Sigma Zooms at DVinfo.net

Jason Davis · November 26th, 2008, 09:26 PM

About to purchase my zoom lens,
1. 100-300 f4 52.2oz
2. 120-300 f2.8 91.7oz
can anyone persuade me into one or the other. Shooting various kinds of wildlife using a
JVC hd-100. thanks for the help

Bo Skelmose · November 27th, 2008, 12:54 AM

Hi
I can only say that I use the Sigma 120-300mm 2,8 and it works great. The lens make very crispy pictures with the iris at 5,6 - 11 where it is sharpest. Sometimes I use a teleconverter and the 2,8 makes it possible to work with it. I have an Sony EX3.
..............bo

Per Johan Naesje · November 27th, 2008, 03:30 AM

Jason,
never used any of the lenses you got here, but I very happy with the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 and Sigma 150mm macro 1:1 f2.8
I use them with a Canon XLH1.

My opinion is that Sigma lenses are as good as e.g. Canon originals when used on camcorders IMHO!
My advise will be to try them both out if possible. And I think that fast lenses are better, so I think the the 120-300 will be my bet! In wildlife filming you often want to record in dawn and dusk where the light can be poor.
I also heard that these zoom lenses can be a little soft at the 300mm end!

I would also recommend you to get some rain-protection for your lens. The Sigma's is not waterproof like the Canon L-lenses.

Good luck, keep us informed about how it goes!

Jason Davis · November 27th, 2008, 11:05 PM

Thanks guys. Per, you mention a rain cover for the lens, are Sigma lenses less durable in outdoor environments, maybe I would be better off with a Nikon instead? I have read that you use a Ronsrail, are there any options out there for me for lens support, I was looking at Cavision rod system, but now I dont think its what I am looking for. Any advice with lens support would be very helpful.

Per Johan Naesje · November 28th, 2008, 03:50 AM

Well, it's not that bad! Only a few times in real severe weather (e.g. blizzard or heavy rain) I've discovered some light dense inside the front glass of the Sigma lens. And this only happend after several hours in this situation. Most people don't even go out in weather like that, but stupid me did!

Unfortunately Ronsrail is out of business. I'm not aware of any manufacture doing this kind of rails today.

As a note, I'm not using the rail, on my shortest 35mm lenses! The Sigma 70/200mm f2.8, Sigma 150mm macro f2.8 and the Canon 300mm f4.0
This lenses are as light as the original 20x and I have few problems handling them without the rail. In this way I can also exchange them rapidly, which I can't do if I use the rail.

The only situation I use the rail is on lenses, like Sigma/Canon 300mm f2.8 and beyond! This lenses are too heavy to attach to the camcorder without any support for it's own leg!

Just to give you a sample. This short video of the Golden Eagle is shoot with a Sigma 70-200mm f2.8. Mostly at the telephotoend. I didn't use any rail support. Shoot from a hide at a distance of approx. 20-25 meter

http://www.video-film.no/snutter/kongeorn.html

or if you prefer Vimeo:
http://www.vimeo.com/1011529

Mark Williams · November 28th, 2008, 08:25 AM

The Sigma 100-300 f/4 gets a really good user report here.
FM Reviews - APO 100-300mm f4 EX IF HSM

Gilles Debord · December 3rd, 2008, 08:28 AM

Hi

My solution to attach a Canon XL2/Tamron 300 mm on a Vinten tripod.
The bevel gear box is used to focus the lens, the end ratio is 3 to 1 but in changing the little gear i can obtain 6 to 1. I have to do a knob to turn the axis and a support. The rail come directly in place on the fluid head without adapter (it's a dove tail machined for the Vinten).
I have a set of holds to compensate the heigt difference between the Cam and the lens.
All the parts have to be anodized.
The ring gear is a 120 tooth M1 and the little is a 40 M1 i have machined a 30 and a 20 M1 to obtain ratio 3/1, 4/1, 6/1. The total weight is 1200 g.

Steve Phillipps · December 3rd, 2008, 10:16 AM

Best support solution is just to get a flat piece of aluminium, get an engineer to bore a few holes in it and there you go.
Both those Sigmas are known to be good ones, just a question of how much you need the 2.8 and how well you can cope with the extra weight.
Personally on a small chip camera I'd be wary of going below 5.6 (8 at the outside) as you'll risk getting diffraction problems.
Steve

Jason Davis · December 7th, 2008, 08:40 PM

Thanks for your suggestions. I have been searching around, is anyone familiar with ReallyRightStuff, in particular this camera/lens mount Really Right Stuff - Kennan Ward Super-Tele Package - Kit Configuration Page

Mick Jenner · December 8th, 2008, 01:56 PM

Hi Jason,

Have a look at this link Wildeye Filmmaking Chat :: View topic - Ronsrail System
Its not about the ronsrail it deals more with the Kennan Ward

Regards

Mick

Paul Inglis · December 8th, 2008, 05:19 PM

As Mick pointed you in the direction of Wildeye and the RRS Long Lens Rail!

