Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 APO EX DG OS

[DDL]

I've got mine and hope to post pictures with it tonight.

The hood is about 4" long and 5" in diameter. There is no APS-C adapter like with the hoods on my Sigma 70-200OS or 50-500OS.

The shipping box is huge - 9" x 9" x 15.5"; that's too big to conceal from the wife or fit in my backpack.

Comes with the usual nice padded Sigma case.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/LensProfile.jpg.


http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/LensBox9x9x155Inch.jpg

[DDL]

Here's the lens mounted on my (ungripped for today) 7d.
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300OS/IMG_8819.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300OS/IMG_8820.jpg

[DDL]

Here's some 300mm F2.8 shots ISO 100, single point center focus (always middle of screen), AI Servo, IS mode 1, handheld bracing my arm against my leg while squatting.

All photos are shot RAW converted to JPG in ACR 6.4 - no sharpening (set to 0), no noise reduction (lumi and chroma set to 0), no lens correction (doesn't exist yet), no exposure or color correction (other than default 5 black, 50 brightness, 25 contrast).

I shot the bicyclist to check AF problems as the previous non-OS version had some focus speed issues. At the start (near the lights) he is about 1.25 blocks away.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300OS/LowRes_47.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300OS/LowRes_48.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300OS/LowRes_49.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300OS/LowRes_50.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300OS/LowRes_51.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300OS/LowRes_52.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300OS/LowRes_53.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300OS/LowRes_54.jpg

[KenjiS]

Look great man....

Can i ask how the AF speed seems to you, perhaps compared to the 50-500 OS and 70-200 OS (As i know both of those lenses)

[DDL]

Look great man....

Can i ask how the AF speed seems to you, perhaps compared to the 50-500 OS and 70-200 OS (As i know both of those lenses)

It seemed just as fast to me.

Maybe on the weekend I'll try to compare AF speeds of all three as I only had the 120-300OS with me tonight.

[KenjiS]

It seemed just as fast to me.

Maybe on the weekend I'll try to compare AF speeds of all three as I only had the 120-300OS with me tonight.

Then its pretty good in AF speed..those are two of the fastest focusing Sigmas I've handled

[Neilyb]

Please lets see how it works with TCs :)

[Silverfox1]

Please lets see how it works with TCs :)

Yes most definitely a 1.4 at f5.6 -f8.0 so we can see the quality at 420mm.

The performance with just 1.4 will be the decision maker for alot of folks and most definitely myself.

I know the review site posted a view but its much more helpful & definitive when actual owner users reveal real world shots with extenders IMHO.

Regards, ;)

[KenjiS]

I'd love to see a 2x too!

[DDL]

I'd love to have enough money to buy a 1.4X or 2.0X now!

[monk3y]

I wanna see the 2.0 as well... :D

lens looks very sexy :D

[Owl_79]

I wanna see the 2.0 as well... :D

lens looks very sexy :D

Almost as sexy as Canon's white L series :D

I want to see some more sample photos too!

[monk3y]

Almost as sexy as Canon's white L series :D

I want to see some more sample photos too!

I already included it on my wishlist in my sig... in case you haven't noticed :lol:

[DDL]

Some shots while walking around today at the zoo - unfortunately mid day sun and shadows! All taken handheld with OS on and at f/2.8.

See this link to look at high res JPGS (not down res like posted here).

http://s223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300%20Zoo/

Are you looking at me?
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300%20Zoo/Gorilla.jpg
Kids and Ice Cream Statue (f5)
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300%20Zoo/KidsandIceCreamStatue.jpg
Building roof mounted HVAC (about 30' Away) at 120 mm
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300%20Zoo/HVACat120mm.jpg
Building roof mounted HVAC (about 30' Away) at 300 mm
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300%20Zoo/HVACat300mm.jpg
100% Crop of HVAC Nameplate Tag from above 300mm photo
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300%20Zoo/HVACTag300mmCrop.jpg
Snapshot of Airplane Flying Overhead
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300%20Zoo/OverheadPlane.jpg

[monk3y]

wow!! on that HVAC.. you were still able to get separation between the foreground and your subject even at that distance.. considering the foreground is very very close to your subject :lol:

very nice man :D how do you like it?

[DDL]

wow!! on that HVAC.. you were still able to get separation between the foreground and your subject even at that distance.. considering the foreground is very very close to your subject :lol:

very nice man :D how do you like it?

Other than the weight to carry I love it!

[monk3y]

Other than the weight to carry I love it!

Thanks

hmmmm I am seriously considering it over the 70-200mm VRII... sorry I shoot Nikon btw :lol:

[DDL]

Another zoo gorilla picture (300mm f/3.5 ISO400 1/500s OS Center AF)
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300%20Zoo/GorillaEating.jpg
100% Crop
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd108/ddl_cgy/Sigma%20120-300%20Zoo/GorillaEatingCrop.jpg

[KenjiS]

looks great even with the 2x!

[Schlef]

100% crop, 5D MkII, 300mm with 1.4x DG Sigma extender. f/4.0. OS active, handheld. The sign is angled, so the front of it is out of depth of field plane.

http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h366/schlef/ParkRide100.png

Full size:
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h366/schlef/_MG_5930.jpg

[Jimmy G]

Duplicate thread?

Started a week ago...

Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 APO EX DG OS - Canon Digital Photography Forums:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1039709

This thread...

Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS APO HSM AF - Canon Digital Photography Forums:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1046154

:)
Jimmy G

[arentol]

These shots were taken on my way home from work the day I received it. These are basically SOOC shots, but with auto-color and WB correction in ACR and a pass of sharpening since they were being converted to jpeg and without it they always come out far softer than they really are (as it is they are still noticeably less sharp than when unprocessed in RAW). All shots hand-held:

5D2, 300mm, 1/640, f/2.8, ISO 100, subject distance ~14 feet
http://www.mikehjphoto.com/photos/i-ZB8jctS/0/X2/i-ZB8jctS-X2.jpg

5D2, 300m, 1/500, f/5.6, ISO 100, subject distance ~30 feet. This shot, as with the one above, is sharp enough to crop down to just having basically just the bird in frame and still have it be 100% useable for printing up to probably 16x20, and much larger with fractal resizing.
http://www.mikehjphoto.com/photos/i-r2zbJ2d/0/X2/i-r2zbJ2d-X2.jpg

7d+Sigma 2xTC, 600mm (960mm equivalent), 1/250, f/5.6, ISO 800, subject distance ~55 feet.
http://www.mikehjphoto.com/photos/i-SsVqkNg/0/X2/i-SsVqkNg-X2.jpg

7d+Sigma 2xTC, 600mm (960mm equivalent), 1/1600, f/5.6, ISO 800, subject distance ~165 feet.
http://www.mikehjphoto.com/photos/i-wFg8sVj/0/X2/i-wFg8sVj-X2.jpg

[Muteki]

I know I'm going to repeat myself again. I'm interesting in using this lens for bird photography and other uses (possibly replacing my so far pretty good 150-500). With the TC's (1.4x and/or 2x), how's the AF speed? Does it look in to the subject quickly with the TC? How about tracking in AI Servo with the TC?

