For BBJ: Lens Review: Sigma EX 120-300mm/f2.8 IF APO

[birddog114]

http://www.jetzone2000.com/5_art_lenste ... 0300_1.htm

The major drawback of the Sigma is its weight. With 2600 grams it requires a well trained left arm to hold it steady. It is difficult to hold it stationary at a fixed subject. Panning a moving target requires some getting used to, but it is easier than holding it steady. I will have to try a monopod someday. You need to carry this combo (like al other heavy lenses) by the tripod collar and not at the camera body. On the magnesium alloy body of a 10D/20D or 1D-version it will not cause problems. I would not recommend to mount it on a, -no offence-, plastic 300D/350D body as the center of gravity will shift forward to much. Also flexing of the plastic body could cause problems.

::: Personally, being on a limited budget the Canon EF 300mm/f2.8 IS is, despite ot its qualities, totally out of the question. I also could- and would not spend the money on a new Sigma EX 120-300mm/f.2.8. But with a used –like-new- example I couldn’t be more happier !

[MHD]

What is the HK price on one of those babies Birddog?

[birddog114]

What is the HK price on one of those babies Birddog?

What? changing your mind now? ditched the ideas of 70-200 and look up for this? around 3K or 3K plus.
You need your PhD as license to print money for these toys + accessories.
It's the hell of heavy lens 2.6Kgs.
Your tripod + head won't handle this easy + the new D200 or D2x, cos the mount on the D70 is not quite solid.

[MHD]

Yeah I know... purely curious...

It is an interesting lens... One unmatched in Nikons range having a zoom that goes to 300mm at f/2.8

I bet its chucky!

[petal666]

Like he said, if you can get a good price on a 2nd hand one, it's a killer lens.

[sirhc55]

DigitalRev - $2,699 +$85 P&P + gst if caught

[birddog114]

DigitalRev - $2,699 +$85 P&P + gst if caught

You're alway get caught (GST) with these big lens, it's not possible to shrink it to a compact size and pack it into the small carton.

[MHD]

Yes... the 50-500 is the Bigma, this is the F___ing bigma

[birddog114]

Yes... the 50-500 is the Bigma, this is the F___ing bigma

MHD,
Changing mind again? now with the Bigma who use it?
From start, few guys here had it but not seen many posts from them related to the Bigma, some of them sold it and jumped to the 80-400VR.

[DaveB]

Your tripod + head won't handle this easy + the new D200 or D2x, cos the mount on the D70 is not quite solid.

Why would the D70 have a problem with this? It's not as though the lens is going to be hanging off the front of the camera: the lens would be on the tripod with the camera hanging off the back, and if the D70 can't handle that it's got serious problems...

[DaveB]

Yes... the 50-500 is the Bigma, this is the F___ing bigma

No, that would be the APO 300-800 F5.6 EX DG HSM!

[sirhc55]

Check this out:

http://www.pbase.com/image/41268776

[birddog114]

Your tripod + head won't handle this easy + the new D200 or D2x, cos the mount on the D70 is not quite solid.

Why would the D70 have a problem with this? It's not as though the lens is going to be hanging off the front of the camera: the lens would be on the tripod with the camera hanging off the back, and if the D70 can't handle that it's got serious problems...

Always, there're problems with the big lens and small size camera as the D70/ 300D/ 350D, the lens always mounted on the tripod by its collar, but the way of people mishandling the set (both camera + lens) then problems will be occured, the pro body as D2 series and Canon 1Ds MKII or D100/ 20D and 20D have more balance with the lens than the D70.
There're several mounting ways the heavy lenses on the camera body, if you mis-handling it and the mount on the body will be gone.

[MHD]

No not at all Birddog... My heart and mind is won by the 70-200... Just a matter of time now..

Some one mind dropping into the tax office and telling them to hurry up??

[birddog114]

Yes... the 50-500 is the Bigma, this is the F___ing bigma

No, that would be the APO 300-800 F5.6 EX DG HSM!

