Hi there,

I'm just wondering if anyone here has any experience with the Sigma 300-800 f5.6 EX DG HSM (etc) lens?

For the price it would seem like a magical bird/wildlife lens. Most of the reviews on the net seem quite positive and I'm looking for some opinions from people who have used the lens.

I currently own an AFS (version 1) Nikkor 500/4 that I think is underperforming (I can't seem to get decent results, even after a service!). It's an old press lens that I got for a very price, but I'm just not happy with the results I'm getting from it (which is probably why it was a decent price!).

I understand that this lens is big/heavy... but I don't see that as a problem. I already have a gimbal head (Manfrotto) and a decent tripod.

For those that have used the Sigmonster:

1) What is/was your overall opinion of the lens?
2) How is the autofocus? As snappy/quiet/good as the expensive 500+ primes?
3) How is the overall image quality. I have read that the lens is super sharp throughout the entire zoom range and is only a hair softer/less contrasty (if at all) than the Nikon/Canon superteles.

Any comments/opinions would be welcome.

Thanks,
Paul.