Thanks!

[amfoto1]

Looking at the results here and in the other threads, I'm quite impressed!

The bare lens looks very good.... Appears excellent with 1.4X, too.

In the shot of the motocycle above with the 2X, it looks great in the in-focus areas, but is there some chromatic aberration in the OOF areas? (Most noticeable along the edges of the gray box on the right, whatever that is).

I find these "real world" working distance examples more useful than the close-up shots of currency in one of the other threads, although the close-ups are probably a better overall test of resolving power and comparison of center vs corner sharpness.

[Schlef]

Looking at the results here and in the other threads, I'm quite impressed!

The bare lens looks very good.... Appears excellent with 1.4X, too.

In the shot of the motocycle above with the 2X, it looks great in the in-focus areas, but is there some chromatic aberration in the OOF areas? (Most noticeable along the edges of the gray box on the right, whatever that is).

I find these "real world" working distance examples more useful than the close-up shots of currency in one of the other threads, although the close-ups are probably a better overall test of resolving power and comparison of center vs corner sharpness.

Yeah, I find it rather funny honestly. I mean, which one of us actually is ever going to take advantage of that? The subjects you are going to shoot with this lens will rarely be printed larger than 11x14... and on screen... definitely great. For a $3k lens, this is one impressive piece of hardware. For any practical use, this lens will be more than sufficient it seems.

[arentol]

I know I'm going to repeat myself again. I'm interesting in using this lens for bird photography and other uses (possibly replacing my so far pretty good 150-500). With the TC's (1.4x and/or 2x), how's the AF speed? Does it look in to the subject quickly with the TC? How about tracking in AI Servo with the TC?

Thanks!

I only tried to track one BIF yesterday so I can't yet say how it does for that. I am really not the person to be testing that aspect of it though, because I can barely track a bird with a lens at 300mm, let alone 960mm equivalent. However, it is definitely plenty fast enough with the 2x and AI servo for perched birds just moving around a little like normal. Time will tell on serious birding I suppose.

Also, as I said before, lets please move over to the post DDL created a while back. I made a mistake in creating this one because I couldn't find his when I searched for it. Hopefully mods will close this one. I don't know how to ask them to do so though.

[micloi]

I put some action shots on:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=12481997#post12481997

[arentol]

Here is a quick test of the 5d2 with Sigma 2xTC at three different apertures. These are all 100% crops and are SOOC other than default ACR settings and the conversion to Jpeg. Stepping down aperture, as usual, makes a big difference with the TC.

It is hard to tell because of the jpeg conversion, but F/11 is indeed noticeably sharper at 100% crop than F/8. However, as my earlier shots show, you can get some nicely useable shots even wide open with the 2xTC on this lens.

5d2+2xTC at 600mm, f/5.6, 1/100, ISO 100
http://mikehj.smugmug.com/photos/i-4bsXWLq/0/1025x768/i-4bsXWLq-1025x768.jpg

5d2+2xTC at 600mm, f/8, 1/100, ISO 200
http://mikehj.smugmug.com/photos/i-TcjGbw2/0/1025x768/i-TcjGbw2-1025x768.jpg

5d2+2xTC at 600mm, f/11, 1/100, ISO 400
http://mikehj.smugmug.com/photos/i-KmdBnXw/0/1025x768/i-KmdBnXw-1025x768.jpg

[dwarrenr]

Man this thing is a beast. Here are some playing around 'test' shots:

This shot is with the Canon Extender 1.4 II.
Flower
Exposure 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture f/4.0
Focal Length 420 mm
ISO Speed 200
Testing out the OS here
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2543/5834099107_2a7426f443_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5834099107/)
DWR_0247 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5834099107/) by warren.robison (http://www.flickr.com/people/dwrphotography/), on Flickr

And a 100% Crop:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/5834146347_d026f5b0d7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5834146347/)
DWR_0247 copy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5834146347/) by warren.robison (http://www.flickr.com/people/dwrphotography/), on Flickr

The rest are with out the 1.4:
Buddy
Exposure 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture f/2.8
Focal Length 300 mm
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5834109255_6d1e1460ae_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5834109255/)
No_TC-0260 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5834109255/) by warren.robison (http://www.flickr.com/people/dwrphotography/), on Flickr

100% Crop:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2680/5834148763_159ecf2b5c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5834148763/)
No_TC-0260 copy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5834148763/) by warren.robison (http://www.flickr.com/people/dwrphotography/), on Flickr

Meeter:
Exposure 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture f/2.8
Focal Length 300 mm
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/5834678498_09fd582b61_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5834678498/)
No_TC-0268 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5834678498/) by warren.robison (http://www.flickr.com/people/dwrphotography/), on Flickr

100% Crop:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5238/5834704414_cbfbe726b0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5834704414/)
No_TC-0268 copy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5834704414/) by warren.robison (http://www.flickr.com/people/dwrphotography/), on Flickr

Dinner Bell:
Exposure 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture f/2.8
Focal Length 300 mm
ISO Speed 200
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/5834697466_6fa9145dc7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5834697466/)
No_TC-0272 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5834697466/) by warren.robison (http://www.flickr.com/people/dwrphotography/), on Flickr

100% Crop:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3539/5834709016_67b8e5d699_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5834709016/)
No_TC-0273 copy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5834709016/) by warren.robison (http://www.flickr.com/people/dwrphotography/), on Flickr

I plan on shooting some HS football on Saturday and some Thoroughbred racing Sunday. That will be the real test for me, as that will be actual conditions I purchased this lens for.

[Owl_79]

Nice IQ, very similar to Canons old EF 300 2.8L non-is.

[dwarrenr]

What I liked about this lens on the shots I posted is they are all sharp for a low shutter speed. So far I'm very happy...but I should be due to the cost of this thing.

[dwarrenr]

Couple more from some Thoroughbred Racing. All shot AI-Servo:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3387/5843629095_778c262828_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5843629095/)
robison_6 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5843629095/) by warren.robison (http://www.flickr.com/people/dwrphotography/), on Flickr

100% Crop:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5158/5852977087_207afea32b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5852977087/)
No_TC-0316100Crop (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5852977087/) by warren.robison (http://www.flickr.com/people/dwrphotography/), on Flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2639/5844222140_36c0a27fd7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5844222140/)
robison_10 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5844222140/) by warren.robison (http://www.flickr.com/people/dwrphotography/), on Flickr

100% Crop:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5111/5852976601_1eb2a06269_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5852976601/)
No_TC-0308100Crop (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/5852976601/) by warren.robison (http://www.flickr.com/people/dwrphotography/), on Flickr

[fiveohmike]

Man this makes me want this lens even more. I am waiting for my 100-400L to sell, then I will be picking up this badboy.

