SIGMA 300mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM

[AlexAJ]

In this forum i found good sample photos for many other lenses, but there's one extremly underrated lens missing, so it seems to be my turn to change this;)

First picture:

Original Size on FlickR ( Attention over 10 mb ).klick (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexanderjung/4747053968/sizes/o/)

Taken with 5D mk2 ( AF works in this combination even for flying birds ) additional 2x Sigma TC and 1,4x Kenko 300 pro dgx through a fence in a zoo.
Picture was taken under poor light conditions with ISO 3200 and 1/250 and 840mm and for living objects isn't the optimum, too :rolleyes:. I had to push it a bit ( EV ), too so there's much noise in original size ( i didn't use neatimage to preserve as much resolution as possible )

I think you can imagine now whats possible with this lens under better light conditions and lower ISOs ( or with only 1 ( 0 ) TC(s) attached :cool: ). And dont forget: Thats Wide open: 300mm 2,8 + 2x TC = f 5,6 +1,4x Tk = f 8,0. But there's no need to stop it down. With 2x oder 2 TC's you can only reduce (L)CA's a little bit, but there's no further effect ( necessary ) to do it for more resulution.

2nd picture:
Taken without any TC and wide open. Better IQ here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexanderjung/4507435329/sizes/o/). Look at the Bokeh and amazing sharpness.

[AlexAJ]

Action ( crops ):

[darosk]

Wow, didn't know Sigma had a 300mm 2.8 - and $1500 cheaper than Canon's (although lacks IS). Would love to see more samples if you have them, AlexAJ -- thanks for posting.

[AlexAJ]

1# Action ( ~cropped to APS-C )
2# 840mm ( 2 TCS again ) @F8 ( crop )

unfortunately the IQ here in this Forum is very low ( 150 kb ! ). For good compression ( 10 and better in PS ) i could only offer pics with 300-400 pxl @ longer side...

[AlexAJ]

And more. ( Both crops )
#2: Addional 1,4x TK at closest focus distance

[AlexAJ]

Action again:

[AlexAJ]

#1 Indoor use
#2 Wildlife ( i came very close to this one :p ) ( crop )

[AlexAJ]

Some animal Portraits:
1# crop
2# 840mm ( 2 TCs again ), crop

[AlexAJ]

You dont habe a Makro ? Dont worry, just crop a bit ;)
#2 rare animal ( bush dog )

[AlexAJ]

840mm again. This this time in much higher distance. Better IQ here
2# Sth to show the characteristics of f 2.8 in combination with 300mm :cool:

[Headshotzx]

GREAT shots there! I really do consider many of them hanged-print-worthy! How does it feel to use the lens without IS?

[CyberDyneSystems]

Wow, didn't know Sigma had a 300mm 2.8 - and $1500 cheaper than Canon's (although lacks IS). Would love to see more samples if you have them, AlexAJ -- thanks for posting.

Where the Sigma big primes really become a bargain is the used market.
Canon Primes hold there value like stink on a dumpster, but Sigma's shed value like water off a ducks back.
Compare the used prices, and the saving will be more a lot more!

this lens is underrated! One oddball review that compared the 120-300mm to this claiming the zoom was sharper has tainted the internet presence of this lens ever since.
1 in thousands of posters to this forum have actually shot it, yet huge majority will happily repeat what they claim is fact, that it is a "not sharp lens"
Well the one I shot was pretty near perfect!

IMHO, the odds are far more likely that any side by side will show the prime as being sharper,. any exceptions would be due to lucky case of copy variation.

[AlexAJ]

How does it feel to use the lens without IS?

I dont see any sense in IS. I need a minimum of shutter speed to prevent motion blur. Often thats at least 1/200 ( or less ) but i can use the lens handhold up to 1/60 with 300mm ( 1/80-1/100 is in 95% of all cases tuck sharp ).

My experience:
I am always limited (shutter speed) by the motiv, never by the lens/ lack of IS. For every situation with living objects in need a faster shutter speed than 1/80 ( handhold possible ) if i dont have living/moving objekts, i can use a tripod with better results...
Canon Primes hold there value like stink on a dumpster, but Sigma's shed value like water off a ducks back.

Here in Germany i could sell my copy with profit.:cool: @Moment the original price is climbing up to 2500E ( long time it was around 2200E ). Its no problem to sell this lens for 1800-2000E ( copy with fitting AF ).
If you buy the Canon 300mm 2.8 L IS you loose at least 500-1000E ( new: 4000E used ~ 3000-3500E ).
But be aware: No one who has a good copy of the Sigma 300mm 2.8 will sell it... Low prices = crapy copy.. ( imho )

Funny story: I tried to buy the Sigma 300mm 2.8 second hand over a forum like this for a very good price. But the vendor lived on the other side of the county. So there was no possibility to test the lens. So i asked him to do me some shots with 1,4x tc, 2x tc and both togehter. One weak later i got a mail, that ( after tc test ) he decided not sell his lens. He still uses the lens next to his 400mm 2.8 L IS... But i had luck: Two weeks later i got "my" lens new, with full guarantee ( sigma 30 years birthday action -30% on every sigma lens ) from my local dealer for not even 1/3 of the price for the Canon L IS ).

