p.1 #1 · Sigma 100-300 F/4 Nikon Mount, What do you think?
Hello Nikon Nuts... a few questions for the seasoned photo-fans who are versed in lens review and warranty information:
Anyone have experience purchasing lenses from www.sigma4less.com? I am considering buying a Sigma 100-300 F/4 IF HSM EX lens and EX 1.4 TC from them via mail. I haven't heard much about them and they don't say they are Sigma-endorsed (though the name suggests so, I prefer to be cautious with $$$). What do you think?
Do all Sigma USA products only carry a 1 year manufacturer warranty? Sigma Canada offers a 7 year warranty, which surprises me. Note, however, that even after exchange, taxes in, I would still pay $400 CDNmore than in the USA. Maybe that's the reason behind the price difference?
Are the Mack International warranties any good?
In general what do you think about the lens, understanding that it's not a Nikon prime and doesn't have VR technology? Try and save me a thousand dollars by disuading me from purchasing the 100-300 F/4 !
p.1 #2 · Sigma 100-300 F/4 Nikon Mount, What do you think?
Marc,
I do not know about www.sigma4less, but I do know about the Sigma 100-300 f/4 HSM EX and the 1.4 TC.
I've owned this lens for about a year and a half and it has been one of the best lenses I've owned. It is extremely sharp and very fast focusing, everything works smooth and it's just heavy enough to balance a D1X or D2X nicely, but light enough to carry around all day without killing you.
Until recently I would never think of parting with it, but...last week a friend wanted me to test his Nikon 80-400mm ED IF VR lens, since I've had experience with shooting telephoto lenses. After testing it I'm now sold on that lens and am in the process of purchasing one for myself. The VR works amazingly well and I tested it under some very trying circumstances. Although it does not focus as well or near as fast as the Sigma, especially in low light situations.
I had a bad Nikon 24-120 ED IF VR lens and did not expect the VR to work as well as it did, so I was very surprised with the results.
If you can swing it I would buy the Nikon 80-400mm VR...if not you cannot go wrong with the Sigma 100-300mm f/4. Mine has made me thousands of dollars in the short time I've owned it.
p.1 #3 · Sigma 100-300 F/4 Nikon Mount, What do you think?
Marc,
I’ll chime in behind Steve on this. The Sigma 100-300 f4 offers the most bang for the buck for a 300mm zoom under $1,000. Focus is fast and accurate, image quality is quite good wide open and great at f8-f11. I bought mine from B&H about a year ago with the 1.4 EX for $1050. combined.
As Steve said, it is just light enough to lug around all day at just over 3 lbs., but it is a bit bulky at 12" long with hood.
Using the Sigma EX 1.4x with this lens wide open yields soft images with ugly backgrounds. Stay at f8-f11 when using the 1.4x to get decent image quality.
If you really, really need a zoom in this range (as opposed to a 300mm f4 prime) and want it cheap – this is the one to buy. If you are going to shoot the long end with the 1.4x most of the time, buy the Nikon 300 f4 + 1.4x
p.1 #4 · Sigma 100-300 F/4 Nikon Mount, What do you think?
Steve and Marc,
Thanks for your insight about this lens. Your comments were quite helpful.
I don't have the extra cash for the VR lens, but I've heard virtually only great things about the Sigma. I read your comments and I made some calls... the Sigma 100-300 F/4 at sigma4less.com is $755 with a 1 year warranty and the 1.4TC is $140 so I went ahead and ordered it with an extended 7year Mack warranty. That works out to $1080 CDN when buying in the USA, which is a heck of a lot better than the $1700 CDN after tax that retailers charge here in Ontario.
To solve the non-VR issue (which admittedly would be nice) I am getting a reasonably good monopod for added stability where my tripod won't go (or I won't carry it).
I want a sharp lens, as this is one purportedly is, but I am aware and will heed your advice about shooting at 300mm wide open. I really value the zoom, since my lens ownership isn't an extensive list like some lucky folks. Price is really an issue. I just want to get into the field and shoot with a little more range!
I'm looking forward to getting my lens in a few days. I'll post some comments after I've tried it... my hopes are high.
p.1 #5 · Sigma 100-300 F/4 Nikon Mount, What do you think?
Marc,
Just to be clear - the lens by itself does a very good job wide open. You just need to stop down when using the TC. It won't compete with a good prime, but I have yet to see a better 300mm f4 zoom in the under $1,000. price bracket. If you don't need 300mm and 420mm, get a Nikon 80-200 f2.8 for the same price range, then add a TC later.
Here a couple of snapshots taken with this lens. The 420mm shots are obviously with the TC. All of these were taken handheld around my neighborhood - I just prop myself up against something. I took the moon image while laying on the hood of my truck
p.1 #6 · Sigma 100-300 F/4 Nikon Mount, What do you think?
Hi MArc,I'm a Canon man. But The Canon lenses are so costly, I've been looking for an alternative. I finally caught up with some of your galleries and handiwork with the Sigma 300 f/4 zoom. I'm truly impressed! Makes me feel like I've got a long way to go.. )
I have a canon 20 D, and a host of expensive Canon lenses...some of which I'm very pleased. However, after gaining as much "Intelligence" on the Sigma, I've turned the corner and going to get one. Do you see any problems with a marriage with the 20D and the Sigma you've cited above? How about IS? I could get a Canon 70-200 L USM (without IS) for about $1100. It's $1800 with IS....
I wonder which is the better investment? You are very persuasive on the Sigma.
Lastly, I do a lot of landscapes, animal, Portraits, some sports, and Moon shots. Is this the lens for me?
Thanks in advance,
Wayne
p.1 #7 · Sigma 100-300 F/4 Nikon Mount, What do you think?
Wayne,
Every lens selection is about compromise, whether it be weight, flexibility, speed, image performance or cost.
As I said, I like that lens for what it is: a low cost 300mm f4 zoom. It will not stack up against top quality, expensive Canon or Nikon glass. Nor will it produce images equal to a good prime lens.
People often comment that the excellent Nikon and Canon 70 or 80-200 lenses are better and can get out to 280mm with a 1.4x. This is true, but we are talking about 300mm and 420mm here – a different ballgame.
If you have the funding, always go for the Canon or Nikon professional grade glass which will outlast your current camera bodies. It is money well spent in the long run.
p.1 #8 · Sigma 100-300 F/4 Nikon Mount, What do you think?
Marc,
Thanks for the sample photos...quite nice for 'around the neighbourhood,' and a far cry from my surroundings (though I suspect that the perspective is from a talented eye and technically compentent hands).
I recieved the Sigma 100-300 f/4 a few days ago and it looks to be pomising. I appreciate the input, as there are few things better than reviews from 'hands-on' lens owners. I went to the local camera store and tinkered wtih this lens on my F100 body and it's just what I wanted (knowing that it is what it is, an under $1000 300mm F/4, and its limitations). .
I'm going to perform some pseudo-tests and learn for a while and then I'll post back.