All I can say at this moment is that it looks like an excellent alternative, if not better, than the Ronsrail I seeked! RRS have been absolutely brilliant and I hope to have mine shortly!

I have used their photographic plates and brackets for my stills in the past and have found them second to none!

As soon as it's here I'll post letting everyone know!

Just a quick comment regards to the Sigma Lenses; 1) the 100-300mm f/4 can front focus so check if you purchase that one! 2) the 120-300mm f2.8 is a cracker and I regret selling mine as it was a good copy (I'll probably end up getting another!).

Yeo Wee Han · December 8th, 2008, 06:40 PM

Nice to see you here Paul and yes, as Paul has mentioned, the RRS package is the way to go for us wildlife shooters. It is known to be much better than the Ronsrail....a little known fact as the RRS tele package itself is not that well-known.

I have yet to order mine as Im waiting for my long lens....still deciding between a Sigma 120-300, Sigma 300-800 or WAIT for a Canon FD 150-600...:(

Cheers

WeeHan

Gilles Debord · December 10th, 2008, 04:45 AM

Hi

The XL2 mounted and unmounted on the Vinten Vision 11. The dove tail fit directly on the head, the distance between the two support can be adjusted in lenght and lateral offset for the height i use holds.

Dale Guthormsen · December 11th, 2008, 05:36 PM

these are nicely made rails but if you use more than one type of lens they arre not very adjustable from the appearances of the picture!!

The ron's rail is totally adjustable as well as the one I use.

To me it is important to set up quickly and to be able to adjust to a different lens readily.

If you only use one lens then this one would be fine!!

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/under-wat...d-blocker.html

At the bottom of these posts is a picture of the rail I use

Gilles Debord · December 17th, 2008, 04:14 AM

Hi Dale

The slot is 200 mm long and the other is 50 mm long. I can adapt many lens, zoom and prime, i have a doubt for the 600 mm Canon prime lens, but you can do a bigger plate, for the height i use holds, that's more rigid than sliding rail. The two black parts are "quick clamps"

Regards

Gilles

November 26th, 2008, 09:26 PM	#1
Jason Davis Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Missoula Posts: 54	Sigma Zooms About to purchase my zoom lens, 1. 100-300 f4 52.2oz 2. 120-300 f2.8 91.7oz can anyone persuade me into one or the other. Shooting various kinds of wildlife using a JVC hd-100. thanks for the help

November 27th, 2008, 03:30 AM	#3
Per Johan Naesje Trustee Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Akershus, Norway Posts: 1,413	Jason, never used any of the lenses you got here, but I very happy with the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 and Sigma 150mm macro 1:1 f2.8 I use them with a Canon XLH1. My opinion is that Sigma lenses are as good as e.g. Canon originals when used on camcorders IMHO! My advise will be to try them both out if possible. And I think that fast lenses are better, so I think the the 120-300 will be my bet! In wildlife filming you often want to record in dawn and dusk where the light can be poor. I also heard that these zoom lenses can be a little soft at the 300mm end! I would also recommend you to get some rain-protection for your lens. The Sigma's is not waterproof like the Canon L-lenses. Good luck, keep us informed about how it goes! __________________ - Per Johan

November 28th, 2008, 03:50 AM	#5
Per Johan Naesje Trustee Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Akershus, Norway Posts: 1,413	Well, it's not that bad! Only a few times in real severe weather (e.g. blizzard or heavy rain) I've discovered some light dense inside the front glass of the Sigma lens. And this only happend after several hours in this situation. Most people don't even go out in weather like that, but stupid me did! Unfortunately Ronsrail is out of business. I'm not aware of any manufacture doing this kind of rails today. As a note, I'm not using the rail, on my shortest 35mm lenses! The Sigma 70/200mm f2.8, Sigma 150mm macro f2.8 and the Canon 300mm f4.0 This lenses are as light as the original 20x and I have few problems handling them without the rail. In this way I can also exchange them rapidly, which I can't do if I use the rail. The only situation I use the rail is on lenses, like Sigma/Canon 300mm f2.8 and beyond! This lenses are too heavy to attach to the camcorder without any support for it's own leg! Just to give you a sample. This short video of the Golden Eagle is shoot with a Sigma 70-200mm f2.8. Mostly at the telephotoend. I didn't use any rail support. Shoot from a hide at a distance of approx. 20-25 meter http://www.video-film.no/snutter/kongeorn.html or if you prefer Vimeo: http://www.vimeo.com/1011529 __________________ - Per Johan

November 28th, 2008, 08:25 AM	#6
Mark Williams Trustee Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Deep South, U.S. Posts: 1,526	The Sigma 100-300 f/4 gets a really good user report here. FM Reviews - APO 100-300mm f4 EX IF HSM __________________ Mark videos: http://vimeo.com/channels/3523 Stock: http://www.pond5.com/artist/mark29

