Sigma 70-200 + 1.4 vs Sigma 100-300

I have been agonizing over getting a fast telephoto lens for a while, and have narrowed it down to a couple of options, but could use some expert advice on the final selection...

I am looking at either:

the Sigma 70-200 2.8 APO EX HSM plus the Sigma 1.4 teleconverter..
or
the Sigma 100-300 f4 without converter...

both will be very similar in price ($800-$900), and really the long end would be about the same on my d70 for both of them...

I guess my question is, is there a benefit for going one route versus another? I am planning on using it for assorted sporting events and horse shows, which will be primarily held during the day.. Which is why I originally had my mind set to buy the 100-300.. However the more I think about it, the more I can think of other times when having the little extra speed of the 2.8 will come in handy (indoors, later in the evening, etc..)

I get the impression that they are both very good lenses, and that there is not too much of a drop off when adding the 1.4 teleconverter to the 70-200, so I guess I just need a little nudge in one direction versus the other!

Thanks!

I recently purchased the Sigma 70-200mm and 1.4x. I couldn't be more pleased. The speed, the 2.8, the flexibility of the setup is great.

Here's a shot I took last weekend at the races at the full 280mm.



Nikon D70
Exposure Mode: Shutter Priority
White Balance: Auto
Tone Comp: User-Defined Custom Curve
Metering Mode: Center-Weighted
AF Mode: AF-C
Hue Adjustment: +3
Image Size: Large (3008 x 2000)
1/400 sec - F/10
Saturation: Enhanced

Heres one at f2.8 with just the 70-200mm



Sharpening: Medium low
Lens: 70-200mm F/2.8 D
Sensitivity: ISO 200

--
Learning is more fun than knowing.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.. I appreciate it..

The samples you psted look great, and confirms what I have heard about that lens, as well as using it with the 1.4x converter....

Thanks again..

I have the 70-200 as well except I bought the 2x TC. I figured if I was going to take a hit on image quality, I wanted the increase in focal length to be worth it. I've been very happy with the combo and even open wide, it's good however stopping down a stop makes it shine...

Bird, wide open.



Sheep, stopped down 1 stop.

Thanks Steve-

Although you are making my decision that much harder, not easier!

Do you lose just one stop with the 2x or do you lose two stops?

You are right, the quality is still there, and under the right cirumstances I can see where having the extra reach would be nice to have.. Unfortunately, I would think it would need to be during the brightest parts of the day, and/or a semi- stationary object.

thanks again,
Ryan

I have the 120-300 f/2.8, which in my opinion is in the same league as the 70-200 f.2.8. I use the 1.4 kenko 300D and the sigma 2 x EX teleconverters and get pretty good results, with the 2 x's just starting to soften things up. If you buy the 100-300 f/4, you can still get full functions with 1.4 tc on the d70. gives you a 140-420 f/5.6 lens, but, my advise is to get the 70-200 f/2.8 and a 1.4 TC. For what you are doing, I feel it will be your most flexible combo.
--
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I had the 70-200 & 2x TC for a little while and I thought the lens was great, but with the 2x TC the images lost quality. I instead got the Sigma 80-400 OS as I wanted the reach. BUT I do want to get the 70-200 again someday. With the 1.4x TC I do not think the image degrades much and it will be a 280mm f4 lens. Here are some pictures I took with the lens, the last two being with the 2x TC.
http://www.dandfent.com/hummingbirds/feeding_series/index.html