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23-03-2007, 01:11 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leicestershire
Posts: 3,655
| | | Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
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? |
23-03-2007, 02:13 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Leicestershire
Posts: 4,357
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
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 |
23-03-2007, 04:27 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Wirral
Posts: 2,057
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
Quote:
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
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We may "see the world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wildflower" William Blake |
23-03-2007, 05:44 PM
|  | Wild Member | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Suffolk
Posts: 239
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
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
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23-03-2007, 06:17 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Wirral
Posts: 2,057
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
Quote:
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
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We may "see the world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wildflower" William Blake |
23-03-2007, 06:55 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: West Lothian
Posts: 1,514
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
Quote:
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 |
23-03-2007, 07:15 PM
|  | Knight Grand Cross of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Nottingham
Posts: 12,194
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
Quote:
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! |
23-03-2007, 08:01 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Sunny Doncaster
Posts: 4,351
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
He'll stare at my pump tomorrow and change his mind  |
23-03-2007, 08:39 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Willingham, Cambs
Posts: 1,176
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
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 |
23-03-2007, 09:25 PM
| | Knight Grand Cross of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Nottingham
Posts: 12,194
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
Quote:
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. |
23-03-2007, 10:01 PM
|  | Knight Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chilterns
Posts: 8,110
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
Quote:
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
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"new improved eeyore , now with added tact..... for that whiter brighter finish" |
23-03-2007, 10:02 PM
| | New Member | | Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South East England
Posts: 24
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
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. |
23-03-2007, 10:04 PM
| | Knight Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chilterns
Posts: 8,110
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
how is it with moving subjects ?
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"new improved eeyore , now with added tact..... for that whiter brighter finish" |
23-03-2007, 10:06 PM
| | New Member | | Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South East England
Posts: 24
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
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! |
23-03-2007, 10:55 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Wirral
Posts: 2,057
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
Quote:
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
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We may "see the world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wildflower" William Blake |
23-03-2007, 11:04 PM
| | Knight Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chilterns
Posts: 8,110
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
Quote:
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
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"new improved eeyore , now with added tact..... for that whiter brighter finish" |
23-03-2007, 11:12 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leicestershire
Posts: 3,655
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
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. |
23-03-2007, 11:13 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leicestershire
Posts: 3,655
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boddie He'll stare at my pump tomorrow and change his mind |
I bet you say that to all the boys!!  |
23-03-2007, 11:29 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Wirral
Posts: 2,057
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
Quote:
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
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We may "see the world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wildflower" William Blake |
23-03-2007, 11:41 PM
| | Knight Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chilterns
Posts: 8,110
| | | Re: Sigma 100 - 300 f.4 EX DG IF HSM zoom
Quote:
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
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