I'm sure the Bigma is the Sigma 50- 500, as it's the AKA

[sirhc55]

If anyone is interested in the 100-300 Sigma f/4 there is one going on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Sigma-100-300mm-HSM-f4-EX-for-Nikon_W0QQitemZ7543793898QQcategoryZ3343QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

At the moment it is $700 or buy in now for $850.00 (good price) in Mount Gambier S/Aus

[birddog114]

This is not the one BBJ is after, he wants the fast glass, this does not have good reputation in Sigma range.

[DaveB]

Birddog, there's no argument as to which lens is the "Bigma". We're just debating which lens is the "F___ing bigma" (and that's a quote!).

[sirhc55]

User reviews of FM give this lens the marque of being one of the best from Sigma. The overall findings are - sharp - excellent build quality - very fast focus. The only negatives have been directed towards the weight.

This shot is not tooooo bad

http://www.pbase.com/image/45367037

[birddog114]

Chris,
Yes, I've seen it! but look at some pics taken with the Nikkor underated 70-300G are tack sharp too.

Verdict was given to:
The guy who pulled the trigger of the gun, not the guy who was holding the gun

[fozzie]

If anyone is interested in the 100-300 Sigma f/4 there is one going on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Sigma-100-300mm-HSM-f4-EX-for-Nikon_W0QQitemZ7543793898QQcategoryZ3343QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

At the moment it is $700 or buy in now for $850.00 (good price) in Mount Gambier S/Aus

This is the second time that this lens has been listed on eBay in the past week. Seller has now reduced 'Buy It Now' to $850. Starting bid at $700, with no bids in so far. There for the taking if anyone is interested.

[birddog114]

If anyone is interested in the 100-300 Sigma f/4 there is one going on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Sigma-100-300mm-HSM-f4-EX-for-Nikon_W0QQitemZ7543793898QQcategoryZ3343QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

At the moment it is $700 or buy in now for $850.00 (good price) in Mount Gambier S/Aus

This is the second time that this lens has been listed on eBay in the past week. Seller has now reduced 'Buy It Now' to $850. Starting bid at $700, with no bids in so far. There for the taking if anyone is interested.

Understood, coz it didn't have enough people who's interested to this lens.

[BBJ]

Yes this is not my lens, but says it is local here where i live, i have msg the person as Jonsey asked me about but yeh not the 1 i want, like birdy said i want the fast glass 120-300 f2.8.

[gstark]

User reviews of FM give this lens the marque of being one of the best from Sigma.

[Jonesy]

BBJ and I have msg him but no response as yet! So is it worth my while getting it or should I be speaking to birdy about the 70-200 f2.8 (its my price limit at this stage)

I mainly shooting Go karts (and some other motorsports when BBJ is not about ) but just wanting some advice

[BBJ]

Jonesy, like i saidthis is prolly ok for the money but if you are prepared to spend the xtra coulpe of hundred or so the 70-200 f2.8 would be more benifit to you. Those go-kart shots you seen as in like this one below was shot with the Nikon 80-400VR.


But the 70-200 f2.8 is a great lens for most situations and is what i was using saturday when i gave you my 80-400 to play with. The nikon is twice the price and hard to get.
Oh just sold my Motorbike. Lookout birdy!!!!

[birddog114]

BBJ,
Selling your 80-400VR and put the $$$ toward the 300 AF-S II.

[BBJ]

Yeh birdy where would i get 1 of them, would have to be from maxwell prolly and want an arm and a leg for it as well. I sort of seen the price of them but yeh put me off.

[Jonesy]

Yeah I saw you and another fellow looking at a bike on Pick ave! Wondering what you were up to!
New toys for BBJ

[birddog114]

Yeh birdy where would i get 1 of them, would have to be from maxwell prolly and want an arm and a leg for it as well. I sort of seen the price of them but yeh put me off.

