tomcat

Have any of you sports shooters shot with this lens? I have a granddaughter playing soccer this year and I would like to be able to get some shots of her from across the field. Just wondering how this lens is regarding sharpness and AF speed in real use by some of my hoggers. Thanks.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I have used two generations of that lens, have the Sport model now. It's the best overall sports lens out there, bar none.

Acufine3200 Loc: Texarkana USA

I don't have the Sports model, but I use the 2nd gen for sports...if that counts, lol. Fantastic glass. If you have a crop sensor body then you'll do better in trying to reach across the field to shoot your granddaughter. I chose this over a Nikon 300/2.8 simply because it does zoom back to 120 which is helpful for action sports. Tack-sharp...you won't go wrong.

tomcat

I do have a crop sensor body, the D500. So you think it's a good investment then?

tomcat

Thanks, I'm going to be using it on my D500, so it'll give me even more reach. I have to stay on the west side of the field because the way it is built, N-S, I would be shooting directly into the sun if I moved over to her side, on the east. I think I will give it a try. I have a monopod which will help with the weight.

Acufine3200 Loc: Texarkana USA

You’re going to have a blast with the lens speed and D500’s amazing AF. I bought mine used, but they seem to hold their value. I haven’t thought twice about a 300 prime since getting it.

tomcat

Really cool, I'm looking forward to it. I currently have a 70-200mm which is really sharp and a great lens, but just doesn't have the reach across the field without a lot of cropping.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The monopod is a good idea, it's a heavy lens. I no longer use a dedicated monopod, I simply use my tripod with only one leg extended, works great for me, plus I have a tripod at the ready for those times I want to go "hands free".

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Here is what actual users have to say.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/909811-REG/Sigma_137306_120_300mm_f_2_8_DG_OS.html/reviews

Stanj

I've used this lens for my daughter's college soccer and found it to be excellent. I use it with my D850, and have taken thousands of awesome day and night game photos.

I couldn't recommend it any higher. Perhaps not a quick to focus as the Nikkor 300mm f2.8, but more than adequate!

tomcat

Thanks Bill for your suggestion here. I had already read those from B&H which prompted me to seriously consider this lens. It's vintage 2014 and I wanted some more "non-fluffy" reviews from my fellow hoggers. Sometimes I think those reviews from vendors are filtered and you don't always get a lot of negatives (perhaps they are stacked in favor of selling the merchandise?) I know from ordering B&H stuff you shortly get an email from them wanting to know if you are pleased with your purchase and often the period of time has not been long enough to really test the equipment out. In addition, since the lens has been out a while, I was hoping that some hoggers would be able to talk about the durability of this lens. I wish that Rockwell and Hogan had reviewed this lens, but I couldn't find any reviews on their websites. You guys have been a lot of encouragement to try this, although it's a $3,000 investment. At my age of 71, I might not get many ops to use it but 10 times per year for the home and away games. And I have to travel to the away games (sometimes a 2 hr drive) to get pictures of the grandkids for grammy.

In-lightened Loc: Kansas City

How does this lens do with a tele? Love my 300mm f2.8 but sometimes I need a zoom. Love using this with a monopod so weight is manageable.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I have an used OS version of this lens available in mint condition if you're interested. I will PM you with details.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Nice to know. I am also 71 and I have gone with the Nikon 500 5.6 fl, I have found it very light to use. I shoot it off the D5, D850 and D500. If I need reach, I use the D500, if I am shooting sports, I put it on the D5 or D850.
If your going to shoot primarily in the daytime, the Nikon 200-500 5.6 would be great and be able to stop action.
I just hate for you to buy this expensive and heavy lens only to find it may not be exactly what you want.
And, just to add this, I use the Nikon 70-200 2.8 on my D500 all the time for sports, it's effective field of view is 105-300 2.8. You can get this lens in an VRII version of this lens for a song, used off ebay.

capt2575 Loc: New York City

I have used this lens on several occasions. It is a great lens but, it is HEAVY. This is not a walk around type lens. You will be greatly surprised with the IQ. On a crop sensor (7D2) it was fantastic. If you can rent the lens for a try out and then decide.