Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM S Lens Review

Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Handling and Features

This lens certainly isn't lightweight, tipping the scales at over three kilogrammes. Even so, the lens is reasonably easy to hand hold for short periods and it balances well with the Canon EOS 5D MkIII used for testing. The lens is finished in matte black and is dust and splash resistant.

A HSM motor powers the focusing mechanism silently, and autofocus is incredibly quick and accurate much of the time. Manual focus adjustments can be applied at any time by simply turning the focus ring, which is well damped making manual adjustments a pleasure to apply.



Closest focus varies depending on the zoom setting between 150cm and 250cm. This may pose issues if recomposing using the zoom near the close focus stop. Focusing is internal and 105mm filters can be fitted, although the additional cost of filters this size may put many off investing in them.

With optical stabilisation enabled, and plenty of care taken, sharp hand held shots are possible around half the time at shutter speeds as low as 1/20sec, which is roughly four stops slower than the usual rule of thumb would allow. However, this may vary wildly from person to person due to the size and weight of the lens.

Add your message