Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG IF HSM APO Lens

The 120-300mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM lens is fully compatible with all Nikon Digital SLR cameras, including the D40, D40X, D60, D3000, D3100 and D5000.

This lens transforms the classic large-aperture f/2.8 300mm lens into a zoom lens that allows you to determine the picture composition without having to change your vantage point.

Two SLD (the special low dispersion) glass elements in front group and another SLD element is used in the rear group for excellent correction of chromatic aberration. The new lens coating reduces flare and ghost, a common problem with digital cameras and also creates an optimum natural color balance.

Since focusing and zooming do not change its overall length, this lens offers ease of handling. HSM ensures a quiet, high-speed, AF as well as full-time manual focus (for Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts). Tripod Socket (TS-41) is supplied as a standard accessory. Circular polarizing filters can easily be used as the front of the lens does not rotate. When this lens is used with the 1.4x EX or 2x EX Apo Tele Converters (optional), it becomes a 168-420mmF4 AF telephoto lens or a 240-600mm F5.6 AF ultra-telephoto lens respectively.

HSM means this lens will autofocus on Nikon D40/D40x, Nikon D60, Nikon D3000, Nikon D3100 and the Nikon D5000

• A digitally optimized telephoto zoom lens covering ultra-telephoto up to 300mm with a fast maximum aperture of F2.8 at all focal lengths.

• Fully compatible with all Nikon Digital SLR cameras including the D40, D40X, D60, D3000, D3100 and D5000. 

• New coating and design minimizes flare and ghost.

• Four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements provide excellent imaging capability comparable with fixed focal length lenses.

• The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) provides silent, high-speed and precise auto-focusing with full time manual focus override.

• Accepts both 1.4x and 2x EX APO TELE CONVERTERS. When combined with the 2.0x converter it becomes a 600mm ultra-telephoto zoom lens .

• Bayonet Hood & Case

• Sigma Four-Year Warranty (Sigma One-Year Worldwide Warranty plus Sigma 3-Year Extended USA Warranty)

Super zoom for action sports, March 25, 2009

By Paul Johnson "pfjbaldwin" (Baldwin, MD United States)

I purchased this lens in the Fall of 2008 and unlike another reviewer, it was very well packed when I received it. I was shooting a lot of HS and college sports from the sideline with a 70-200 2.8 and sometimes had to crop my shots heavily, but still with with excellent results. Years earlier I had outgrown the marginal images of the consumer grade 70-300. I struggled with a 300 2.8 prime I rented as it lacked the range and flexibility I grew to love in a zoom. I tried this lens and have been hooked ever since!!! Beautiful tack sharp full frame images with excellent color. This lens definitely took me to the next level and is the tool I needed for true pro results. The zoom is like silk and holds perfectly. This lens is heavy and built like a tank, but mounts well with a Manfrotto 234RC head on a 680B monopod. While the head is quick release, it is rock stable. I don't miss the image stabilization that would have added $2500 to the price tag.

If you're looking for pro action images at an outstanding value price, this is your lens.

By Frederick Gaston (Wilton, CT USA)

I shoot 2-3 sports events a week and while I love my D3 needed more reach (had been trying to shoot soccer & track meets with Nikon 70-200 & Sigma 100-300). I concluded after a lot of thought & soul searching it would be more strategic for me to buy D300/Sigma 120-300mm combo than a 200-400mm for the D3. [the 100-300mm is a great lens too, but that extra stop is so sweet!]

For me, I definitely wanted a f/2.8 lens and felt a zoom would be more versatile than the Nikon 300 f/2.8 (& cheaper too).

There's no question it's a heavy lens by most people's standards, but I always use with a Monfrotto 681B monopod (which I love too).

Have only had this combo for about a 2 weeks but love it. The pictures are tack sharp, and the bokeh is awesome--rivaling Nikon 70-200mm IMHO. People always mention you have to get a good copy from Sigma but buying new I was fairly certain this would not be a problem, and I knew I could always send it right back for another copy with no problem.

[....]In summary this combo has helped me take my game to a whole new level, and I'm very, very happy with this lens.

View other informational videos