Telephoto choices - Sigma 100-300 hand held?

[skullfish]

As I see it, I've two options for a telephoto zoom within my budget.

I can either comfortably afford a Nikkor 70-300 VR, or at a real stretch I could get a Sigma 100-300 f/4.

Is there any reason at all to go with the Nikkor? Bear in mind that I'll only be using a tripod maybe 30% of the time, and really want a hand-holdable lens. I've played briefly with the siggy in a shop and *think* it's hand-holdable.

I know the standard line is buy the best lens you can afford for each application, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience with using the 100-300 hand-held?

[macky799]

Hi skullfish i cant comment on the Sigma 100-300 but i have the 50-500 and took theses pics handheld so i would think the 100-300 wouldnt be a problem http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=48219

[StuartH]

The sigma is very hand holdable and nearly all my wildlife shots are taken with it without any tripod or monopod..here are some recent ones handheld http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=48201

[skullfish]

Excellent. Thats my choice settled then.

By the way, lovely pics Stuart.

[andrewc]

I have the Sigma and its handholdable.

[StuartH]

Thanks skullfish,you will not be disappointed,trust me.Its super sharp even wide open and works a treat with a sigma 1.4x converter too.