dSLR Dad

Photozone has reviewed the Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF HSM Zoom Lens for Nikon (available at Amazon and B&H Photo).

The Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG is one of the most impressive Sigma lenses tested to date. It is capable to deliver a near-flawless performance with great resolution figures, low vignetting, low distortions, low CAs and a very decent bokeh (albeit slightly underdeveloped regarding the moderate max. aperture unless your main subject is fairly close). It works reasonably well with the Sigma AF 1.4x DG EX converter but there’s no free lunch here for obvious reasons. The Sigma is quite a monster of a lens but the combination of speed and focal length range simply takes its toll regarding size and weight requirements. The build quality is exceptionally high and combined with the snappy AF it was a joy to use the lens in the field.

I have used this lens on my Canon 20D before and it really is fantastic. It is an excellent value alternative to Sigma’s ‘Big-Ma’, the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX APO DG IF HSM Zoom Lens . Optically it’s extraordinary, but I disagree on his size complaint. At 3.2 pounds and 8.8 inches, the Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG is only slightly larger than a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8. However, the 82mm filter size is quite large (and $$$$) for a full frame camera, but I just use a 77mm step down ring on my digital SLR.

You can find Photozone’s full Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF HSM APO Zoom Lens for Nikon Review / Test Report here.

An earlier Photozone review on the Canon EOS model is here.

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 24th, 2008 at 8:12 AM and is filed under Camera Lens Reviews, Camera Lens and Accessories, Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.