IMHO, the odds are far more likely that any side by side will show the prime as being sharper,. any exceptions would be due to lucky case of copy variation.

The prime is much sharper. I tested the 120-300mm 2.8 before buying the 300mm 2.8 @300mm the zoom is a bit "soft". Years ago that was no problem ( the cameras didn't had enough resolution to display the "softness" ), but if you compare it with a 5D mk2/D3x or 7D you'll see a big difference. With TCs the zoom is far behind.
I testet in summery 3 Sigma 300mm 2.8 and everyone performed comparable to my copy. At least here in Germany seems to be no big copy variation with this lens...

1# An example with 1/60 handhold

Sth like this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexanderjung/4136493074/in/photostream/) i can do only with tripod. No IS offers me enough f-stops. ( Depth of field here with 600mm around 1-2mm ) -->for example shots like this aren't possible with Canon 600mm 4,0 because of reproduction scale. A 300mm 2,8 with 2x TK can do it :D

[AlexAJ]

1# through a fence, crop
2# sth with Tk ( through a fence ), crop

[Geejay]

I wouldn't mind one of these lenses at all, but even the Siggy is a fair spend on one lens..

Hmm.... Satan get thee behind me.

[jsboutin]

Wow, awesome pictures up to now. The one with the 2 TCs is spectacular.

[AlexAJ]

Sth taken today.
The bird on the first picture is 6 weeks old.

[AlexAJ]

These pics show the Af performance of this lens. The used Camera (5D mk2) has the slowest Canon AF available ( excluding older no more produced modells ).

The bird on the second picture belongs to the group of the fastest animals on earth. They can reach over 200 mph ( hard work to get them with 5D mk2 :( ). That wasn't maxspeed, but you can belive me, he was very fast :cool:

[AlexAJ]

1# 100% crop look at the details in the eye :cool:
2# claws are ready to "attack"

[balian67]

2# claws are ready to "attack"

Awesome..........

[AlexAJ]

The lens can be used to "shot" humans, too. But be carefull, wide open its sharper than most macro lenses . Not everyone likes to see all details in his face :cool:

Both pictures are crops

[AlexAJ]

100% crop ( first picutre above. Its pushed ~ 0,5 EV ). jpg quality 7 :/

[AlexAJ]

Some older Action shots:

[Supersignet]

Great pics. Looks like your 300 gets some good use

[rpearce12]

Do you buy a used Sigma 300 or a used Canon 300 Non IS for about the same price?

[Supersignet]

I personally would get the Sigma. Just have have the long warranty.

[rpearce12]

Would you be able to get the warranty if you bought it used?

[dinanm3atl]

Where the Sigma big primes really become a bargain is the used market.
Canon Primes hold there value like stink on a dumpster, but Sigma's shed value like water off a ducks back.
Compare the used prices, and the saving will be more a lot more!

this lens is underrated! One oddball review that compared the 120-300mm to this claiming the zoom was sharper has tainted the internet presence of this lens ever since.
1 in thousands of posters to this forum have actually shot it, yet huge majority will happily repeat what they claim is fact, that it is a "not sharp lens"
Well the one I shot was pretty near perfect!

IMHO, the odds are far more likely that any side by side will show the prime as being sharper,. any exceptions would be due to lucky case of copy variation.


Forums are the absolute worst place for what I call 'forum regurgitation'. Repeating word for word from Ken Rockwell. Or a thread they read on POTN. On in the BMW world X, Y or Z that everyone just agrees to but isn't actually right. Terrible.

[AlexAJ]

Do you buy a used Sigma 300 or a used Canon 300 Non IS for about the same price?
I had to choose between these lenses. I would choose again the Sigma. But i wouldn't buy it second hand if theres no possibility to test it before buying. There are many old ( less sharper ) and worse copies ( with AF problems, too ) out there. The older non-DG Version had another lens design and is much weaker than the DG version

The old canon L can not be repaired if the AF "stops working". In this case its not even possible to fokus manuel. That was the main point for me ( + 3 years warranty ) to chose the Sigma.
Optical performance of the old 300mm 2,8 L and Sigma is similar. The new 300mm 2,8 L IS is a little bit weaker ( compared to the older non IS Version ) particularly with 2x TK or 2x TK + 1,4x TK.
Canon and Sigma have different "aims" with these lenses. The canon offers a little bit more contrast ( stopping down increases sharpness but borders/corners are always weaker than center ), the Sigma more resulution ( borders are as sharp as center even wide open ! The lens sems to have highest resolution wide open ). The Sigma is a little bit smaller, but it has even less Vignetting ( --> 300mm 2,8 L [non]IS ). But the differences are imho only relevant in direct comparison.
My opinion: Contrast can be adjusted by software, resolution can't.

