Any 100-300mm F4 EX DG HSM Users?

[sheilsoft]

I'm kinda narrowing down my next lens purchase to this lens, a) to replace my existing 70-300 APO macro, and b) as well as getting better optics, extending the reach with the Sigma 1.4 teleconverter.

I can't afford the 120-300mm 2.8, nor particularly need that fast a lens, as I'll be primarily using it in Spain where there's very good light.

Has anyone any experience of this lens? It appears to get a lot of good reviews for the price.

[badpickev]

i think one of the best places for reviews is photographyreview.com. i also note the bh is now listing reviews for products.

[Phileas Fogg]

I too have been smitten by the Sigma 100-300 F4 EX DG HSM. I am still throwing pennies into my discretionary account to buy one. For me it will off a big step up from my Canon EF 75-300 F4-5.6 lens. The Canon is a good lens for its low price,and has very nice colour and contrast, but it suffers sharpness at wide open and on the long side of tele. It also has bad CA on any scenes with very high brightness as such I find when shooting at air shows. The Sigma is a star and many say it may actually be their best all around quality zoom lens. I've seen numerous images from it on line, aviation photos and outside sports photos. I have yet to see one in real life but it looks tough and as well built as any Canon "L" lens. Anyways I've looked at many better quality zooms above the entry-level Canons, Sigmas, and Tamrons. I've checked out the Sigma 70-200 F2.8, Sigma 100-300F4, Canon 70-200F4 "L", Tokina 80-400 F4.5-5.6, Sigma 135-400 F4.5-5.6. IMO the best choice of this lot will be the Sigma 100-300 F4.

Anyways, I'm going to get this lens once my pennies have been saved and I do not think I'll regret it.

[sheilsoft]

Well I did the deed, and bought this lens from my usual dealer in Hong Kong, and it's winging its way here, as we speak.

Decided to get the matched 1.4 APO teleconverter while I was at it.

I'll let you know my initial thoughts, when I receive it, hopefully this weekend.

Just have to find a cheap 82mm UV filter now.

BTW... I put up my 70-300 Super Macro II on eBay this afternoon, and it sold an hour later!
Now that's fast!