Sigma AF 120-300mm f/2.8 APO EX HSM DG OS (Canon EOS) - Review / Lens Test - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Canon EOS (Full Format)

Sample Images

Here're some RAW-converted images taken with the EOS 5D II.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window). Please note that the originals are FULL SIZE samples (=several megabytes) thus requiring a significant amount of bandwidth so please take care of the limited resources here.

Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5D Mark II
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 120.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/1600s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5D Mark II
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 300.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/2500s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5D Mark II
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 193.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/2000s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5D Mark II
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 182.0mm
Aperture: f/4.5
Exposure 1/800s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5D Mark II
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 252.0mm
Aperture: f/4.5
Exposure 1/1600s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5D Mark II
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 300.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/1600s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5D Mark II
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 300.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/5000s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5D Mark II
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 235.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/6400s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5D Mark II
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 300.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/3200s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5D Mark II
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 120.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/1000s

Verdict

The Sigma AF 120-300mm f/2.8 APO EX HSM DG OS is a refreshingly unique design. It offers the best of both worlds - the flexibility of the popular 70-200mm f/2.8 tele zoom lenses and the reach of the big 300mm f/2.8 prime lenses. The question of the day is, of course, whether it can deliver ? Well, mostly at least. The critical center performance is on an exceptionally high level and this is where it counts the most on a tele lens, of course. The border/corner quality isn't quite as impressive albeit still pretty decent. The amount of vignetting is about typical for a large aperture tele zoom lens. Distortions are usually nothing to worry about. The quality of the bokeh is generally good. A really outstanding aspect of the lens is the very low amount of bokeh fringing.

The lens is a member of Sigma's professional grade EX lineup. Regarding its full metal construction and tight assembly we've no doubts that it can withstand some abuse. Just make sure that you can live with the rather massive weight and large size. The AF is very fast making it suitable for use during sports/action events. The HSM ("Hypersonic Motor") operates also near-silent so you won't shy away nervous wildlife either. The OS (Optical Stabilizer) is another highlight of the lens and its 4 f-stops efficiency is on par with Canon's IS. The moderate pricing of the Sigma lens is quite baffling. In absolute terms it is, of course, very expensive but compared to a 300mm f/2.8 prime lens it represents an exceptional value.

Optical Quality: to    
Field Quality: (Sports & Wildlife Photography)
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:
      
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