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Sigma 120-300 2.8 at the Motocross track...

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creative edge

creative edge

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Took the lens out to see how responsive the autofocus
would be with fast moving subjects...
well, autofocus was extremely fast with 95% of the images tack
sharp... this is truly an amazing lens..
(the ones that were not sharp was due to operator error...
it's been a while since I have shot motocross...timing was off)
here is one of the images..
best wishes,
Michael



--
http://www.creativeedgephoto.com

 
Very nice. I have the Sigma 70-200 HSM lens and have been very pleased with it. Very soon I will be receiving the 100-300 f/4 Sigma lens and would love to get the 120-300 someday. Right now it is a bit out of my price range, but I have a feeling it would make a GREAT soccer lens.

Atlanta-Mike
creative edge said:
Took the lens out to see how responsive the autofocus
would be with fast moving subjects...
well, autofocus was extremely fast with 95% of the images tack
sharp... this is truly an amazing lens..
(the ones that were not sharp was due to operator error...
it's been a while since I have shot motocross...timing was off)
here is one of the images..
best wishes,
Michael



--
http://www.creativeedgephoto.com

Click to expand...
 
What is your camera?

Can't wait for Glen Helen in May!

Nice Shot

-rich
creative edge said:
Took the lens out to see how responsive the autofocus
would be with fast moving subjects...
well, autofocus was extremely fast with 95% of the images tack
sharp... this is truly an amazing lens..
(the ones that were not sharp was due to operator error...
it's been a while since I have shot motocross...timing was off)
here is one of the images..
best wishes,
Michael



--
http://www.creativeedgephoto.com

Click to expand...
--
RichK (HummingBird Hunter)
CP 990, 5700
 
I have this lens and both the autofocus and the zoom function are way too slow. I am thinking of selling it. The lens works fine in bright light but take it indoors for basketball or try to use it with the Sigma 2x converter as an F 5.6 zoom as I did a week ago for a football game and it misses focus 90 percent of the time. Stay away from this lens if action coverage is a priority.
creative edge said:
Took the lens out to see how responsive the autofocus
would be with fast moving subjects...
well, autofocus was extremely fast with 95% of the images tack
sharp... this is truly an amazing lens..
(the ones that were not sharp was due to operator error...
it's been a while since I have shot motocross...timing was off)
here is one of the images..
best wishes,
Michael



--
http://www.creativeedgephoto.com

Click to expand...
 
it depends on one's needs...
I would never use a 2x on any of my lenses..
If I needed that much reach I would just buy
the 500 f4 .. (my next lens)
the only teleconverter I would use is a 1.4x
as far as indoor sports I would not use a lens this
long and probably would use two bodies with two
fast primes...
for the work I do,,,I'm ecstatic with this lens...
even before I was using autofocus I was shooting
motorsports and would get incredible results by
prefocusing....
it's all about understanding your equipment and working
around it's limitations...
best wishes,
Michael

--
http://www.creativeedgephoto.com

 
A fast lens is meant to be used in low light and the Sigma 2x converter is matched for this lens so it should work fully with it. I have a Nikon 400 2.8 lens and the Nikon 2x converter doesn't slow it down. I should be able to expect the same performance from a matched converter from Sigma regardless of price. If a company is going to make a fast zoom with accessory converters then they should fully work together. And even without conveter use this lens can't focus on basketball action at 800 iso 500/2.8 to save it's life. Very dissapointing!
creative edge said:
--
http://www.creativeedgephoto.com

Click to expand...
 
f8
After reading your post...
I tried using it in low light situations and it
still focused very fast...it was quick to lock on...
maybe you have a bad sample...
I have never like 2x converters so I really cannot
comment on that...
but I truly like this lens...
best wishes,
Michael

http://www.creativeedgephoto.com

 
Can't attest to the 2x converter but for my soccer photo work I don't need the 2x. I use the 120-300 with the 1.4x converter and get great results...cloudy or sunshine...print poster size pics with amazing sharpness. I have several Nikkor and Sigma lenses and I believe the 120-300 ranks at or near the top in overall quality, usability, etc. Focus is extremely fast..even in last than bright light conditions. I don't understand your comment on zoom function being too slow. It's pretty much a matter of how quickly I can twist/rotate the lens...which has never been an issue in my action photo initiatives. Amazingly more versatile than fellow photographers locked into prime 300 or 400mm glass.
BKW
f8&bethere said:
creative edge said:
Took the lens out to see how responsive the autofocus
would be with fast moving subjects...
well, autofocus was extremely fast with 95% of the images tack
sharp... this is truly an amazing lens..
(the ones that were not sharp was due to operator error...
it's been a while since I have shot motocross...timing was off)
here is one of the images..
best wishes,
Michael



--
http://www.creativeedgephoto.com

Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Bernie
 
I hope the D2h will improve the focus accuracy of the lens in low light action vs. the D1x I have been using. If not I will consider either selling or if others keep insisting it should work, sending it in to Sigma for a check up. As for the zoom ring, it is very tight making it slow to zoom compared to a Nikon 70-200 VR S lens which is much quicker with a shorter throw.
Bernard Williams said:
f8&bethere said:
creative edge said:
Took the lens out to see how responsive the autofocus
would be with fast moving subjects...
well, autofocus was extremely fast with 95% of the images tack
sharp... this is truly an amazing lens..
(the ones that were not sharp was due to operator error...
it's been a while since I have shot motocross...timing was off)
here is one of the images..
best wishes,
Michael



--
http://www.creativeedgephoto.com

Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Bernie
Click to expand...
 
Can't speak for D2H's ability to improve. I use a D100 and no problems at all. Zoom ring is smooth, quick, easy. I have the Sigma 50-500, too and zoom ring is a lot stiffer than 120-300.
Good luck
bkw
&bethere said:
Bernard Williams said:
f8&bethere said:
creative edge said:
Took the lens out to see how responsive the autofocus
would be with fast moving subjects...
well, autofocus was extremely fast with 95% of the images tack
sharp... this is truly an amazing lens..
(the ones that were not sharp was due to operator error...
it's been a while since I have shot motocross...timing was off)
here is one of the images..
best wishes,
Michael



--
http://www.creativeedgephoto.com

Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Bernie
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Bernie
 
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