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Anybody using a 100-300F4 Sigma lens on a SLT

Jim DE

New member
I am considering either the 70-300G Sony or the 100-300F4 Sigma as a replacement for my 100-300apo D Minolta lens as my carry long zoom on my a33. I am looking for far better IQ than I am currently getting (which really won't take much ;) ) in a 300mm zoom for wildlife. Problem is there is no source for a "hands on check of these lenses" on camera within several hours of my location. No one has either in stock.

I have read that some Sigma's are not properly working on the SLT's without Sigma's free alteration. My question is to see if the 100-300 f4 Sigma zoom is one of the lenses they are referring to?

I am very open to suggestions from forum members on a good IQ zoom with a max of 300mm to use as a hand carry wildlife lens afield. My feelings is over 300mm almost always (for me) means a tripod to be steady and this setup is just for a back-up to my NEX and legacy glass camera for those very rare times a unique wildlife shot may arise while shooting scenics.

Seems the IQ of the Sigma f4 receives far more raves than the IQ of the Sony 70-300G which really surprised me but I trust the views of many on this board far more than the comments I have read on other sites about these lenses. Please feel free to offer suggestions .... It has been quite awhile since I have bought any dSLR lenses so I am very much out of the info loop on these. Heck, last time I bought lense for a dSLR you could not give a Sigma or Tamron lens away (eventhough Tamron made some of the Minolta D lenses for Minolta).

Thanks in advance for your suggestions ..... if it ends up being Sony's G lense as my best choice I have to make my move before 1/1/11 to take advantage of the discounted price.
 

Jim DE

New member
Guess not??

Anyway, I went for the bird in the hand for a long zoom. The 70-400G seems to have great reviews and owner feedback plus it has full frame coverage IF I ever want to go in that direction.

I am hoping the added price becomes a moot issue due to it's claimed great IQ. Now does anyone have a pack mule I can use to haul it afield and a red flag for the back of the camera while in transport? ;)
 

gsking

New member
I was going to say the same thing about the 70-400mm. It gets such good reviews that I'd take it over a Sigma any day.

I had a 100-300/4 once (the old Tokina I think??) and found it unenthralling. It's too heavy and imbalanced, and had neither the speed of the 2.8 zooms or the size/flexibility of the 5.6 zooms. Sort of stuck in the middle, neither here nor there.
 

Jim DE

New member
gsking, Yeah I figured it was time to bite the bullet and avoid the "I should of bought syndrome". The only negatives I have read on the 70-400G is the lens hood and cost. Everyone seems to phrase the IQ from 70-400 and at all f stops and for me that is what I want is great IQ!
 
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