Is it me, or does Sigma's new coating on the lens make it look super high end? (well it should for 3200)

Mike

[arentol]

Some more bird shots with Sigma 2xTC, all in shadows early in the morning. Only PP is auto Tone in Lightroom on 4 of them, some minor crops on a couple, and manual or auto EV adjustment on all of them because they were mostly underexposed by 0.5 to 1.5 stops. Some detail has been lost to jpeg conversion since I didn't do any extra sharpening.

7d, 120-300mm+2xTC @ 600mm, 1/160, f/6.3, ISO 800
http://www.mikehjphoto.com/photos/i-2VSFcrZ/0/X2/i-2VSFcrZ-X2.jpg

7d, 120-300mm+2xTC @ 600mm, 1/160, f/6.3, ISO 800 (medium crop)
http://www.mikehjphoto.com/photos/i-Ngk3m6v/0/X2/i-Ngk3m6v-X2.jpg

7d, 120-300mm+2xTC @ 600mm, 1/250, f/6.3, ISO 800
http://www.mikehjphoto.com/photos/i-XdMrwvt/0/X2/i-XdMrwvt-X2.jpg

[rayman102]

Man, I need one of these. I am returning my Sigmos to the store tomorrow to fund this baby. With this lens and the 7D + 1.4x / 2X converters, this will be a killer lens.

Looks like the money I have been saving towards the Canon 24 TS 3.5L will have to be going to this monster of a lens instead.

[fiveohmike]

Well this is from the one I just sent back. Has a busted focus motor but I was able to manually focus hand held:

Sigma 120-300 2.8 OS - 300mm - 2.8 - 100% crop - handheld - SOOC from a 7D

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx333/fiveohmike/7d120-300OS300mm.jpg

[dcasi34]

Very nice indeed, now I'm thinking to sell my Sigma F2.8 70-200 & Sigma 150-500 f5.6 for this beast...Should I do it?

[fiveohmike]

Very nice indeed, now I'm thinking to sell my Sigma F2.8 70-200 & Sigma 150-500 f5.6 for this beast...Should I do it?

Yes :) If you think you can handle the weight. Even with a busted ass focus motor, the IQ of this lens SMOKED the 150-500 f5.6 by a long shot.

[victorwol]

So is everyone happy with this lens? How it compares to Canon L lenses? Is the AF fast as the Canon 70-200 2.8 L IS USM II? It is very attractive the price and 300mm @ 2.8

[victorwol]

Everyone happy with this lens? Does it compare in quality sharpness and contrast to Canon L series? I'm considering this one now, I have only L lenses, the price performance makes it attractive, is as fast to focus as the 70-200 f2.8 L IS USM II?

[dwarrenr]

Everyone happy with this lens? Does it compare in quality sharpness and contrast to Canon L series? I'm considering this one now, I have only L lenses, the price performance makes it attractive, is as fast to focus as the 70-200 f2.8 L IS USM II?

I'm very happy with the IQ and contrast. And I see little, if any, difference in how fast it focus compared to any L lens I've owned or still own. The shot below is one example of focus speed. My focus was locked on the QB from the start of the play, and I was able to lock focus on the intended receiver and it locked on with out an issue. And that shot was also taken with a Canon 1.4 TC attached. So I don't think focus speed will be an issue with this lens.

http://www.robison-photography.com/img/v28/p294512723-4.jpg

Canon EOS-1D Mark III
f/4 @ 168 mm,
1/1600, ISO 100
With Canon 1.4 TC II

[victorwol]

Thanks! I was looking at your flickr stream, I see you take a lot of pictures with the Canon 70-200, any reason why you having this Sigma you still use the 70-200 when the Sigma can reach further? And is same f2.8?

[dwarrenr]

Two reasons. First I've only had the 120-300 for a month or two. Second, it's too long for VB and basketball. I've only shot one Football game since getting this lens. I think you'll find all of the VB that's on my stream was taken with the 70-200, all the tennis shots was taken with the 120-300.

[victorwol]

Thanks... Trying to make my mind if get both or just the 120-300.. I already have the 70-200 but want to upgrade to the MKII which is faster and sharper. The 120-300 is heavier and bigger right? I have a few L that I'm not using that much (24-105 and 180 Macro) and I'm selling so sort of replacing with this 120-300... If I convince my self of get it :-). I guess I can always buy it on B&H and return it if does not convince me... I never owned anything other than Canon L series.

[KenjiS]

Thanks... Trying to make my mind if get both or just the 120-300.. I already have the 70-200 but want to upgrade to the MKII which is faster and sharper. The 120-300 is heavier and bigger right? I have a few L that I'm not using that much (24-105 and 180 Macro) and I'm selling so sort of replacing with this 120-300... If I convince my self of get it :-). I guess I can always buy it on B&H and return it if does not convince me... I never owned anything other than Canon L series.

I'd keep my 70-200 for when the 120-300 is too big or heavy to utilize and i dont need the length

If i had the 120-300 id probubly not bother getting the mark II 70-200, after all the original is a pretty great lens :)

[dwarrenr]

Thanks... Trying to make my mind if get both or just the 120-300.. I already have the 70-200 but want to upgrade to the MKII which is faster and sharper. The 120-300 is heavier and bigger right? I have a few L that I'm not using that much (24-105 and 180 Macro) and I'm selling so sort of replacing with this 120-300... If I convince my self of get it :-). I guess I can always buy it on B&H and return it if does not convince me... I never owned anything other than Canon L series.

The 120-300 is heavier. I think it weighs in at 5.7 lbs compared to the 70-200 at 3.2.

[victorwol]

Well.... I just ordered both, this one and the EF 70-200 f2.8 L IS USM II .... will see which I keep, or if I keep both :-)

[victorwol]

Just received the lens, actually both... the Canon is awesome... the Sigma... well.. don't know, defective right out of the box, can't focus, it just go crazy hunting for focus and never finish, OS engage like 3 seconds after pressing the shutter, and tried with a 5D MKII and a 7D... both the same problem.... bad start for me with Sigma...

[jj_glos]

Pictures or it didn't happen :D ;)

[KenjiS]

Just received the lens, actually both... the Canon is awesome... the Sigma... well.. don't know, defective right out of the box, can't focus, it just go crazy hunting for focus and never finish, OS engage like 3 seconds after pressing the shutter, and tried with a 5D MKII and a 7D... both the same problem.... bad start for me with Sigma...

Ouch :( Another user had the same problem sadly

Exchange it, its really worth it from everything i see!

[GMCPhotographics]

I'm thinking of getting this new Sigma 120-300/2.8 OS HSM EX but selling my current 70-200/2.8 L IS II but keeping my 70-200/f4 L IS. If I need a 70-200 I'll use my super light f4 version. If I need an f2.8 lens, I'll use the big siggi. I might even sell my 400mm f5.6 L for it too.

