Sigma 300mm F/2.8.Anyone got one/used one/held one/ etc etc

[Raskill]

http://www.sigma4less.com/sess/utn;jses ... 28DNI%3D29

(christ that's long )

Anyone out there used or heard anything about the Sigma 300mm F/2.8?

I'm keen to get one for motorsports and moto-x and general sports photog, but needless to say, I'm a bit worried about spending $2500 without some more knowledge.

If anyone can help, please let me know. I can only find 1 or 2 reviews online for it. Also, does anyone know who repairs sigma lenses in australia under warranty (just in case)

[birddog114]

Raskill,
I don't think members on this board has anything in that range with Sigma's badge.

[Raskill]

Even if someone knows anything about it...

I can't afford to go Nikkor, which is more than double that price. The few reviews I have found reckon it's a bloody good lens, but I want more info, more reviews, more more more!

I've just bought a Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 and a 2x TC, but feel the 300mm would also be a great asset. I have some concerns about Sigma QC also...

[birddog114]

Where's Sigmand Friend? Pls. explain about Sigma's QC.

[petal666]

I have the Sigma 120-300f2.8 which is similar but not the same. It's a fair bit heavier and I think more expensive. I think they were selling for US$2.5k when I bought mine. It is a fantastic lens, sharp and build like a tank.

I bought mine 2nd hand so I was sure it was a good copy before I bought it. I bought a 100-300f4 new from the US and it was crap. It was very soft and I sent it back to Sigma (CR Kennedy in OZ) and they 'fixed' it but it wasn't much better. I sold it and bought the 120-300.

[Raskill]

I've heard a few comments about sigma lenses not being the best build quality or having focus issues. I don't think it would be an issue with their 'pro' line of lenses though, but it's a bit of a worry.

It's probably just Nikkor fans being snobs to third party lenses.

[horstflotow]

[quote="Raskill"]http://www.sigma4less.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=1542c4f96d74773/shopdata/0020_Lenses/0050_Fixed+Focal+Length/0030_Tele/product_details.shopscript?article=0070_Sigma%2B300mm%2Bf%3D26slash%3D3B2%3D252E8%2BEX%2BAPO%2BDG%2BHSM%2Bfor%2BNikon%2BAF%2B%3D28SG300F28DNI%3D29

(christ that's long )

Anyone out there used or heard anything about the Sigma 300mm F/2.8?

I'm keen to get one for motorsports and moto-x and general sports photog, but needless to say, I'm a bit worried about spending $2500 without some more knowledge.

If anyone can help, please let me know. I can only find 1 or 2 reviews online for it. Also, does anyone know who repairs sigma lenses in australia under warranty (just in case)[/quote]

Although I don't want to comment on the newer Sigma EX lenses, I've got a couple of older Sigma lenses for Canon FD, which have the infamous rear element fogging, this includes a 300 f2.8 and a 70-210 f2.8 (which were excellent lenses optically before they fogged up). Sigma here reckon they've not got this problem with the newer lenses, but are of course unable to repair the old ones. None of the second hand dealers here will touch Sigma lenses (except to say sorry can't help you, why don't you get the Tamron or Tokina equivalent). So, be very sure, by talking to some of the second-hand dealers perhaps, to find out if this problem still occurs with the new Sigma 300 mm lens before you buy one (I've personally only got one new Sigma lens, the 105 macro, which is ok so far, all my other newer lenses are Tokina or Nikon)

Regards

Horst

[BBJ]

Nope not me but have looked at them online and am considering 1, i have seen lots of good reports on the 120-300. I am looking at maybe getting a Nikon 300mm f2.8 2nd hand but still in the air for a bit but i have the 70-200 f2.8 sigma and works a treat so i have no doubt when it comes to the crunch and depending on funds, nikon is a lot of money to outlay for to find out it is not much better for the extra couple of grand it would cost over a sigma lens.
Just my thought.
Cheers
John

[birddog114]

Issues of Sigma has been raised!
The resale value of Sigma is not fruitful as Nikkor. You may not sell your lens, who know? but someone may sell their Sigma for upgrading to the next level or other reaches, the retaining values after is just 50% or less on Sigma Pro ranges and hard to convince buyers which they're good and worth it.
On the other side Nikkor is more attractive to buyer if you want to unload your lens or swap.
I knew also, some photography shops around Sydney don't want to take in the used Sigma stock but always welcome Nikkor.

[kipper]

Out of interest are Sigma and Nikon Teleconvertors interchangeable with their lenses?

I know I tried to use my Nikon 1.7x on Nicole's Sigma lens and I couldn't connect it. I'm guessing the mount is slightly different to stop you doing that.

So now I've come to the opinion that if you have a set of Nikon lenses and teleconvertors, stick to Nikon, and vice versa


I was considering going a Sigma 500MM F/4.5 but a few things have put me off (0.5 on widest aperture and using Sigma Teleconvertors).


Edit: You can modify the Nikon TCs by removing a tab. But sod that

[birddog114]

Out of interest are Sigma and Nikon Teleconvertors interchangeable with their lenses?

I know I tried to use my Nikon 1.7x on Nicole's Sigma lens and I couldn't connect it. I'm guessing the mount is slightly different to stop you doing that.

So now I've come to the opinion that if you have a set of Nikon lenses and teleconvertors, stick to Nikon, and vice versa


I was considering going a Sigma 500MM F/4.5 but a few things have put me off (0.5 on widest aperture and using Sigma Teleconvertors).


Edit: You can modify the Nikon TCs by removing a tab. But sod that

kipper,
My advise: if you can afford the Sigma pro range lens, then off to get a Sigma TCs.
One of other interest: mods Nikon TCs won't all work with Sigma, or has intermittent problems sometimes.

[gstark]

http://www.sigma4less.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=1542c4f96d74773/shopdata/0020_Lenses/0050_Fixed+Focal+Length/0030_Tele/product_details.shopscript?article=0070_Sigma%2B300mm%2Bf%3D26slash%3D3B2%3D252E8%2BEX%2BAPO%2BDG%2BHSM%2Bfor%2BNikon%2BAF%2B%3D28SG300F28DNI%3D29

(christ that's long )

Try tinyurl on for size.

[gstark]

Sigma pro range lens,

Oxymoron Alert!

Oxymoron Alert!

[kipper]

I really can't understand why Sigma made their 500MM F4.5.......was it like a manufacturing flaw or something and they couldn't get F4 out of the glass?

[birddog114]

I really can't understand why Sigma made their 500MM F4.5.......was it like a manufacturing flaw or something and they couldn't get F4 out of the glass?

Cos, It's Sigma