thoughts on Sigma 120-300 2.8?

[terrtwins]

I hope to order this soon, any thoughts or criticisms on this lens?

[Daniel W.]

I've tried it out (co-photog has i), I really like it's focal length for baseball, football, a bit too much for basketball. You have to get lucky, grab a good / sharp copy of this lens. Focus is a bit behind the Canon 300/2.8, but keeps up most of the time. It is big, you need a good monopod, and if you do buy used, make sure to get the newer version with the better tripod ring, the older version have a ring that mirrors the 70-200/2.8 mount, and it is a b**** to switch orientation on the older version.

A quick forum search brings up multiple threads

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...hlight=120-300

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...hlight=120-300

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...hlight=120-300

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...hlight=120-300

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...hlight=120-300

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...hlight=120-300

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...hlight=120-300

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...hlight=120-300

[Comanche]

Originally Posted by terrtwins

I hope to order this soon, any thoughts or criticisms on this lens?

Dave - you already know how I feel about this lens. I love it for its flexibility. True - the Canon 300 f 2.8 has superior optics, but I defy most people to see the difference in print. True, the Canon has a focus limiter switch and focus presets. True, the Canon is weather sealed. I have heard that the Canon's focus is faster, but I get my share of keepers.

But - the Canon can't zoom.

I recently shot a high school playoff baseball game with a 1.4 extender on my 120-300. The guy next to me was shooting a Canon 300.

For this shot, I backed off the zoom to 168mm (remember - I had an extender on it) and got this:



The Canon 300 shooter also had an extender on his lens, and we were too close for him to get the shot.

Okay - then I get the close play at second base -



Since we were both at 420mm, we both got the shot.

Since I primarily shoot sports, this lens is great for me, especially as its price is so much less than the Canon's. Its a great lens, even with it's faults.