Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is a Fixed aperture Auto Focus (AF)
Telephoto Zoom lens with Optical Image stabilization and 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with
F(FX) Mount cameras.
What type of photography is the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens good for?
The choice of photography type for which you intend to use the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is a crucial decision factor. Below, we have assessed its suitability for various photography scenarios:
Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount with Same Focal and Aperture Range
Reasons to Buy the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens
Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens in a list form to assist you in determining whether it offers the features you need.
Optical Image Stabilization |
Weather-sealed |
Autofocus |
Hood supplied |
Tripod Collar |
Full-time Manual Focusing |
Internal Focusing |
Fast Aperture at Wide end |
Fast Aperture at Tele end |
Constant f2.8 aperture throughout the range |
Covers Full-Frame Sensor |
9 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh |
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Lens Mount
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is compatible with cameras that have a Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is also available in Canon EF mount.
Size, Weight and Filter Thread
The size and weight are crucial factors to consider when searching for your next lens. Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has a maximum diameter of 114mm and total length of 289mm. It weighs 2950g / 104.1 oz.
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has a filter thread of 105mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM:
Focal Range
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has a focal range of 120-300mm and 2.5X zoom ratio. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 180 - 450mm.
Weather Sealings
The Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is a weather-sealed lens, which provides extra protection to prevent water and dust get inside the lens and camera body under light rain, snow and wind. In order to have effective protection, you have to pair the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM with a weather-sealed camera body such as the Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D850.
Optical Image Stabilization
The Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM features an optical image stabilization system which helps to reduce the blur that occurs due to shaking during hand-held shooting.
Tripod Collar
With a total length of 289mm and a weight of 2950g, the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is a large lens. Fortunately, it comes with a tripod collar which you can use to attach the lens directly to a tripod or monopod instead of attaching the camera. This connection helps to better balance the lens/kit combination.
Zoom Method
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM features Rotary (internal) zoom method where the length of the lens doesn't change while you are zooming in or out. Even though this design has a size disadvantage in general compared to extending designs, it has the benefits of better sealing against dust and moisture, no zoom creep and no weight balance shift while zooming.
Maximum Magnification Ratio
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.13x and has a minimum focusing distance of 2.5m. 0.13x means that the max magnification ratio is very low and not suitable even for modest close-up shots.
Below are the 3 Telephoto Zoom type Nikon F mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:
Aperture
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is a fixed aperture lens with a constant max aperture of f2.8 from 120mm all the way to the 300mm .
Focal Length |
Max Aperture |
Min Aperture |
120mm
|
F2.8 |
F22 |
300mm
|
F2.8 |
F22 |
Optical Formula
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM's optical formula consists of 23 elements in 18 groups . Following special elements are used in this design:
- 2 FLD elements
- 1 SLD element
Lens Hood
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM comes with a removable lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos.
Popular Comparisons of Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM
Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM amongst Camera Decision readers.
Top Alternatives of Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens
Model |
|
Coverage |
Weight |
Focusing |
Street Price |
|
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
3,250 g / 7.15 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II
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|
35mm FF
|
1,540 g / 3.39 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
2,300 g / 5.06 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
2,950 g / 6.49 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED VR II
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|
35mm FF
|
3,360 g / 7.39 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
2,600 g / 5.72 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR
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|
35mm FF
|
745 g / 1.64 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f2.8G ED VR II
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
2,900 g / 6.38 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
1,340 g / 2.95 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S
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|
35mm FF
|
2,860 g / 6.29 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
1,930 g / 4.25 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
5,880 g / 12.94 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
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