[stylgeo]

I hope I don't tire you with all my posts about this subject, it's that I think that I have given the wrong impression that the 120-300mm doesn't work with the 2X well. Actually the previous photos I posted were a mess, and extremely soft. Not to mention the horrible bokeh.
Anynow, the problem wasn't the setup, it was me 100% and my limited knowledge of long lens techniques. I was using slow shutterspeeds (1/50 to 1/100), even though I was using a tripod, at 600mm I should've been more careful, should have used a remote relese and should have made sure that the lens was secure on the tripod. I was holding the lens and firing away.
So, today, after reading about long lens techniques, I took all my gear, including my remote shutter release and went to the cemetary. Then I took all the photos with the lens secured on the tripod, using combinations of manual and auto focus (manual focusing is really great with long lenses, I find myself using AF less and less), remote release and mirror lockup.

All photos were taken at 500-600mm, apertures ranging from f/7.1 to f/16, Manual Mode and shutterspeeds ranging from 1/20 to 1/200 sec.

1.Unsharpened

This is a 100% crop. As you can see, even if it's not really sharp, it is still usable, and surely not soft as the other photos I posted on a previous thread. And don't forget, this is a 100% crop.



2.Sharpened

As you can see, with just a little sharpening, you get a decent sharp image.


3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

All c&c are more than wellcome!!

[RobDickinson]

Definatly usabe results, if not the (ultimate)sharpest - probably stand an A3 print? Intresting the shallowness of the DoF even at those aperture values.

[johnaalex]

Number 5 and 8 are the pick of the bunch IMHO.

Is this the Sigma 120-300 2.8? I am thinking of getting that lens myself with the 2x TC for my D300 so any info would be useful.

[Mike.P®]

Def no.5 is the best .. not bad at all.
I was wondering about TC's and now I know

[onefivenine]

Yep these look much better. Glad you're happy with it!

[senu]

Originally Posted by onefivenine

Yep these look much better. Glad you're happy with it!

Id agree.
I still cringe at the bokeh though.. but I could live with that given the cost of a native 500mm lens!

[stylgeo]

Originally Posted by RobDickinson

Definatly usabe results, if not the (ultimate)sharpest - probably stand an A3 print? Intresting the shallowness of the DoF even at those aperture values.

Well, working at 600mm really gives you shallow DOF. For example the last one is shot at f/16, and the tip of the tail is out of focus.

[stylgeo]

Thanks everyone for your comments.

John, this is indeed the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8. What kind of info would you like? I would like to help. Maybe send you some sample photos.
Thanks sockpuppet and onefivenine for your comments. I'm glad you like them

Senu, yes, the backround is a bit distracting, but at those apertures it wouldn't be rendered completely out of focus. And for some reason it's not THAT distracting, compared to the other photos of the blackbird. Maybe it's the proximity of the backround.

Thanks again everyone for your comments. The bottom line is that the combination 120-300mm f/2.8 + 2X Sigma TC works quite well but it could be better. It gets a bit soft but still usable, and with a little sharpening you get good, not great, but good results.
When the backround is close to your subject, the bokeh is ugly and distracting. Don't know if it's the case when I shoot wide open, didn't have the chance to test yesterday (actually forgot about it).

So, what I will be using in the future and my advice for someone who would like to use this combination would ge to keep the lens as it is. The lens is extremely sharp, even wide open and the range is amazing for wildlife and sports. But it's great having the option to have a 600mm f/5.6, even if softer, which is something I can live with considering the price. So I'll be using the lens without the TC for most of my work and for portfolio shots and I'll be using the TC for those moments where 300mm just isn't long enough and my feet wont take me there.

[johnaalex]

Originally Posted by stylgeo

Thanks everyone for your comments.

John, this is indeed the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8. What kind of info would you like?

You have answered some of my questions already about the IQ at just 300mm. I expect my use would be much the same as yours. I understand the lens is a bit of weight to carry around, but I am assuming that so long as you have the strength to do so, hand held shots should be possible. Here I would be looking at wider aperture settings so I am pleased about your comment re woking at2.8. Also with D300 I should be able to get pretty good results at ISO800 plus.

I am always keen to see nice samples - and they might help the discussion with the wife about the costs involved

[stylgeo]

Hey john, I'll be posting some 100% crops at various apertures so keep this thread in mind.

It's very easy to achieve great hand held photos with this lens. You'll be amazed by the shutterspeeds you'll get at f/2.8, but the problem is the weight. I can manage a 2-3 hour walk along the park, holding the lens, but you'll know you've been carrying it afterwards. It's about 3kg so keep it in mind. I would be nice to invest in a good monopod, just to get the weight off your hands.

[stylgeo]

John, some light reading, previous posts from me. I have recently bought the lens myself, so I am still on the learning curve, not really ready to post a full review, but some sample photos are available at these threads.

Here, here and here