Photography by Tom Zeman - REVIEW: Sigma 300-800/f5.6 EX APO IF HSM

The Sigma 300-800mm f/5.6 is described as the longest zoom currently available. (Technically, the Phoenix 650-1300mm f/8-16 could be considered longer in terms of sheer reach. But it is still shorter in overall length and weight, and at $299, isn’t even on the same optical planet.) This is one big lens. It is 21.3 inches long, 6.5 inches in diameter, and weighs 12.9 pounds. It incorporates 18 glass elements in 16 groups. With a zoom range of 300 to 800 millimeters, it maintains a constant aperture of f/5.6 throughout the entire range.

It’s also expensive. Since its introduction, the retail price has been right around $4500, which is still a bargain for this much lens. Recently, however, the price has jumped to approximately $6200 at retail for the improved DG model.

You’ll need to factor in a few other expenses to make it all work. You’ll need an Arca Swiss compatible plate for the lens foot to attach it to your tripod. I prefer Really Right Stuff products, and while this lens isn’t listed, the RRS MPR-1 plate fits nicely, as it also fits the Sigma 800mm f/5.6 prime. Attaching such a heavy, expensive lens with only one screw would make me very nervous, but this foot has four threaded holes. The MPR-1 comes with two ¼-20 screws. The lens foot has three holes that accept ¼-20 screws, and one that accepts 3/8-16, so for an extra $4, order one additional B101 when you order the plate. This will allow the maximum bolting strength between plate and lens, utilizing three screws. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to take advantage of that 3/8-16 hole, as the slots in the MPR-1 aren’t large enough to accommodate a screw of that size.

You’re also going to need to upgrade your camera support, if you don’t already have a large, sturdy tripod, such as the Gitzo 1548 (~$750). While sturdy legs are important, your tripod head is even more important. A gimbal head is a must. While there are less expensive alternatives, save yourself the trouble and just go straight to the Wimberley Gimbal Head with Quick Release (~$565). You’ll wind up getting one eventually.

Photography is an expensive pursuit, and acquiring long lenses is by far the most expensive component. If you want to play with the big boys, it doesn’t come cheap. At least one can take solace that, while cameras, and most especially digitals, come and go, a quality lens can almost be a lifetime investment, and be used for many years.

The ultimate question then, is while a good value, is this third party lens worth a still very significant amount of money, or would you be better served by purchasing a 600mm and/or 800mm prime made by your camera manufacturer? In short, yes, it’s worth it. The optical quality is superb, and if you search through print and web reviews, you will not find a bad thing said about this lens. As with all long lenses, good technique is crucial to getting good images, but when used properly, the results can be excellent. The lens is sharp and clean, and auto focus is quick and accurate. I used this lens almost exclusively at Bosque del Apache this year, and was very impressed. (See the sample images at the bottom of this page.)

Since I prefer zooms for their compositional flexibility over fixed focal length lenses, it suits my shooting style, and is unlike anything Nikon or Canon have in their catalogs. Instead of shouldering the expense and weight of multiple long primes, I have one truly excellent lens that covers the entire range from 300mm all the way to 800mm.

I’ll be honest, I’ve tried Sigmas I haven’t liked. The 170-500/f5-6.3 was not good, the 50-500/f4-6.3 was disappointing, and the 17-35/2.8-4 is prone to excessive flare. But the 300-800/f5.6 is in a different league entirely. It’s a genuinely good lens that meets my needs nicely. For many, the biggest hurdle will be getting past the label snobbery that so many equipment junkies have. Take a deep breath, throw down your credit card, and try one. If you don’t like it, you’ll be able to sell it pretty fast.

RATING SCALE

A must have!

Recommended

Average

Mediocre

Don't bother

These images were all shot using a Nikon D2H: