300mm f4 APO Macro HSM

I managed to get hold of the older non-HSM version on eBay. It would seem to have been re-chipped to work with Canon digital SLRs (mine is a 350D). [Canon users please note: many older copies of the Sigma 300 mm f/4 and 400 mm f/5.6 only work at full aperture (fully open) with modern Canon DSLRs - don't buy off eBay unless the seller can guarantee compatibility with your model. Older copies in Minolta/Sony mount, although comparatively rare, don't suffer from this problem. I am not sure about Nikon mount versions.]

I am delighted with this lens in terms of quality and usability. I can blow up the images far more than I could with any of my previous lenses (Tamron 200-500, Sigma 120-400 OS, Sigma 50-500). It has a focus limiter, which speeds up the already quick autofocusing, is lighter than all but the Tamron, and I can get what I would consider good results of distant small birds of prey (e.g., kestrel) at f/8. Because I shoot at such range (I don't have the time or inclination to improve my fieldcraft), I find that this gives me the best sharpness. The reduced shutter speed is acceptable because I use either a shoulder-holder or a tripod and cable release.

Despite its relatively short focal length, the multiplication factor of 1.6 on a Canon DSLR makes it equivalent to 480 mm on a 35mm full-format SLR. The wider field-of-view also enables one to keep the bird in view easily. It is therefore a good lens for someone beginning bird photography (especially if interested in birds in flight) who either cannot afford or does not wish to spend 600 to 1000+ for a lens alone.

I did try it in combination with a Kenko Pro 1.4x teleconverter to give me 400 mm f/5.6 (equivalent to 672 mm on a 35 mm/full format camera). However, I found that I got better results by leaving the TC off and blowing the images up further.

The only major gripe I have is that the built-in lens hood is too short to prevent flaring, especially if one is shooting with the sun at right angles to the target.

Now, if I could only get a re-chipped 400 mm f/5.6 for around 300...

Update March 2013

The Kenko 1.4 x Teleconverter did not work reliably with my venerable 350D. (Kenko's instructions and website state it does not work with it at all.) As I do not have 400 plus spare to upgrade my lens, I have recently upgraded to a 450D body, which works reliably with the TC. I now have a poor man's 420 mm f/5.6 which works at all apertures (unlike most Canon EOS-fit Sigma 400 mm f/5.6, which only work at full aperture).

However, with the TC added, I need to stop down to f/11 to get adequate depth of field to capture birds in flight, and trying to acquire a moving peregrine over the wood at Folly Farm on Sunday was like trying to see it through a straw! Watch this space.

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.

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.