Would you be able to get the warranty if you bought it used?
warranty = 3 years. If you sell it after 1or 2 or 2 and a half year, theres still warranty ;)
Canon offers 1 year for the 2x priced new IS version.

Canon Primes hold there value like stink on a dumpster, but Sigma's shed value like water off a ducks back.
Another farytale. ( prices in my country )
Example: new Canon 300mm 2,8 L IS around 4000E ( 5k+ $ )
2nd hand: 1 -2 years old or more: 2600-3100E ( 3,3 k$- 4k $ )
loss: 1000-1700 $

Sigma: new Sigma 300mm 2,8 around 3k $
2nd hand 1-2 years old ( 1 year furhter warranty ) ~ 2,2-2,4 k$ ( at least here in my country )
Loss: 600-800 $

Loss is much lower... Used lenses almost hold their value( 2nd hand-> 3rd hand ), but thats the same with the supertele Sigmas.

[AlexAJ]

more photos:

[aerosmith9110]

I Hate you guys...! i really do... I like this lens buts its wayyyy over my lifestyle! :D its has a nice pop to it and details are great and shapness too!

[AlexAJ]

Some higher ISOs. The 2nd was taken wide open with 1,4 TK. Bokeh stays excellent with TCs. The first one is a crop ( almost 100% ).

I love the colors of this lens. Even much better than e.g. with Sigma 50mm 1,4

[AlexAJ]

The first one@ close fokus distance. This time stopped down to f 7.1 --> love the bokeh
The 2nd was taken through a fence

[AlexAJ]

Some dog portraits...

Original crop here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexanderjung/4824106129/sizes/l/)( picture 1 ) and here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexanderjung/4824715472/)( picture 2 )

[AlexAJ]

Another portrait. Check out original size here. Attention 3mb ! but worth locking ;) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexanderjung/4824718118/sizes/o/)

#2 shows some action...

[Cicero]

Which 2x TC do you use?

[AlexAJ]

Sigma 2x APO DG TC

[AlexAJ]

More dogs...

[AlexAJ]

part 2

[AlexAJ]

Wildlife:
#1 the father ( at least i think its a male adult animal )
2# the mother on the left, the 3 others are their kids ( first time they left the nest ) ( 4th kid isn't on picture )

[CyberDyneSystems]

...

Another farytale. ( prices in my country )....

I should have clarified that I was referring to the U.S. used prices.
For the record, due to the extreme difference between U.S. and European used prices of the big Sigmas, I have usually ended up selling my used ones to Europe/UK where demand is much higher. My "Sigmonster" 300-800mm f/5.6 EX HSM resides in the UK now..

Here in the U.S the also exceptional SIGMA 500mm f/4.5EX HSM sells for only about $2k used often. That's what I paid for mine, and that's what I sold it for two years later. that's about 40% of it's new price. The canon 500mm sells used for about 85-90% of the new price.

Your shots continue to amaze.. this is a fantastic lens!

[Cicero]

Got mine today.
Hope soon to take some good shoots.

[gary1952]

Well I own the Sigma 300mm F2.8 prime and the 500mm f4.5 prime with the Sigma 1.4x and the 2.0x T.C's. I shoot wild birds. And i tell you i love both. One for walking around and one for the tripod. I have owned the 300 for 6 months and the 500 for about a month. And have been shooting birds for about 6 months. I am just now getting comfortable with the settings. Really that was the hardest thing for me and i struggle everyday with learning the best settings for the shot.

Shot these last week.
500mm + 1.4 T.C.
http://www.pbase.com/gary1952/image/126988130.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/gary1952/image/126988121.jpg

300mm +1.4x T.C.
http://www.pbase.com/gary1952/image/127024981.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/gary1952/image/127024982.jpg

Before i bought both of these i traveled and looked at the canon and nikon users of the above sizes. For me I decided I wanted portability. I am getting older and i like being able to carry the 300 all day. With no problem. And the 500 is verrrry portable. I throw it in my lowpro bag and head off to a shoot. It is the tripod i have problem carring all day. Not the lens. Now I did buy both of mine new. The 300 f2.8 from e-bay and the 500mm f4.5 amazon. And i have had no problems. I have read all the bad things about Sigma and decided it was mostly untrue after i recieved my copies. My review is on Amazon about the 500mm f4.5 the only one there and I did not review the 300mm f2.8.

Rarely use the 2.0 T.C. but on the 300mm 2.8 it is certainly doable. And with very good results.

300mm +2.0 T.C. And this is wide open f5.6 at 600mm.
http://www.pbase.com/gary1952/image/123209239.jpg

[Cicero]

Because of bad weather over here, I couldn't take much pictures with new lens, but I have done some testing ( there is a lot of learning curve for me with this lens, because I was used to use 300mm f4 with IS)!

