Used Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS APO HSM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon Cameras.

2012-06-29T21:00:00

If you want the very best possible image quality , you will need a prime lens. Does not matter if you shoot Canon, Nikon .... A zoom is very convenient when at the sidelines for photos but if using for cropping and enlarging for action photos of events for clients only a dedicated prime from camera manufacturer will give you the best quality you are looking for . The MTF charts look really good on some non dedicated lens but just don't compare to real tools. Let's face it, for the money, GET THE REAL THING , just pay a little more. The difference will amaze you . There is just no free lunch when it comes to lens.

clearwater

2012-04-29T21:00:00

Works very well with a 2x tele-extender for wildlife photography.

Joedifco

2012-02-08T19:00:00

Bottom line. Lens has great build quality and super fast focus. But it is no sharper than my Nikon 80-200 af 2.8 at 200 compared to the sigma at 300. After a series of comparative photos zoomed into pixel levels I saw no advantage. So, in my case it went back. Either my 80/200 is spectacular glass or the sigma is just average.

DAVID S.

2012-01-30T19:00:00

I like the lens for outdoor photography. It is a fast focus lens and works well with my D300s. It is sharp and the f/2.8 is exactly what I neeed for birding. I intend to us it with a Sigma 2x teleconverter to get greater range and the f/2.8 will allow me to do it.

EDMOND W.

2011-10-10T21:00:00

I use this for nature and wildlife here in Wyoming. I have a large focal length gap between my Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 and my 500 f/4 so I decided to try this lens - my first ever non-nikkor lens. The first one I received had an AF problem and Adorama promptly sent me a replacement which is wonderful. Note that I needed -18 AF Fine-Tune on my D3S to get sharp images, but once it was dialed-in it is fantastic. Very sharp wide open and works really well with Sigma's 1.4 and 2 Teleconverters with very little loss of image quality. It doesn't AF quite as fast as some of my Nikkors but it is definitely acceptable for what I shoot. This is a super-versatile lens with much better than expected image quality, even wide open with a 2x teleconverter. The stabilization works great. I shoot handheld with excellent results at 300mm and with the 1.4 TC. When using the 2X TC I find that I need to use a tripod to get sharp images. Highly recommended as a versatile wildlife lens!

STEVEN M.

2011-09-12T21:00:00

I use this lens almost exclusively at indoor dog agility events - with poor lighting and fast action. I shoot at ISO 25,600 wide open (f2.8). The only way to get sharp (if not noisy) images where I shoot. Previously, I used my Nikon 70-200 VR. The extra 100 mm reach is a huge help (especially with the small dogs). I did have an issue with the lens the first time out. After about 5,000 frames, I got a few occasional dark frames (the lens was not communicating with the D700, and the aperture was closed to minimum). I called Sigma in N.Y. and was told this was due to weak contact springs (a problem only with the Nikon mount lenses). They paid shipping back and forth, and installed a factory upgraded, stronger contact spring. The turn around was just a few days - excellent service. The lens worked fine at the next event (although only about 4,000 frames taken. But, I'm assuming the problem is corrected). I would imagine Sigma has since corrected the issue on the Nikon mounts with later shipments (I got one of the first imported, in June). But, I would recommend Nikon buyers to confirm that with Sigma (and get the serial numbers of the upgraded version). I just ordered a Sigma 1.4x multiplier, and will do some wildlife shortly.

TERRY T.

2011-08-26T21:00:00

The zoom range is great and w/a 14TC would be a poor man's Nikon 200-400VR for half the cost! The images I took were tack sharp and the zoom was great for recomposing close wildlife images to ones including habitat. The rear mounted manual focus ring is very handy. And, although I don't use it much, the OS functions as advertised. Lastly, the large foot on the tripod ring is great for carrying the system. the only negative (it's a small one) is the tripod ring doesn't rotate as smoothly as Nikkor but, for thousands less i can live with it!

MARK M.

2011-07-15T21:00:00

I do lots of dog agility trials (mostly in poorly lit arenas), some horse events, stage events (operas), and weddings. This is the only fast, zoom lens made with this range. I also use a Nikon 20-200 VR - sometimes with the TC 1.4 (on a D700). This lens should give me the extra reach that I've been looking for - with the fast speed needed where I shoot. So far, I've just tested this lens outside for some wildlife, scenics, etc. Very impressive. Sharp, great contrast and color, and the OS works very well (300 mm at 1/50, tack sharp). I'll be putting it to the test with a couple of weeks of horse events and dog agility starting next week. I'll report back on the results.

TERRY T.