Sigma 100-300 f/4

[digitalzed]

I just got back from a 2 week trip to Asia where I picked this lens up as my long glass because I didn't bring my Nikon 70-200 f/2.8. I checked around on line before I bought it and really couldn't find much about it either way, good or bad. But it was priced right and I need some long glass for a last second side trip we took. Well, in short, I am very, VERY pleased with this purchase. Let me also say, this is NOT a comparison between any f/2.8 glass in this range from Nikon or Sigma. The 100-300 would not cut it for fast action against an f/2.8, but I wasn't going to shell out 3-10k for the extra stops when a constant f/4 was more than sufficient for what I was going to shoot.

I never really considered Sigma before when thinking about lenses. I had a bad experience with a kit lens of theirs back in my 35mm days and pretty much wrote them off. That was a mistake (as I'm sure I'll be told by some of you here!). The build quality is excellent and Sigma's HSM (equivalent to Nikon's SWM) is identical to Nikon as far as I can tell. This lens focuses internally so the length never changes. That's really nice on a lens this size. It's fast, focus is snappy, and bokeh is very nice. All for just under $1,000.00 The supplied lens hood adds to the length, but the lens never felt out of place on my D300 and my brother-in-law loved it on his D90. In short, if you're looking for a really good alternative to the somewhat spotty 70-300 consumer grade lenses out there and want something that'll take great shots without breaking the bank or your back, check out the Sigma 100-300 f/4. Here's one sample shot taken at f/4, 300mm:

[Ben_V]

The Sigma 100-300/4 is a classic lens and by many considered to be not only the best Sigma ever, but also among the very best zooms on the market. For its reach it is still fast. Congratulations for your purchase and your fine image.

Ben

[digitalzed]

Thank you very much Ben.

[Mr. Pickles]

Under $1000? Where? Where you were at?

[digitalzed]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

Under $1000? Where? Where you were at?

A search of this lens on Pricegrabber shows it to be in the 950.00-1200.00 range. With B&H coming in at a very respectable 1019.00. I bought mine while in Taiwan at a shop I've become a regular at and cash speaks loudly...

[Mr. Pickles]

Originally Posted by digitalzed

A search of this lens on Pricegrabber shows it to be in the 950.00-1200.00 range. With B&H coming in at a very respectable 1019.00.

How come when I look at BH Photo, it shows a not to respectable price of $1379 ?

Sigma 100-300 search

PriceGrabber a bit slow or mind readers?

[badpickev]

there was a price increase and price grabber is slow to update.

as for the lens. many lens snobs over look a lot of really great sigma lenses because of one bad lens over 20 years ago.

[digitalzed]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

How come when I look at BH Photo, it shows a not to respectable price of $1379 ?

Sigma 100-300 search

PriceGrabber a bit slow or mind readers?

Mr. Pickles, badpickev is right and I am wrong for not delving deeper into it. I'm sorry for not being detailed enough. I actually visited B&H web site when I originally posted (April 5, 2009) and the price was as I quoted. I think the exchange rate may have changed many prices out of Japan.