[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote on 2/22/2005, 2:57 AM:
> I am looking at several possbilities,a Sigma 300 f4 for one. Anyone > have experince with > this and either > the Sigma 1.4 or 1.5 or 2x tele's. Yes, I've had this lens for several years now and think it's great. See http://www.skofteland.net/thumbnails.php?album=1 for examples. All these were shot with the 300/4 on the *ist D with and without the 1.4x or 2x EX TCs. Why I like the lens: 1. it's pretty sharp (as sharp as I've ever needed, but I can only compare it to a crappy Kalimar zoom). 2. it focuses close (<4ft). This gives several advantages IMO. It allows 1/3 lifesize macros which works well for large bugs and butterflies and it also let's me capture critters that have wandered very close to my shooting position where non macro lenses would not allow those intimate portraits. 3. It has a tripod collar (I looked at the A* 300/4 and FA 400/4.5 as -more expensive- alternatives). 4. build - it's a tank and has a built-in hood Only problem with the lens: The manual focus feel is utter shit. That being said, I use it 100% of the time in manual focus mode. Basically it takes some getting used to. close focus to infinity is just 1/4 turn of the focus ring (YES, JUST 1/4 TURN!). The focus ring is VERY LIGHT and requires a very light touch. They don't make it any more so you'd have to find a used one and it is not that expensive ~US$300. The 100-400/4 has "replaced" it. Also, be sure to ONLY use the "EX APO" TCs which I believe only come in 1.4x and 2x. > I know Pentax has primes in the 300-600 range but the price........... mmmmm I lust after the FA* 600/4..... > Any suggestions on long glass from the nature crowd. I'm open to other > manufactures like > Tamron > Tokina Sigma Pentax.Cost is a bit of a factor at this time.(see what > the taxman does to me > here) Sigma has some interesting zooms. The 100-300/4 as mentioned has replaced the 300/4 and the 120-300/2.8 is also available. Reviews that I've read seem positive. Also the discontinued AF 400/5.6 Macro (make sure it is the APO AF Macro version; other sigma 400/5.6 lenses are crap) gets good reviews. They also have a 170-500 that looks interesting but would probably be too slow for my uses (f6.3 at the long end) HTH -- Christian [EMAIL PROTECTED]