300mm f/2.8
http://www.shrani.si/f/2N/UT/XpDaFVW/mlakarica3.jpg

420mm f/4.0
http://www.shrani.si/f/l/oy/2unqDrtl/golob3.jpg

600mm f/5.6
http://www.shrani.si/f/3N/EJ/4wy1DHX6/golob.jpg

600mm f/7.1
http://www.shrani.si/f/u/7t/zd6zBgM/golob2.jpg

[gary1952]

Cicero, those are nice shots.
Are they hand held? Or on a tripod?
Looks like you got a nice copy.
Congradulations.

[AlexAJ]

More action shots, this time with 2x (Sigma APO DG ) TK @5D mk2. The dof is extreme small ( look at the gras in picture one ). Both are crops

[AlexAJ]

2nd picture with 2x TK again ( wide open, crop )

[AlexAJ]

Birds:
2nd pic: 1,4 TK wide open. Croped from 21mp to 1,7 mp. Scaled down to 500pxl@shorter side

[Cicero]

Cicero, those are nice shots.
Are they hand held? Or on a tripod?
Looks like you got a nice copy.
Congradulations.


They are hand held.
Not easy at all, when there is no IS helping:)

[gary1952]

I can hardly beleive the shots you guys are getting without IS. I tried and I cannot....
Those are good pics.

[arentol]

Here are a couple handheld:

With Sigma 1.4tc
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_T2unue4Vses/TGDkJROvpaI/AAAAAAAAALw/P2cLlPgE_bY/s800/_MG_2121.jpg

No TC
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_T2unue4Vses/TGDkJn9EDGI/AAAAAAAAAL0/WFq5xA4pfYc/s800/_MG_2052.jpg

100% crop of above (seems to have lost some sharpness uploading to picasa. I need to go Smugmug I think)
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_T2unue4Vses/TGDkKOY_2LI/AAAAAAAAAL4/LaNIkXoxbxo/s800/_MG_2052_100crop.jpg

[gary1952]

Those are some nice bird pics guys... Love em.
bird....
Riding around hanging my Sigma out the window.... 100% crops

http://www.pbase.com/gary1952/image/127356867.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/gary1952/image/127508385.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/gary1952/image/127508434.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/gary1952/image/126867575.jpg

[AlexAJ]

Older pics ( 1,4 TK wide open. hard crops ).

[AlexAJ]

more:

[gary1952]

I have noticed the prices are going up on Sigma lens. Still if Sigma ever makes a IS version of there super telephoto lens. They will be a force to deal with for the major two manafacurers. And they will in the next few years.
Beautiful pics.
And so many people label all Sigma lens as soft. I'm not sure why they have such a bad reputation. Every one talks about QC issues. I have two Sigma lens and i love both.
I regurally shot with people who shoot the 500 and 600 canon and nikon. Beautiful lens and quality unmatched.
But i would not trade. As i am getting older i want light weight and portable.

[AlexAJ]

More birds:

[Cicero]

from today with 2xTC

http://www.shrani.si/f/1j/g/3aY3KKhH/smarnica13.jpg

[gary1952]

Alex-Cicero
Those are really nice..... Wow you guys have really used the lens the way it was designed.
Nice bird photo's :)

[gary1952]

Cicero
could you tell me the name of the bird in the last photo.
Thanks

[Cicero]

Its Phoenicurus ochruros - Black Redstart


Cicero
could you tell me the name of the bird in the last photo.
Thanks

[pentecora]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=491831&stc=1&d=1289587688http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=491829&stc=1&d=1289587688

[pentecora]

With 2x Sigma extender
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=491836&stc=1&d=1289588549

[ChromeThunder]

I'm sold on this lens just based on what I've seen in this thread.

[birder_herper]

Wow...very impressive shots with this lens!

Question---- Does anybody have any information on what the "actual" focal length of this lens may be? I ask this because you often hear of lenses being tested as having focal lengths well-below their stated figures. For example, I've heard the Canon 100-400 IS is more like 370mm at the long end, and the Sigma 120-300 2.8 is more like 260 at the long end...ouch!

Not sure if its just a zoom thing or what, but I'm curious how much reach it has compared to the Canon 300/2.8 and it's zoomy brother the 120-300mm.

[Cicero]

2 more from me.
Both using 2xTC and hand-held.

http://www.shrani.si/f/1B/TC/3LherOBy/smrdokavra.jpg

http://www.shrani.si/f/2d/t1/3DKlDFnY/mali-skurh.jpg

[Cicero]

and here one more with 2xTC

http://www.shrani.si/f/2s/4u/4bBmZh2v/smrdokavra3.jpg

[bastiano]

very nice optics for its size and weight is not exaggerated.
Great for sports and nature.
The photo of the jet is made with the Canon 2X

[bastiano]

those in nature.
I just sold this lens, but regards the images began to regret having sold it to buy the Canon 100-400.

