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

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<p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ipp=100&sts=ma&N=0&Ntt=sigma+120+300&mnp=3500&mxp=4000&BI=2466&KBID=3296" target="_blank"><strong>SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM</strong></a>

Conventionally, large aperture lenses for 300mm F2.8 have been loved by professional users due to their brilliant capability of depiction and bright aperture value. It has established a solid standpoint in the world of photography. Based on the concept that turning a 300mm F2.8 lens into zoom lens would enable photographers to expand the scope of shooting, we have developed 120-300mm F2.8 lenses and released them into the market. It is not simple to decide on a composition with a 300mm lens. Especially for sports and theatrical shows, shooting positions are almost always fixed and changing lenses could lead to missed photographs. By adding a zoom function with the large aperture 300mm F2.8 lens, it no longer requires other interchangeable lenses and rotation of the zoom ring will offer excellent framing. In other words, when conditions are difficult, this high-performance lens gives you more scope to express yourself in the shots you take.</p>
<div id="attachment_12578" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 410px"><a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/SM_120_300_28.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-12578" alt="SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM" src="http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/SM_120_300_28.jpg" width="400" height="166" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM</p></div>
<p>Corresponding AF Mounts: SIGMA, Nikon (D), Canon

Accessories: Lens case, lens hood (LH1220-01), shoulder strap and tripod socket (TS-51) supplied.

* The Appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ipp=100&sts=ma&N=0&Ntt=sigma+120+300&mnp=3500&mxp=4000&BI=2466&KBID=3296" target="_blank"><strong>Preorder the Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 DG OS HSM for $3599</strong></p>
<p></a></p>
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<strong>[Special Features]</strong>

1. Sports line lenses deliver high action-capture performance

Sigma is organizing all its interchangeable lenses into three product lines; Contemporary, Art and Sports. While offering sophisticated optical performance and expressiveness, our Sports line lenses deliver high action-capture performance, enabling photographers to get exactly the shots they want. With their high-level optical performance and expressive power, these lenses can capture fast-moving subjects, even at distance. This high-performance line also offers a variety of functions to aid the photographer in challenging conditions and scenarios. The SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM is the first product from the “Sports” line. Besides sports photography, the lenses are also perfect for nature shots featuring birds, wild animals and other wildlife, and for capture of aircraft, trains, racing cars and more. Another major feature of our Sports line lenses is their wide range of customization functions: using the software provided, all sorts of settings can be tailored to the personal preferences of the photographer.</p>
<p><strong>2. Dust-proof and splash-proof construction</strong>

For professional purposes, we have achieved excellent durability by incorporating dust-proof and splash-proof parts for joint parts, such as mount attachment, manual ring, zoom-ring, switches for customization and external switch panels. It prevents dust and dirt from entering the lens. Also, the usage of the zoom ring and focus ring is well positioned for shooting situations.</p>
<p><strong>3. High image quality close to fixed focal length lens.</strong>

This lens incorporates 2 FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements, which have performance equal to fluorite, 1 SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element, and compensate for the color aberration at the utmost. The design also compensates for sagittal coma flare and minimizes the blurring of a point light source in peripheral areas. It offers very high image quality, close to fixed focal length lens.</p>
<p><strong>4. Incorporation of focus limiter</strong>

Excellent usability is achieved by incorporating inner focusing and zooming that requires no change in the length of the lens for focus and zoom. It is possible to use with a rounded filter, such as a Circular Polarizer, as the front part of the lens is fixed. Due to the focus limiter offering adjustable range of auto focusing, this lens can provide fast focus setting. The USB dock enables users to change the range of the auto focusing at the discretion of users’ creativity.</p>
<p><strong>5. Newly developed “USB DOCK” exclusively for new product lines</strong>

Based on these new lines, we have developed special software (SIGMA Optimization Pro) that can update the lens firmware and adjust parameters such as focus. In addition, the lenses from our Sports line have customizable AF speed, focus limiter and OS function. The “Custom Mode Switch” is the device for further customization on the dedicated lenses.</p>
<p><strong>6. Ease of use</strong>

Many parts of this lens have been designed for comfortable usage. For example, the design of the zoom ring is concerned with a texture when you hold it, the position of printed letters and the 4 control switches with integration-considered shape of the screws. Included accessories such as the removable lens hood and the newly designed tripod collar with strap ensure added ease of use.</p>
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<p><strong>[Other Features]</strong>

<strong>•  Flare and ghosting conscious design</strong>

SIGMA’s Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. It provides sharp and high contrast images throughout the entire zoom range.</p>
<p><strong>• Excellent in handheld photography for telephoto shooting</strong>

This lens incorporates the OS system which offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible, ensuring the excellent use in handheld photography for telephoto shooting. The OS system has two modes – OS mode 1 is suitable for general photography, and OS mode 2 is best for panning shots of subjects such as planes or racing cars. It is possible to adjust the OS using the optional USB DOCK.