[dwarrenr]

Few More Sports with this lens:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6081982291_79122a9bef_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/6081982291/)
TCMSvsEMS-0332 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/6081982291/) by warren.robison (http://www.flickr.com/people/dwrphotography/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6082520866_7faf04d5bb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/6082520866/)
TCMSvsEMS-0293 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/6082520866/) by warren.robison (http://www.flickr.com/people/dwrphotography/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6082516360_e09948c739_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/6082516360/)
TCMSvsEMS-0100 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwrphotography/6082516360/) by warren.robison (http://www.flickr.com/people/dwrphotography/), on Flickr

Shot over 25 games/matches with this lens...I'm very satisfied with it's performance...great lens for the money.

[victorwol]

I would not sell my Canon EF 70-200f2.8IS L II.... I would sell the f4... is not that the f2,8 is that much heavier, and it is a lot faster... I got both, the 70-200 L II and the Sigma with the intention of keeping only one after testing, but I think I'm keeping both, the Sigma will go out on my 7D and the Canon on the 5D. The Canon 70-200 IS L II is MUCH faster focusing than the Sigma, even with the 2X III Extender, the Canon is faster focusing and more precise than the Sigma... well.. is moving less weight.. so it is not a surprise.

you can see a few test of both lenses in here :

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.264980410196185.79523.145436358817258&l=b59248864c&type=1

[GMCPhotographics]

I would not sell my Canon EF 70-200f2.8IS L II.... I would sell the f4... is not that the f2,8 is that much heavier, and it is a lot faster... I got both, the 70-200 L II and the Sigma with the intention of keeping only one after testing, but I think I'm keeping both, the Sigma will go out on my 7D and the Canon on the 5D. The Canon 70-200 IS L II is MUCH faster focusing than the Sigma, even with the 2X III Extender, the Canon is faster focusing and more precise than the Sigma... well.. is moving less weight.. so it is not a surprise.

you can see a few test of both lenses in here :

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.264980410196185.79523.145436358817258&l=b59248864c&type=1

While I would never disagree with another photographer's shooting needs or decisions, have you ever shot with a 70-200/f4 L IS? It's not just a little bit lighter, it's amazingly lighter and smaller. Point for point it equals or beats it's f2.8 brother in every area except one stop of brightness. Lens tests are only applicable to the two lenses tested. My 70-200/f4 L IS is slightly sharper than my mk II f2.8 version...it's stunningly sharp.
I also worry that in having two simular f2.8 lenses that I wouldn't use one of them that much.

[victorwol]

I would not disagree either, I'm only talking based on the crop comparison tool of The-digital-picture.com which I highly respect as a source of information before buy. But of course, you have both lenses, so I cam only ask you, have you adjusted the micro focusing of both lenses? I was totally surprised of how much sharper the mk II f2.8 was after I adjusted it, same with the Sigma, was back focusing on both 5D MKII and 7D and the Canon was front focusing...
Of course, it is a matter of taste, I do not always go out with all I have, so I always try to have as fast of a lens I can with me, and that extra stop, I really appreciate, specially if using an extender..

Anyway, I'm happy with both, the only thing I highly dislike of the Sigma is that the zoom ring is so hard to rotate, I hope it loosen a bit with time, it is like not easy to operate, is yours also that hard?

[victorwol]

By the way, I didn't post the link as a comparison tool, since both lenses are quite difference, just to show how good both are.

[Brummel]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6108465763_61e841576f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brummel2010/6108465763/)
Damhirsch (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brummel2010/6108465763/) von Brummel2010 (http://www.flickr.com/people/brummel2010/) auf Flickr


http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6099605563_f96f739aae_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brummel2010/6099605563/)
Wildschwein (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brummel2010/6099605563/) von Brummel2010 (http://www.flickr.com/people/brummel2010/) auf Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6099606063_dc7467d41b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brummel2010/6099606063/)
Eichhörnchen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brummel2010/6099606063/) von Brummel2010 (http://www.flickr.com/people/brummel2010/) auf Flickr



http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6183/6108536881_62c39a92eb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brummel2010/6108536881/)
Rehbock 2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brummel2010/6108536881/) von Brummel2010 (http://www.flickr.com/people/brummel2010/) auf Flickr

[victorwol]

The Sigma + Canon Extrender 2X III 5D MKII

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6111062558_533f5c61a2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/victorwol/6111062558/)
IMG_9586-Edit (http://www.flickr.com/photos/victorwol/6111062558/) by Victor Wolansky (http://www.flickr.com/people/victorwol/), on Flickr

[zincozinco]

Just ordered one, cant wait to put it through it paces, as long as it is good as my old copy im happy!!

[dwarrenr]

I'm thinking of getting this new Sigma 120-300/2.8 OS HSM EX but selling my current 70-200/2.8 L IS II but keeping my 70-200/f4 L IS. If I need a 70-200 I'll use my super light f4 version. If I need an f2.8 lens, I'll use the big siggi. I might even sell my 400mm f5.6 L for it too.

Well only you know what FL you need. I'm finding this 300 is not the right fit for football. I'm looking to get a 400L 2.8 and sell the sigma. Anyone have a 400L II they want to trade?

[LiberationFrequency]

Thought I would contribute a bit here...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6062/6135608772_64a961e8a8_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6137197092_9c57722523_b.jpg

And an impressive crop with a 1.4x tc... 100%

Since exif isn't in tact with this one: 168mm (wide end), f/5.0, 1/1250, ISO 320, center of the frame

http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/4227/fullcrop.jpg

[GMCPhotographics]

Well only you know what FL you need. I'm finding this 300 is not the right fit for football. I'm looking to get a 400L 2.8 and sell the sigma. Anyone have a 400L II they want to trade?

My eventual intention is to get a 400mm f2.8 L IS too, but i just can't afford one at the moment.

[zincozinco]

Mine is in the paper box in the trunk!!!! Hopefully ill get it out by thursday, should be a good ride!!

[zincozinco]

after initial handling and some test shots of my daugther - the upgrade was WORTH it!! Everything seems better. Hopefully Ill get it out before sunday for some real world testing. I have a DGX 1.4 arriving as well - if the quality stays up there i see no reason to get the Canon 200-400 F4. Fingers crossed!!

[victorwol]

I want to get a 400 2.8 too.... but I find it way too much money for a hobby..... may be some day.... instead of buying a bike and some leather pants....I'll but one of those babies :-)

[snapperz]

Just got the new OS version and my initial tests (only tried 300mm wide open so far) look very promising. Could hardly be any sharper on my 7D, rivals my 500 L IS for sharpness and contrast. AF seems Canon-fast unlike the old version and I've got sharp shots down to 1/15th s. Overall feel seems really high quality too.
Although apparently heavier it seems lighter than the old one in use. I'm looking forward to trying it with the Canon mkIII extenders (assuming they fit).

[GMCPhotographics]

Snapperz, I'd love to see a comparison shot between the 120-300 os on a 7D alongside a 500mm f4 on a full frame. Wide open if possible!

