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looking to buy the 300 2.8 sigma. I use the Canon mark II for sport shooting. any pros or cons.

any help would be very helpful.

thanks

tony

I read a bunch of reviews when I was looking at a similar lens, and ended up with the Sigma 120-300/2.8, as every review said it was sharper. I use the zoom a lot when shooting sport, especially when I've got the 2xTC on it. (Shooting with a 40D, hopefully about to get a 1DmkIII.)

The 120-300mm Sigma is not a true 300mm, more likely a 270mm. It is reasonably fast to focus but has no IS. The finish wears off really easily. It is a good lens for the price but when push comes to shove it is not a Canon. If money is an issue and isnt it always then the Sigma allows you to play. Will you need IS? up to your shooting style. You will find yourself longing for the Canon in the end, everything about it is just that much better. Can you get great results with the Sigma - you bet and members like AdamE are using the 120-300mm and producing lovely images but ask Adam and he will tell you he would love the 300VR - he shoots Nikon

I have the Sigma 300mm 2.8 and find it a very sharp lens when used on a mono pod or tripod. This beast is quite front heavy and I find not easy to hand hold, even with a D700 and grip. Being a 2.8 lens you will find that it is hard to keep a focus point when shooting wide open, but with practise, easy done. Not a cheap lens but one of the better Sigma's which I found to be sharper than the 120-300mm 2.8 which I also had for a short time

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare the Sigma 300 2.8 with the Nikon equivalent?

I can tell you the comparison between the 120-300 and the Nikon 300mm F/2.8 Af-S I (not the VR)

It's not even a contest.

kiwifamily
In what way?....I recently got to play with the 120-300 F2.8 and was fairly impressed with its performance?

I tad sharper and a tad better contrast and colour. AF speed and handling much the same.

I found you could get 120-300 almost as sharp as the 300 with additional USM, but OOC the Nikkor wins. But, as the $ you'd hope so right ?

Bang for bucks and versatility to Sigma, IQ to Nikkor