SIGMA 100-300mm f4.0 EX DG

First post here so if I shouldn't be asking about Sigma, please forgive me (and delete this thread, mods). Anyway, does anyone have any experience with this lens?

What about the Sigma 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 EX APO OS DG?

And, finally, the Canon EF 70-300mm IS?

Julio wrote in post #2178782
First post here so if I shouldn't be asking about Sigma, please forgive me (and delete this thread, mods). Anyway, does anyone have any experience with this lens?

What about the Sigma 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 EX APO OS DG?

And, finally, the Canon EF 70-300mm IS?

Not used any of the lenses you have listed but from what I hear the 100-300f4 is one of there best lenses.I am sure there are people here to back me up on that.

Thanks!

I also heard the Sigma 100-300 f/4 EX DG HSM is very sharp and very fast!

I've read that the 70-300 IS sags a little--any experience with this?

Julio wrote in post #2179043
I've read that the 70-300 IS sags a little--any experience with this?

Not used the is model but I did not like the none is model.

100-300mm f4 EX HSM is a great lens and one of the best bargains out there. Had one and liked it a lot. Needs a stable platform to give it's best, so get a decent monopod too. The other two lenses are not of the same quality or performance in my view.

The Sigma 1-3EX is truly a phenomenal lens. At f4 (wide open) and 300mm, it's at least the equal of my Canon 1-4IS at f5.6 (wide open) and 300mm. Color is superb as well. The 7-3IS cannot match either. This test shot was done the other day:

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Jo man ... you're a heartbreaker. All those 100-400mm IS L guys are now a weepin' into their All Bran tho' if you need to get to 400mm it'll still serve anyone well. I have to say tho' that I never noticed much performance droop on my EX with a TCon.

condyk wrote in post #2179144
Jo man ... you're a heartbreaker. All those 100-400mm IS L guys are now a weepin' into their All Bran tho' if you need to get to 400mm it'll still serve anyone well. I have to say tho' that I never noticed much performance droop on my EX with a TCon.

Thanks "teen". I just try to tell it like it is. I know my 1-4IS is a stellar copy, so it only causes me to be that much more impressed with my 1-3DG. Both great lenses for different uses.

The 100-300mm f/4 Sigma is a top notch performer! The Sigma 80-400mm OS is quite nice as well. It is a bit slower focusing then the 100-300, but it does the job. Between the two I would go for the 100-300 + Tcon

Thanks, ALL! And, VERY helpful and informative shots, Light Rules.

Edit: Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF HSM is the WINNER!

LightRules wrote in post #2179125
The Sigma 1-3EX is truly a phenomenal lens. At f4 (wide open) and 300mm, it's at least the equal of my Canon 1-4IS at f5.6 (wide open) and 300mm. Color is superb as well. The 7-3IS cannot match either. This test shot was done the other day:

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I'd agree with CondyK (Dave) that it's best with some support like a monopod.

Nice little summary. Ive just bought a Sigma ex 100-300 IF HSM and have been disappointed that its not sharper than my old sigma 70-300 apo dg. Hopefully its operator error as I used to try 1/300 at 300mm which worked fine with the old lense but the light has not been good here for a decent test!

Do you have any shots of the EX 100-300 with and without monopod as I dont own a monopod yet and my tripod is too big for dragging around zoos etc.

andyshandyman wrote in post #2181302
Do you have any shots of the EX 100-300 with and without monopod as I dont own a monopod yet and my tripod is too big for dragging around zoos etc.

Buy one ... if you invest in something like a Manfrotto Neotec you'll find it a very valuable tool for this lens: super build and very easy to use, unlike cheapo monopods. Makes sense. The last 10% of IQ really takes this lens into a different class.

I believe the Sigma 100-300s can vary sample to sample. I tried three different ones, one was soft, one was pretty good..and one was razor sharp!
So make sure you have return/exchange privileges from anyplace you buy from.