[bastiano]

here in the portrait.
I can feel the lack of this lens

[pentecora]

Canon 5D2, Sigma300/2.8, Canon 1.4 extender, 420mm, 1/800, F8, ISO800
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=506014&stc=1&d=1295203329

[GMCPhotographics]

Has anyone got a link to a 100% view of a shot from this lens. I'm interested to see it perform wide open as a 300mm and with a TC.
I'm seriously thinking of getting one, but I want to make sure that it's as good as it looks!

[arentol]

Has anyone got a link to a 100% view of a shot from this lens. I'm interested to see it perform wide open as a 300mm and with a TC.
I'm seriously thinking of getting one, but I want to make sure that it's as good as it looks!

I have various photos I could link for you, but I am having a hard time deciding which would be best. What kind of subjects are you most interested in using the lens for?

[GMCPhotographics]

Wildlife / birds that kind of thing. Not too fussed with panned or moving shots. Im more interested in wide open sharpness than any AF tracking.

[AlexAJ]

Wildlife / birds that kind of thing. Not too fussed with panned or moving shots. Im more interested in wide open sharpness than any AF tracking.
click (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=10449185&postcount=1)

Both links contain full size ( 1. pic with 2x + 1,4 x tk 2. without TK original crop )

Question---- Does anybody have any information on what the "actual" focal length of this lens may be? I ask this because you often hear of lenses being tested as having focal lengths well-below their stated figures. For example, I've heard the Canon 100-400 IS is more like 370mm at the long end, and the Sigma 120-300 2.8 is more like 260 at the long end...ouch!
This question cant be answered. The "actual" focal lenght depends on focus distance ( and lens design ).



Another one with 2x +1,4x TK wide open:

[AlexAJ]

More pics:

1# 2x TK + 1,4x TK ( 840mm, F8 )

2# F3,2 300mm Action :D

[GMCPhotographics]

Thanks guys, really appreciated.
Is there much difference between the DG and non DG versions?

[AlexAJ]

Is there much difference between the DG and non DG versions?
Yes, dont buy the non DG Version.

[Geejay]

Just ordered one from Mifsuds. Should arrive tomorrow :)

Arrived this morning. Too dull and grey for pictures. Maybe the weekend...

[pentecora]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1425/5452215444_97293f3339_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/5452215444/)
IMG_2909.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/5452215444/) by Max Galkin (http://www.flickr.com/people/mgalkin/), on Flickr

[Geejay]

Well perhaps not the best, but hand-held and shot through the kitchen window, which was closed..... :)

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/General/IMG_7682SmallBlackbird.jpg

I think I'm going to enjoy this lens. Talk about potential...

[TheGullGuy]

A question around this lens, I may have missed this in this thread already so apologies if it has already been covered.

On the Canon there are strap loops for carrying the lend without body attached and when body is attached this reduces stress on the connections because your not carrying it by the body strap.

On the Sigma 300mm there doesn't appear to be such loops on the lens or tripod collar so how would I carry this, I really wouldn't want to carry it by the strap on the camera body.

I am seriouslyu considering this lens as an over the shoulder option when out birding rather than taking my Canon 500mm prime out all the time.

[AlexAJ]

On the Canon there are strap loops for carrying the lend without body attached and when body is attached this reduces stress on the connections because your not carrying it by the body strap.
You could buy the Sigma TS-41 tripod socket ( but in my opinion its very expensive ). The standard socket is the same as @Sigma 150mm Macro. This should solve all your problems.

I carry the lens attached by the body strap. No problems so far even with teleconverters...

[TheGullGuy]

Many thanks for that; I'll check out the prices

[Geejay]

First go at motorsport with this lens...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Cars/IMG_8125Smallcopy.jpg
Mild crop for composition

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Cars/IMG_8125100percentcropcopy.jpg
100% crop

Only took a few shots, (bunked off work for an hour ;) )..

[big_g]

Mine arrived this morning and after a bit of MFA work I went out to test it on a few birds at my local feeding station

Very impressed. Here is a 100% crop just to show the detail it renders. No sharpening etc after it came from the camera. Standard .jpeg settings. The lighting was extremely harsh as it is very sunny here today. I deliberately included the edge of the shadow on the bird feeder so you could see the amount of CA.

Considering this was shot at f3.5 I think it is OK. I doubt it will be a real issue when I am using the lens seriously as I bought it to use just after dawn or late in the evening around dusk when such strong lighting won't be an issue.

In the second 100% crop I had stopped down to f5 and the result is a even sharper. Very happy with this

When I have some nice shots I will put them up but so far it seem like a real bargain lens. Quality feels great, focussing is pretty quick, accessories are superb (you even get a polarising filter included) and I filled in the registration card for my 3 year warranty this morning. so no worries for along time to come hopefully.

My only issue is that it doesn't want to play with my Canon 2x MkII. It still shows f2.8 and it won't focus on any of my bodies. Strange. Anyone else had this? The 1.4x works perfect.

