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I use this lens almost exlusively for wildlife photography. I've used it extensively for photographing birds in flight and it focuses quickly, quietly, and accurately. The lens zooms smoothly with just enough friction to feel right. Internal zoom and focus make handling simple. I shoot a Nikon with DX format chip and this lens is very sharp across the entire frame. You can't beat this lens for the quality in this price range.
[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
from Columbus, New Jersey on 2/14/2007
The Sigma 100-300 f4 is an all-star for long shots and nature, provided you have enough light. Long and heavy, this lens can help you capture deer, birds and fill a frame with the subject. But lacking image stabilization you need to secure the lens. With a 1.4 extender or in low light a tripod is a must.
I've gotten gorgeous shots of woodpeckers and other birds at our feeders, but only in direct sunlight. Tracking a deer is only for the very committed and strong as the lens is over three pounds or about five pounds with the D200. Trees make great tripods- and places to brace my tired arms.
Manual focus is mandatory as there is too little light for autofocus in my backyard or neighboring woods in this New Jersey winter light. Autofocus hunts at 300mm in low light and camera shake obligates a tripod or nearby tree.
The great news is that this lens really shines in brightly lit areas. Auto focus is spot on and the pictures are crystal clear. Depth of field is better if you can stop down so you can get more than the bird's eye in focus.
You can also stack this lens for micro work if you have ample time and patience. Depth of field is nil at the extremes but flat objects show great detail.
I'll leave the quality of glass and chromatic abberation measurements to the pros. For me, the Sigma 100-300mm outperforms when there is enough light and a cooperative subject. The lens, however, is not for the casual or impatient photographer. It requires care and dedication to take a great pictures at these focal lengths so be forewarned. Sloppy handling will yield blurry results: Patience and experimentation will give you great pics.