Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports
Announced January 29, 2013
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
The Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports provides a versatile, sharp focal range that serves as a high-performance alternative to expensive prime lenses. That said, the significant weight and large physical size make this lens difficult to handhold for extended periods.
Weighted from 18 reviewer scores
Pros
- Versatile zoom range and constant f/2.8 aperture
- High sharpness across the entire focal range
- Robust, weather-sealed build quality
- Effective optical stabilization system
- Customizable focus and stabilization settings via USB dock
Cons
- Heavy and massive physical design
- Vignetting at wider apertures and longer focal lengths
- Expensive 105mm front filters and difficult lens hood usage
- Slow or inconsistent autofocus performance
- Reduced image quality when using teleconverters
- Launch price $3,599 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 120-300mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus 150–250 cm (0.12x)
- Filter thread 105mm
- Autofocus motor Ultrasonic
- Weight & size 3390g (7 lb 7.6 oz) · 121.4 x 291 mm (4.78 x 11.46 in)
Expert Reviews
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- PetaPixel 9.5/10
Like their new 35mm, the 120-300 is exceptional in every way and though Sigma tells us it's in their Sports lineup, I'm more inclined to put it in the Superb line.
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Despite its impressive optical performance, the lens suffers from a number of serious handling issues.
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It is hard not to like a great looking lens with a 120-300mm focal length range in a non-extending, solidly built body that also feels great – and delivers image quality that leaves most other zoom lenses wanting even at this lens's wide max f/2.8 aperture.
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Another fantastic lens from Sigma, very highly recommended.
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I 100% stand behind it, like it is amazing. Everything about it, like I was so surprised, and it yeah, it compares, like it it it for the price you can't beat it. There's nothing out there that can even come close to it.
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The Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 is a very sharp lens. It’s not as sharp as lenses costing far more, but it’s certainly very good.
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The Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 S lens delivers good sharpness throughout the range.
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We can strongly recommend the new Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM S as a fast telelphoto zoom lens that delivers excellent results on the latest full-frame DSLRs.
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The Sigma is very much better value for money and still boasts seriously good performance and a neat range of extras.
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Sigma's 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM is the lens to get if a 70-200mm f/2.8 just isn't long enough, but you'll need a strong back to lug it.
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The Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports is definitely the lens to beat in this category, and because of that extra zoom range, it also gets you the addition of being a great lens for portraits.
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Optically this lens is nearly perfect, and the ability to fix the speed and accuracy of the AF to exactly what you personally want makes the investment in this heftily priced lens a lot easier to swallow.
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Yes, it is cheaper and lighter but no, it's not as sharp. However if what you want is a 300mm lens that can occasionally be pressed into service as a 600mm lens with a 2x TC, then that's a reasonable proposition.
- Darren Miles 46.5/50
If you can live with the seven and a half pound weight and the 105mm front filter thread, then the Sigma is about 97% of the first-party offerings from Canon and Nikon for about 60% of the price.
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I think that for the money, this is just an amazing, amazing lens.
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Thanks to the fast AF and the consistently high sharpness at all focal lengths and apertures, you will come home with many beautiful photos if you use this lens.
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With a lens like this you get so many different possibilities because you have that zoom range; you can get some wider shots, you can get some more up tight close shots, and so that was probably the one thing I love the most about this lens.
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The combination just works.
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