Corresponding AF Mount S M N P C
Lens Constructions Groups 7 Elements 10 Angle of View (Diagonal) 8.2� Number of blade in diaphragm 9 Minimum Aperture (F) 32
Minimum Focusing Distance cm*(Macro) in*(Macro) 120/47.2 Magnifcations *(Macro) 1:3 Filter Size (mm) 77 Dimensions (Dia x Length) (mm)x(mm) (in) x (in) 90.5 x 194.2 3.6 x 7.6 Weight (g) (oz) 1,340 47.3
Content and images originally posted by Scott67
Reviews
Scott67's review
The trouble with Bird photography is that invariably you need a big lens, generally anything below 300mm leaves you hopefull you have that rare/action/interesting shot, but often disappointed when you finally view the slide only to see a small indistinct brown shape occupying about 1% of the frame.
So really 300mm is a good starting point for SLR/35mm wildlife photography, Obviously if your using a digital SLR then things are a lot easier as most prosumer DSLR's have a multiplyer effect of about 1.3x to 1.6x due to the size of the sensor.
Now then What to choose ?
I am a Canon EOS user so naturally first point of call EOS lenses. Mmmm very nice too all white with Ultrasonic motors and low dispertion glass, Image stabilisers too and HOW MUCH !!!
Now I'm not saying Canon 'L' glass is'nt worth every penny but I want to take pictures with a clear conscience not with a huge bank loan around my neck.
Which after much digression brings me to the thorny subjct of 'Independent Lenses'
Some Photographers love them, some Photographers absolutely detest them, usually without trying them first ( Brand snobbery is a terrible thing )
My name is Scott and I'm a Sigma user...
I bought about 2 years ago the Sigma 300f4 HSM APO Macro, it cost �500.00 and was less than half the price of a Canon equivalent, is it half the quality ?
Well...
I cant tell the difference with my untrained eye between Photographs taken with my Sigma lens to those taken with a friends EOS 300 f4 IS.
It (The Sigma )focuses quickly due to its HSM or Hyper sonic motor, which is similar to Canons own USM
Its has a nice focus limiter as well as a MF/AF overide which is usefull for fine focusing in AF mode
APO construction, virtually nil flare with the Lens hood, NO noticable vignetting.
77mm Filter thread, Tripod collar, Nice case to store it in.
Now I have used this Lens all over the UK and it has never let me down, I've taken Hundreds of Rolls of slides with it and the results are always excellent.
So would I buy one?, well yes but only second hand now as its discontinued.
Is it good enough for Bird Photography ? Probably not really, but using lens at about 300mm will discipline you and encourage you to learn good field craft ( i.e sneaking up on things !)
The only downside to this lens are,
Its heavy, The Tripod collar is well made but inteferes with the camera if using a battery grip attached to the body when tripod mounted. It might not work with newer EOS Cameras, But Sigma will re-chip it, possibly for free. It wont keep its value like a Canon L lens will but Its such a good lens you probably wont care.
Pros
- Its Quite Cheap
- Quality is excellent
- see review...
Cons
- Heavy
angus56's review
I've owned this lens for more than a decade now - to be honest I've forgotten when I bought it. My version has a Pentax-fitting and therefore no USM.
Very consistent and has entered into a new life since I went digital two years ago - 420mm @ f4 is really something.
Apart from the weight I cannot really give any negative comments - already very sharp open and simply great at 5.6 and beyond. I also own the two Sigma APO TCs - 1.4 works very well but actually not any better or worse than a 1.5 Kenko I bought second hand somewhere. With the TC 2 the sharpness drops to still acceptable but no longer excellent.
Autofocus is good enough for me - Macro and close-up this lens is really great.
Overall I'd highly recommend picking one up if you can get your hands on it.
Pros
- Very sharp
- also good with TC 1.4
Cons
- heavy