[Cicero]

with 2xTC

http://www.shrani.si/f/F/aZ/364KSLEz/zelenec13.jpg

[Cicero]

another one with 2xTC

http://www.shrani.si/f/2s/vJ/2IzeaAKu/vrabec11.jpg

[Geejay]

A couple of motorsport shots...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Cars/MercSLS.jpg
300mm

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Cars/F3Druids.jpg
300mm x1.4

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Cars/SLS2.jpg
300mm x2.0

[Gary W.]

Hey all,

The lens looks pretty good! Does anyone have any experience/pictures of HS football (varsity) night time usage? With a 7D would be even better, but...

Thanks in advance!

Gary W.

[Geejay]

I would say that it's very likely to be up to the job of capturing HS football. I can't say how would work on a 7D, but it works flawlessly on my 20D and 50D...

[big_g]

Been using it in anger this week. Pretty pleased with some of the results

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2014/5711411526_877df07419_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/56355379@N03/5711411526/)
DP8K4199 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/56355379@N03/5711411526/) by Big_g2 (http://www.flickr.com/people/56355379@N03/), on Flickr

[ziggy25]

I wish i never found this thread :)

[h14nha]

Hi,
I bought my 300mm f2.8 2 weeks ago used, and have been having IQ difficulties with it. Its now maxed out at +20 MA on my 7d, and now its starting to deliver wide open. I havn't had the chance to get near any small birds in good light yet as the weathers been rubbish since I got it, but I went out last night and managed a few useable images out of it.....
I hope to be a regular poster..... This is with a Sigma 1.4 TC.....

[Cicero]

one new with 2xTC

http://www.shrani.si/f/d/K8/2ajQ4Mr1/rjava-penica.jpg

[h14nha]

Cicero your processing skills are immaculate my friend..... Heres my effort, 300mm bare lens, a Blue Tit caught after a downpour. Nowhere near as good, but I'm trying :)

[Cicero]

@h14nha

Thx a lot.. I am trying my best.

You will learn too, everything takes time :) Just keep on shooting.

[h14nha]

Sorry for this Great Spotted Woodpecker being on a feeder, I dont get to shoot at them too often so was happy to get this at all. Taken bare lens at F4.....
Thanks

[Geejay]

Better on a feeder than nothing at all....

Looking pretty sharp at f4

[Dogs857]

I have actually just sold my copy of this lens to get the Canon. I'm still not sure it was the right choice, the Sigma is lighter and mine at least was damn sharp.

Anyway here are some photos from work.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6134/5921067519_5c338a3c03_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/5921067703_56582bdde8_b.jpg

[Dogs857]

And some arty ones. I usually PP most of my work.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/5921069049_925ac34ac7_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5921633772_40fe454af9_b.jpg

[JLBS]

Just join the happy group of the owners of this lens. Really happy with it:

Tested it today...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_3579.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_3561.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_3374.jpg

Regards

[Dogs857]

Just join the happy group of the owners of this lens. Really happy with it:

Tested it today...


Nice work mate, looks like you got yourself a really good copy in the end. Enjoy it cause it's one of Sigmas best.

[Dogs857]

How about a landscape??

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6146/5980501551_37e9b8875e_z.jpg

[JLBS]

^^^ Thanks a lot mate! I'm really happy with it. I'm doing a football (soccer) tongiht, and hope to get good results!

And nice landscape! More?

:D

Regards

[Dogs857]

This may be the last photo I took with this lens. I'm going back through my photos now. Still a little sad I sold it.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5983978737_d341a4c230_b.jpg

[JLBS]

Nice capture Jeff... may I wask where did you took it?

Regards

[Dogs857]

Nice capture Jeff... may I wask where did you took it?

Regards

Sure mate no worries.

This was from a graveyard next to my work site in South Sudan. It was one of the very few marked graves I found in that country.

[JLBS]

Sure mate no worries.

This was from a graveyard next to my work site in South Sudan. It was one of the very few marked graves I found in that country.

Thanks a lot, Jeff for your reply.

I've see that you no longer own the SIGMA, but the Canon 300mm. Care to share the difference you find between those 2 lens?

Kindest Regards and thanks.

[Dogs857]

Well the differences.......
The Sigma is closer in size to the Canon 200mm which makes it smaller than the Canon 300mm. Not a whole lot smaller but it is noticeable. The Sigma is also slightly lighter and it may just be that the canon is newer to me but I liked the feel of the Sigma better.

Now don't get me wrong, I love the canon 300mm, it's just that I find it harder to justify selling the Sigma when it was so close in sharpness, and just felt right for me to shoot with. The Canon does have IS but I have yet to use it to its full potential. I need to spend some quality time with it to really gel with it. I'm glad I got it when I did as they are hard to find now.

So to sum up the Sigma is probably 95% of the Canon and unless you are really really critical about your shots you won't regret getting the Sigma. IS can be a godsend but it's only useful in certain situations.

So take out your Sigma and have fun with it. In the end if you are happy with the results you get then it's the lens for you. I just hope my Canon will make me as happy as my Sigma did.

[JLBS]

Thanks a lot for you words, Jeff...

