[Holowlegs]

Hello there


Anyone got any opinions on this lens, as I am getting itching feet and looking to upgrade.

Cheers Holo

[Mike.P®]

I would be interested to know this as well.
I have a Nikon mount version put by at Jessops (£599 in their Sigma clearance sale) and I have to decide whether I buy it while waiting for a D300/s or let it go.

Also, what its like with the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters.

[Holowlegs]

Originally Posted by Mike.P®

I would be interested to know this as well.
I have a Nikon mount version put by at Jessops (£599 in their Sigma clearance sale) and I have to decide whether I buy it while waiting for a D300/s or let it go.

Also, what its like with the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters.

That's a good price I was looking at a 2nd hand one for that price.

Best I can find new is £877.95


Cheers Holo

[johnaalex]

Originally Posted by Holowlegs

That's a good price

I have already told him that, I think he is foolishly trying to resist the call of the Nikon!

[Mike.P®]

Originally Posted by johnaalex

I think he is foolishly trying to resist the call of the Nikon!

For once I actually agree with you.

I suppose if I dont do the unthinkable I will at least get my money back on it.

[RobDickinson]

I've had a play with a canon mount one.

Seemed OK, still doubts on HSM's tracking ability and I thnk a little slower than USM.

One I played with was sharp enough at f4. Heavy and large beast though, no different to my 70-200 with tc on.

[Pirate!!]

Originally Posted by Holowlegs

Hello there

Anyone got any opinions on this lens, as I am getting itching feet and looking to upgrade.

Cheers Holo

I have the EX DG version with matching 1.4x TC for my A700

Remember, the lens is (IF), so no rear element movement. The Sigma 1.4x TC will only work with Sigma lenses. The IQ with 1.4x TC on is very good, though bokeh does look a tad swirly if you pixel peep. However, you essentially have a 140-420mm with the TC attached, so as a package, it becomes pretty versatile, though how it compares to your Canikon branded equivalent stabilised lenses, I have no idea.

Heavy beast, but it has a mounting foot, so OK for tripod/monopod. Built like a brick outhouse. Hand holdable (for a while). Sweet bit of kit, though would search for a used copy if you can find one as they are a tad pricey new.

Superb lens. Albeit not for your system, check out the Sony/Minolta owner user reviews of it here.

£784.89 new from OSD.

Jessops have them @ £599.00 if you can source a copy in-store somewhere. They told me they are removing it from their inventory.

[Gordon @ Convergent AV]

I think Tobers used one for a month or two before upgrading to his second hand F2.8L Prime Canon thingy...He's on hols just now but you could try pM ing him

[JSW]

Holo, I don't think you will be any better off than your 200 and x2 TC tbh except for the F4

I think this would suit you better http://www.avforums.com/forums/digit...condition.html

[Holowlegs]

Originally Posted by Pirate!!

I have the EX DG version with matching 1.4x TC for my A700

Remember, the lens is (IF), so no rear element movement. The Sigma 1.4x TC will only work with Sigma lenses. The IQ with 1.4x TC on is very good, though bokeh does look a tad swirly if you pixel peep. However, you essentially have a 140-420mm with the TC attached, so as a package, it becomes pretty versatile, though how it compares to your Canikon branded equivalent stabilised lenses, I have no idea.

Heavy beast, but it has a mounting foot, so OK for tripod/monopod. Built like a brick outhouse. Hand holdable (for a while). Sweet bit of kit, though would search for a used copy if you can find one as they are a tad pricey new.

Superb lens. Albeit not for your system, check out the Sony/Minolta owner user reviews of it here.

£784.89 new from OSD.

Jessops have them @ £599.00 if you can source a copy in-store somewhere. They told me they are removing it from their inventory.

Thanks for that Pirate, no IS doesn't bother me, as 90% of the time it would be on a monopod.

Originally Posted by Gordon @ Convergent AV

I think Tobers used one for a month or two before upgrading to his second hand F2.8L Prime Canon thingy...He's on hols just now but you could try pM ing him

Thanks Gordon, when gets back will see what he think.

Originally Posted by JSW

Holo, I don't think you will be any better off than your 200 and x2 TC tbh except for the F4

I think this would suit you better http://www.avforums.com/forums/digit...condition.html

Thanks JSW, have used a 100- 400 in the past and found it hard to get use to the pull push focus. Also out off my price range at the mo.

Was wondering how the Sigma 100 - 300 f4 compares to the 70 - 200 with a 1.4 converter on.

Also the 100 - 300 will give me 140-420mm f 5.6 with a 1.4 TC on like Pirate said.


Cheers Holo

[johnaalex]

Originally Posted by Gordon @ Convergent AV

I think Tobers used one for a month or two before upgrading to his second hand F2.8L Prime Canon thingy...He's on hols just now but you could try pM ing him

IIRC - Tobers tried the 120-300 2.8 and had a number of problems around speed of the AF.

[Pirate!!]

Ahoy!

