Sigma 120-300 OS & 2TC

[woollyback]

Cheers folks for the comments,

I am leaning towars this lens as it is much cheaper than the new canon 300 f2.8 (or old used canon for that matter) but it doesn't seem only a third as good

Just need to find one and try her out

Cheers

Rob

[_Provo_]

Don't you loose AF with the Tc and also a 2x tc would give you softer images.
I think a 1.5x would be better but you won't have as much distance coverage.

And yet another choice you can purchase a quality field scope
and do digiscoping longer distance and sharp

[swampler]

Here's a review from a place that's has generally good reviews: Sigma AF 120-300mm f/2.8 APO EX HSM DG OS (Canon EOS) - Review / Lens Test

I've heard the OS version is better than the older non OS version. With the 2x, you'll be at f/5.6 (not f/4) and you'll probably want to stop down a bit for best image quality.

[BooBoos21497]

I have seen mixed reviews in regards to this lens.I have decided to stay with the nikon lenses. The 70-200 vrII with a 1.4 TC will give me the reach I need and a quality image.

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by BooBoos21497

I have seen mixed reviews in regards to this lens.I have decided to stay with the nikon lenses. The 70-200 vrII with a 1.4 TC will give me the reach I need and a quality image.

fair decision .. nikon glass is very good especially the 70-200 vr II
the price to pay may be huge but quality is at a high standard

goodluck with the 70-200 and tc 1.4

[badpickev]

i have 3 2x converters. a kenko mc7 2x, i didnt like the results, upped for the pro
300 2s and it was the same. finally spent the cash on the sigma and bang it was sharp. with a 2x its a 240-600 f5.6. but if you dont think its sharp this is hand held with a 2x

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by badpickev

i have 3 2x converters. a kenko mc7 2x, i didnt like the results, upped for the pro
300 2s and it was the same. finally spent the cash on the sigma and bang it was sharp. with a 2x its a 240-600 f5.6. but if you dont think its sharp this is hand held with a 2x

Nice one Kevin the bird has more eye to his snack than to you ..

[Keith Reeder]

Nothing special as images, but they demonstrate just how sharp the Siggy + 2x at 600mm, handheld (on a Canon 7D here), can be:

















Most of these are wide open at f/5.6 too. The gull on a fence and the two golf flags are at f/6.3, but to be honest they'd be as sharp at f/5.6, and I have no hesitation about using it wide open - as is often the case, the "received wisdom" is not borne out in practice: stopping down is simply not necessary for sharpness, but you do need really good handholding technique.

Aside from the self-evident sharpness, the lens has fantastic colour and contrast - much better than the very good 100-400mm I was using previously - and the stabilisation is excellent.

And with Siggy TCs (I've got the 1.4x too) AF is as near as dammit as fast with them as without: as long as the focus isn't way out when you try to acquire, it focuses "snap of the finger" fast at 600mm, and I don't miss an AF limiter.

It's a bloody good lens.

Look at the images "full size" for a proper impression.

[Keith Reeder]

Originally Posted by _Provo_

Don't you loose AF with the Tc and also a 2x tc would give you softer images.

No and no.

[woollyback]

Keith,

Thanks for taking the time to post these.

I am defo considering splashing out - I really don't think I can justify a 300 IS prime.

Intrested to hear about the 100-400 comparison as this is what I have now coupled with the 7D (which I thinks awesome). My only concern is the perceived QC issues with Sigma and wethr I got a good one - did you get a 3 yr warranty with it?

Cheeky I know but you dont happen to have an unedited wide open raw file I could look at do you?.

Cheers

Rob