[MajorLeaguePentax]

I'm looking for some solid feedback on this lens from Pentax users. There is only a handful of user reviews out there for this lens and I really just want to hear more. I'm thinking about purchasing this, I just want to know is it worth the upgrade from the DA* 300mm Pentax? I do want lower light sharpness, especially for wildlife and sports. Am I going to see a $2000 difference from my DA* 300mm in my photo quality?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/382169-USA/Sigma_195109_300mm_f_2_8_EX_DG.html

[goubejp]

Why don't you try the FA*300 f2.8 ? It has excellent reviews on this forum, I have one and I love it.
The DA*300 is already good, my main complain about it is that the AF is too slow. The AF of the FA*300 is much faster, there is a focus limiter which helps a lot for sports.
Edit : and it works fine with the Pentax converter, allowingimage stabilisation to work properly

[MajorLeaguePentax]

Want to sell yours? Haha, I can't find any for sale! Any links to an FA* 300 f2.8?

[JimmyDranox]

Sigma 300mm/2.8 is a much modern design, with new glass in it, than the FA 300mm/2.8. Anyway, you can find some reviews on the net.

[goubejp]

I have a second copy I can sell if you want
Have you seen my lens collection ? Here we are

There is one quoted EX+ on sale on eBay currently, located in Hong-Kong.
Note that for the Pentax mount, the Sigma has not HSM engine, the AF is via screw drive - like on the FA*. Not an issue, it is fast and reliable.

[imtheguy]

I have a second copy I can sell if you want
Have you seen my lens collection ? Here we are

There is one quoted EX+ on sale on eBay currently, located in Hong-Kong.
Note that for the Pentax mount, the Sigma has not HSM engine, the AF is via screw drive - like on the FA*. Not an issue, it is fast and reliable.

Mon Dieu will you look at that! ......and I thought porn was prohibited from the forums. Lovely, lovely, lovely.

[goubejp]

Sigma 300mm/2.8 is a much modern design, with new glass in it, than the FA 300mm/2.8. Anyway, you can find some reviews on the net.

I don't think so. Both use ED glass (2 large ED for the Pentax see FA* 300/2.8 ED [IF] also for the Sigma). Both have 10 elements. The Pentax has a closer min focus distance. None has image stabilisation. I think all sigma telephoto are scheduled for an update, we shall see, but the current sigma design is rather old (announced in 2005)

---------- Post added 07-15-2014 at 07:19 PM ----------

Mon Dieu will you look at that! ......and I thought porn was prohibited from the forums. Lovely, lovely, lovely.

Well to be fair the second copy of the FA*600 is owned by a friend who was visiting me. The table is sturdy

[pearsaab]

I have a second copy I can sell if you want
Have you seen my lens collection ? Here we are

There is one quoted EX+ on sale on eBay currently, located in Hong-Kong.
Note that for the Pentax mount, the Sigma has not HSM engine, the AF is via screw drive - like on the FA*. Not an issue, it is fast and reliable.

beautiful!!

[JimmyDranox]

I don't think so. Both use ED glass (2 large ED for the Pentax see FA* 300/2.8 ED [IF] also for the Sigma). Both have 10 elements. The Pentax has a closer min focus distance. None has image stabilisation. I think all sigma telephoto are scheduled for an update, we shall see, but the current sigma design is rather old (announced in 2005)

---------- Post added 07-15-2014 at 07:19 PM ----------



Well to be fair the second copy of the FA*600 is owned by a friend who was visiting me. The table is sturdy

How many sort of ED glass there are? I know at least 3 by name, and there are big difference in their characteristics: FPL53 and FPL51, made by Ohara, FCD 1 made by Hoya. Their is also flourite, and some sorts of ED glasses made by Russian firms, and used all over the world, including famous American telescope manufacturers. Another new ED glass is made by Corning, in USA, but I didn't remember the name. Most of this glasses was created after 1994, when FA 300mm/2.8 was launched.

And I didn't tell that Sigma is better than Pentax FA. I said that is newer. If this is not convenient for you, sorry.

[MajorLeaguePentax]

I was told the later years (most recent) Sigma 300mm performs better than the older ones produced closer to 2005. I guess someone shot his older lens, then compare with a newer one with better results. Not sure how accurate this is. Wasn't this model released in 2012 tho?

[Baard-Einar]

I have a second copy I can sell if you want
Have you seen my lens collection ? Here we are

There is one quoted EX+ on sale on eBay currently, located in Hong-Kong.
Note that for the Pentax mount, the Sigma has not HSM engine, the AF is via screw drive - like on the FA*. Not an issue, it is fast and reliable.

Ah
Lens porn.

---------- Post added 07-15-2014 at 09:54 PM ----------

Is it the two short barrels on the left that is the 300mm? And what will such a baby cost?

[KaraSinek]

there is A* 200mm ! oh yes yes yes

[HawaiianOnline]

I have the Sigma 300mm f2.8 and it's served me very well...


I'iwi, Hawaiian Honeycreeper
Pentax K-5 IIs, Sigma APO 300mm f/2.8 EX DG
1/500s f/5.0 at 300.0mm iso80, Pentax 1.7x AFTC


Billabong Pipeline Masters, 2012
Pentax K-5 IIs, Sigma APO 300mm f/2.8 EX DG with Tamron 1.4X TC
1/640s f/3.2 at 300.0mm iso100


Surfing at Waimea Bay, 2009
Pentax K20D, Sigma APO 300mm f/2.8 EX DG w/ Pentax 1.7 AFTC
1/640s f/4.0 at 300.0mm iso320


The US Navy Blue Angels at the Kaneohe Bay Air Show, 2012
Pentax K-5, Sigma APO 300mm f/2.8 EX DG
1/800s f/4.0 at 300.0mm iso800

[MajorLeaguePentax]

I ended up ordering the Sigma 300mm f/2.8. Arrives Wednesday along with the pentax 1.4x TC

[JimmyDranox]

Congrats. We are waiting for proofs that you have and use it.