* This lens cannot be used with film SLR cameras with the exception of the Nikon F6, Canon EOS-1v.</p>
<p><strong>• Quiet and Fast AF</strong>

The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures high speed and quiet AF as well as full-time manual focus override by rotation of the focus ring. With the enhanced AF algorithm, smoother AF is achieved. The full time manual, which offers further adjustment after focusing with AF mode, is possible. By using USB Dock, you can change and adjust the AF speed at your convenience.</p>
<p><strong>• Incorporating Rounded Diaphragm</strong>

The 9 blade-rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image.</p>
<p><strong>• APO Tele-Converter (Optional)</strong>

The addition of Sigma’s 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO TELE CONVERTER produces a 168-420mm F4 AF telephoto zoom lens or a 240-600mm F5.6 AF telephoto zoom lens respectively.</p>
<p><strong>• Brass made bayonet mount</strong>

This lens incorporates a brass made bayonet mount which has both high accuracy and durability. A special treatment to reinforce its strength is applied to the surface giving it greater strength and making it highly resistant to long-term use.</p>
<p><strong>• Evaluation with Sigma’s own MTF measuring system “A1”</strong>

We used to measure lens performance with an MTF measuring system using conventional sensors. However, we’ve now developed our own proprietary MTF (modulation transfer function) measuring system (A1) using 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors. Even previously undetectable high-frequency details are now within the scope of our quality control inspections. The SIGMA 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM will all be checked using this “A1” before they are shipped.</p>
<p><strong>• “Made in Japan”</strong>

All Sigma’s manufacturing – right down to the molds and parts – is carried out under an integrated production system, entirely in Japan. We are now one of the very few manufacturers whose products are solely “made in Japan”. We like to think our products are somehow imbued with the essence of our homeland, blessed as it is with clean air and water, and focused, hard-working people. We pride ourselves on the authentic quality of Sigma products, born of a marriage between highly attuned expertise and intelligent, advanced technology. Our sophisticated products have satisfied professionals and lovers of photography all over the world, because our manufacturing is based on genuine craftsmanship, underpinned by the passion and pride of our experts.</p>
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<p><strong>[Specification] For Sigma</strong>

Lens Construction: 23 elements in 18 groups | Minimum aperture: F22 | Filter size: ø105mm | Angle of view (35mm format): 20.4°-8.2° | Minimum focusing distance: 150cm-250cm/59.1in.-98.4in. | Dimensions (Diameter x Length): ø121.4mm x 291mm/4.8in. x 11.5in. | Number of diaphragm blades: 9 (Rounded diaphragm) | Maximum magnification ratio: 1:8.1 (f=200mm) | Weight: TBD</p>
<p>[Accessories]

Lens Hood LH1220-01 (supplied) : 0085126-929657

FRONT CAP LCF-105 III (supplied) : 0085126-929640

REAR CAP LCR II (supplied)

SIGMA : 0085126-929497 Nikon : 0085126-929503 Canon : 0085126-929510

TRIPOD SOCKET TS-51(supplied) : 0085126-929664

SIGMA DG UV 105mm : 0085126-923792

SIGMA DG CIRCULAR PL 105mm : 0085126-923907

APO TELE CONVERTER 1.4x EX DG

SIGMA : 0085126-824402 Nikon : 0085126-824556 Canon : 0085126-824273

APO TELE CONVERTER 2x EX DG

SIGMA : 0085126-876401 Nikon : 0085126-876555 Canon : 0085126-876272</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ipp=100&sts=ma&N=0&Ntt=sigma+120+300&mnp=3500&mxp=4000&BI=2466&KBID=3296" target="_blank"><strong>Preorder the Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 DG OS HSM for $3599</strong></p>
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I really hope this lens brings good quality, at least comparable to the Canon EF 300mm f/4 L IS or 400mm f/5.6 L and gets well along with the Teleconverters. I had the Sigma 120-400mm that I know it's lower on the line but ir was awful when compared to any canon zoom.

For thePrice this Sigma 120-300 2.8, will hardly match the new Canon EF 300mm f2.8 L Mk II
 
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Obviously we're not seeing any tests with this lens yet, but if it performs well with a 1.4x TC I could see this standing in as my poor-man's 200-400mm-ish (168-420mm FF) type of lens for some of that distant action and animal stuff that I.... never do :)

Anyway - I MIGHT do more of that, and with the Canon 200-400 rumored around 11k I can only hope for the Sigma to deliver decent quality and sharpness - even with a 1.4TC. (The point being that I often work in environments where trying to change lenses is not just a hassle but close to stupid, and so with a Canon 70-200 2.8 IS II and this Sigma on two FF bodies I could cover a good range of distant subjects with very little focal distance overlap).

But... yeah well. Let's see about that once we get some tests (now get us some tests, already!).

:)
 
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Bob Howland

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Mar 25, 2012
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madspihl said:
Obviously we're not seeing any tests with this lens yet, but if it performs well with a 1.4x TC I could see this standing in as my poor-man's 200-400mm-ish (168-420mm FF) type of lens for some of that distant action and animal stuff that I.... never do :)

Except that the 200-400 comes with a 1.4X TC, making it a 280-560. To do that with the 120-300 would require a 2X TC. Based on my experience and observations, the resulting images would not be acceptable. Sigma needs to scale up the 120-300 design into a 200-500 f/4. Their 200-500 f/2.8 is an overweight, overly expensive joke.
 
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ddl

Jan 8, 2012
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0
There are a few slight changes - appearance (neutral), USB dock allowing operational customization (positive), more robust internals (positive as some have had AF failures early on in the OS version model life), focus limiter (positive), 10% MSRP increase (negative).

The optics are the same as the older 120-300 f/2.8 EX OS which are pretty darn good for the price. I've had mine for 2 years now; it's not heavily used so I haven't had an AF failure yet but I've got the 10 year Gentec-Sigma Canada warranty on EX lenses so I'm not too worried about it.

Great lens for the price - even TDP liked it!

As well if you go to the lens POTN discussion group you will see a lot of people getting great shots with this lens using a 1.4X or 2.0X converter.
 
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