Sigma 120-300/2.8
Hi. I have the Sigma 50-500 and the 50D.
I see that "the" lens for birding is the 500/4 IS.
I'm considering the 120-300 as with a TC 2x I have a 240-600/5.6 at "low cost".
I read all reviews on fredmiranda.com and some other websites. It seems that the main issue with this lens is to get a "perfect" copy.
I don't see many bird photography reference about this lens.
Is it worth ? Any drawbacks for bird phothography ?
Thank you.
Can't say much about it except the 2X is not going to be a good idea.
First drawback will be very (painfully) slow AF and second most zooms don't do well with converters. I'm sure someone that has one will give info.
Strongly would recommend the 500 !!!!
There is an internet myth that says the Sigma 120-300 is sharper than the prime. If your decision to go for the zoom is based on that myth then you should consider the prime. The zoom is very sharp but not quite as sharp as the prime. The prime is very sharp.
I use the Sigma 300 f2.8 with both 1.4 a 2X converters and as a bare lens. I also have the Sigma 500 f4.5. You can certainly get pictures of a quality good for publishing using a 2X converter. With the 2X converter you get a bit of CA creeping in but nothing that cannot be dealt with in PS. with a 2X converter you will lose a bit of contrast but again PS sorts that out.
The let down for the Sigma is that there is no focus limiter and that can be a drawback. There is no IS on the zoom or prime. I have never been bothered by that.
If you can afford the Canon 500f4 then go for that. Received wisdom seems to suggest it is probably the best all round lens there is. Despite the aforementioned limitations, the Sigma prime is much underated IMHO
I own the 120-300 and I use it in combination with the 1.4x and 2x converters. When used without the TCs, autofocus is excellent and the sharpness and details are dead on. I would say the same goes for the 1.4x with a slight decrease in AF speed, however I have taken pin-sharp flight shots hand-held with this combo.
When used with the 2x, AF is a lot slower making most flight shots impossible. I also find that extreme sharpness is not consistant with the 2x and that I have to stop down at least one stop to compensate for the TC. (For example, since a 2x TC reduces your effective aperture to f/5.6, I would shoot at least at f/8 or smaller).
I have taken many great images using this lens and find that it is great for mid range sujects. I especially like the ability to zoom. Since you already have a lens that covers this range, you would probably be better off with one of the bigger lenses.
Though many of the Sigma lens have the HSM (hyper-sonic motor) for faster AF, I have not found them comparable to Canon USM motor especially combined with focus limiting settings.
My recommendation is the rent whatever you are interested in and try it out first.
I'm in Brazil so no option for rentals or try at the store before you buy. I buy mostly from B&H or when I travel. My decision to go with the zoom is because its versatility, a 600/5.6 with a Sigma TC 2x for this price.
Main use wouldn't be birds, althought its an area it's growing in my photography. Main use would be water sports (surfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding) and wildlife. Although I'm not a pro, I like to be able to produce good pictures. I don't know if I'd like to be a professional photog but for sure I intend to make some money with my photography.
My idea is to replace my Sigma 50-500 with this Sigma 120-300 + TC 2.0x.
I already have a Kenko Pro TC 1.4x.
Oi Fabio,
Os primeiros comentarios ja cobrirao todos os pontos sobre as lentes que voce perguntou. Eu concordo com o Alfred, a 500mm f4 e maravilhosa, eu prefiro usa-la com o 1.4tc, quando coloco o 2x tem que ser em um bom tripe.
Bem vindo ao site.
Adams
I'll second this precisely..Originally Posted by adrian dancy
I shoot the 300/2.8 with the Sigma 1.4 TC and it is close to transparent from an IQ and AF perspective. I also use the 2.0 TC with fine results, though it is a bit slower to focus. My Sigma 500/4.5 is often paired with a Nikon TC14E, modified to allow for AF and I find the IQ acceptable, AF more than acceptable.
There have been times I have wished for the 120-300, mostly when shooting sports, but I a very happy with all the Sigma lenses I use. None have VR and since I am most often tripod mounted, I don't really miss it. The lack of focus limiter isn't much of an issue for me either.
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