Sigma 100-300 compared to Canon 100-300

[Wrench]

Hello all. I was wondering how the Sigma 100-300 4.5-6.7 compares to the Canon Ultrasonic 100-300? I know neither are super-fast, especially at the big end, but I'll be using it outdoors most of the time during the day.

[Orogeny]

I don't know about the Canon, but the Sigma is not a good lens. You should look at the Sigma 70-300 APO Super II instead.

Tim

[GyRob]

I have the 100/300 canon and its not to good a lens, at the 300 end its worse.
Rob.

[Wrench]

I don't know about the Canon, but the Sigma is not a good lens. You should look at the Sigma 70-300 APO Super II instead.

Tim

Thanks for the replies! I was leaning toward a 100-300 since I've got a 28-80 and a 70-210 already and don't want to put them out of comission, but if the Sigma 70-300 is a decent bang for the buck, I'll pick it up. Can you give some more deatails and info on that lense? I've found some lenses that have the broad focal length (say, 70-300) you tend to loose some clartiy and image quality more so than say a prime lense or a lense with a less broad range of focal lenth ( like 100-300). Is this so with the Sigma 70-300?

[mikesd]

I have an ex. condition 100-300 I might consider selling, if you are interested pm me.

Mike

[ron chappel]

The sigma 100-300 4.5-7 DL is a budget lens but can get quite OK results.
http://members.dodo.net.au/~l8r_ron/index_6.html (+ some of the next page)

But the canon 100-300usm or sigma 70-300 Apo macro super II are a much better choice.

[Simon Spiers]

Have a read of this ;)
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=71758

[Wrench]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4687&item=7512889231&rd=1

Is this the APO Super II ? It's listed as the Macro super II. The buy it now just seems too cheap.

[cfcRebel]

Sigma does have a 70-300 non-APO. So beware. You want the APO. ;)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=163662&is=REG

[Wrench]

Is there a way to tell the difference by looking at it in pictures on ebay? What's the going rate?

[ron chappel]

Definitely get the APO version!
It should clearly say so in the title or at least should be visible where the name is written on the lens.If you aren't sure then ask before bidding.
New APO models are available from B&H for about us$214 so be carefull how much you pay for one secondhand. (especially as you may be getting someones cast-off dud.Sigma lenses do vary from one to another abit too much as i just found out when i bout this model new last week)


Just had a look.That one is not the APO macro but the cheaper DL macro

[kraterz]

Well, my canon 100-300USM is a pretty good lens for its price. It's as good as the canon 28-105, focuses extremely fast and does a pretty good job overall. Not up to L standards (obviously) but it is no slouch.

[Simon Spiers]

This might help your choice


http://www.sdeklerk.com/photography/

[quickben]

You might want to look at sigma's 100-300mm F4. Very sturdy and opticaly very good. I've tried a friend of mine's and was impressed. Around £500 in the UK.

Gary.

[Wrench]

Thank you all for the replies. How is the Canon 75-300usm compared to the sigma?

[Simon Spiers]

Thank you all for the replies. How is the Canon 75-300usm compared to the sigma?
Crap mate!
I Part exchanged me Canon 75-300 USM for the APO sigma last week.
And I am well chuffed!
See here http://www.pbase.com/argylemonkey/lens_comp

[Wrench]

Well I picked up the Sigma APO Super Macro II. It got here Tuesday and I'm very happy. A little better than what I expected considering the cost and I believe it'll do all I want it to. It's a fairly slow lense which I knew before I got it, but since I'll be using it outdoors in good sunlight I don't think it will be an issue. The macro feature is real nice too. With a little bit of work I'm sure I can get some good close up shots of bugs, flowers and such. Thanks for all the advice.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I keep reading good things about this Sigma APO.. is this the affordable alternative to the Canon 70-300mm DO?

Is it really that much better than the Canon 75-300mm USM?

[Wrench]

Check out the link above. He did a comparison between the Sigma and the Canon lense. The Sigma proved to be much clearer than the Canon. I personally can't compare since I don't have the Canon, but I can tell you that the Sigma is very clear. A little blur at the big end but what can you expect from a $200 lense. The autofocus is nice too. I don't think it's as quick or quiet as the USM, but it's close and does a great job.

[nitsch]

I keep reading good things about this Sigma APO.. is this the affordable alternative to the Canon 70-300mm DO?

Is it really that much better than the Canon 75-300mm USM?

I can't compare it to the Canon as I've never tried it, but I can confirm its a great lens. A bit softer at 300mm than 200mm but I guess thats to be expected. IMHO the build quality and performance of the lens is nothing short of amazing for the price. I've just posted a picture of a Robin in the Nature forum taken with this lens if you want an example of what it can do.

[ron chappel]

I keep reading good things about this Sigma APO.. is this the affordable alternative to the Canon 70-300mm DO?

Is it really that much better than the Canon 75-300mm USM?


If you mean does it have heaps better sharpness than consumer zooms, then the answer is -no

If you get a good example of the sigma then it is quite good-definitely abit sharper than the 75-300 -going by the link above
But then canon's 100-300usm is also about the same amount sharper-
http://members.dodo.net.au/~l8r_ron/index_8.html

I have a good example of a 75-300IS and a brand new sigma 70-300 APO.
The sigma is little or no better which really does not please me:evil: ;) after hearing all the enthusiasm about it.
I assume sigma's quality control is to blame