Got it in one. You know the rules before you enter. Abide by them. If you don't like them, then bring it up with the organizers. If you really don't like them, don't enter.

Hi Finalimage. I have this lens with a Nikon fit. I have used it on both crop and full frame. I bought it for the full frame use. I'm generally pleased with it, and it has improved my photoshop skills (cloning my own feet out of the bottom of the frame) I don't have a lot of w/angle lens experience but it has allowed a different view often enough to justify having it. I tend to make my vista type shots by taking a pano with a 50mm lens.
One thing about this lens however is that the front element protrudes so is very vulnerable to damage. Also, this means that you cannot put front filters on either for effects or protection. There is a rear filter system, but it is very Heath Robinson at best.
I did use it to take some church interior shots that would have been just about impossible with the rest of my set-up.
Certainly I would recommend it if you can give it enough usage.

I use gel sticks regularly and have no problems. Good advice given earlier about checking it out before using it on your sensor. I check it out on a filter. As has been mentioned some makes are better than others. Eyelead are probably the best though. Those that do transfer onto the sensor are usually ok after doing a couple of "practice cleans" on a filter or the like and transfering any residual to the paper. I also use a blower, and a butterfly brush prior to using the gel stick. Very rarely do I have to resort to wet cleaning.

If there is nothing wrong with the D300s then why change it ? It is still the leader in C format as far as camera quality goes. Like the previous hog, I still have mine as back-up for the D800.

Give it time Redbeard. This site is world wide, and people check in at different times of the day, in THEIR time zone, not yours.
I have the Sigma 85mm 1.4 and can tell you that it is an excellent lens. I have used it in most fields from party/low light, to weddings and most areas between. It makes a very nice portrait lens. It is sharp, but with being a f1.4, can give very shallow dof. For most portrait work (I favour the tightly cropped type) I find using it about f2.8 gives me the results I find pleasing. The only thing on the smaller sensor cameras is that it can become a bit too much. I have used it on both a D300s and also D800.
It will be out on the D300s next weekend as a support camera at a wedding. A job that it is perfect for. Back in the dark ages I had a couple of Sigma lens that would have been better used as door-stops, but the newer Sigma lenses are very good. I would say that the 85mm is the lens that gets borrowed by friends the most out of my collection if that is any sort of guide.

Thanks for that. I really enjoyed it.

I too have used the telephoto plus tubes method, using a Sigma 150 - 500mm for taking dragonflies that would otherwise be unreachable. It works well, and of course for many years was the only way us lesser mortals could afford to go macro.

I use both Sigma and Tamron macro lenses. Tamron 90mm & Sigma 150mm. Both are excellent. The only point I would make is that the longer the focal length, the more issues become magnified. I tend to shoot handheld, and I get a higher hit rate with the shorter focal length. Logical of course, but often overlooked. Maybe it is time I started to force myself to use a tripod, but that would mean a change of style, and would I be happy with that ?

I use a lens skirt sometimes. The main problem is that it can be a bit cumbersome to use. Fine in studio or controlled situations, but I'm not so sure for trying to follow and shoot at a sport event.

I can't tell you what to buy, but I have had, and still do have a selection, some of which have been working for years. The only drives (2) that I have had fail are both Seagate. I know what I wouldn't buy !!

I used to live on an island off the west coast of Scotland (Isle of Lewis) and we had a saying that if you stand on Gallows Hill and see the mainland, it was going to rain, and if you couldn't see the mainland - it is raining.

I must agree about the a/c though. There are still meat-boxes flying, which pre-date '47. Not a bad bird for its age.

I was the same with the D800. Saw the first one in UK at the photo show, and ordered it. Paid the increased price, when it went up by £200, and just after I bought it, it went down by £500. Can't say I regret it though, because as Jerry says, I had the use of the camera, when I wanted it. Not so sure about the 810 though. Guess I'll wait to see what the next REAL changes are rather than just a bit of titivation.

The photo is just marks on paper, it's the thoughts and memories that it evokes that count. I'd say that does the job just right.

Yes, my credit card is the kiss of death to camera's and lens as well. Sure to have a new model or a price drop about the same time I unwrap the package.

Go for the lens first. Then look at the body when you can afford that. Who knows what choice will be available by then ?