View Full Version : Sigma 300mm 2.8
Anyone got one of these or have any experience of them, particularly used in conjunction with the Sigma 2X converter?
Don't have one, but the lens scores very high in Fred Mirandas reviews section.
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=128&sort=7&cat=38&page=1
The 120-300 2.8 is supposed to be sharper, as it's a newer lens.
I have one of these 120-300s as you probably know. I use it a lot with a 1.4tc with no problems noticed yet. A 2x would probably be nearly as good. I would think you might see a little more AF hunting.
I notice the Sigma 300 2.8 is over 11lbs, which mated to the 1D would make it a total weight of around one stone! :eek:
The 120-300 2.8 is 200g heavier :p
since when as 2.4Kg been equal to 11 Lbs,
More like 5.8lbs, which would make it nearer 1/2 a stone.
*slaps head* :lol: ;)
I was looking into the 400 or 500 Sigma lenses, they get pretty good reviews too !
Hmm.. I'm coming round to thinking I might just get the Canon 1.4X converter for now - that would give me 560mm at the long end with the 100-400L and only one stop loss in speed.
Just ordered the 1.4X Canon converter from Kerso. :)
why were you thinking about the 300 F2.8 anyway, just out of interest?
Well I was thinking more of it with a 2X converter and 600mm. The bit of extra speed would have been nice, but when you consider the converter gets me 560mm anyway, it's difficult to justify the outlay - that and the fact that while the prime would sometimes be an advantage, I find the zoom really flexible for bird shots.
I fancy a long prime, but it gets mega expensive from here on in for what I really fancy. :gag:
Venomator
21-06-2006, 10:29
I fancy a long prime, but it gets mega expensive from here on in for what I really fancy. :gag:
Ditto that CT ... long primes are horrendously expensive ... need a lotto win to afford one ... :shrug:
... therefore was just about to press the button at AJP for a 1.4 tele-c ... :p
... but then decided (?) I really cannot make my mind up which to go for over the three ... 1.4, 1.7 or 2 ... :eek:
You have some good glass there Rog! I'd go for the 1.4X, which gives just one stop loss in speed - up the ISO speed one stop and you're back to square one.;) Tempting though it is to go for the 2X, it's going to really show up the shortcomings of a zoom lens, you lose 2 whole stops, and it's unlikely your AF will work without hunting like mad - if at all.
A 40% increase in effective focal length can't be bad, so don't be greedy. :D The 1.4X might be really useful behind that micro nikkor too. :) Edit: That's if it's compatible, the Canon converters work with lenses 135mm or longer.
Venomator
21-06-2006, 13:14
Thanx for that CT ... one of the reasons I delayed pushing the button was 'cos the 1.7 is £46 cheaper than the 1.4 ! :suspect:
I assume ... not only do I lose a further 0.5 stop but ... there would be some loss of quality in the cheaper unit ?
Probably answering my own questions but would be interested in your/other views ... :thinking:
Thanx... :p
You'd lose another half stop. I dunno about the quality issue, being cheaper could just come down to being easier to make a 1.7 than a 1.4. :shrug: Strange though, the Canon 2X TC is the same price as the 1.4X
I was thinking along the same lines. I've got a 100-400L and wanted a bit more reach. Considered getting the Sigma 120-300 but could not justified the expense. So have just ordered a Sigma 1.4x TC. I believe we are going to lose AF?
Ditto that CT ... long primes are horrendously expensive ... need a lotto win to afford one ... :shrug:
... therefore was just about to press the button at AJP for a 1.4 tele-c ... :p
... but then decided (?) I really cannot make my mind up which to go for over the three ... 1.4, 1.7 or 2 ... :eek:
I paid £229 for my TC14E-II, £100 cheaper than AJP.
http://www.microglobe.co.uk/catalog/index.php?cName=teleconverter-nikon
I was thinking along the same lines. I've got a 100-400L and wanted a bit more reach. Considered getting the Sigma 120-300 but could not justified the expense. So have just ordered a Sigma 1.4x TC. I believe we are going to lose AF?
I don't believe so. I've ordered the Canon version, but my understanding is that with a 1.4 converter you lose one stop and that AF works as long as the lens in use has a max aperture of f4 or larger. Furthermore Canon 1 series bodies maintain AF with a converter down to f8, but I'll let you know better if I ever get it. :)
But the max aperture for the 100-400L is 5.6.
I should get my sigma 1.4x tomorrow and will try then.
Venomator
22-06-2006, 18:55
I paid £229 for my TC14E-II, £100 cheaper than AJP.
Thanx Evilowl ... :thumbs:
Not come across them before and ... wow they are certainly competitive for the tele-cons ... much appreciate the link ...:thankyou:
Now I know where to buy just gotta decide what to buy ! :thinking:
But the max aperture for the 100-400L is 5.6.
I should get my sigma 1.4x tomorrow and will try then.
Well it's 4.5 at the short end, but perhaps it does lose AF with the 20D. I know it works with the 1D because IanC_UK used the 1.4 converter on his 100-400 when we were photographing Red Kites, with my 1D body after I ran out of card space. :shrug: I seem to remember Ian remarking AF slowed down somewhat though. Still... we'll know soon enough.
yep it worked fine on the AF with the 100-400 and 1.4TC on CT's 1D, AF seemed a little slower but i wasnt use to the camera really so i was probably doing something wrong ! :)
So does AF work on the 20D Ian?
So does AF work on the 20D Ian?
No it doesnt !
Dayum! Still... pretty useful all the same. :)
Just got my Sigma 1.4x and have indeed lost AF on my 100-400L and 20D :(
I've read somewhere you can fool the camera by taping up certain pins on the TC? Anyone know anything about this? And is it safe to do?
I have a cheap Tamron 1.4x TC. It does not 'reveal' itself to the camera so AF works just the same on my 20D with the 100-400L with or without it. Being cheap i can see a quality reduction but comparing an enlarged non TC to shot with one with the TC I do gain more detail in the image with the TC (if that makes any sense :) )
So I guess the taping thing might work.
Venomator
27-06-2006, 22:16
I paid £229 for my TC14E-II, £100 cheaper than AJP.
As said earlier ... thanx muchly for the linky Evilowl ... :thumbs:
Decided to go for the TC-14E II as well ... and ... guess what ...
AJP matched the price ... :clap: :D :banana:
Still my fave supplier then ... :plusone:
... you only gotta ask ...:thumbs:
So thanx again for the tip m8 ... very useful ... :thankyou:
:p
Just got my Sigma 1.4x and have indeed lost AF on my 100-400L and 20D :(
I've read somewhere you can fool the camera by taping up certain pins on the TC? Anyone know anything about this? And is it safe to do?
I've found this info. I can't vouch for it's accuracy so use it at your own discretion.
http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0078YS
Some owners have found this works and some have found it doesn't, even with the same lens/camera combo.
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