Sigma 100-300 f/4 EX - sample variation?

I am very tempted by this lens, to replace a Canon 70-200 f/4 L and a 300 f/4 L prime. While I do not expect it to be quite as good as the prime a number of people, and a number of reviews, suggest that it should be as good as the 70-200, even at f/4 and max focal length. The review here, for example, shows excellent MTF figures at 300mm f/4: Photozone review (better than at f/8, in fact, and better in the centre than the Canon 70-200 at 200mm f/4).

I have been looking at getting one second hand, and the samples that I have seen from these lenses are soft at 300mm f/4. Doing further searching, I then found a review, with sample shots, at Photodo Canon review which seems to confirm the softness (also, look at their MTF charts). If you look at their review of the 70-200 f/4 (Photodo Canon review) the sample shots at f/4 and the MTF are much better.

What do people think? Can the Sigma be in the same ballpark as the Canon (in which case sample variation seems to be a problem), or should I expect it to be soft at f/4?

Looking through their reviews, it seems that alot of them are poorly done. Alot look like they're shaken.

I can highly recommend this lens, you definately won't be disappointed. It is VERY sharp wide open 100-220mm and still sharp wide open above that, but not as much.

Works very well with a 1.4x TC as well.

Do you have any 100% crop samples at f/4 (preferably at 300mm)? People keep telling me how good this lens is, but I've yet to see samples that demonstrate it

Here's a quick sample from my first day with this lens (just bought it used). HANDHELD

i replaced my 70-200/4 L with this sigma a few months ago, and have never regretted it. i've never taken a picture of a test chart or stared at a 100% crop of any of my shots, but i can vouch that in the real world this lens can definitely hold it's own against the canon.

I had the 70-200mm f4 and the Sigma 100-300mm f4 is better IMO tho I can't prove it. I liked my 300mm IS L and my 100-400mm IS L but again I prefered the 100-300mm. Works very well with a TCon. about 90% of my shots were with it on. AF and IQ very minimal impact. I can't be bothered searching out shots at 300mm f4 because it would take too long and I'm not even sure if I have any. Sorry. It needs a good mono, tri or a beanbag to offer support. Handheld you lose the 10% extra that makes it so special.

You see very few of these offered second hand, in comparison to the 70-200mm f4, which I think for many soon loses the gloss of being ones first 'L' You never seen any complaints about it either. I would say a very safe buy and used well is pretty well up there with the very best.

Thanks for the images, Mark. That looks reasonable, although it's difficult to be sure as it looks like the focus is on the nearest point of the nose!

Condyk - did you tend to use yours wide open very often?

I've found one or two samples through extensive searching and, again, some seem OK but others less good. I may have to just buy one and sell it again if I don't get on with it

I'm sure it's a fine lens, but I know what I'm like - if I don't feel good about the quality at 300mm f/4, I'll just treat it as an f/5.6 lens! With the 2 Canons, I'm happy to use f/4 at any time.

Another sample - handheld, F4 300mm

Thanks - that's exactly what I'm looking for, and plenty sharp enough! If I could get a lens of equal quality, I'd be more than happy

Here are two test shots I took at 300mm. 1st one without TC @ f/4 and 2nd one with TC @ f/5.6 (wideopen)

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Hi

I bought mine second hand, and I'm very pleased!

Heres a few (snapshots) both with the Sigma TC 1.4x, handheld (don't mind the composition) :

386mm, f/9, 1/500sec., ISO400, 20D:

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Oh... and the tracking capabilities are great too. I have no experience from other tele lenses but I think the HSM is very fast (thats what i read too). Using AI Servo and multiple frames it great for sport aswell.

This one of my friends on a recent kitesurfing session in Krik Vig, on the westcoast of Denmark:
163mm, f/8, 1/500 sec. ISO 100, 20D

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OK guys, you've convinced me Some of those crops are much better than others I've seen. Now I just have to make sure I get a good one...

Yep... go get it.

Here som size references if you haven't seen pictures of it yet. It rather big and heavy:

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Played with my new monopod this am with the lens (tripod left at my inlaws). Here's a pixel peepers fave shot at 300mm F4, 1/1500, ISO 400.