[LiberationFrequency]

Although apparently heavier it seems lighter than the old one in use. I'm looking forward to trying it with the Canon mkIII extenders (assuming they fit).

Its absolutely genius with the mkIIIs... shot with the combo the other week and by the time you stop it down to f/5 your sharp as a tack again.

[snapperz]

Snapperz, I'd love to see a comparison shot between the 120-300 os on a 7D alongside a 500mm f4 on a full frame. Wide open if possible!
The following are 500f4 L on 5D (original) and 7D + 120-300 OS respectively. Both wide open, tripod mounted, mirror lockup/timer at iso 100. The differences in exposure/WB are because of rapidly changing light but they give any idea of comparbality of IQ.
I think you have to remember too how much harder the 18MP 1.6 crop works the lens (and how good the 5D tends to look good at 100% and low ISO even against todays best FF cameras).
http://masters.galleries.dpreview.com.s3.amazonaws.com/1406435.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=14Y3MT0G2J4Y72K3ZXR2&Expires=1316267592&Signature=oIASU6l47bIKOC8KFvfMyXvN%2biY%3d
http://masters.galleries.dpreview.com.s3.amazonaws.com/1406434.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=14Y3MT0G2J4Y72K3ZXR2&Expires=1316267627&Signature=IHeWZ3knTQf8U4PFdLFRwzK0XWw%3d
I'm very impressed with what Sigma have done with this lens.
Jeff

[Leigh]

Which 2X???

I'm ready to purchase the lens for my 7D, but 600mm/ IA Servo/ BIF capability/ quality is a priority for me.

I'd be willing to "pony up" the additional $200.00 for Canon's 2Xiii if it resulted in even a marginal improvement.

Any samples of Canon 2Xiii vs Sigma's 2X EX APO DG with this lens?

Leigh

www.leighwax.com

[Canon_Lover]

Ouch :( Another user had the same problem sadly

Exchange it, its really worth it from everything i see!

Late reply, but just went through this thread.

Yeah, that was me with the bad copy. I wanted to wait a while before trying another one, but tripped over a 70-200 f4 L iS, and fell in love. :lol:

I was one of the early buyers of this lens and since then it seem like they have been pretty reliable for a new Sigma product.

I'll probably add a 400L 5.6 to my gear to cover the long end, and still weigh and cost less than the Sigma 120-300.

Great shots guys! bw!

[Maximono]

The following are 500f4 L on 5D (original) and 7D + 120-300 OS respectively. Both wide open, tripod mounted, mirror lockup/timer at iso 100. The differences in exposure/WB are because of rapidly changing light but they give any idea of comparbality of IQ.
I think you have to remember too how much harder the 18MP 1.6 crop works the lens (and how good the 5D tends to look good at 100% and low ISO even against todays best FF cameras).
http://masters.galleries.dpreview.com.s3.amazonaws.com/1406435.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=14Y3MT0G2J4Y72K3ZXR2&Expires=1316267592&Signature=oIASU6l47bIKOC8KFvfMyXvN%2biY%3d
http://masters.galleries.dpreview.com.s3.amazonaws.com/1406434.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=14Y3MT0G2J4Y72K3ZXR2&Expires=1316267627&Signature=IHeWZ3knTQf8U4PFdLFRwzK0XWw%3d
I'm very impressed with what Sigma have done with this lens.
Jeff


Interested in Seeing the images but the links appear to not work now.

[snapperz]

Try this link for the above images:
http://snapperz.smugmug.com/Other/image-comparison/19082591_PDzqSW

[zincozinco]

just got mine out this weekend. Prob need to micro adjust the focus. Not sure. However I love everything about this lens compared to the old one. Except for the files :)

My old copy seemed to take extenders better, also it seemed to focus faster...

these 8 images are all done with kenko dgx 1.4, Mark IV body at f/4 200iso

http://golfcoursephoto.wordpress.com/2011/09/18/melissa-reid-wins-ladies-spanish-open-2011/

and

http://golfcoursephoto.wordpress.com/2011/09/18/open-de-espana-femenino-2011-ladies-spanish-open-2011/

all seems a bit too soft for my liking...

[zincozinco]

Try this link for the above images:
http://snapperz.smugmug.com/Other/image-comparison/19082591_PDzqSW

Wow - seems i need to fix mine, cos thats just incedible!!

[GMCPhotographics]

Try this link for the above images:
http://snapperz.smugmug.com/Other/image-comparison/19082591_PDzqSW

Thanks for posting these, it's really appreciated.
Yes I agree that the 5D has cleaner and better pixels....but the angle of view and DOF are nearly identical. A 7D and a 120-300/2.8 is a much cheaper, lighter, smaller and higher fps option than a 5DII and a 500mm f4.
For some the lower IQ at 100% is intollerable. But for others like me, it's more than adequate.

[zincozinco]

Interesting, why were mine soft. It was broken right out of the box. Crazy QC. They are sending me a new one and I Return this one when recieved. Its a bit **** as I am working on a Tournament and have to MF for 6 days. 6-7 hours a day. Anyway last day tomorrow :)

all creds and service goes to the shop - NOT SIGMA.

Bought at Scandinavianphoto in Sweden.

[huntersdad]

If any of you have one for sale, PM me. Looking to pick one up pretty quickly.

[tmalone893]

Thought I would add a few of mine.

1. First the traditional duck/goose shot:
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/v29/p977978914-3.jpg

2.
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/v29/p822090102-4.jpg

3.
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/v31/p706279861-4.jpg

4.
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/v32/p930544496-4.jpg

[dwarrenr]

One from the zoo over the weekend:

http://just.razzi.me/photos/210048/bf51eee.jpg (http://razzi.me/p/210048)

[tmalone893]

That is a very sharp pic!
One from the zoo over the weekend:

http://just.razzi.me/photos/210048/bf51eee.jpg (http://razzi.me/p/210048)

[tmalone893]

Wanted to add a few more with a 100% crop.

1.
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/v20/p63745019-4.jpg
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/v33/p499501737-4.jpg

2.
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/v6/p101281457-4.jpg
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/v4/p347083261-4.jpg

3.
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/v20/p368402108-4.jpg
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/v25/p501643040-5.jpg

[ckaos]

Had this lens for a couple of weeks now. (I just love this lens)

Some stationary garden birds, shot with a 7D and the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 OS

iso 400, 1/1000sek, 300 mm @f3.2
http://www.mikrofly.info/pics/IMG_1194.jpg

iso 400, 1/640sek, 300 mm @f3.2
http://www.mikrofly.info/pics/IMG_1274.jpg

iso 200, 1/320sek, 420 mm @f4.5
http://www.mikrofly.info/pics/IMG_1682.jpg

iso 320, 1/1000sek, 420 mm @f4.5
http://www.mikrofly.info/pics/IMG_1803.jpg

iso 1250, 1/500sek, 600 mm @f6.3
http://www.mikrofly.info/pics/IMG_3382.jpg

[ckaos]

And another one taken to day after MA to -5, a bit more even lightning than prev pics.

iso 800, 1/1250sek, 300 mm @f3.2, aprox 40% crop:
http://www.mikrofly.info/pics/IMG_5682.jpg

[dwarrenr]

A three from this weekend from HS Volleyball. All shot with 1DMk4, ISO 3200.

http://just.razzi.me/photos/225535/c85b063.jpg (http://razzi.me/p/225535)

http://just.razzi.me/photos/225534/3c0663b.jpg (http://razzi.me/p/225534)

http://just.razzi.me/photos/225529/dc1b2eb.jpg (http://razzi.me/p/225529)

[tmalone893]

A few from the last Friday night game for me this year. Loving this lens more and more as I use it.