Going out to shoot a pro football (soccer) game with it in about 2 hours... later I put here some pictures.

So my kind regards to you and keep safe ;)

[JLBS]

A few from the yesterday game:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_5280.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_5258.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_5446.jpg

Regards

[Dogs857]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Great stuff mate.

[JLBS]

Thanks Jeff!

[h14nha]

I haven't done much birding lately, thats going to change in the next few weeks, I'll be making an effort to get out and about, here's one thats got me interested again :)
Taken wide open at 420mm with a 1.4tc

[JLBS]

Nice one Ian!!

Don't try yet my 300 with the Tamrom 1,4 x ....

[JLBS]

Bring this topic to life.

A few from the official match last Sunday:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_8590.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_8641-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_8702.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_8738.jpg

Hope you like it...

Regards

[pentecora]

Sigma 300/2.8 APO EX DG HSM wide open + Canon EF 2.0x III extender:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6193031996_afcbff65d0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/6193031996/)
Pelicans 01 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/6193031996/) by Max Galkin (http://www.flickr.com/people/mgalkin/), on Flickr
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6193032320_29cb2f8a7d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/6193032320/)
Pelicans 02 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/6193032320/) by Max Galkin (http://www.flickr.com/people/mgalkin/), on Flickr
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6154/6193032640_0ba2082fa9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/6193032640/)
Pelicans 03 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/6193032640/) by Max Galkin (http://www.flickr.com/people/mgalkin/), on Flickr
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/6192515847_61fca3062c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/6192515847/)
Pelicans 04 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/6192515847/) by Max Galkin (http://www.flickr.com/people/mgalkin/), on Flickr
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6176/6193033394_dab590a639.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/6193033394/)
Pelicans 05 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/6193033394/) by Max Galkin (http://www.flickr.com/people/mgalkin/), on Flickr
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6192516431_b74b5b846b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/6192516431/)
Pelicans 06 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/6192516431/) by Max Galkin (http://www.flickr.com/people/mgalkin/), on Flickr
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/6192516785_4c8362f71f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/6192516785/)
Pelicans 07 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/6192516785/) by Max Galkin (http://www.flickr.com/people/mgalkin/), on Flickr

[JLBS]

^^^Wowwwww.... Amazing shoots!!! I've Kenko 2x TC and a Tamron 1.4 x Tc and neve tried them! Must give them a chance...

[JLBS]

Two photos from yesterday...

Canon 50D f/2,8 - ISO 6400

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_1445.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_1333.jpg

[JLBS]

Bring this topic to life:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_3954.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_4182.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_4255.jpg

Thanks for looking
:cool:

[Dogs857]

^^^^^^^^^
Good stuff mate, that bloke in the middle looks like Megamind :)

I think you may be the only one left on here with one of these. I may be picking another one up when I switch to Nikon but the rumour mill abounds with tales of an OS version coming out soon. To wait or not to wait, though I could wait forever if it proves untrue. I do miss my big Sigma.

Either way enjoy yourself and I will keep an eye on this thread.

[JLBS]

Thanks a lot Jeff for your nice words... I love my Sigma! :D

[Geejay]

Still got mine and love it. Just not posted many pics.....

[JLBS]

^^^^I'm not alone!!! :D

[Geejay]

OK here's a few from the summer, taken in the Scottish Highlands.. :-)

The first one is with a Sigma x2 TC, the others are the bare lens.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Aigas%202011/IMG_9338BambiSmall.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Aigas%202011/15OtterSmall.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Aigas%202011/13PineMartinSmall.jpg

[JLBS]

Hi Glenn,

Just beautiful shots you got there!

How does it works in your Canon 50D + the Tcs? Have both 1.4x and 2x, but do you belive it? Never tried them :S
Kind regards

[Dogs857]

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Aigas%202011/15OtterSmall.jpg


Great photos mate. What on earth is that he's eating??

[Geejay]

Thanks for the comments guys... :)

I have tried both 1.4 and 2.0 stacked and the focus is quite slow and tends to hunt as well, but it is possible to get some shots. Tough without a tripod though.

The 1.4x TC is almost 'invisible', has little or no impact on image quality or focusing speed
The 2.0x TC slows focus a bit and some loss of contrast, but pretty good.

The otter was a female (apparently) and she had caught a Sea Lamprey, which was a few miles out of its normal range in the River Beauly.

[JLBS]

Thanks a lot for your about the TCs ... I'll give them a try soonnn.

Keep posting in here. I'll do that for sure.

kind regards

[bastiano]

Great shots!
How I miss this lens!

[Geejay]

Went to the zoo today...

These were the bare lens, monopod, full frame.

f 4.0
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Chester%20Zoo/IMG_0094SpoonbillSmall.jpg

f 5.6
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Chester%20Zoo/IMG_0027SmallLion.jpg

100% Crop..
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Chester%20Zoo/IMG_0027Lion100percentcrop.jpg
This is a great lens.

