Sigma EX 300-800mm F5.6 DG APO HSM Review

Sigma EX 300-800mm F5.6 DG APO HSM

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2003.
The lens belongs to the category telephoto zoom lenses, a telephoto lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Sigma

At launch 2003 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma EX 300-800mm F5.6 DG APO HSM :

"Sigma’s APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is another unique lens in the line of Sigma offerings. An ultra telephoto as no other camera or lens manufacturer offers the serious photographer! Featuring a constant aperture of F5.6 throughout the entire zoom range, this lens is ideal for photographing wildlife when there is no way of controlling the distance of the animal to the camera. With a simple turn of the zoom ring, the photographer can instantly adjust the composition of the image without moving or disturbing the subject. Similarly, the zoom accommodates sporting photography such as soccer or surfing where the rapidly changing distance of the action requires massive changes in focal length in a matter of seconds. Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide optimum color correction & sharpness throughout the entire zoom range. At the rear of the lens, a drop in 46mm filter holder is provided so that the photographer can easily add inexpensive color correction or light balancing filters. A perfect lens for surveillance use, its stealth black finish is unobtrusive and easily concealed.

Designed for use with full frame digital SLR cameras. May also be used with smaller APS-c size sensors with a corresponding effective increase in focal length to about 450 to 1200mm F5.6 most cameras

HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus

Weighing 13 lbs & an overall length of 21 inches it can still be accommodated in a large professional backpack

When used with full frame cameras & Sigma 1.4x or 2x optional Tele Converters it becomes a 420-1120mm F8 manual focus lens or a 600-1600mm F11 manual focus lens respectively

Soft case, lens hood, circular PL filter are included. It is equipped with fixed tripod socket."

Product description from Sigma at launch 2003

Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon and Nikon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 300-800 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/5,6.

This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.

A feature worth commenting, which is also related to lens brightness, is that the brightness and maximum aperture-value remains constant regardless of focal length used. This makes it easier for you as a photographer. No matter if you are have the focus ring and focal length at 300 mm or at 800 mm the aperture value can be f/5,6.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. 

Filter and Lens Hood

If you want to use filters on this lens the slot-in filters  (46 mm) would be the ones to use.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "LH1571-02 595".

Tripod Mount

This lens is equipped with a tripod mount, which makes use of a tripod easier and more stable.

Images of Sigma EX 300-800mm F5.6 DG APO HSM

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • Constant maximum aperture value regardless of focal length
  • Long focal length with its 800 mm
  • An impressive focal range
  • Works on all sensor types
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • A tripod mount is included
  • No built-in image stabilizer
  • Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
  • Heavy (5880 gr)
  • The price (more info)

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Sigma EX 300-800mm F5.6 DG APO HSM .

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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