1.
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/s11/v28/p379269014-4.jpg
2.
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/s11/v31/p497613185-4.jpg
3.
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/s11/v33/p93707399-4.jpg
4.
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/s11/v33/p203774579-4.jpg

[dwarrenr]

It's just a tad slow on the AF...but still fast enough. Few more Friday Night FB:

http://www.robison-photography.com/img/s11/v31/p430362589-4.jpg
http://www.robison-photography.com/img/s11/v32/p416678578-4.jpg
http://www.robison-photography.com/img/s11/v31/p986240023-4.jpg

[gabebalazs]

My first shots (got my lens today). Hard to find interesting birds this time of the year...
120-300 plus Kenko 1.4 and 2x TCs. Cropped and processed.


http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/6351097679_9aee16a368_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6351097679/)
Squirrel 3 Sigma 420mm f4 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6351097679/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6091/6351841568_a7c701ef74_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6351841568/)
Geese Sigma 470mm f63 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6351841568/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6351841290_93bbb1a557_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6351841290/)
Squirrel 2 Sigma 420mm f4 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6351841290/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/6351841186_7f2d2b72da_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6351841186/)
Mallard Sigma 540mm f63 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6351841186/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6092/6351097281_6a892cd936_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6351097281/)
Squirrel Sigma 420mm F4 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6351097281/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6052/6351097935_b5ca0c3134_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6351097935/)
Toledo TBG Sigma 600 f63 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6351097935/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

[micloi]

Canon 7D
100% Crop at 714mm (Kenko 1.4x DGX and Jessops 1.7x - Stacked)
f7.1 (approx), ISO 800

Exif only show the 1.4x as the 1.7x is a non reporting TC

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/16187250/714mm%20f7.1%20100%25%20crop.JPG

[gabebalazs]

^^ That's pretty good Michael.

[micloi]

Another couple I took while testing the Canon 2x III TC I just received:

First one is a full crop of my dog's eye using the Canon 2x III, wide open on the 7D:
EXIF: f5.6, 600mm
I also include the full frame

Second one is a shot of a box, again full crop but this time with stacked TC's:
Canon 2x III + Kenko 1.4x DGX
Even though Exif are reported correctly, the 7D still tries to AF due to the Kenko DGX fooling the camera. AF works fine with peripheral points on the 7D and wirh ALL points on the 600D. Lens is stopped down just 1/3 of a stop (f9):
EXIF: f8, 840mm

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/16187250/Sigma%20120-300/IMG_3825%20crop.jpg

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/16187250/Sigma%20120-300/IMG_3825%20800.jpg

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/16187250/Sigma%20120-300/IMG_3849%20crop.jpg

[Maximono]

Got my lens today, and rather than sample shots the light broke slightly through the misty sky so I went out and took some wildlife shots as this lens is intended to be used. I was really impressed, these were taken with the 1.4x TC Canon, at iso 1600, cropped to around 10Mpx (ish) and fully processed. There's more info on my flickr and in the exif. So far Im quite impressed by the sharpness, lots to try out and a 2x TC to get soon!

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6116/6377362733_a7f18a2201_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/acwildlife/6377362733/)
Great tit - First from the New Big Siggy! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/acwildlife/6377362733/) by Wales Birder (http://www.flickr.com/people/acwildlife/), on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6225/6377535349_7b40a683a8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/acwildlife/6377535349/)
Coal Tit - Go on just one shot (http://www.flickr.com/photos/acwildlife/6377535349/) by Wales Birder (http://www.flickr.com/people/acwildlife/), on Flickr

[muskyhunter]

awesome lens...

[micloi]

Never mind

[birder_herper]

Fabulous shots, no doubt.

[micloi]

All with the 2x III at 600mm

Great egret is almost full frame
Kingfisher heavy crop
Stonechat is cropped

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6424292139_61c357c804_b.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6219/6424577797_0f1a187649_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6424323321_70c47d09f9_b.jpg

[commonjunks]

@micloi, thats very nice result. Mind sharing original picture of King Fisher just for comparison how much crop is done.

[micloi]

Certainly:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/16187250/Sigma%20120-300/IMG_4950%20crop.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6219/6424577797_0f1a187649_b.jpg

[commonjunks]

Thanks mate, it is amazing to see so much detail with such crop.

[micloi]

Selling mine here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=13488205

[gabebalazs]

Good luck with the sale Michael!

Here is a pic from early morning (ISO3200)
(600mm, Sigma 2x TC)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6447588913_5aaeef8a52_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6447588913/)
Titmouse Sigma 600mm (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6447588913/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

[gabebalazs]

Another one taken from my living room, through glass. 40D

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6488883275_cef5d71984_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6488883275/)
Squirrel Portrait (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6488883275/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

[gabebalazs]

600mm f/5.6 through living room window, heavy crop:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6508019457_64dbfd3082_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6508019457/)
Woodpecker portrait (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6508019457/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

[commonjunks]

^^ sick detail.

[gabebalazs]

^^ sick detail.

Thanks:)
Shot by my girlfriend, hand held(!). She's about 120 pounds and she is not a photographer... she just happened to be home yesterday :D

[gabebalazs]

Again, shot through window with the 2x Sigma TC:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6583095945_f51d38093e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6583095945/)
Tufted Titmouse (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6583095945/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6583082557_aa32aa992b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6583082557/)
Squirrel Portrait 2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6583082557/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6543480697_378bde2477_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6543480697/)
Coopers Hawk 1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6543480697/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

[gabebalazs]

Same deal, shot through glass, with extenders:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6630413901_7611f86957_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6630413901/)
House Finch (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6630413901/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6630319521_1e4dd179db_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6630319521/)
Winter Woodpecker (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6630319521/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

[commonjunks]

mate very nice result.

[gabebalazs]

Thanks!

[gabebalazs]

A few new ones, all with the Sigma 2x TC

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6649880537_cc366d0c15_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6649880537/)
Buck Portrait (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6649880537/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6649877003_fdfdac8801_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6649877003/)
Red Tailed Hawk on Tree (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6649877003/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6649877369_eda16aeffa_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6649877369/)
Deer in Bizarre Pose (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6649877369/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6649877559_f429ecea69_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6649877559/)
Kingfisher in the Distance (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6649877559/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

[Geejay]

Very nice images. You must be very pleased with the photographs you're getting, I know I would be.

