| Author: | | Junior Member Registered: August, 2011 Location: Bournemouth Posts: 29
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: February 22, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $865.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Build, focus option, sharp | | Cons: | Weight, hood design | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 7
Handling: 10
Value: 7
Camera Used: K20D, K-30
Autofocus: 9
New Or Used: New
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Wonder of wonders I never would have expected owning this lens knowing this had been a discontinued Sigma model but I was carried by the many positive reviews about it. So I never would have expected seeing this lens popping up on ebay in 'mint' or 'New (other)' category on ebay UK. On the first try I failed winning the bid but fate must have caught up with me so when the winning bidder failed to pay for the lens and it was relisted by the seller, I took my chance which had me risking selling 3 of my lenses to afford it. I let go of my Pentax DA 55-300mm f4-5.8 ed, DA16-45 f4 ed al and my 'prized' pentax dfa 100mm macro wr (which I suffered a few sleepless nights afterwards). The only benefit I'm looking forward was to be able to avoid hiring a DA* 300mm F4 from SRS Microsystems when shooting airplanes on airshows and to that regard, I wasn't disappointed.
When I got hold of the lens it was literally 'clean' inside out despite my fears of fungal signs that one must gamble when buying used lenses at ebay. As technology do have its 'quirks' however which you get as a bonus after paying to own a device which promises to deliver it, it isn't perfect but came just all 'too perfect' to fulfill my intentions of doing away with hiring a dedicated telephoto lens to shoot airplanes on airshows. One notable aspect of this lens is rendering propeller blur just as appropriate when shooting propeller driven airplanes and helicopter main and tail rotors. It's simply awesome. As for a macro lens, it's not that bad when you need it without a dedicated macro lens for the purpose. You could judge by my sample pictures.
This was a sample of the macro capability of this lens taken handheld on a Pentax K-30 with focal length at 280mm, 1/200 shutter speed, f/10 aperture at 100 ISO on shutter priority.
Royal Navy Merlin HM1 helicopter with lens at 300mm, 1/250 secs shutter speed, f/10 aperture and 100 ISO using spot metering at shutter priority mode on a Pentax K-30 mounted on a monopod.
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress taken at 300mm, 1/250 secs shutter speed, f/8 aperture and 100 ISO.
DC-3 Skytrain taken at 300mm, 1/320 secs, f/11 aperture and 100 ISO.
A RAF Eurofighter Typhoon, a mach 2 class air superiority, multi-role fighter taken at 300mm, 1/1250 secs. (should be 1/2000 or higher), f/4 aperture and 100 ISO on shutter priority (handheld). The image may not be that perfect at closer look but I suppose I knew the exact settings when I have another chance at a similar opportunity as this one. | | | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: September, 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,448
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 7, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $1,000.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp, Sharp as 300 Prime, Did I mention Sharp? | | Cons: | 82mm filters are pricey, and yes it's heavy | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 8
Value: 10
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I have the original DG IF version, and the only complaint is that the AF is a little messy at times when trying to track fast moving objects or it you have a lot of limbs and leaves in the way of your subject. If only it could read my mind an KNOW what I wanted it to focus on, it would be the perfect lens.
So why did I sell my Bigma to buy this lens? Because it weighs about 3 lbs less and when hiking over many miles that's a huge plus. Also, my images at 300mm cropped are better than anything I could get from the Bigma at 500mm, even with a tripod.
There's a reason this lens doesn't show up for sale very often, because no one is willing to part with it, in fact I think I'd rather lose a kidney first.
Oh, I did think of another issue as a type this review, the 6ft minimum focusing distance can be a pain in the butt because I find myself preferring this lens to my DA* 50-135. In fact, I find myself using this lens more than every lens in my bag except for my FA20-35 because the IQ is so awesome.
To wrap things up, one thing that's not ratable apparently, is the Lens Envy it evokes from others around you. It's like carrying around a sniper rifle, it's that big and heavy. But I can't help but smile every time someone walks by and I hear the comment, "Look at the lens that guy has!"
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: January, 2010 Location: Hampshire Posts: 27 | | Review Date: April 27, 2023 | Recommended | Price: $350.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharp, fast af, built-in zoom | | Cons: | af/mf toggle | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 9
Value: 10
Camera Used: K1ii, K3ii, K3iii
Autofocus: 9
New Or Used: Used
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Fantastic sharp, affordable lens from Sigma.
