Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 APO HSM

Another unique Sigma telephoto, the 120-300 f2.8 (along with the 100-300 f4) provides a range and aperture not available from anyone else. A very sharp lens that focuses relatively quickly with hypersonic motor drive. A favorite of sports shooters, especially on the sidelines for football and basketball.

Note: at almost 6 pounds, this is a heavy lens. Unless you’re really strong you’ll want to shoot from a monopod. Because of its size, shipping charges have to be calculated to your zip code, but usually round trip shipping is under $40.

Note: This lens is compatible with both Sigma and Canon 1.4x teleconverters.

Roger’s Take: This is a unique lens and the ability to zoom in this range at f2.8 is invaluable in some situations. It’s not as sharp as a 300mm f2.8 Prime lens, but its pretty close. The only downside (other than the fact that it weighs more than your Thanksgiving turkey) is that the autofocus isn’t quite as fast or as accurate as Canon’s lenses, especially when the lighting is poor.

High Risk Lens: The Sigma 120-300 f2.8 lens has a higher failure rate than most lenses in our lineup.

• How high? The 120-300 has a problem rate of 2% of rentals, despite being checked out thoroughly before it leaves us.
• Why? We can’t be sure. Sigma lenses as a rule have more problems than other brands. The larger Sigma zooms seem to have more issues than other Sigma lenses, possibly because of the weight of the glass elements and shock damage in shipping.
• What’s the point? We’re letting you know on the front end make sure you order this lens in time to check it out before you leave for vacation or schedule your big shoot. We can send a replacement if it has a problem, but we can’t send a replacement Friday night to get to you you Saturday morning.
• Type of problem: Front and backfocus, loss of calibration.
  Note: The Sigma 120-300 f2.8 is not as quick or accurate to autofocus as the telephoto prime lenses. This is not a failure issue, its the nature of a very huge zoom trying to move lots of glass around.