Sigma 120-300 f2.8 - Anybody Using this? I see there was an old thread when this lens came out, but nothing since. I'm currently using a 70-200 f2.8 for youth soccer games and would...

Rhankins70 Loc: Florida

I see there was an old thread when this lens came out, but nothing since. I'm currently using a 70-200 f2.8 for youth soccer games and would like something with a little more reach so I'm not cropping as much. Any feedback would be appreciated. *burp* excuse me - feeling a bit of GAS

Ol' Frank Loc: Orlando,

Yes, take two Sigmas and call me in the morning. I use the Sigma 18-250 1:3.5-6.3 for everything. Especially Birds in Flight and have no problems. For that extra reach, I have a Kenko 1.4 telextender that works quite well. My camera bodies are Nikon D90 and D7000 for this lens.

Rhankins70 Loc: Florida

Thanks for the reply, but I am looking specifically for the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports Lens.

Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier

I would also be interested in opinions on this lens. I have a feeling that there are not too many out there that use it though. It is not cheap, is fairly heavy, and seems like most would rather have the 150-600 for much less.
I think it would be great for sports though.

Tim Stapp Loc: Mid Mitten

I do know that there is a sports photog in Traverse City, MI that uses it for college and semi pro sports. I spoke with him at the Camera Shop in TC.

Rhankins70 Loc: Florida

I've eyeballed the 150-600mm as well. I do like the qualities of f2.8 glass though, and a 300mm 2.8 prime is a bit out of my budget :)

chinners

I have used this lens for many years with excellent results the main downside being its weight

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Rhankins70 wrote:

I see there was an old thread when this lens came out, but nothing since. I'm currently using a 70-200 f2.8 for youth soccer games and would like something with a little more reach so I'm not cropping as much. Any feedback would be appreciated. *burp* excuse me - feeling a bit of GAS

Its my absolute favorite sports lens, works well indoors for basketball, volleyball, wrestling, hockey, etc. Also works great outdoors, even night games under the lights. It plays very well with a 1.4X TC, but not quite as good with a 2X TC.

juanderfulpics Loc: central jersey

I've been using this lens for more than 2 Yrs, I absolutely love it.the versatility of a 120 to 300 is unparalleled for sports. It is quite sharp and fast af. Don't even think about it, just get it. Beware it is a monster (heavy) so get a good monopod. My number one lens for soccer and football

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

I don't have this lens, but a few of my friends do and it is a stellar lens. If you go on http://www.fredmiranda.com there is a blog on this lens and shots taken. Outstanding!
I have the 300 f2.8 VRII and it is as sharp as this lens with more flexibility. Oh, yes, it is heavy, but at my age of 70, I hand hold my 300 when need to.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Rhankins70 wrote:

I see there was an old thread when this lens came out, but nothing since. I'm currently using a 70-200 f2.8 for youth soccer games and would like something with a little more reach so I'm not cropping as much. Any feedback would be appreciated. *burp* excuse me - feeling a bit of GAS

Excellent for your application. I've rented it a number of times, but I don't own one. At 300 it is not quite as good as at 120, but still quite sharp and it does nicely with a 1.4x

If you need a zoom the only thing better is a 200-400, and if you don't need zoom the 400 F2.8 - which feels like it focuses before I press the button, the focusing is that fast. But this performance is not cheap. Certainly not as cheap as the 120-300. If you buy used, get one of the newer ones. The older ones have issues with the HSM motor and other quirks - which supposedly have been resolved in the current model.

NikonKnight Loc: Owings Mills, MD

I've been using this lens for 2 years for football and basketball and I love it. Once you get used to maneuvering the lens and its weight you'll find it to be a solid performer. I occasional use the 2X teleconverter and shoot at f/5.6 when outdoors. It's very versatile.

Robin Poole Loc: Missoula, Mt

Rhankins70 wrote:

I see there was an old thread when this lens came out, but nothing since. I'm currently using a 70-200 f2.8 for youth soccer games and would like something with a little more reach so I'm not cropping as much. Any feedback would be appreciated. *burp* excuse me - feeling a bit of GAS

I used the 120-300 f/2.8 HSM lens for shooting wild life and liked everything about it except that 300 m didn't get me close enough. Loved the f/2.8 as I could shoOt at a relatively fast shutter speed in low light. It is HEAVY/11 Tried also the Sigma 1.4 extender YES and the 2X NO. Try a mono pod for sports shooting Good Luck

georgeretired Loc: Manitoba Canada

I too use that sigma 70-200 lens and add the 1.4 extender to reach to the 280 mark. I find it okay. The 2x extender lost another focal point so I stayed with the 1.4

xxredbeardxx Loc: San Clemente CA.

Rhankins70 wrote:

I see there was an old thread when this lens came out, but nothing since. I'm currently using a 70-200 f2.8 for youth soccer games and would like something with a little more reach so I'm not cropping as much. Any feedback would be appreciated. *burp* excuse me - feeling a bit of GAS

Sounds like a great lens.
If you decide to get it, please post what you think of it.
Thank you.