Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports (SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS!!!)

I know there are threads for Sigma 120-300's, and all of them seem to discuss all 3 versions of Sigma's 120-300:

1. Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG HSM
2. Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM
3. Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports

I want to know about the Sports lens, and only the Sports lens. And one of the most frustrating things I am finding lately is, it is difficult to sift between the thousands of BIF photos to find any sports shots. Don't get me wrong, I love nature photography, but I've struggled to find many posts about sports with this lens. And when I find them, I am not sure which version they are referencing sometimes.

So, does anyone have any experience shooting sports on the Sigma 120-300 Sports lens?

Also, how do you find the tracking on AI SERVO - on a 7D, 5D3 or 1D4 or 1Dx?

And lastly, how do you find the lens with both/either a Sigma and/or Canon tele converter?

Anybody?

I do not own this lens but am considering it.

My research has shown it is Optically very similar to the non sports (EX) version. In fact even after teardowns I think LensRentals still said it was the exact optical then later found that there may be one element switched to FD glass. Where they do differ is in weather sealing and added screws to hold the whole thing together better as the first version has a very negative reliability rating.

There are not many out there and since the optics are so similar there is just one thread that i have found here on it which is the "original" version not specific to the Sports version

You might try asking in this forum https://photography-on-the.net …ight=120-300+2.8&page=308

Im going to rent this in the next few weeks to see what it is about.

I think your best bet is still to stick around the other Sigma thread and ask a question there. Users there can tell you which lens they use.
I use the non-Sport version by the way.

I have been following the other thread for quite a while now. Yeah I have asked a couple of questions there, but it is difficult knowing which version is which sometimes. Your photos are amazing Gabe, I don't question the IQ of the lens. I have read your thoughts on AI SERVO there, with and without extenders. Like a couple of others in that thread, AF accuracy and speed while tracking subjects is what I am interested in finding out, and it seems to get lost amongst all the amazing bird photos. That's why I thought I would create a side thread.

Post back here if you remember eriet30 - I would love to rent it, unavailable in Melbourne from all rental companies though.

Well, then hopefully guys with the SPORTS lens will join in here and share their thoughts.

I haven't used the Sigma 120-300mm sport for field sports ,but I have used it for motorsports.

The lens is very sharp.Even wide open.Stopped down even 2/3rd of a stop makes it even sharper.

I wasn't super impressed with the focus speed of the lens in it's standard speed setting.But when you switch the lens to the faster speed setting using the USB dock,I find the focus speed pretty good.More than fast enough to track motorsports.

The lens takes a 1.4x TC very well with only a slight loss in IQ.

I have not had as good luck with a 2X TC though.On static subjects,the 2X TC shots are very good to excellent.But at motorsport distances,panning, I was getting just OK sharpness.I am not sure if it was caused by the AF speed reduction with the TC or it could just be my technique was poor.

Whatever the cause I gave up on using a 2X TC after only trying it a couple of times.Perhaps I could have gotten better results if I practiced more.On the other hand though,Gabe who replied above,gets great results with his Sigma + 2X TC,so maybe it was my technique after all.

I forgot to mention I was using a Canon 1.4x III TC and a Sigma 2X TC.

Overall,I would say it's a great lens.But keep in mind it is quite heavy.Hand holding can be done.But I found I could only keep the lens to my eye for a few minutes at a time before I had to lower it to rest for a second.If your using a monopod or tripod though,the point is moot.

Here's a few threads I posted using the Sigma if you want to take a look.

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1317817

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1325743

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1332148

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1329243

Robert

S version works with the dock, OS version does not. You will need the dock unless you drop REALLY lucky. I find my copy needs adjustment at various focal lengths AND focus distances.

I considered getting it.... but after reading about how much faster the AF of the CAnon 300 2.8 II I ended up with that lens for sports.

I own this lens, but no other Canon tele-zoom before. So for me it's fine for Sailing and youth field hockey and soccer.

Since I don't own a modern camera (5DII only), so the AI focus speed won't be fantastic in the first place. The weird thing I find is the standard AF focus setting is better than the "fast" AF setting - as it's more actuate for my photos.

1.4x TC works great for this lens; however, the 2x TC I owned is a 10 yr old one which virtually not usable at all.

AF is not a patch on USM, even my 100-400 is faster and more consistent. Sorry, the IQ is great but AF is my reason for not keeping it.

robert614 wrote in post #16679790
I haven't used the Sigma 120-300mm sport for field sports ,but I have used it for motorsports.

The lens is very sharp.Even wide open.Stopped down even 2/3rd of a stop makes it even sharper.

I wasn't super impressed with the focus speed of the lens in it's standard speed setting.But when you switch the lens to the faster speed setting using the USB dock,I find the focus speed pretty good.More than fast enough to track motorsports.

The lens takes a 1.4x TC very well with only a slight loss in IQ.

I have not had as good luck with a 2X TC though.On static subjects,the 2X TC shots are very good to excellent.But at motorsport distances,panning, I was getting just OK sharpness.I am not sure if it was caused by the AF speed reduction with the TC or it could just be my technique was poor.

Whatever the cause I gave up on using a 2X TC after only trying it a couple of times.Perhaps I could have gotten better results if I practiced more.On the other hand though,Gabe who replied above,gets great results with his Sigma + 2X TC,so maybe it was my technique after all.

I forgot to mention I was using a Canon 1.4x III TC and a Sigma 2X TC.

Overall,I would say it's a great lens.But keep in mind it is quite heavy.Hand holding can be done.But I found I could only keep the lens to my eye for a few minutes at a time before I had to lower it to rest for a second.If your using a monopod or tripod though,the point is moot.

Here's a few threads I posted using the Sigma if you want to take a look.

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1317817

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1325743

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1332148

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1329243

Robert

Thanks so much Robert, some magnificent photos in your portfolio, and your post is very informative. I wish I could get my hands on this lens via rental or in-store, but it is just not around here in Melbourne and I would need to get a store to order it in.

Field sports have a lot of distractions for the camera to retain focus, and this is probably more down to the camera than the lens, but you have me thinking it should be able to handle it - based on your experience.

The Canon 1.4 comments sound good, and the photos look great!

Neilyb wrote in post #16680396
S version works with the dock, OS version does not. You will need the dock unless you drop REALLY lucky. I find my copy needs adjustment at various focal lengths AND focus distances.

Is your copy the Sports version Neilyb?

OneJZsupra wrote in post #16680456
I considered getting it.... but after reading about how much faster the AF of the CAnon 300 2.8 II I ended up with that lens for sports.

Where did you read this OneJZsupra? And are you sure this was about the Sports version? I find all 3 versions get mixed up sometimes.

felixshmak wrote in post #16680568
I own this lens, but no other Canon tele-zoom before. So for me it's fine for Sailing and youth field hockey and soccer.

Since I don't own a modern camera (5DII only), so the AI focus speed won't be fantastic in the first place. The weird thing I find is the standard AF focus setting is better than the "fast" AF setting - as it's more actuate for my photos.

1.4x TC works great for this lens; however, the 2x TC I owned is a 10 yr old one which virtually not usable at all.

Encouraging words felix, taking into account as you say the 5D2 isn't known for being a sports camera in regards to AF.

Do u have any photos online?