation.
John D

[glsammy]

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?

I've no experience of the lens, but I've read some good reviews of it. Having the capability of 420mm F5.6 I would imagine would be at least the equal of the Bigma, if not better. If that combo is cheaper, sounds good to me!

[Boddie]

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

[colincurry]

I think we all go down the same road when considering the lens that best meets our individual needs.

I know that I did an awful lot of research and picked the brains of very experienced WABers. In the end, I too went for the pump, and have no regrets. I got a good price from ebay (and have just received the rebate from Canon).

My 30D and pump are heavy; there is no getting away from it. However, I soon got used to this and often walk for four hours or more with the combo hanging round my neck - and I am no Tarzan (nor Jane, for that matter). There is a reassuring solidity and I have no problem in tracking flying birds - of course, some results are much better than others, but that is in the very nature of things.

One of the forums I looked at was Fred Miranda. I notice that the pump now scores 9.1/10 - it was, I seem to recall, 8.6 when I made the plunge. This score results from 145 reviews.

Good luck

Colin

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by glsammy

I've no experience of the lens, but I've read some good reviews of it. Having the capability of 420mm F5.6 I would imagine would be at least the equal of the Bigma, if not better. If that combo is cheaper, sounds good to me!

I've just checked the price. It's the same as the Bigma, with the 1.4X that would make it almost the same as an ebay 100-400, unless you use one of the international suppliers of course, only be careful if you do as some try and avoid import duties, which can make warranty claims awkward.

One point I do like is the internal focusing. That should eliminate dust completely. Even the Bigma gets dust on the inner lenses.