Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG IF HSM APO Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

by Sigma

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 4.4 x 4.4 inches ; 5.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 10 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000BBGB06
• Item model number: B000BBGB06
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 9, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Sigma APO 120-300mm f2.8 EX DG HSM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras features a large aperture of f2.8 at the 300 millimeter focal length and is optimized for used with digital SLR cameras. This lens transforms a large-aperture f2.8 300 millimeter lens into a zoom lens that allows you to determine the picture composition you want without having to change your vantage point. It has two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements in front group and another SLD element in the rear group for excellent correction of chromatic aberration.

The latest in multi-layer lens coating technology and lens design reduce flare and ghosting, which is a common problem with digital cameras, and it also creates an optimum color balance through the entire zoom range. The lens' AF drive is equipped with a silent, responsive and high speed Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), which also provides full-time manual focus function. Since focusing and zooming do not change its overall length, this lens is easy to hold and use. In addition, since the front of the lens does not rotate, a circular polarizing filter can be easily attached and used. High-speed focusing is possible when this lens is used with dedicated APO EX 1.4 x or 2x tele-converters (sold separately).

Product Description

*THE NEW DG MODEL IS HERE*A telephoto zoom lens, which retains a constant fast aperture of F2.8 at all focal lengths.This telephoto zoom lens has a large aperture of F2.8 that is constant throughout the zoom range. The angle of view of the 120-300mm F2.8 varies from 20.4degree to 8.2degree and offers great versatility of composition from a fixed position. Two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements in the front lens group and two in the rear group offer effective compensation of color aberration. Since focusing and zooming do not change its overall length, this lens offers ease of handling. HSM ensures a quiet, high-speed, AF as well as full-time manual focus (for Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars difficult focus in low light, September 25, 2010

By 

kmggdc - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG IF HSM APO Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras (Electronics)

This lens seems to be built well and of good quality. I wanted it for shooting high school football. I have rented a Canon 70-200 L IS f2.8, but wanted to buy my own lens. I liked the idea of a 300mm with zoom feature. I read this lens has difficulty focusing in low light. I'm confirming that. I lost many shot due to subject being out of focus. Under fast moving sports in moderate light (nigh games with average lighting) this lens struggles. I have returned it and will buy the Canon I used in the past.

However, if you are not photographing sports in low light, then this is likely an excellent lens. I did not notice the "flaky" paint described in reviews, however I am extrememely careful with my gear.

This lens is heavy (nearly double the Canon) so the extra 100mm comes at a weight expense. However I was using a monopod so no big deal, but if you don't use a monopod this would be significant information to know.

I wished it would have worked better, had my hopes up. So this is likely a great lens for the money, so long as lighting is good.

I used the lens on a Canon 5D Mark II.

PS: I assume the focus was related to lighting, however I did not use the lens during the day, so I can't be certain. But I did have shots in focus so I attribute the out of focus to light conditions.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great lens!!, April 26, 2010

By 

kjwesphotos.com (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG IF HSM APO Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras (Electronics)

We are sports photographers so my review is based in that domain. This is a great lens! Shooting high school sports, we need to move from an on-the-field moment to something in the dugout or sidelines quickly and this does just that. AF is fast and accurate, and very quick. I lose very little time when we have the 1.4 extender on either. I almost got the dedicated 300mm and I'm glad I got this instead.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Lens In a Heavy Package!, February 4, 2011

By 

John - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG IF HSM APO Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras (Electronics)

I've looked at this lens for months and finally purchased it. I really wanted to get an OS version but its not available and it will cost a good bit more. This lens is sooooo cool. I short sports and breaking news events. I couldn't ask for more(well maybe a 2.0 version). Its sharp and feels solid and tight. It does feel heavy. You can't hold this thing long without a monopod or tripod. Its a tank. One advantage is I'm now able to cover the range of two lenses with just this one. I grab a body with a wide angle zoom and this lens I got almost everything covered. I've seen reviews concerning the mount screws coming out. I believe it! If you try to carry this lens by the camera body alone it may just rip from your camera its that heavy. I wouldn't let this lens hang around my neck attached to a body with a strap around my neck either.

I think I'm going to like this lens! I'm going to the gym and work on my arms first though! My first impressions are good and the first images look great. Works great out of the box and was shipped well. Its everything I expected!