December 3rd, 2008, 08:28 AM	#7
Gilles Debord Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: France Posts: 152	My rail attachment for XL2/ Tamron 300 mm Hi My solution to attach a Canon XL2/Tamron 300 mm on a Vinten tripod. The bevel gear box is used to focus the lens, the end ratio is 3 to 1 but in changing the little gear i can obtain 6 to 1. I have to do a knob to turn the axis and a support. The rail come directly in place on the fluid head without adapter (it's a dove tail machined for the Vinten). I have a set of holds to compensate the heigt difference between the Cam and the lens. All the parts have to be anodized. The ring gear is a 120 tooth M1 and the little is a 40 M1 i have machined a 30 and a 20 M1 to obtain ratio 3/1, 4/1, 6/1. The total weight is 1200 g. Attached Thumbnails Attached Images __________________ Gilles Debord http://www.wwvideo.tv

November 27th, 2008, 12:54 AM	#2
Bo Skelmose Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Denmark Posts: 495	Hi I can only say that I use the Sigma 120-300mm 2,8 and it works great. The lens make very crispy pictures with the iris at 5,6 - 11 where it is sharpest. Sometimes I use a teleconverter and the 2,8 makes it possible to work with it. I have an Sony EX3. ..............bo

November 27th, 2008, 11:05 PM	#4
Jason Davis Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Missoula Posts: 54	Thanks guys. Per, you mention a rain cover for the lens, are Sigma lenses less durable in outdoor environments, maybe I would be better off with a Nikon instead? I have read that you use a Ronsrail, are there any options out there for me for lens support, I was looking at Cavision rod system, but now I dont think its what I am looking for. Any advice with lens support would be very helpful.

December 3rd, 2008, 10:16 AM	#8
Steve Phillipps Inner Circle Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wales Posts: 2,130	Best support solution is just to get a flat piece of aluminium, get an engineer to bore a few holes in it and there you go. Both those Sigmas are known to be good ones, just a question of how much you need the 2.8 and how well you can cope with the extra weight. Personally on a small chip camera I'd be wary of going below 5.6 (8 at the outside) as you'll risk getting diffraction problems. Steve

December 7th, 2008, 08:40 PM	#9
Jason Davis Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Missoula Posts: 54	Thanks for your suggestions. I have been searching around, is anyone familiar with ReallyRightStuff, in particular this camera/lens mount Really Right Stuff - Kennan Ward Super-Tele Package - Kit Configuration Page

December 8th, 2008, 01:56 PM	#10
Mick Jenner Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: West Sussex England Posts: 843	Hi Jason, Have a look at this link Wildeye Filmmaking Chat :: View topic - Ronsrail System Its not about the ronsrail it deals more with the Kennan Ward Regards Mick

December 8th, 2008, 05:19 PM	#11
Paul Inglis Major Player Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: British Isles Posts: 415	As Mick pointed you in the direction of Wildeye and the RRS Long Lens Rail! All I can say at this moment is that it looks like an excellent alternative, if not better, than the Ronsrail I seeked! RRS have been absolutely brilliant and I hope to have mine shortly! I have used their photographic plates and brackets for my stills in the past and have found them second to none! As soon as it's here I'll post letting everyone know! Just a quick comment regards to the Sigma Lenses; 1) the 100-300mm f/4 can front focus so check if you purchase that one! 2) the 120-300mm f2.8 is a cracker and I regret selling mine as it was a good copy (I'll probably end up getting another!). Last edited by Paul Inglis; December 8th, 2008 at 05:21 PM. Reason: typo

December 8th, 2008, 06:40 PM	#12
Yeo Wee Han Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Singapore Posts: 155	Nice to see you here Paul and yes, as Paul has mentioned, the RRS package is the way to go for us wildlife shooters. It is known to be much better than the Ronsrail....a little known fact as the RRS tele package itself is not that well-known. I have yet to order mine as Im waiting for my long lens....still deciding between a Sigma 120-300, Sigma 300-800 or WAIT for a Canon FD 150-600...:( Cheers WeeHan __________________ www.tripeaksimagery.com Landscape Photography & Timelapses

December 10th, 2008, 04:45 AM	#13
Gilles Debord Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: France Posts: 152	Hi The XL2 mounted and unmounted on the Vinten Vision 11. The dove tail fit directly on the head, the distance between the two support can be adjusted in lenght and lateral offset for the height i use holds. Attached Images __________________ Gilles Debord http://www.wwvideo.tv

December 11th, 2008, 05:36 PM	#14
Dale Guthormsen Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 3,048	these are nicely made rails but if you use more than one type of lens they arre not very adjustable from the appearances of the picture!! The ron's rail is totally adjustable as well as the one I use. To me it is important to set up quickly and to be able to adjust to a different lens readily. If you only use one lens then this one would be fine!! http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/under-wat...d-blocker.html At the bottom of these posts is a picture of the rail I use __________________ DATS ALL FOLKS Dale W. Guthormsen

December 17th, 2008, 04:14 AM	#15
Gilles Debord Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: France Posts: 152	Hi Dale The slot is 200 mm long and the other is 50 mm long. I can adapt many lens, zoom and prime, i have a doubt for the 600 mm Canon prime lens, but you can do a bigger plate, for the height i use holds, that's more rigid than sliding rail. The two black parts are "quick clamps" Regards Gilles __________________ Gilles Debord http://www.wwvideo.tv