It appears to be sharp, perhaps not as sharp as the 300 da* but good enough that I don't lament having the sigma with me. The focal range is the draw, and it is very useful, and like the 50-135 it is an internal zoom which I also like (you only have to set the gimbal once). That said it is light enough to hand hold, much more comfortable to do than with the 150-450.
AF speed, for such an old lens, is bordering on lightening quick (esp compared to my old 150-500 OS HSM sigma) - it feels as quick as the 150-450 but I have done no tests on this.
Only negative is that I dislike the af/mf toggle, which is actioned by pulling the focus ring in or pushing out - it is a weak point prone to be accidentally pulled into MF mode, is probably the one part of the lens that might cause issues in the future. My copy is pretty beaten up, but still works, just has to frequently be pushed back out to make the AF function. For the price I paid, a minor hinderance!
 | | | | | New Member Registered: December, 2011 Location: Kineton, Warwickshire, England Posts: 16 | | Review Date: October 20, 2022 | Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Fantastically sharp | | Cons: | Screw drive autofocus not comparable to current lenses | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 7
Handling: 9
Value: 10
Autofocus: 7
New Or Used: Used
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Bought from a fellow Pentaxian on the GB Pentaxuser forum.
What a lens! I use it primarily on my K3iii, and the results it produces are fantastic.
No need to say anything further.
| | | | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2015 Posts: 4 | | Review Date: June 1, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $450.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Razor sharp , quite fast ( still not f/2.8 but good for the price ) , built quality | | Cons: | Impossible to use af for small bird in flight , no WR | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 8
Value: 10
Camera Used: K-30 / K-7
Autofocus: 6
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This lense has amazing IQ, eventhought 300mm is too short for my use, i can't blame the lense.
It also has an amazing built in quality, i am sure it can take a hard hit without breaking the glass.
I love this lense overall ! If i rated it 8 out of 10 it is because of the af which is CRAZY loud !!! slow and unprecise
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: June, 2011 Location: Gotland Posts: 169 | | Review Date: February 18, 2015 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Well built. Sharp. | | Cons: | | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 9
Camera Used: K10D, K20D, K7, K5
Autofocus: 7
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This lens usually is rated as "tack sharp". Mine was sharp but "tack sharp" was not what I felt. I actually had an expert check photos (brick wall, tripod) and he said it was sharp. So I checked what could be improved. Took away the UV filter and then I felt the lens was good enough. Has felt better with higher-resolution cameras like K7 and K5.
The aberrations are small. Colour rendition good. Bokeh? I havenīt learnt to hunt for bokeh and get adequate but not great results.
Autofocus works so-so with flying birds. It hunts a lot. I think the problem mainly sits in the camera. The K5 is a bit better than earlier cameras but not great.
Build quality is very good. No problems at all in 8 years. Good tripod mount. I usually shoot freehand and use it to get a good grip. At 300 mm I usually use a support and oftentimes focus in live view.
Summary: Well built, generally fine pictures, hard to get really sharp ones at 300 mm, flying birds usually outfly me and this camera and lens.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: February, 2009 Location: egypt Posts: 435 | | Review Date: December 16, 2011 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | tac sharp | | Cons: | may be heavy | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 9
Value: 10
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It is my favourite lens. this is what a lens should be.tac sharp. pro build quality.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: June, 2007 Location: Europe - Belgium - Antwerp Posts: 213 | | Review Date: April 13, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $1,600.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | superb image quality - fast focusing - build quality | | Cons: | the weight , the size but what would you expect | |
this was my first professional telelens and after 4 years still my favorite.
The imagequality is stunning.
Autofocus is real fast.
Lately i've been using it with a kenko 2x tc or tamron 1.4tc with great results. (autofocus is slow then)
It's sorry that Sigma stopped with this lens, I only hope it comes back.
| | | | | | | | Review Date: February 14, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $1,200.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Exceptional sharpness, colors, contrast and bokeh | | Cons: | Cumbersome auto/manual focus switch | |
I used this lens for two year and was very impressed. Image quality is comparable or even better than fixed pentax lenses (I have pentax 100mm F2.8 macro and Pentax 300mm F4.5). Sure you pay quality in terms of weight but I can't think it's possible to have constant F4 and such performance packaged in a lighter lens. Only one minor issue: to switch between auto and manual focus you have to move both the switch on the camera an on the lens.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: September, 2010 Location: Kent, UK Posts: 104 | | Review Date: December 19, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $1,300.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharp, solidly built, easy to control on tripod (well balanced) | | Cons: | Heavy as walkaround (to me) | |
Very good lens.
