Sigma APO 100-300mm f/4 EX DG HSM for use on a Canon DSLR

[Ian Robinson]

Spotted this lens :

Specs : http://www.dirtcheapcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProduct=1385

A review of it : http://photosig.pcphotoreview.com/cat/lenses/35mm-zoom/sigma/PRD_85165_3128crx.aspx

Looks like a good general purpose zoom telephoto that also has enough apeture to be useful for astrophotography.
I like it's 82mm diam and relatively fast speed (I know it's not f2.8 which would be wonderful to have in a zoom with same fl but you'd have to rob a bank , or win Lotto , or find a friendly bank manager , to buy ), and the fact it is an APO design and made in Japan are pluses. The price looks reasonable too.

Canon's EF 90-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM and EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM only have an apeture (filter size) of 58mm.
Canon's EF 70-200 f/2.8L USM has an apeture (filter size) of 77mm and looks like a nice bit of kit , it's considerably more expensive than the Sigma and with selectable sensor speeds up to 3200 is probably overkill.

The Sigma APO 100-300mm f/4 looks like it might be a good match for the EF 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM that comes in 40D enthusiast kit.

What do you guys think of it ?

[iceman]

hmm does look pretty nice. I've always wanted something to replace the stock 70-300 lens that I've got now. It would certainly be good for medium focal length piggyback shots.

The price is still out of my budget :(

[Ian Robinson]

That's what I was thinking .... something else to procastinate about.

[davewaldo]

A canon 70-200L F4 lens with a 1.4 converter is also a very nice option.

dugnsuz is doing some lovely images with that setup (see images on this site).

I've never been a fan of Sigma lenses, they never quite seem to deliver what they promise.

It would be great to see some star field tests with the sigma lens.

Cheers,

Dave.

[dugnsuz]

Thanks Dave,
Ian, I looked at this lens before going for the 70-200mm f4L - the Sigma one was just outside of my budget at the time.
The review site linked gives this lens a rave review "highly recommended" and the MTF charts look like it will offer excellent performance across the zoom range - Go for it!
http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Canon%20EOS%20Lens%20Tests/45-canon-eos-aps-c/328-sigma-af-100-300mm-f4-ex-hsm-apo-lab-test-report--review

Cheers
Doug

ps...Hong Kong ebay stores have this at a much reduced price to the one you linked to...
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Sigma-APO-100-300mm-F4-EX-DG-HSM-Lens-100-300-F-4-Gifts_W0QQitemZ290222435079QQihZ019 QQcategoryZ141509QQssPageNameZWDVWQ QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[iceman]

Wow now that price is better.. still can't afford it but nice to dream.

Cheers Doug :)

[dugnsuz]

No worries M,
Still costs more than my 70-200 and the 1.4x extender combined!
Maybe one day!!:(

[dugnsuz]

...forgot to add, Ian - great that it comes with a tripod collar. Saves a few more dollars down the line.:thumbsup:

[RB]

Do yourself a favour Ian and go for either a Canon 70-200mm f4 or if you need the extra stop save up for the f2.8.
Later get yourself a 1.4 TC and you'll have a great combo for both terrestrial and astro.
You should be able to find great deals on the Canon 70-200mm.

:)

[dugnsuz]

I can only agree!;)

...another thing to consider is the size/weight of the lens if it is likely to be piggybacked.
I use mine mounted on a side by side plate, so the small footprint of the 70-200mm lens works well.