Sigma 120-300mm F/2.8

[Mike_Canon5D]

I've been looking at this lens, and would like to know if anyone uses it, and their comments, good or bad, before I click the buy it button. TIA.

[Jman13]

It's possibly the best zoom lens Sigma makes. Very sharp, fast, great range. It's quite heavy though, so if you'll be shooting with it for more than a few minutes at a time, make sure you have a monopod.

[05Xrunner]

I cant give TOOO much advice, I will say though I want that lens really bad. I was in the store once and they had one. The guy let me strap it to my camera. Focus was VERY FAST..dead silent. Images where razor sharp even at 2.8...It was heavy but wasnt TOOO bad. If i had the money i would buy it in a heart beat.

[Ospi]

I don't have it, but quite a few of the motor racing guys from here do and from what i can tell it produces some of the sharpest and overall nicest looking photos around.

It is heavy though, as Jman said, you will need a monopod with you unless your arnie in his prime.

[05Xrunner]

this isnt relly the best pic..Didnt have much to take pics of.
its 300mm f2.8 at ISO 1600 handheld
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a224/05Xrunner/Misc/IMG_9310.jpg

[Mike_Canon5D]

From what I can see, it give the L's a run for their money. Thanks everyone for your comments. Thank goodness I have a monopod :).

[michael_]

ive seen a few people with it here on Nikons and they swear by it, i would consider it over say the 100-400 canon

[JMHPhotography]

From everything I've seen and heard, this lens is incredible and could very well be Sigma's best lens... PERIOD!

[muscleflex]

It's possibly the best zoom lens Sigma makes. Very sharp, fast, great range. It's quite heavy though, so if you'll be shooting with it for more than a few minutes at a time, make sure you have a monopod.

hmm - thought the best zoom sigma's made was the sigmonster? but anyhow..don't wanna start a different topic. i'd love to have the 120-300 too. it's huge! saw it at jessops and wow! drool factor!

[Roger Cicala]

Its a bit bigger and a tad heavier than the Canon 300 f2.8. Its a hair less sharp than that lens, but so is everything. But zooming at f2.8 makes up for it.
I wouldn't compare it to the Canon 100-400, they're very different beasts. The Sigma is sharper and faster, but wayyyyy bigger. Most folks handhold the 100-400 all day, but the Sigma's a monopod lens in my experience. I can handhold a Canon 300 f2.8 for a good while, but not the Sigma.

[JuZ]

I've been known to hand hold mine all day (it's my small Sigma :p), I love it, wouldn't be without it :D

[RikWriter]

I used to have one...it's a very sharp lens, and retains IQ with the 1.4 TC and isn't too bad even with the 2X TC. I changed to the 300 f2.8L IS instead because it's much faster focussing. The Sigma 120-300 doesn't focus very fast with TCs.

[Canuck]

I've had one since late 8/03 and it still amazes me. Mind you my copy is a non DG, but still it is awesome. I've commented on it plenty. The first use of this copy was in Wales, Tenby Beach if my memory is correct.

In summary, it's an awesome lens, my favourite lens to reasonably reach out and touch something. There is a thread where I requested a comparison between the 100-400 and 120-300. This lens has been commented on plenty and there is plenty to be found when you search the forum.

[05Xrunner]

There is a thread where I requested a comparison between the 100-400 and 120-300. This lens has been commented on plenty and there is plenty to be found when you search the forum.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=150405

[mantra]

It's possibly the best zoom lens Sigma makes. Very sharp, fast, great range. It's quite heavy though, so if you'll be shooting with it for more than a few minutes at a time, make sure you have a monopod.
sorry it's offtopic
but i saw your signature
could u use a nikkor on a canon?

[Canuck]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=150405

I was referring to this one: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=49760 :cool: Also, the 120-300 is 5 3/4 lbs/2.6Kg

[Mike_Canon5D]

Very good inputs from everyone. Noticed that this lens is commonly compared to the 100-400; which I already have, and it is a great lens, but there are times when F/2.8 at 300 mm will benefit the shot. I'll keep reading some of the links posted for reference before I make my mind up. :)

[michael_]

I used to have one...it's a very sharp lens, and retains IQ with the 1.4 TC and isn't too bad even with the 2X TC. I changed to the 300 f2.8L IS instead because it's much faster focussing. The Sigma 120-300 doesn't focus very fast with TCs.
so AF still works with the TCs albeit slow? interesting, on what body?

[RikWriter]

so AF still works with the TCs albeit slow? interesting, on what body?

5D, 20D and 30D.

[Kickstart]

so AF still works with the TCs albeit slow? interesting, on what body?

I use a Sigma 1.4 TC with my 120-300 f2.8 and focus speed is still good. Far faster than a naked 100-400.

All the best

Keith