The Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS APO HSM AF Lens (For Canon) provides a large constant f/2.8 maximum aperture at all focal lengths. In essence, it transforms a large-aperture 300mm f/2.8 lens into a zoom lens that allows you to determine the picture composition without having to change your vantage point. Optical image stabilization facilitates hand-held photography by allowing you to shoot at shutter speeds 4 stops slower than without the stabilization.
The use of Apochromatic design, SLD and FLD glass elements for correction of chromatic aberrations, and super multi-layers to reduce flare and ghosting deliver superb image quality. The autofocus drive is equipped with the silent, responsive and high speed Hyper Sonic Motor and internal focusing for a highly functional professional lens. The DG design makes it fully optimized for use with digital SLR cameras.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 120 - 300 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 20.4° - 8.2° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 4.9' (1.49 m) |
| Magnification | 0.12x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:8.1 |
| Groups/Elements | 18/23 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 105 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 5.0 x 11.4" (12.70 x 28.96 cm) |
| Weight | 6.50 lb (2.95 kg) |
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Reviewed by 4 customers
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Comments about Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS APO HSM AF Lens (For Canon):
Very pleased with how sharp the images are at 300mm - especially considering the price. I had to compromise, since the Canon 300mm f2.8 is now $7200. But so far, I am very happy with the results.I've shot three football games with the Sigma 120-300mm OS mounted to a Canon 7D. It tracks action very well. The flexibility of the 120-300 mm zoom means I now take very few images with the second camera I carry (Canon 5D with a 24-105mm f4 IS or 70-20mm f2.8 IS).I shot one video sequence of a team intro at 720p on my 7D mounted to a Manfrotto video monopod. It looks great.This lens is very heavy and has a very solid build quality. However, Sigma says the lens is splash resistant. I assumed wrong that there would be a rubber gasket on the lens mount to provide a better seal with the body, as on the Canon 70-200mm f2.8 IS. Since this lens will mostly be used outdoors, I hope the lack of the seal won't let dust or moisture into the camera body.The tripod mounting arm is very sturdy and comfortable to use as a carrying handle.Considering how solid this lens feels, the lens hood is a disappointment. It feels like cheap plastic and I'm wondering how long it will last.Overall, this is a great value for those of us who can't afford $7200 for a new Canon 300MM f2.8 IS, and want the flexibility of a zoom lens.
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Comments about Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS APO HSM AF Lens (For Canon):
I purchased this lens for sports photography. I used the lens once at a night time football game shooting at ISO 2000, F2.8 at a 320th on my Canon 7D. The results were poor with less than 5% in focus. I went back to my Canon 70-200 II. I did not shoot any daylight photos so I can't comment on that
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Comments about Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS APO HSM AF Lens (For Canon):
Wide open this lens is great! I had the previous version of this lens & everything about this lens including finish has been done right. 4 stop OS works great! Have not seen any CA or ghosting & wide open this lens is sharp. This is my second one, because OS on the first was jumpy. Both lenses were tack sharp wide open. Sharpness & paint finish were my only gripes with the older model. This lens is Top Shelf!
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS APO HSM AF Lens (For Canon):
Sold my Canon 300 f2.8 IS for the Sigma 100-300 f2.8 OS for the 4 stop IS and the flexability of having a Zoom and glade I did. The Lens is just as sharp to my eye even though technically is not. I would say it is equally as sharp as my Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS II. Also when used with the Canon 2x III the two lens are equal in sharpness, which for me is saying a lot! This pleases me because my intent was to use the 2x III a lot to get out to 600mm at f5.6 since this is where most of my wildlife pictures are taken. The ability to back off some with the zoom is a great asset when wildlife sometimes gets closer than normal.
The OS works as advertised and is a big improvement over the 2 stops that I was use to. I also found the using my Brush Hawk allows me to get much sharper pictures at lower shutter speeds just as it does with all my IS lens. Even more so than using a tripod! Noise level from the OS is just a little louder than the Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS II but less than my 500 f4 IS.
Tracking I feel is good enough for 90+ percent of any sports you may shoot. Of couse it does slow down with the teleconverter as most lenes do.
Love the lens hood as well as the easy on and off of the lens cap. Easily able to take on and off with hood attached. The lens has a smaller diamiter than the Canon 300mm f2.8 and fits very nicely in my backpack making room for other gear which I was not able to fit before. Also love the built in carring handle / lens mount which I use a lot. As far as wieght is conserned, it all depends on what your use to. Not heavy when compared to the 500mm.
All in all the biggest plus was saving over $3000.00 over the new Canon 300mm f2.8 IS II which was what I was origionally going to get. Also think that this is a much better alternative to the Canon 200-400 f4. Unless you have an expensive Pro-body you will loss autofocus with that lens using a 2x TC which will give you f8 at 800mm. Try this lens out! You have nothing to lose and can return it in 14 days!
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