[JLBS]

^^^^Tack sharp photo! And I agree, is a damn nice lens! Wednesday, I'll be shooting a soccer (football) championship of Sub-20, and I put here some of the photos! :D

Regards

[Geejay]

Thought I'd actually post a wide open one this time (got it wrong last time). Still pretty sharp IMHO... :)

f2.8, 1/400s, ISO 250
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Chester%20Zoo/IMG_0011LionessSmall.jpg

100% Crop
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Chester%20Zoo/IMG_0011Lioness100Crop.jpg

[JLBS]

Yeah really sharp lens even at f2,8.

Regards

[JLBS]

Hello,

Some of the football (soccer) game yesterday, for the São Paulo State Championship of sub-20.

I really love this lens.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_4867.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_4886.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_4935.jpg

Kind regards

[Geejay]

Nice shots. The subject isolation is just stellar isn't it... :)

[JLBS]

Thanks a lot. Yeah it's really beautiful. The bokeh is just great.

A few more;

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_4953.jpg

This guy wasn't very happy, take a look on the background ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_5048.jpg

Pain...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_5089.jpg
Regards

[narlus]

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Aigas%202011/15OtterSmall.jpg


Great photos mate. What on earth is that he's eating??

it's a lamprey.

excellent shot!

[Geejay]

Ta... :)

Yes it's a Sea Lamprey about as thick as my arm. Hard to estimate how long it was, but at least 4ft would be my guess. This was taken at about 05:30 in the River Beauly quite a few miles away from the sea. According to the books, it shouldn't have been there. I guess Sea Lamprey are not known for their reading ability.

The otter was a mother accompanied by a fairly large/mature off-spring. I did manage to get a number of shots. If I get a chance I'll post a few more of this wrestling match and some 100% crops with exif..

[Geejay]

OK, here's a couple more frames of the wrestling match.....

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Aigas%202011/IMG_9093SmallOtter4.jpg

100% Crop
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Aigas%202011/IMG_9093100cropOtter4.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Aigas%202011/IMG_9099CroppedOtter3.jpg

100% Crop
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Aigas%202011/IMG_9099100cropOtter3.jpg

Perhaps I should also post these in the wildlife section...

I have done levels and USM on these BTW and were shot as jpegs.

[JLBS]

Nice!!!! :D

[Dogs857]

Great shots mate. Those Lamprey things look wicked, all those teeth!! Very nice capture and by the sounds of it not something you are likely to see too often.

[Geejay]

Great shots mate. Those Lamprey things look wicked, all those teeth!! Very nice capture and by the sounds of it not something you are likely to see too often.

Thanks.. :)

We were staying at a place called Aigas, near Inverness. It's a wildlife centre owned and run by Sir John Lister-Kaye who is a well known naturalist, and his family.

A group of us were out first thing in the morning (05:00) along the River Beauly with John's son Warwick, with the principle objective of trying to catch a sighting of otters. We found them at the first place we looked. Very very lucky.

Both he and John were quite amazed about this sighting with the Sea Lamprey, which they'd never seen or heard of before.

They have used five of my shots (the otter, pine marten, dolphins, wide shot of the house and something else that I can't think of at the moment) in their 2012 brochure, along with some shots from proper photgraphers.... :)

[pentecora]

5D2, SIGMA AF 300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM, EF 2.0x III
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6658176791_aa24d86601_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/6658176791/)
Zebra (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgalkin/6658176791/) by Max Galkin (http://www.flickr.com/people/mgalkin/), on Flickr

[Geejay]

I bet the focus system locked onto that pretty quickly.... :)

[Digitalmediapro]

very nice optics for its size and weight is not exaggerated.
Great for sports and nature.
The photo of the jet is made with the Canon 2X
Awesome action shots - I have to get one of those lenses!

[JLBS]

Bring this topic to life :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_3857.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_3781-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_4072.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_3743.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/150966/IMG_0006-2.jpg

Really love this lens...

[Geejay]

Had a play with the micro adjustment on the 50D. I hadn't realised that the 300mm with TC is treated as a different lens than the 300mm on it's own.... doh!! Anyway here are my best shots from yesterday with a 2.0x EX TC. They are quite heavily cropped and a fair bit of PP too, but I think they're worth posting. I am now have even more respect for the bird photography brigade, very difficult subject I think..

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Birds/IMG_0731Long-TailedTit.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Birds/IMG_0548Robin.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Birds/IMG_0532Chaffinch.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Birds/IMG_0708BlueTit.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Birds/IMG_0570Goldfinch.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Birds/IMG_0705BlueTits.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/GeeJayW/Birds/IMG_0612Kestrel.jpg

C&C welcome....

[JLBS]

Really nice shoots with the TC, even with a bit of image degradation, which I consider "normal"...

Keep them coming!

[h14nha]

Lets get the Sigma 300 prime back on page ONE

A Greenfinch from last week. This is wide open at F5.6 with a Sigma 2X TC :)