Well, whatever you decide, good luck to you. Without wishing to open old wounds or branditis arguments, I'm personally glad I don't have to choose between IS and non-IS stabilised lenses and the rediculous price differences between them.

Halleluljah to in-body OIS as far as I'm concerned. No such 'mind job' pricing issues.

Anyway, you asked about the Sigma 100-300mm EX DG F4 (IF) and I've already said my bit. I'm not sure there are that many on AVF that have the lens/TC combo, but I got REAL lucky (again), and having just given it a pre-run (hand held) to next Sunday's truck racing @ Thruxton (not having used it for a 'while'), I was like a Cheshire cat that just licked the cream Oh yes!

If all goes to plan, I'll post some frames in due course from the event (weather permitting). I just don't know your system or lens options to comment further.

[Holowlegs]

Greeting from Norfolk

Well am away at the mo back tomorrow, only on a very slow 2g connection so not been posting at night from me.

Loads to show when I get back, what a beautiful part of the world.

Anyway back topic, thinking about pressing the button on this lens, so wanted to see if there are any more thoughts on it.

Cheers Holo

[Pirate!!]

Originally Posted by Holowlegs

Greeting from Norfolk

Well am away at the mo back tomorrow, only on a very slow 2g connection so not been posting at night from me.

Loads to show when I get back, what a beautiful part of the world.

Anyway back topic, thinking about pressing the button on this lens, so wanted to see if there are any more thoughts on it.

Cheers Holo

Been to Thruxton. Took Sigma 100-300mm. See my flickr for samples or on AVF photo sharing thread. So much better than I thought it would be. Well impressed.

[Holowlegs]

Hello there


Well back from Norfolk and have decided to press the button, but one thing I must say its hard work dealing with Jessops, I am not usually one to complain, but it took two calls too there head office, one call to the Greenford branch ( who number is wrong on the website, ended up talking to the Holburn Branch) who told me they can't help me as there manager isn't in, and two calls to there Guildford branch, who told me I had to order it on-line and had 7 days to collect it from Guildford and couldn't get the lens transferred to Greenford.

If I could of found this lens 20 - 30 quid dearer I think I would of brought it somewhere else. Even told the girl in the Greenford branch do Jessops actually want my 600 quid.

Fingers crossed I get a good copy and all goes well, just got to decide when I can make it to Guildford.

Also anyone know where Jessops is in Guildford, have worked in the magistrates court and Sainsbury's there so have some idea of the town.


Cheers Holo

[BigG]

I have the Sigma 100-300 f/4 EX DG APO and it's fapping fantastic. Very well made, sharp through the whole range down to f/4, internal focus mechanism, very snappy autofocus speed. It's just superb.

However it's pretty heavy and it's not weather sealed; so if that's important to you then you might want to consider that.

[Holowlegs]

Hello there


Well picked the lens up today and gave it a little spin up the lido, all I can say is I am happy at the moment.

Seems to be very well made and what I caught seem very sharp. Can't wait to give it a really good work out.

Cheers Holo

[Pirate!!]

Originally Posted by Holowlegs

Hello there

Well picked the lens up today and gave it a little spin up the lido, all I can say is I am happy at the moment.

Seems to be very well made and what I caught seem very sharp. Can't wait to give it a really good work out.

Cheers Holo

Ahoy Holo!

Well . . . . ? Don't keep us in suspenders. If like my copy (which is the boggs dollocks), I trust all in well . . . . ?

Make sure (assuming your's is a retail UK sourced VAT paid copy, you register it with Sigma (UK) for the free extra 2 year warranty.

You can PayPal me my 10% finders fee or get me a monopod from RedSnapper or at least put me on your Xmas card list

Hey . . . I'm now a blue spacca badge holder and wheelchair candidate with a UK wide bus pass. 51 years old . . . . (there isn't an avatar for what I need here). Thank goodness for rum and . . what's that tobacco-like green stuff?

Ya mon! Rass klat . . . whass-appnin . . . innit?

[Tobers]

Saw this a bit late. I did indeed have one of these before going for the Sigma 120-300 2.8 which was pants resulting in me getting a Canon 300 2.8.

The 100-300 f4 is a super lens - very sharp, fast enough focusing, and decent colour/contrast. I found the zoom ring a bit stiff though, the paint wears through fast, and the non-ball-bearing tripod ring is v.poor (thin smear of grease helps).

At the end of the day you get what you pay for, but i was v.happy with mine and would have kept it if I hadn't needed 2.8 for low light rugby stuff.

[Holowlegs]

Hello there

Thanks for that Andy and Pirate.

Still early days yet, but hopefully will give it a good test this weekend.

Well thought I would post a picture from it.

Took the lens up to the lido with the little one for an hour, wasn't much going on to tell you the truth, but did capture this.

Linked to larger.

| 1/3200 | f/5.6 | 420 mm | ISO 400 |

Don't think I quite got the exposure right and still getting use to handholding the lens.

All CC welcome.

Cheers Holo