Sigma Launches the 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM

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vlim said:
What is this lens? I thought they already had a lens that was 120-300 2.8 with OS? I have the 120-300 2.8 non OS and I know there was already a newer version out? I'm very confused....

Same new version with a very few changes...

I think the optical design is the same as the 1st version but they added a focus limiter, which was lacking in the 1st version and made it focus slower than the EF300/2.8L. At least that's what I observed when I rented the lens.
 
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If the new Sigma has the same optical design as its predecessor than it will not be a 120-300 lens, but something in the 260ish range. This is an enormous lens and the gain of 60 - 70 mm compared to the 70-200 f/2.8 to me would not justify the money and the weight. If it has actually 290 mm at its longer end and can maintain or surpass the optical quality of its predecessor than one could say another opportunity missed by Canon.
 
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vlim said:
What is this lens? I thought they already had a lens that was 120-300 2.8 with OS? I have the 120-300 2.8 non OS and I know there was already a newer version out? I'm very confused....

Same new version with a very few changes...

It seems likely for them to share the same optics, but do you know that for a fact or have you just heard it somewhere?

Also, from dpreview,
"With a new dust- and splash-proof design, this lens will also have a focus limiter, which incorporates inner focusing and zooming that does not require a change to the length of the lens for focus and zoom. Sigma and Canon mounts will be available in February, and Nikon mounts will arrive in March. For the full press release, click here. The 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM will be available for the street price of $3,599."

So it seems more weather sealed aswell, I like that for my agriculture photography.
 
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AdamJ

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My understanding is that the optical design of this lens is unchanged (other than the welcome inclusion of a focus limiter switch). It apparently was always a good lens optically so the better QC and customisability can only be welcome.

The price of this lens and the 17-70mm will be a marker for Sigma's more interesting lenses that it chooses to re-engineer, such as the 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4.
 
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giotto

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I´m shooting in sports. The big advantage of this lens is the zoom-range with an aperture of 2,8. I often stand in a fixed position whith a lot of other photografers around me, unable to move and in this situation a zoom is really top. In such moments I use the EF 2,8 70-200 USM IS II with both tc (1,4 / 2,0).
The sigma lens would be very interesting if the iq is at the same as the canon-zoom -- especially when using a tc. In earlier times I tested serveral sigma zooms (the sigma 120-300 too) and the iq of the pure lens was ok, but when using a tc it becomes bad and no more usable and so it was no more interesting for me.
I´m hoping that the iq now ist better than all earlier versions especially when using a tc. Such a lens I would buy for 3500,- € and save 3000,- against the canon 2,8 300 IS II.
I`ll wait for the tests and images, then I will rent the lens and then I will see it the lens is worth the money. For a lens with only "good" image-quality I wouldn`t pay so much money. In such case I will save it and buy next year the canon superlens (2,8 / 300 II)

So, Sigma ! I hope you will give as a top lens
 
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I want to love this lens. But how many editions of this lens have come out in total?, in just the past few years? Am I the only one worried by that? It seems like they keep trying to get this lens right.

Granted nobody makes exactly the same lens combination, but B&H is listing this lens for $3599 on pre-order! But you can get a 70-200 f28 IS II (one of the best lenses in the world), and a 1.4X III extender for $2393. Or about $1200 less. How good does it have to be to be worth not getting the Canon?

I suppose compared to a Canon 300mm f2.8 IS II, it seems cheap, and it zooms. I will wait for the reviews...
 
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vlim said:
What is this lens? I thought they already had a lens that was 120-300 2.8 with OS? I have the 120-300 2.8 non OS and I know there was already a newer version out? I'm very confused....

Same new version with a very few changes...
Excepting the price, of course. The old version has dropped to $3,000, the new version will be at least $3500.
 
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dilbert said:
Am I on the only one that read the entire story and saw this line (it appears twice in the story):

Preorder the Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 DG OS HSM for $3599
The price was added to the article at a later stage :)

max said:
It is definitely gonna be heavier (2.8kg vs 1,5kg)
Has the weight been confirmed somewhere or is that the previous version?
 
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I am really interested in this lens, too, although it seems that aside from the exterior design and the focus limiter, nothing has changed from the previous 120-300 2.8 OS.
But what has changed significantly, though, is the price... in Germany the old one is 2999€, the "new" one 3999€. If this premium translates more or less directly into street prices (the old one has just dropped below the 2000€ barrier recently), I will probably look elsewhere.
For anyone interested in review, Photozone has one on 5DMk2:
http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/629-sigma120300f28oseos

Well worth the read, my summary: Great center sharpness, on par with 70-200 IS 2.8 II, borders not so great. Good bokeh, and -- being an apochromat -- virtually no green/purple fringing.
I handled the old 120-300 2.8 OS once in a store, and at 3kg it is really a behemoth.
 
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Mt Spokane Photography said:
vlim said:
What is this lens? I thought they already had a lens that was 120-300 2.8 with OS? I have the 120-300 2.8 non OS and I know there was already a newer version out? I'm very confused....

Same new version with a very few changes...
Excepting the price, of course. The old version has dropped to $3,000, the new version will be at least $3500.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BRAND-NEW-OZ-WARRANTY-SIGMA-APO-120-300MM-F2-8-EX-DG-OS-HSM-LENS-FOR-CANON-/180988355659?pt=AU_Lenses&hash=item2a23bf244b

the old / current not as cool looking version can actually be had much cheaper at a bit under $2400!
 
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infared

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Jul 19, 2011
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If this lens remains optically the same as the old model, and now costs $3500, aren't I better off (I.e. sharper, more compact, lighter and more versatile), with a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II and a Canon 1.4X III? After reading reviews of the current Sigma's IQ (which will stay the same for the new lens), at The Photozone and The Digital Picture...it seems to me that the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II is that much sharper. I would also be saving a bundle of money! Am I missing something???
I would be missing 20mm of reach...that is about it.
 
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