SH Canon 300 f/2.8 IS or Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 OS?

andyjayh

andyjayh

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Andy
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I am looking for the ideal lens to use for airshows, low level at the Mach Loop and motorsport! So far I have an early Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 which is a great lens but I am wondering if I could get more from a newer lens with IS/OS like the Canon 300 prime or new replacement from Sigma I would look to use these with both 1.4 and 2x TC's to gain flexibility when needed.

I worry about a prime and if I would miss shots at airshows by being fixed on either 300, 420 or 600? Whereas the Sigma provides greater flexibility by being a zoom, all be it small focal length change. However will the prime produce much better results from the shots I do get?

What are your thoughts on the difference this upgrade would make on my current lens? And thoughts on difference between the Canon and Sigma?
 
Anyone have a view on this possible upgrade and choice? I'm swaying toward the Canon 300 2.8 IS but I have not used a prime before. Looking back through my Airshow pics I do change focal length a lot so will a prime be a problem or just create different captures?
 
I don't think IS / OS would add much for airshows or motorsport, maybe a bit when panning. The real question to ask is which lens has a better IQ at a given price, and whether that would be negated by panning or motion blur.
 
I have the original 120-300 and it is great, it is also perfectly acceptable with a 1.4x TC. One thing to be aware of is that generally it is only about 280mm at full zoom and obviously isn't as sharp as the Canon prime. I'm yet to see a really detailed review from someone who knows how to use fast long lenses to get a view on the newer OS version.
 
Micloi has a thread going on here somewhere with pics from his 120-300mm OS
 
The image quality from the prime lens will really raise your eyebrows...^^
 
I would really like to hire a 300 2.8 prime for RIAT to see how I get on but they are not available from my preferred source.

I like the 120-300 very much and it may be just my use of the lens that is letting me down slightly when it comes to fast moving objects? Reviewing my pics I have some great shots but I am after that razor sharp image that I believe the 300 prime will produce but I am concerned as to how many opportunities I will miss by using a prime?

The new OS 120-300 does look very good though and I believe the technical specs are indicating it is as sharp as the Canon prime! None in stock currently for me to go look at though, but talking to Sigma yesterday they expect two weeks for the Canon stock to come through. Meanwhile I am looking at the price of a 300 2.8 IS and getting very close to hitting the buy button :D
 
For airshows and the like you don't really need the zoom so I'd pick the 300mm IS

don't know what your budget is but KIPAX has one for sale in the classifieds, he's probably one of the most honest guys I've ever met so if you ask any questions you'll get a blunt but honest answer :D
 
Hi Darren, thanks mate and it's your old 120-300 that I have :D Watching Tony's one now with my thinking head on.

Some of my most interesting shots at airshows are during take-off and landing and the Sig is great as I can pull back so to speak whereas a 300 prime with a 1.4tc will miss those opportunities :(
 
micloi said:
I have the 120-300 OS and it is as sharp as the 300mm Canon prime I had before.
Excellent with the 1.4x and very good with the 2x tele-converters.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info :D Guess you were one of the lucky ones to get one so early! spoke to Sigma yesterday and they estimate two weeks for Canon mount stock to come in again.
 
Hi Andy

I always find that if I go prime I need a second body.The 300 F2.8is is a stonking lens but is also a bit restrictive for taxi/take off shots etc at an airshow.
Have you considered joining the billion other peeps carrying the 100-400L at every airshow/motorsport event around the world week in week out.That gives you a bit more reach,flexability and IS.Save that 120-300 for those miserable days in the loop.

Gary
 
The prospect of a second body had been in my head for the future, will need to hide that purchase as well :bonk:

I have now placed an order for a 300 2.8 but stock is an issue so not sure when it might appear :bang: If I end up at another airshow in the meantime I will keep my 120-300 at 300 and see what opportunities I miss, if any.

I had thought about the 100-400, as you say it is one of the most popular lenses Canon do for this area. However my 35-350 L glass cover the same range but has a bit more versatility due to the 35 end but also suffers at the same point a 100-400 will, f/5.6 in poor light. So I wanted to step up and see what this fuss is all about with primes, just wanted feedback from others who had taken the same step.
 
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