[TC1986]

Stunning and very sharp photos gabebalazs.

Please could you post some 100% crops of your photos with this lens as I am very interested in the performance with a 2x tele converter?

Thanks

Tim

[MaGeKo]

I certainly miss the window :lol:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6709232035_ca26926431_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52572438@N05/6709232035/) _MG_1125LR (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52572438@N05/6709232035/) von MaGeKo (http://www.flickr.com/people/52572438@N05/) auf Flickr

Cheers,
Martin

[MaGeKo]

Come on, guys. Have you all sold your lens?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6742979761_8ccc4459a0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52572438@N05/6742979761/) _MG_2561LR (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52572438@N05/6742979761/) von MaGeKo (http://www.flickr.com/people/52572438@N05/) auf Flickr

[Jay T]

heres 2 with 2x tc and heavy cropped.not much wildlife to shoot around my way its to cold and the water is frozen. these were from 1/9/12 . And I just got a 7d 2 days ago and have not got out with it yet

[IanE]

Here's a couple from a 50D with a Sigma 2x attached at f/8. Sharpness definitely suffers, as does AF tracking, but it's a usable combo.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6714658493_cba85a2002.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianev/6714658493/)
Great grey owl 2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianev/6714658493/) by IanEv (http://www.flickr.com/people/ianev/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6713886579_4df03bb5f2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianev/6713886579/)
Snowy owl in flight (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianev/6713886579/) by IanEv (http://www.flickr.com/people/ianev/), on Flickr

[gabebalazs]

Nice shots. I've shot 10s of thousands of bird images but never an owl. Always good to see an owl, especially a snowy.

[gabebalazs]

A few more from me. TCs and through the window.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6733473401_cd94691d95_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6733473401/)
Blue Jay Profile (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6733473401/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6733473277_24f1028d91_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6733473277/)
Fluffy Junco (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6733473277/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6733472917_542ff652e2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6733472917/)
Jack Sparrow (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6733472917/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6723058259_972c9bcd0d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6723058259/)
Magnificent Blue Jay (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6723058259/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

[IanE]

gabebalazs: Amazing shots! Were they with the Sigma 1.4x? I need to get one of those. My Sigma 2x is around six years old, does anyone know if there's been an updated version released since then?

[gabebalazs]

Thanks!

The first 3 are with the 2x TC, the last one was with the 1.4x

[GMCPhotographics]

Are you guys stopping down with your 2x converters or are you shooting wide open?
I'm also assuming you are using 1.6x croppers here?

[gabebalazs]

Are you guys stopping down with your 2x converters or are you shooting wide open?
I'm also assuming you are using 1.6x croppers here?

It depends on the available light. I'm willing to sacrifice a little sharpness and contrast for a faster shutter speed if I need to. Motion blur is almost impossible to fix as opposed to lens softness and a slight lack of contrast.

But usually I use f/6.3 with my 2x and 4.5 for my 1.4x

Yes, I use it on APS-C bodies (mostly 7D but sometimes also on a 60D)

[IanE]

I stop down to f8 when using my 2x, and I'm still not getting such good results as gabebalazs. It must be his window!

[micloi]

Used mine at 6.3 with the 2x. Little or no improvement at f8.

[gabebalazs]

I stop down to f8 when using my 2x, and I'm still not getting such good results as gabebalazs. It must be his window!


... or my post processing :)

[kirish]

... or my post processing :)

I'd like to know what you do in post. Your pics are outstanding!

[IanE]

Me too!

[Digitalmediapro]

Thought I would contribute a bit here...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6062/6135608772_64a961e8a8_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6137197092_9c57722523_b.jpg

And an impressive crop with a 1.4x tc... 100%

Since exif isn't in tact with this one: 168mm (wide end), f/5.0, 1/1250, ISO 320, center of the frame

http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/4227/fullcrop.jpg
Awesome shots

[IanE]

I gather people like ducks around here, so here are some unscientific comparisons of the lens with different TCs.

First, the bare lens at 300mm, F/3.2:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6771312557_f9407f81f3_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianev/6771312557/)
Duck test 1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianev/6771312557/) by IanEv (http://www.flickr.com/people/ianev/), on Flickr

Then with a Sigma 1.4x TC, 300mm or thereabouts, F/4.5:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6771304123_78e671a613_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianev/6771304123/)
Duck test 2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianev/6771304123/) by IanEv (http://www.flickr.com/people/ianev/), on Flickr

Then with a Sigma 2x TC, in the neighbourhood of 300mm, F/6.3:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6771297751_262f5b9285_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianev/6771297751/)
Duck test 3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianev/6771297751/) by IanEv (http://www.flickr.com/people/ianev/), on Flickr

And finally, for fun, A Canon 200mm L with the Sigma 1.4x, 280mm, F/4.5:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6771290329_7991cb001b_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianev/6771290329/)
Duck test 4 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianev/6771290329/) by IanEv (http://www.flickr.com/people/ianev/), on Flickr

View the Original size on Flickr if you're into 100% crops.

[blurboiboi]

It depends on the available light. I'm willing to sacrifice a little sharpness and contrast for a faster shutter speed if I need to. Motion blur is almost impossible to fix as opposed to lens softness and a slight lack of contrast.

But usually I use f/6.3 with my 2x and 4.5 for my 1.4x

Yes, I use it on APS-C bodies (mostly 7D but sometimes also on a 60D)

really amazing bird shots you have there...
wanting to venture into bird photography... looking around for a zoom lens...
120-300 + 2x TC looks really good from you pics..

can share hows the focusing speed like with the above combo? thanks!

[Overread]

I think the important question now is - can anyone think of any reason not to get this lens???

[gocolts]

I think the important question now is - can anyone think of any reason not to get this lens???

I couldn't....I bought d.warren's 120-300 OS from him this week. :D Great guy, met him in person to make the sale, wondering what he'll replace the 120-300 OS with...

So far, no time to do any real shooting with it. Although with a Canon 2XTC attached, I could get shots around the house in focus down to 1/15 sec with the OS on...but I've got pretty steady hands. Either way, I'm impressed with the OS, as well as the focus, which seems more accurate than my old 120-300 I had previously.

It'll be getting plenty of racetrack work this summer and fall, looking forward to a one-lens solution for traveling to out of town races, especially those where I've got to lug stuff onto an airplane.

