Is Sigma 120-300 2.8 sport lens good?

[Sportseditor123]

Hi all,

I'm curious if anyone uses the Sigma 120-300 2.8 sport lens.

I've heard to stick to your camera company for lenses, but Canon zooms and primes are expensive.

How does the Sigma do? What are the sacrifices? Clarity? Speed of auto focus?

I would be using it on a 1DX Mark II.

Thank you!

[wq9nsc]

PM Ernie (ebiggs1) because he has a very high opinion of that lens and could offer insight.  I don't think he is on the forum as much anymore but he may see this thread.

It is a very useful range and I seriously considered one but my typical setup is a 70-200 f2.8 on one body and either a 300 f2.8 for indoor or a 400 f2.8 for outdoor.  I recall some reviewers said the focus speed isn't quite as fast as a Canon lens but that would depend upon the comparison.  For example, I have an EF 200-400 f4 with built in extender and it is fast focusing compared to a lot of lenses but noticeably a step off the stellar 300 and 400 f2.8 lenses which isn't surprising comparing a zoom to a prime but I think it is also slightly slower than my 70-200 f2.8.  But this is just based upon my impressions and you would need a precision measurement setup under controlled conditions to reliably and repeatably characterize focus speed difference.

In terms of Sigma quality, I first looked at one back in the late 1980s and back then they were considered the low cost low performance alternative to system lenses and were a huge step down.  I carried that bias with me for decades until I tried a Sigma Art 50 f1.4 and I prefer it to my Canon 50 f1.4.  Based upon that, I picked up a Sigma "super zoom" 150-600 as a light weight versatile hiking lens and I was amazed by the image quality out of it isn't as good as my long Canon primes but its image quality is frighteningly close to the expensive 200-400 f4 1.4X from Canon.  I wouldn't use the 150-600 for sports given its f stop range and slower focus acquisition but that lens is far better than it ought to be for the low price.

Rodger

[ebiggs1]

"...because he has a very high opinion of that lens and could offer insight."

Yes, I do. I love that lens. My basic thoughts and my recommendation is for a Canon camera owner to use Canon lenses unless Canon doesn't make what you want or need. I long time ago petitioned Canon to make a 150-600mm super zoom but they never did. I believe they finally saw the light when they finally created the new Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens.

Although I did not express my effort to get Canon to make a 120-300mm with a fixed f2.8 aperture as forcefully I did suggest it to them. So, the next best option was the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports Lens. The lens is absolutely outstanding.

Being in the business for as long as I have you gain quite a few photographer friends and I have one best friend who has the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens. We are always going around about which is better.  If AF is any faster or different I can't tell it. The Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens might be a tad better IQ wise but there again if it is, it is tiny, if at all. Two things the big Siggy has been discontinued and it is expensive. Not to mention it is heavy. The Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports Lens is compatible with the Sigma USB Dock while the Canon is not user upgradable or configurable. 

My two favorite Sigma lenses and the ones I really only use are the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports Lens and the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens. BTW, they are almost twins in appearance.

Currently I use them on a 1D MK IV and 1DX.. I would not hesitate to buy it all over again and I still think Rodger should get one!😁

[wq9nsc]

Ernie,

You make a compelling case for the lens!  Let's see how much my new rescue of an abandoned several month old puppy costs me before I see what is in the lens budget for the year 🙂

Rodger

[Sportseditor123]

Thanks for all your help, Rodger!

Dogs are the best! Thanks for saving a life!

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

While I have significant experience with Sigma's EF lenses, Rodger and I both wanted Ernie to respond first since he has a great deal of experience with this lens.  

If you decide to go with this lens, you are looking at about $3k for one that's in good condition.

Sigma reports this lens as compatible with the 1DX mkII.  

Let's look at firmware.  I agree, grab a USB Dock

v2.0.1 (2019) specifically addresses enhanced compatibility with the 1DX mkII

Since updates are cumulative, I would upgrade the lens to v2.0.2 (2020)

120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM (Canon EF mount) | Sports | Firmware Download | SUPPORT | Sigma https://share.google/tzUGLmlrqGIMkmlhl

Canon makes both 300 and 400mm f2.8 primes but these are upwards of $4K.  I checked refurb too but didn't see any stock.

The sigma is a heavy hitter and built like a tank.  ‌🙂‌.

[ebiggs1]

"The sigma is a heavy hitter and built like a tank."

Yes it is! It is a lens Canon should have made or should make in the future.