Sigma 300-600 F4
p.3 #1Sigma 300-600 F4
David83 wrote:
I had the 200-600 and the only reason I would go back to it would be if I truly needed 30FPS with the zoom, or needed the size and weight savings. The Sigma is truly that good, but it is huge! I also have the 600GM and 300GM along side the 300-600. While I feel the 300Gm may be the best lens ever made in terms of image quality and AF speed, its limited in its use, for me at least. I will carry it attached to a 2x TC slung on my shoulder and have the 600 w /1.4...Show more →
Please report your findings.
isyoox703 wrote
Almost convinced myself that this lens would be a great upgrade from the Sony 200-600G for soccer and lacrosse (paired with the A7V), but can't overcome the nagging feeling that the 300GM would be better (or the 400GM ultimately, at twice the price). Wonder if this thread has thoughts.Please report your findings.
Mar 19, 2026 at 06:28 AM
p.3 #2Sigma 300-600 F4
Too bad to didn't include the exif data in your photos Jeff @jeffryscott. See them would definitely help to evaluate the lens.
Mar 19, 2026 at 06:56 AM
p.3 #3Sigma 300-600 F4
schlotz wrote:
Too bad to didn't include the exif data in your photos Jeff @jeffryscott. See them would definitely help to evaluate the lens.
I don't know why exif isn't included, must be when I export from Lightroom it strips it.
Too bad to didn't include the exif data in your photos Jeff @jeffryscott. See them would definitely help to evaluate the lens.
I don't know why exif isn't included, must be when I export from Lightroom it strips it.
Mar 21, 2026 at 05:12 PM
p.3 #4Sigma 300-600 F4
Still finding this lens quite good and quite capable at tracking birds in flight. Sony A1. Tucson, AZ.
Mar 21, 2026 at 05:33 PM
p.3 #5Sigma 300-600 F4
Can't tell for certain in my browser, but these seem to have that pop of sharper, faster glass vs. the photos that you posted taken with the 400-800 (that were also good, but remind me of my 200-600). I'm chasing something more than I am getting with the 200-600, something akin to how I feel about pics taken with the 50-150GM, and am wondering if the Sigma 300-600 will provide that on the long end. I mean, I should maybe not overthink it and get the 400GM, but I feel like the versatility of a zoom will serve me, even with the tradeoffs.
Mar 22, 2026 at 08:06 AM
p.3 #6Sigma 300-600 F4
isyoox703 wrote:
Can't tell for certain in my browser, but these seem to have that pop of sharper, faster glass vs. the photos that you posted taken with the 400-800 (that were also good, but remind me of my 200-600). I'm chasing something more than I am getting with the 200-600, something akin to how I feel about pics taken with the 50-150GM, and am wondering if the Sigma 300-600 will provide that on the long end. I mean, I should maybe not overthink it and get the 400GM, but I feel like the versatility of a zoom will serve me, even...Show more →
Thanks, it does have that extra little. The 400-800 is impressive and I would have been completely happy with it had I not had a chance to use the 300-600. A friend of a friend let me use the 300-600 briefly while he had it to compare to the 600 4. Like seemingly everybody, I was concerned. by the weight, the lack of teleconverter support and the 15fps limitation. I use a tripod 90% of the time and using the Sigma on the tripod the weight is inconsequential, the Viltrox 2x works well (and hoping for a Viltrox 1.4x) and really not noticing the missing FPS. For the price compared to even used Sony 400's or 600's, it is a great lens. I continue to be impressed with how quickly it acquires focus on BIF.
Can't tell for certain in my browser, but these seem to have that pop of sharper, faster glass vs. the photos that you posted taken with the 400-800 (that were also good, but remind me of my 200-600). I'm chasing something more than I am getting with the 200-600, something akin to how I feel about pics taken with the 50-150GM, and am wondering if the Sigma 300-600 will provide that on the long end. I mean, I should maybe not overthink it and get the 400GM, but I feel like the versatility of a zoom will serve me, even...Show more →
Thanks, it does have that extra little. The 400-800 is impressive and I would have been completely happy with it had I not had a chance to use the 300-600. A friend of a friend let me use the 300-600 briefly while he had it to compare to the 600 4. Like seemingly everybody, I was concerned. by the weight, the lack of teleconverter support and the 15fps limitation. I use a tripod 90% of the time and using the Sigma on the tripod the weight is inconsequential, the Viltrox 2x works well (and hoping for a Viltrox 1.4x) and really not noticing the missing FPS. For the price compared to even used Sony 400's or 600's, it is a great lens. I continue to be impressed with how quickly it acquires focus on BIF.
