Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is a Fixed aperture Auto Focus (AF)
Super Telephoto Zoom lens with 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with
F(FX) Mount cameras.
What type of photography is the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM lens good for?
The choice of photography type for which you intend to use the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is a crucial decision factor. Below, we have assessed its suitability for various photography scenarios:
Reasons to Buy the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Lens
Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM lens in a list form to assist you in determining whether it offers the features you need.
Autofocus |
Distance Scale |
Hood supplied |
Tripod Collar |
Full-time Manual Focusing |
Internal Focusing |
Constant f5.6 aperture throughout the range |
Covers Full-Frame Sensor |
9 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh |
800mm reach great for Wildlife Photography |
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Slow Aperture at Wide end |
Slow Aperture at Tele end |
Heavy |
Pricey |
Lens Mount
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG 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 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is also available in Sigma SA and Canon EF mounts.
Size, Weight and Filter Thread
The size and weight are crucial factors to consider when searching for your next lens. Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM has a maximum diameter of 157mm and total length of 544mm. It weighs 5880g / 207.4 oz.
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM has a filter thread of 46mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM:
Focal Range
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM has a focal range of 300-800mm and 2.7X zoom ratio. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 450 - 1200mm.
Tripod Collar
With a total length of 544mm and a weight of 5880g, the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG 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.
Optical Image Stabilization
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM doesn't have an optical image stabilization system so the only option to stabilize the image taken with this lens is to mount on a camera body with IBIS (sensor based In-body image stabilization).
Zoom Method
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG 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 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.14x and has a minimum focusing distance of 6m. 0.14x means that the max magnification ratio is very low and not suitable even for modest close-up shots.
Below are the 3 Super Telephoto Zoom type Nikon F mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:
Aperture
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is a fixed aperture lens with a constant max aperture of f5.6 from 300mm all the way to the 800mm .
Focal Length |
Max Aperture |
Min Aperture |
300mm
|
F5.6 |
F32 |
800mm
|
F5.6 |
F32 |
Optical Formula
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM's optical formula consists of 18 elements in 16 groups . Special elements used in this design is 2 ELD glass elements.
Lens Hood
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM comes with a removable lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos.
Popular Comparisons of Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM amongst Camera Decision readers.
Top Alternatives of Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Lens
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