[artyman]

Full framee shot with two 2X TC's attached.

http://s139.photobucket.com/albums/q290/artymanphotos/Photography/feb/IMG_7480.jpg

[gabebalazs]

Tonight's Moon, 1200mm (Canon 2x III and Sigma 2x stacked).
It came out awesome, I'm really happy with it. Pretty close to my old picture taken with my Meade ETX125UHTC telescope (although smaller, that was 1800mm)

NOTE: I have intentionally boosted the colors to show that the seemingly monochrome Moon does indeed have colors. :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6809858171_0cdfdc0b97_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6809858171/)
Moon Sigma 120-300mm Canon 2x III Sigma 2x 1200mm (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6809858171/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

[kirish]

Tonight's Moon, 1200mm (Canon 2x III and Sigma 2x stacked).
It came out awesome, I'm really happy with it. Pretty close to my old picture taken with my Meade ETX125UHTC telescope (although smaller, that was 1800mm)

NOTE: I have intentionally boosted the colors to show that the seemingly monochrome Moon does indeed have colors. :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6809858171_0cdfdc0b97_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6809858171/)
Moon Sigma 120-300mm Canon 2x III Sigma 2x 1200mm (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6809858171/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

WOW, that is some difference between your shot and Artyman's. I'm not sure I'd get that resolution with just the lens alone.

If I had 2 2x tc I would expect similar results as Artyman from my copy.

Great photo Gabe.

[gabebalazs]

Thanks! :)
I'm also into astronomy (at least I used to be ...) and put quite an effort in this photo tonight. My settings can be seen if you click on the photos and view the EXIF in Flickr.

[DDL]

Tonight's Moon, 1200mm (Canon 2x III and Sigma 2x stacked).
It came out awesome, I'm really happy with it. Pretty close to my old picture taken with my Meade ETX125UHTC telescope (although smaller, that was 1800mm)

NOTE: I have intentionally boosted the colors to show that the seemingly monochrome Moon does indeed have colors. :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6809858171_0cdfdc0b97_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6809858171/)
Moon Sigma 120-300mm Canon 2x III Sigma 2x 1200mm (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6809858171/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

I'm confused - EXIF shows 600mm as focal length and lens as 240-600 so is the picture taken with two 2X converters or just 1? If there really are two 2X then what was the order to only get one reporting?

[gabebalazs]

Of course both are reporting TCs on their own, however in this setup only one reports (I'm not sure which one though).
Camera --> Sigma 2x --> Canon 2x III --> lens. That's the only configuration option since the Canon will not attach to the Sigma TC due to the protrusion (however, I haven't tried it yet, I just presume)

I also have a Kenko 1.4x but I didn't want to go crazy on the TCs :)

[arentol]

Went out today and got my obligatory duck photo with my new 5d3. Used the 120-300 of course.

http://www.mikehjphoto.com/photos/i-WSRNwJB/0/XL/i-WSRNwJB-XL.jpg
5d3, Sigma 120-300+Sigma 1.4tc, 480mm, 1/100, f/8, ISO 1600

(I should have gone 1/200 f/5.6, as I got motion blur in the neck and didn't need the DOF.)

And just to show this lens is useful for more than just sports and birds, a shot of my daughter:

http://www.mikehjphoto.com/photos/i-LMS3dhm/0/XL/i-LMS3dhm-XL.jpg
5d3, Sigma 120-300, 120mm, 1/400, f/2.8, ISO 400, 98% crop.

[facedodge]

This thread needs to be bumped... More Sports Photos Please!

[Brummel]

Sorry, no sports! :D

Sigma 1.4 EX DG, heavy crops:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5329/6938422896_98883c49d1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brummel2010/6938422896/)
Buchfink (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brummel2010/6938422896/) von Brummel2010 (http://www.flickr.com/people/brummel2010/) auf Flickr


Kamera-Modell: Canon EOS 7D
Objektiv: 168-420mm
Aufnahmedatum: 2012-04-15 16:39:04 +0000
Brennweite: 420mm
Brennweitendistanz: 4.86m
Blende: f/4.5
Belichtungszeit: 0.0010s (1/1000)
ISO: 1000
Belichtungsabweichung: -0.33 EV
Belichtungsmessung: Teilweise
Belichtung: Blendenpriorität (halbautomatisch)
Weißabgleich: auto
Blitz ausgelöst: nein (erzwungen)
GPS-Koordinate: 49° 58′ 42.64″ N, 8° 30′ 27.06″ E


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7127/7080479255_4d35e0d39b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brummel2010/7080479255/)
Kohlmeise (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brummel2010/7080479255/) von Brummel2010 (http://www.flickr.com/people/brummel2010/) auf Flickr



Kamera-Modell: Canon EOS 7D
Objektiv: 168-420mm
Aufnahmedatum: 2012-04-15 16:40:50 +0000
Brennweite: 420mm
Brennweitendistanz: 5.26m
Blende: f/4.5
Belichtungszeit: 0.0008s (1/1250)
ISO: 1000
Belichtungsabweichung: -0.33 EV
Belichtungsmessung: Teilweise
Belichtung: Blendenpriorität (halbautomatisch)
Weißabgleich: auto
Blitz ausgelöst: nein (erzwungen)
GPS-Koordinate: 49° 58′ 42.64″ N, 8° 30′ 27.06″ E

[kaapu]

We had some good time with Snow Buntings. Flickr messing with the iq. 7D, 300mm, f2.8 and cropped.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5116/7093572445_4489bb5680_b.jpg

[mtimber]

Haven't got the cash for this at the moment, but thought I would give someone the heads up on this:

1/2 price refurbished 120-300mm from Wex in the UK:

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-120-300mm-f-2-8-ex-dg-os-hsm-canon-fit/p1524203&go=bargains&bsku=1530642

[John_N]

Damn, I know I missed it by seconds - I now blame you ;)

[mtimber]

Damn, I know I missed it by seconds - I now blame you ;)

I didn't think it would last long, wish I had had the cash to pick it up. :-)

[datawiz2012]

Dar it, you poeple! I shouldn't have opened this thread. ;)

[datawiz2012]

Tonight's Moon, 1200mm (Canon 2x III and Sigma 2x stacked).
It came out awesome, I'm really happy with it. Pretty close to my old picture taken with my Meade ETX125UHTC telescope (although smaller, that was 1800mm)

NOTE: I have intentionally boosted the colors to show that the seemingly monochrome Moon does indeed have colors. :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6809858171_0cdfdc0b97_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6809858171/)
Moon Sigma 120-300mm Canon 2x III Sigma 2x 1200mm (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29108710@N04/6809858171/) by gabebalazs (http://www.flickr.com/people/29108710@N04/), on Flickr

Have you addedd sharpness in PP?

[Wookster]

I have a 300mm F4 IS and a 70-200F2.8 (non IS) and am thinking of selling both lenses and swapping them for the Sigma 120-300 to simplify my lens collection.

Any thoughts/ comments?

[jvk]

I have a 300mm F4 IS and a 70-200F2.8 (non IS) and am thinking of selling both lenses and swapping them for the Sigma 120-300 to simplify my lens collection.

Any thoughts/ comments?

Good idea :)

[GMCPhotographics]

Does anyone know which Lowepro lens case this lens fits? I'm hoping to add this lens via a case to my existing Lowepro back pack.