Mar 22, 2026 at 11:18 AM
p.3 #7Sigma 300-600 F4
I read from older reviews that, the lens can not lock on focus if you try to track and zoom at the same time. Is this still the case? Imagine you are trying to track a subject coming towards your camera while you zoom out.
Mar 22, 2026 at 11:39 AM
p.3 #8Sigma 300-600 F4
Thanks for the notes. I keep waffling between thinking this lens will scratch the itch and thinking I need the 400GM. I will also be shooting on a tripod so weight doesn’t bother me, and when the alternative is a prime, not being able to track focus while zooming isn’t as much of a concern, either. All this to take better pics of my kids playing sports is probably overkill but it brings me satisfaction…
Mar 22, 2026 at 11:59 AM
p.3 #9Sigma 300-600 F4
If it allows you to capture cherished memories of your children, then it’s never overkill.
Mar 22, 2026 at 12:41 PM
p.3 #10Sigma 300-600 F4
kenwood wrote:
I read from older reviews that, the lens can not lock on focus if you try to track and zoom at the same time. Is this still the case? Imagine you are trying to track a subject coming towards your camera while you zoom out.
it does not AF while zooming, I've not had an issue with this as of yet. I use back button focus so just release and zoom then reacquire.
I read from older reviews that, the lens can not lock on focus if you try to track and zoom at the same time. Is this still the case? Imagine you are trying to track a subject coming towards your camera while you zoom out.
it does not AF while zooming, I've not had an issue with this as of yet. I use back button focus so just release and zoom then reacquire.
Mar 22, 2026 at 12:59 PM
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p.3 #11Sigma 300-600 F4
isyoox703 wrote:
Thanks for the notes. I keep waffling between thinking this lens will scratch the itch and thinking I need the 400GM. I will also be shooting on a tripod so weight doesn’t bother me, and when the alternative is a prime, not being able to track focus while zooming isn’t as much of a concern, either. All this to take better pics of my kids playing sports is probably overkill but it brings me satisfaction…
It's the same for me. My thinking is that I'd appreciate the 2.8 at 400 much more than f/4 and they'd be equal at ~600 anyways, so just go with the 400mm.
Thanks for the notes. I keep waffling between thinking this lens will scratch the itch and thinking I need the 400GM. I will also be shooting on a tripod so weight doesn’t bother me, and when the alternative is a prime, not being able to track focus while zooming isn’t as much of a concern, either. All this to take better pics of my kids playing sports is probably overkill but it brings me satisfaction…
It's the same for me. My thinking is that I'd appreciate the 2.8 at 400 much more than f/4 and they'd be equal at ~600 anyways, so just go with the 400mm.
Mar 23, 2026 at 06:56 AM
p.3 #12Sigma 300-600 F4
I have both lenes. I prefer the 400 f2. Much easier to handle and better low light. Paired with a high res camera it cannot be beat. If zoom is important than the 300-600 has a slight advantage.
Mar 23, 2026 at 09:25 AM
p.3 #13Sigma 300-600 F4
As a hobbyist, spending half as much on the Sigma vs. the 400GM is not insignificant. I have other really expensive things to take care of (like the 4 kids I am trying to photograph)...
Mar 23, 2026 at 01:27 PM
p.3 #14Sigma 300-600 F4
A1 with 300-600, 600mm at F4. Love this lens. Would the Sony 600 4 or 400 2.8 be better, I'm sure. But for the price, this can't be beat.
Mar 24, 2026 at 06:26 AM
p.3 #15Sigma 300-600 F4
Has anyone tested to see whether or not this lens is a true 600mm at 600? Or is it a bit short like other zooms when compared to primes at the same focal length?
Mar 26, 2026 at 08:31 AM
p.3 #16Sigma 300-600 F4
Lt.Deadeye wrote:
Has anyone tested to see whether or not this lens is a true 600mm at 600? Or is it a bit short like other zooms when compared to primes at the same focal length?
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1921881/0#16938689
Earlier in the thread i compared it to my 600GM. I used a tripod and just swapped lenses. Virtually identical field of view.
Has anyone tested to see whether or not this lens is a true 600mm at 600? Or is it a bit short like other zooms when compared to primes at the same focal length?
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1921881/0#16938689
Earlier in the thread i compared it to my 600GM. I used a tripod and just swapped lenses. Virtually identical field of view.
