Sigma EX 300mm F2.8 APO DG HSM Review

Sigma EX 300mm F2.8 APO DG HSM

General information

This is a prime lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2005.
The lens belongs to the category telephoto prime lenses, a telephoto lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Sigma

At launch 2005 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma EX 300mm F2.8 APO DG HSM :

"The Sigma APO 300mm F2.8 EX DG is a high performance telephoto lens and, for the professional photographer, is an absolute requirement. With a fast telephoto lens suitable for capturing the fastest action, whether that is a local soccer game, high school basketball in a dimly lit gym or sports cars racing. This lens also does double duty isolating single faces at a news conference or catching the bride in a candid moment at the wedding reception. Two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements provide optimum color correction and sharpness throughout the entire zoom range and a new multi-layer lens coating technology and lens design formula reduce flare & ghosting. When used with full frame cameras & Sigma’s 1.4x or 2x optional Tele Converters it becomes a 420mm F4 manual focus lens or a 600mm F5.6 manual focus lens respectively. For the professional or advanced amateur looking for such a lens at a value price there is no other choice than the Sigma 300mm F2.8. Equipped with all of the latest technology to compete with the camera manufacturer’s products and produces tack sharp end result images.

Designed for use with full frame digital SLR cameras. May also be used with smaller APS-c size sensors with a corresponding effective increase in focal length to about 450 with most cameras

HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus

Amazingly compact. Under 9 inches long & just over 5pounds

Inner focusing system which enables responsive and fast auto focus speed & overall length does not change

A lens hood, tripod socket TS-21, front & rear lens caps and carrying case are included with the lens."

Product description from Sigma at launch 2005

Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon and Nikon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 300 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8.

This aperture value indicates that the lens is very bright.  This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues. Lenses with good aperture values and longer focal lengths, such as this lens, tend to be popular amongs sports and nature photographers.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.

Filter and Lens Hood

If you want to use filters on this lens the slot-in filters  (52 mm) would be the ones to use, which is very common at these larger telephoto lenses.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "LH1196-01 195".

Tripod Mount

This lens is equipped with a tripod mount, which makes use of a tripod easier and more stable.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The lens brightness, f/2,8
  • Works on all sensor types
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • A tripod mount is included
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
  • Heavy (2400 gr)
  • The price (more info)

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Sigma EX 300mm F2.8 APO DG HSM .

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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