I used it with the 1.4 TC and have sharp shots of the moon as well as birds. I found it too heavy to carry casually. Would recommend a tripod but, given its expected use, this should not be an issue. Solidly built. No wobble of the camera even with the TC.
Have sold mine as have got into Macro and want to buy the Macro 150 OS next year.
That said, if you want distant nature: strongly recommended.
| | | | | Inactive Account Registered: November, 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 102 | | Review Date: November 5, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $950.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp at 100mm thru 300mm, Good Detail | | Cons: | A bit heavy | |
I've been using the A*300mm for the past four years. It is a fine lens and image quality is excellent; however, I'm at loss of words to explain how this third-party zoom is every bit as good from my first tests here today. Kudos to Sigma for making this stellar glass.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: January, 2007 Location: Billings, MT Posts: 13,853 | | Review Date: July 29, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $1,100.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Very sharp throughout the range | | Cons: | Perhaps a little weighty | |
I actually have 2 of these. I bought the 1st one new for my K10D, and I bought a used one this week for an old Canon 1D Mk II N. The HSM on the Canon mount is absolutely silent and I hope Sigma will eventually add it to the Pentax mount. This is a very versatile lens to use in Yellowstone. I've used it with the Sigma 1.4 TC and except for being a stop slower I can't tell from the IQ of the images that I've used it.
K20D, 300mm + 1.4 TC, 1/320 @f/4 (f/5.6), ISO 400. http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/Animals/Gentle-Ben/Ben-IV/599304065_zy3rb-O.jpg | | | | | Junior Member Registered: February, 2009 Posts: 38 | | Review Date: June 18, 2010 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Well built, excellent IQ, very good IQ even with 1,4x TC | | Cons: | some (correctable) front focus, weight - but they all are heavy :) | |
Now that's how telephoto zooms should be made. Although throw of the focus ring is only about 90 degrees, it is still great gor manual focusing - ring is huge and excellently damped, almost like oldschool stuff. No plastic feel there - except maybe for aperture ring, but at least on digital it has not that much of use anyway. Superb mechanics.
Only drawback may be related to the lack of the HSM, but not because of the lacking itself, but because this causes the lack of the full-time MF possibility - there is a push-pull clutch mechanism on the focusing ring and of course the lever on the camera body.
It is just a bit tricky to switch over, nothing more. On the other hand - there's less stuff to break down in the lens - and what a great lens this is...
P.S. About the weight - although it is regarded as "70-200/2,8 on steroids" specifications are saying, that 70-200 has weight of 1370g and this lens here has 1440g. Dimensions are different, but the weight pretty much equals them transporting-wise.
Other thing may be the tripod collar, which can not be used as carrying handle like on Bigma and other bigger lenses - there is a solution for all Sigma telezooms with this small collar. Sigma has a TS-41 collar as optional accessory, which solves the problem.
 | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2007 Location: Florida Gulfer Posts: 3,054 | | Review Date: December 25, 2009 | Recommended | Price: $1,034.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Very Sharp, Very Well Built, Awesome Lens | | Cons: | None | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 8
Value: 9
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I agree with what everyone else said. 
I think it's the best lens in my bag. It's like owning a 100 thru 300 Prime lenses.
Throw in a great teleconverter and you won't need a 400mm lens either.
Anyone who buys this lens will never be dissapointed with it's quality.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: July, 2009 Location: Perth, Australia Posts: 180 | | Review Date: September 20, 2009 | Recommended | Price: $2,300.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp all the way from f/4 | Super fast AF | IQ | Build Quality | | Cons: | None that I can think of | |
I bought this lens in favour of the BIGMA. I had two BIGMA copies that I took back with AF issues.
What a great lens this is. Absolutely crisp from 100-300mm with no degregation in IQ. It is tac sharp all the way from f/4.
Performance in low light conditions is very admirable considering it's only f/4.
I am completely in love with this lens, and can highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good quality zoom. Team this up with a Sigma 1.4x TC and you have an effective range of 140-420mm f/5.6.
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