You don't love Maxwell, don't you! they gave you the first free clean on your CCD
Yes many other places which you can get the 300 AF-S II new.

[BBJ]

Hi Birdym didn't i dont love them i just don't love the price tag at $5,000 more than the sigma lens i might get. That would be eating my new camera money.

[birddog114]

Hi Birdym didn't i dont love them i just don't love the price tag at $5,000 more than the sigma lens i might get. That would be eating my new camera money.

What new camera? A Canon 1Ds MkII?

[BBJ]

Thought about it, the N model.LOL But nah well the D2x is still in my mind but i think maybe waiting to see if or when the D200 will come and see what it has to offer. I know all good to rush in and buy 1 but well who knows whats around the corner.
Just reading lens reveiw that link u posted.

[kipper]

BBJ with your current shots what is the avg focal length of the shot?

If it's mostly around the 250-300MM mark and a low percentage of the time in the lower focal range then you might aswell get a prime. While the 120-300MM might be a nice bit of glass it will exhibit more chromatic abberation and color fringing then a prime. I'd be investing in a 300MM F2.8 (possibly second hand if you can for $3k) if I were you, keep your shutter count down on the D70, and buy yourself a D200. Then you can have the best of both worlds. A D200 with the 300MM F2.8 strapped on (possibly combined with a TC if you need it) and the D70 with the 18-70MM kit lens or if you have a lens around the 100MM mark for instance the 85 1.4MM you want to let off a few shots up close. The only other downside of going Sigma is if you want to use a TC on them you'll have to get Sigma TCs or Kenko. Although I think you can mod the TCs.

At one stage I was thinking about going Sigma, but the holding value of Nikon glass is what has changed my mind.

[BBJ]

Darryl, i already have the Kenko 1.4x, doesn't like my 70-200. Anyhow most places i can get to with the 70-200at the bike track. Go-kert track is ok but i find i need to use the 80-400 for reach to get the good shots i need a lot of reach. Ok on the 300 af-s if you can find them is ok but at $8,000+ new is a lot. I dont ave that type cash and wlel least with the 120-300 could be usefull in other places where 300 might be to cramped.
Who knows but well will see what goes and yes i am waiting to see what the D200 will be like i think before i decide on what camera to get.

[kipper]

Since when has the 300MM F2.8 AFS-II been $8k?
Or are you talking about the 300MM F2.8G VR?

Personally I don't think you need the VR, not for the shutter speeds that you use. To me VR only allows you to shoot low light or help stabilising a shot that you're taking that is stationary. Personally I think it's a waste of time using it for panning. I've used Nicoles Sigma 100-300 with a 1.4X TC and have had no problems shooting with it handheld. With your excellent panning skills I don't see that you require the VR feature. I think there is a guy from France here that uses the AF-S II very well for motosports.

I'm pretty sure I priced this lens when I was looking. B&H Photo have it for $4805AU. Then you'll have to pay shipping fees and GST. So total cost will be around $5500. Yes, they are backordered and probably might take a while to get (Birddog might have word on the availability of this lens).

They're also selling the 300MM F2.8G VR for $5,455AU, so total cost of that to bring into Oz would be around $6200. Then again it's all subject to availability.


HK Supplies according to ebay have the 300MM F2.8 AFS for $5,164.71AU with two available. So to bring in via Poon and Birddog you might be looking at $5500.

[Jonesy]

BBJ, no go on seeing the 100-300 Sigma f/4- seller emailed me and he's off to adelaide... might just keep my eye on it

[BBJ]

Yes Darryl, well here is the link to maxwels.
AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8D IF-ED II
http://www.maxwell.com.au/products/nikon/nikkor/af_telephoto/300_f28_afsedii.html
AF-S 300F2.8D IF-ED II (BLACK) 8,125.00
AF-S 300F2.8D II IF-ED(L/GREY) 8,125.00
I know Poon does not have any, as i think they did have on his site buit that is old and not updated but not on the ebay. I have not dealt with any other places like B&H before so yeh, and would not think a 2nd hand 1 would popup often. Anyhow i am gonna bide my time do more research and see what happens.

