Product Description

This lens transforms a large-aperture F2.8 300mm 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 (the special low dispersion) glass elements in front group and another element of SLD is being used for rear group for excellent correction of chromatic aberration.The new multi layer lens coating and lens design reduce flare and ghost, which is a common problem with digital cameras and also creates an optimum color balance through the entire zoom range.The AF drive for Sigma SA, Canon and Nikon cameras is equipped with a silent, responsive and high speed 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 use.High-speed focusing is possible when this lens is used with dedicated APO EX tele-converters (1.4x and 2x). By adding an APO tele-converter, which is sold separately, you can use this lens as a 168-420mm F4 AF tele-zoom lens with a 1.4x tele-converter, or as a 240-600mm F5.6 AF ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a 2x tele-converter. It is also possible to use AE (Automatic Exposure) function, even EX Tele-converters are attached to the lens.

Product Details

• Brand: Sigma
• Model: B000BBGB06
• Released on: 2006-05-04
• Dimensions: 4.40" h x 4.40" w x 10.70" l, 5.73 pounds

Features

• Features a large aperture of f/2.8 at the 300 millimeter focal length
• Multi-layer lens coating and lens design reduces flare and ghosting
• Features SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements for superior correction of chromatic aberration
• Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for ultra-quiet shooting

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).

Customer Reviews

Great Lens!
I've had this lens for about 1 year now and am very happy with it. I have no complaints with the quality of the unit or its photos. Some other reviewers have had a complaint with the mount screw holes, stating that they were of poor quality and stripped easily requiring the purchase of a new upgrade mount from Sigma. After using this lens extensively, I can authoritatively say that the mount is very good quality and should provide years of service free use. If you treat it respectfully, you won't have any problems. If you are interested in this lens, I would advise that you get it ASAP, because its price is rapidly rising every year. It has increased a full $400 in less than 8 months!

Professional glass that fills gap in Nikon lineup
I shoot 2-3 sports events a week and while I love my D3 needed more reach (had been trying to shoot soccer & track meets with Nikon 70-200 & Sigma 100-300). I concluded after a lot of thought & soul searching it would be more strategic for me to buy D300/Sigma 120-300mm combo than a 200-400mm for the D3. [the 100-300mm is a great lens too, but that extra stop is so sweet!]

For me, I definitely wanted a f/2.8 lens and felt a zoom would be more versatile than the Nikon 300 f/2.8 (& cheaper too).

There's no question it's a heavy lens by most people's standards, but I always use with a Monfrotto 681B monopod (which I love too).

Have only had this combo for about a 2 weeks but love it. The pictures are tack sharp, and the bokeh is awesome--rivaling Nikon 70-200mm IMHO. People always mention you have to get a good copy from Sigma but buying new I was fairly certain this would not be a problem, and I knew I could always send it right back to Amazon for another copy with no problem.

[....]In summary this combo has helped me take my game to a whole new level, and I'm very, very happy with this lens.

Super zoom for action sports
I purchased this lens in the Fall of 2008 from Amazon, and unlike another reviewer, it was very well packed when I received it. I was shooting a lot of HS and college sports from the sideline with a 70-200 2.8 and sometimes had to crop my shots heavily, but still with with excellent results. Years earlier I had outgrown the marginal images of the consumer grade 70-300. I struggled with a 300 2.8 prime I rented as it lacked the range and flexibility I grew to love in a zoom. I tried this lens and have been hooked ever since!!! Beautiful tack sharp full frame images with excellent color. This lens definitely took me to the next level and is the tool I needed for true pro results. The zoom is like silk and holds perfectly. This lens is heavy and built like a tank, but mounts well with a Manfrotto 234RC head on a 680B monopod. While the head is quick release, it is rock stable. I don't miss the image stabilization that would have added $2500 to the price tag.

If you're looking for pro action images at an outstanding value price, this is your lens.