Mar 26, 2026 at 12:45 PM
p.3 #18Sigma 300-600 F4
Well, the shad run is in full swing so the Ospreys are abundant here on the river. I finally took the Sigma down by itself to run it through a true test and it did not disappoint. Unfortunately, most of the action was on the other side of the river so I had very few good opportunities. I really love the way this lens renders. Ive been shooting the 600Gm mostly and have some threads over in the wildlife and nature forum.
Here's some from tonight. I took about 2200 images and only about 10 were missed focus.
DSC02383 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
3.30.1 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
3.30.3 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
3.30.4 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
3.30.6 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
3.30.2 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
3.30.5 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
Here's some from tonight. I took about 2200 images and only about 10 were missed focus.
DSC02383 by D.C. 83, on Flickr3.30.1 by D.C. 83, on Flickr3.30.3 by D.C. 83, on Flickr3.30.4 by D.C. 83, on Flickr3.30.6 by D.C. 83, on Flickr3.30.2 by D.C. 83, on Flickr3.30.5 by D.C. 83, on FlickrMar 30, 2026 at 07:04 PM
p.3 #19Sigma 300-600 F4
David83 wrote:
Well, the shad run is in full swing so the Ospreys are abundant here on the river. I finally took the Sigma down by itself to run it through a true test and it did not disappoint. Unfortunately, most of the action was on the other side of the river so I had very few good opportunities. I really love the way this lens renders. Ive been shooting the 600Gm mostly and have some threads over in the wildlife and nature forum.
Here's some from tonight. I took about 2200 images and only about 10 were missed focus.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55178883655_ce9a25dc0e_h.jpgDSC02383 by...Show more →
At this point, maybe my 300-600 is defective? I'm missing a decent amount of shots from every burst, soft focus. Or is there some hidden setting I don't know about? Maybe I should send it in to Sigma for a repair or checkup or something.
Well, the shad run is in full swing so the Ospreys are abundant here on the river. I finally took the Sigma down by itself to run it through a true test and it did not disappoint. Unfortunately, most of the action was on the other side of the river so I had very few good opportunities. I really love the way this lens renders. Ive been shooting the 600Gm mostly and have some threads over in the wildlife and nature forum.
Here's some from tonight. I took about 2200 images and only about 10 were missed focus.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55178883655_ce9a25dc0e_h.jpgDSC02383 by...Show more →
At this point, maybe my 300-600 is defective? I'm missing a decent amount of shots from every burst, soft focus. Or is there some hidden setting I don't know about? Maybe I should send it in to Sigma for a repair or checkup or something.
Mar 31, 2026 at 05:13 PM
p.3 #20Sigma 300-600 F4
What body are you running?
ASC_1900 wrote:
Here's some from tonight. I took about 2200 images and only about 10 were missed focus.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55178883655_ce9a25dc0e_h.jpgDSC02383 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55178738399_6397d17684_h.jpg3.30.1 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55177594787_d529e6e82b_h.jpg3.30.3 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55178649548_3632586f16_h.jpg3.30.4 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55177594642_2518543520_h.jpg3.30.6 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55177594792_0a3042bbc7_h.jpg3.30.2 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55178883485_c3574fce35_h.jpg3.30.5 by D.C. 83, on FlickrAt this point, maybe my 300-600 is defective? I'm missing a decent amount of shots from every burst, soft focus. Or is there some hidden setting I don't know about? Maybe I should send it in to Sigma for a repair or checkup or something.
ASC_1900 wrote:
David83 wrote
Well, the shad run is in full swing so the Ospreys are abundant here on the river. I finally took the Sigma down by itself to run it through a true test and it did not disappoint. Unfortunately, most of the action was on the other side of the river so I had very few good opportunities. I really love the way this lens renders. Ive been shooting the 600Gm mostly and have some threads over in the wildlife and nature forum.Here's some from tonight. I took about 2200 images and only about 10 were missed focus.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55178883655_ce9a25dc0e_h.jpgDSC02383 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55178738399_6397d17684_h.jpg3.30.1 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55177594787_d529e6e82b_h.jpg3.30.3 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55178649548_3632586f16_h.jpg3.30.4 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55177594642_2518543520_h.jpg3.30.6 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55177594792_0a3042bbc7_h.jpg3.30.2 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55178883485_c3574fce35_h.jpg3.30.5 by D.C. 83, on Flickr
Mar 31, 2026 at 06:11 PM