[BBJ]

Jonesy, he sent me that msg as well. I have seen this fellow pictures he is good but yeh go with the later i think 70-200 that way it will be suitable for low light as well.

[birddog114]

The Nikkor 300 AF-S II is around AU$5900.00 + GST.

[BBJ]

Thanks Birdy so yeh still ok but i am working on a set amount and well pending on D200 price if there is a save there well funds can go for the xtra glass. But i am working on D2x coupled with 120-300 is the plan if this is the road i decide to go down.

[kipper]

Before you do, make sure you read some reviews on what quality results this lens produces on that camera. Remember this body shows up glass imperfections more so then the D70.

Is that your price Birddog? I know B&H has it for the price I posted but availability looks crap.

[birddog114]

Thanks Birdy so yeh still ok but i am working on a set amount and well pending on D200 price if there is a save there well funds can go for the xtra glass. But i am working on D2x coupled with 120-300 is the plan if this is the road i decide to go down.

Forget about the D200 atm, you want to shoot now, get the one you like and do it! It's a virtual camera! even if it's announced in November, you won't be able to put your hand until mid of 06, if it's bad or not up to your expectation then what are you going to do? bring yourself more stress, more unhappy and ruin your spirit.
I don't care what's the D200 or D90 or D3x, what's available today, if I can afford, I'll go after it and enjoy, if i can't afford, let's it live in my dream.

[kipper]

So BBJ, let me get this straight. You have the 80-400MM, 70-200VR and looking at getting the 100-300 F2.8?

[birddog114]

Is that your price Birddog? I know B&H has it for the price I posted but availability looks crap.

B&H price is cheaper than HKS (Imported) price about US$300.00 but no stock for few months now.
Price from HKS is US$3960.00 + US$210.00 shipping. + GST
These lenses is hard to find in B&H with imported stock, I think they're not bother to bring them in their stock due to the heavy rebate on the USA stock of this lens (No stock also), they are mainly concentrating in selling the VR version more than the old ones.
Most of people I know in the US, they bought the 300 VR instead of the non VR due to the difference in prices between the two lenses are not greater.

[kipper]

Yep, that's something I noted too Birddog. For the extra $500-1000, I'd rather have the VR option.

[BBJ]

What was that price for Birdy the HKS one$3,9 price for the 300?
Darryl, down here we dont always have good light not like up the qld way and others as it is overcast a lot and dull at times so hence the f2.8.

I can get a Nikor ED AF 300 f2.8 maybe 3g or under but it is an older lens and well my way of thinking was a new lens as 120-300 would have to be a good buy as new instead of an old 1.
Here is a few pics of this lens i have available to me.

[birddog114]

BBJ,
You have talked a lot about this lens from your mate since then but didn't see the result of the talk yet, when will he pass it to you?
Pity, he doesn't look after the lens and he's matching the lenses with Mountain Dew, Solo and Pepsi, I won't buy that lens, don't you know what I meant? It's crappy, I'm sure it's that why he want to get rid of it.
Nikkor is Nikkor, not Mountain Dew/ Solo/ or Pepsi.

The 300 AF-S/ 2.8 from HKS is US$3960.00.

[birddog114]

It has lot of marks, scratches + excessive of tear & wear btw.

[BBJ]

Oh Ok birdy yes he rang the other nite and yeh he is a canon user and has some old gear when he shot nikon. Ok i did not realise HKS had this lens thats why i chose 120-300 and yes i would not buy that lens like i said if i had to pay 3g for it i would buy a new sigma. He put the cans there to show me the size of it, and had been serviced buy nikon guy in Adelaide etc... But if it was cheap i might have thought about it but when he said price i turned off it. Anyhow who knows you might have another special on the D2x oneday and i will just say send it.LOL
That price is $5,156.84 au compared to $3g.