[danpen]

I'm considering buying the Sigma 120-300mm f2.8, wondering if anyone here has got / tried one? I've been to a few events recently with the Canon 100-400L f5.6 and find myself regularly upping the ISO to compensate for poor light.

However I really don't fancy a prime lens as I've not always got the scope to move about too much (in crowds etc.) so would like a bit of flexibility. I always found the 70-200mm f2.8 perfect on my 20D but a little too short for my needs on my 5D.

I've read a number of reviews, mostly good, some not so good. I don't want to hear from anyone who says "3rd party lenses are rubbish, I never use them", I've used a few Sigma EX lenses in the past and been very happy with them (50-500, 18-50, 105 macro). But I know not all their lenses are winners and would be interested to hear from anyone who's used one or has some intelligent opinion on the pros and cons.

One of the subjects I'm likely to want it for is motorsports, particularly bikes where I think on a grey day the faster lens will help (over the 100-400) and with a 1.4TC I'd get a tiny bit more reach and still be at f4.

cheers

Dan

[VinnyP]

I am a big fan of Sigma Lenses I have owned several including the 300 2.8 and still use 3 today. I have not used the 120-300 but I understand it has one big issue. Apparently it is not 300mm at the long end in fact it is more like 240-280mm depending on which reports you read and the focus distance.

[Dave]

Never used that lens, but big fan of the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8

[gsgary]

The older non digital is lots better than the digital version

[danpen]

Originally Posted by gsgary

The older non digital is lots better than the digital version

Interesting, in what way? What do you base that on?

cheers

Dan

[danpen]

Well I've ordered one, postal strike permitting it should be here sometime next week.

Made sure it was from the UK so I can always return it if it's cr*p. Although apparently Sigma will recalibrate so that would be an option too.

cheers

Dan

[BurtR]

I've had my Sigma 120-300 EX for a little over two years and continue to be quite pleased with its performance using it on a 1D MKII. I use it primarily for high School (American) football and the first years was strictly under poor lights. Because of the lights needed the 2.8. At night it does tend to not lock in as quick but for daylight shooting it's tremendous.

I have also read the comments that some models did not go out to the full 300. Never tested it and have always found it to have plenty of reach. I have full access to the sidelines in games so that my shoots run usually no more than 30 - 40 yards from the action. The sharpness in this lens is when you blow up a section of a frame.

Based on the other options out there and the very high cost of canons 300 or 400MM 2.8 I believe it's really good value.

Burt

[danpen]

Cheers Burt. I ended up getting one and (so far) and quite pleased with it. I've only really used it for one shoot though.

Dan