Sigma 100-300 mm F4 or Canon 300 mm F4 L IS

Guys,

I have heard a lot of reviews regarding Sigma 100-300 F4 quality. Do you think that one would get that than a 300 F4 L IS. I am mainly shooting sports and birds and needs a lens in the range of 300 mm.

Your suggestions and opinions are required.

Regards

Max Loxton

Ask yourself this, if i get the prime i will not be able to zoom in and out. But if i get the zoom i can take picture's of the player's closer too me better frameing.

Prime's are great the only problem with them is you cant frame your subject real good. I have the 400 5.6L its a wonderful lens. But the only problem with it is you cant zoom in and out, but i knew that before i bought it. Hope i helped you Cheer's Sean .L

Sean is on the right track there with his pointers.

Facts you shared:
1. You are shooting 'Sports' and 'Birds'
2. You 'Need' a lens in the 300mm range.

so it looks like the real question is: Do you really need the zoom capability at a possible slight loss of IQ?

This is a question that only you can answer, however from what you have in your sig.... I would say that you should go with the prime. stick with the name brand glass, I have been less satisfied with the sigma's that I tried. (they are OK, but that red ring makes the lenses work better )

what I see as possible deal makers/breakers are:

--------Canon 300 - - - | - - Sigma 100-300
Min focus---- 18" - - -|- - 70.86"
Filter size---- 77mm - | - 82mm
Weight ------ 2.6lb - - | - 3.17lb
...

does that help any?

I use the Sigma for day sports, mainly youth baseball, football and soccer, rodeo.
I've had it for a couple of years now. IQ is great , HSM is fast. I do use a monopod a lot if I'm going to be holding it for a couple of hours.

It does sub as a birding/wildlife lens, with a tc, and it does handle it great. But, I see you have the 400mm 5.6. I would use that for my birding lens and the Sigma for sports .

But I see you also have the 400mm 2.8L. So with the other lens you have I wonder why you need either of these lens. If I was you, I think I would upgrade the 20D and use a 2 body set-up and not worry about buying another lens. Unless you upgrade your 70-200mm f/4 to a 2.8.

Save yourself some headaches and get the Canon.

Gene

kini wrote in post #6342350
Save yourself some headaches and get the Canon.

Gene

What headaches ? Have you ever used the Sigma ?

The Sigma is an excellent lens....although my copy wasn't the greatest example.
But the canon 300mm f4 IS is simply a better lens in every department except versatility. The zoom is more versatile. The Sigma is a great lens too, but plays a 2nd place in my books.

GMCPhotographics wrote in post #6342457
The Sigma is an excellent lens....although my copy wasn't the greatest example.
But the canon 300mm f4 IS is simply a better lens in every department except versatility. The zoom is more versatile. The Sigma is a great lens too, but plays a 2nd place in my books.

Awe, but the Sigma is black which is a big plus for me.

I tried the 300mm L out, but shooting baseball with just one body I needed the versatility of the Zoom. I only tried the prime out , so I didn't have it all that long. I've had the Sigma for over 2 years. Print out the images and you will not notice much difference, if any at all.

I still think the OP should sell the 20D and 70-200mm f/4 Pick up a 40D and the 70-200mm 2.8 non-IS or the IS model . With his other lens , that would be a sweet set-up !

yup and use a 1.4x tc on the 70-200/2.8 to make a 98-300/f4

GMCPhotographics wrote in post #6342677
yup and use a 1.4x tc on the 70-200/2.8 to make a 98-300/f4

I agree !

CountryBoy wrote in post #6342373
What headaches ? Have you ever used the Sigma ?

Not that Sigma, I bought my first (and last Sigma) several weeks ago. Want to know where it is?

If you guessed in the repair shop you'd be correct. This was AFTER it was supposedly repaired once already.

AND Sigma is screwing me on freight and repair charges.

Again, first and LAST Sigma lens I will EVER buy.

Gene

kini wrote in post #6343547
Not that Sigma, I bought my first (and last Sigma) several weeks ago. Want to know where it is?

If you guessed in the repair shop you'd be correct. This was AFTER it was supposedly repaired once already.

AND Sigma is screwing me on freight and repair charges.

Again, first and LAST Sigma lens I will EVER buy.

Gene

4 sigma lens and all worked great right out of the box. I had a little accident with one , my fault. Sent it in to Sigma , they fixed it under warranty. The lens was sent back to me in great working condition. All I was out was the cost of shipping it to them. They paid the return shipping. Much like Canon did when I sent the XT in for repairs.