[nah]

Regret not getting the last of the Sigma 100-300mm F4s when they were dwindling down.

I really thought they were going to replace it with a HSM version (they could still). It would a good final piece to my collection, with 3 lenses I could have 16mm - 400mm (w/ crop). That would make things so much simpler.

Now, if this lens is really gone, what would be a good equivalent to it?

Thanks.

[Votesh]

If I were you I'd just get a DA* 300mm f4. I've got the Sigma and I have very seldom even used the zoom. Plus the DA* is weathersealed. I actually wish I had bought the DA* instead, not that the Sigma is a bad lens, or anything like that.

[tenpointnine]

It seems that they are already making an HSM version.
linky

[nah]

If I were you I'd just get a DA* 300mm f4. I've got the Sigma and I have very seldom even used the zoom. Plus the DA* is weathersealed. I actually wish I had bought the DA* instead, not that the Sigma is a bad lens, or anything like that.

That's interesting feedback on the lens. I find I seldom use the 77 ltd because of the versatility of the 50-135.

It seems that they are already making an HSM version.
linky

They do make HSM versions but only for Nikon and Canon, it was regular screw drive for Sony and Pentax. The Pentax had come out a few years back, so I thought they would discontinue to make an HSM version.

[birdoprey]

I just bought a used one on ebay from AU. I like having a zoom that covers 100-300mm and is as sharp as a prime in any of those lengths. If you really want one, I think there are copies available from EU or AU or keep an eye out on ebay.

[Votesh]

I guess it depends on how you plan on using it. The only time I really take it out is when I plan on needing 300mm. A 100 or 200mm f4 just generally isn't useful to me. I only use it for fairly long distance bird photos though.

I think the DA* 50-135mm is different since it covers a better variety of what I would consider useful focal lengths, at a more useful aperture. That being said, I sold mine to get an 85mm 1.4 because I consider a larger aperture prime more versatile than a slower zoom.

[writeb]

I picked up one of these (Non HSM) recently. I can say f/4 is very usable for subject isolation throughout the 100-300 focal range. I shot with it this weekend around 160mm and was able to do a decent job blowing out anything beyond 3-4 meters behind the subject. Someone who discounts the utility of a zoom usually hasn't used a good one

My impressions of this lens so far are very favorable. If you can pick one up (HSM or otherwise), I'd vote to do it. I haven't tried out the DA* 300mm, but I did own an A* 300mm f/2.8, and have my fair share of shorter DA/FA/D FA primes, so I'd like to think I'm fairly familiar with the Pentax telephoto "look." At these longer focal lengths, you set up with a tripod, and the zoom becomes pretty useful real quick for composition.

The Sigma 100-300 f/4 so far is very much like an extended DA* 50-135 so far. PM me if you'd like a few examples.

[Marc Sabatella]

That's interesting feedback on the lens. I find I seldom use the 77 ltd because of the versatility of the 50-135.

Yes, but it makes sense you'd use a variety of focal lengths between 50 and 135. But for most people, once you get much past 135, you're usually in territory where you just want as long as you can get. Focal length plots usually show people using a telephoto zoom a lot at the shortest end, then a bunch in the the portrait range, than basically nothing until the longest end. not saying there wouldn't occasionally be situations where you want 160mm or 217mm or whatever, but if there's one range where full zoom would be *least* important to most people, that would be it. I suspect sports shooters would be the main exception to this.

[GLXLR]

60-250mm... definitely. People say you can barely tell the focal length distance from 250mm to 300mm..

[dadipentak]

60-250mm... definitely.

I think that's right. I agree though you should not buy a zoom if what you're really looking for is the long end of the range--which is why I bought the DA*300. I'd like to get either the 100-300 or 60-250 for shooting field sports where zoom is very useful..

[Votesh]

Someone who discounts the utility of a zoom usually hasn't used a good one

I've have the Sigma 100-300mm and have found the zoom capability to be almost useless. That is just me though. When I take it out I take it out to use at 300mm. When shooting birds and other wildlife, and not being in a blind, anything less is generally too short.

[pghwarrior23]

I actually used to own this lens along with a 1.4x teleconverter and it was indeed nice! I sold it and REALLY regret it now!! Would definitely buy it again!! Just a great lens. I have rented the 300mm prime before but especially when stuck in one place like in a seat at a baseball game it was too restricting and I wanted the versatility that comes with the 100-300 zoom range.

I did also rent the DA* 60-250 and thought it was a great lens. My only hesitation with it though is that there is sooooo much overlap with my DA* 50-135. I really wish Pentax would have released a DA* 100-300 instead so there was less of an overlap.

[writeb]

Also, regarding the utility of a good zoom - I may be getting old, but I've often found myself missing shots while hunting for the subject matter when using a fixed telephoto prime. With the zoom, it's much easier to pan out, find the subject matter, and then zoom in for final composition This makes things much faster.

Sneaker zoom has its time and place for everything; just usually not between 170-300mm

[Votesh]

Also, regarding the utility of a good zoom - I may be getting old, but I've often found myself missing shots while hunting for the subject matter when using a fixed telephoto prime. With the zoom, it's much easier to pan out, find the subject matter, and then zoom in for final composition This makes things much faster.

Sneaker zoom has its time and place for everything; just usually not between 170-300mm

I thought I would use the zoom function in that kind acquire and then zoom further in manner before I got the lens, but I don't think I've done it once since I got it. The zoom ring on mine is fairly stiff so zooming in after finding the subject would probably throw me off. I'm also fairly young so I may just have better acquisition skills at 300mm

[Digitalis]

I thought I would use the zoom function in that kind acquire and then zoom further in manner before I got the lens, but I don't think I've done it once since I got it. The zoom ring on mine is fairly stiff so zooming in after finding the subject would probably throw me off. I'm also fairly young so I may just have better acquisition skills at 300mm

the Sigma 100-300mm APO EX DG isn't entirely parafocal*, if it was that technique would be fine. But in my usage I have had to refocus when I zoom with this lens.


*meaning that the focus remains where you left it, regardless of your zoom setting. Parafocal zoom lenses above 100mm are sadly, are an almost unheard of rarity these days.