Camera Labs

Hmm, Sigma seems to think that there is something wrong with their former Sigma AF 120-300mm 2.8 EX DG APO HSM OS
Because there's a new version of this lens - sans the "EX" moniker.

Here are the technical data:
Optical constraction (elements/groups): 23/18; same as old
# of aperture-blades: 9; same old
smallest aperture: 22; same old
Minimum focus distance: 1.5-2.5m; same old
largest magnification: 1:8.1; same old
Filter-thread: 105 mm; same old
Size (diam/length): 124 x 291 mm; the old had 114 x 289 mm, so at least something changed
Weight: not known; the old was 2980g
No price and date of availability yet announced. But the predecessor was always at least 2200 EUR (incl. 19% VAT), the list-price was 2999 EUR.
Don't expect the new one to become any cheaper, even though the EX-moniker (and the gold-ring!) was dropped...

And here's a photo of the beast:



Should be worth a review

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/20 ... has-a-lens

According to IR, this refresh will add focus limit and focus speed adjust. Also there will be an optional way for users to tinker with firmware settings, if you like that sorta thing.

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

Yeah: Firmware settings won't salvage a decentered lens, unfortunately...

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Hmm, have just had a look at the lens-design/formula and the MTF-charts: They're the SAME.
So this looks more like repackaging. If the price of the new lens is not reduced considerably (no "EX", no "gild-ring") I'd say Bah!

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

My impression is this is a "next generation" branding for them. Maybe EX is going away... the new lenses do seem to have a new cosmetic theme between them. I also noticed the optical design appears identical, so if it wasn't for the IR link earlier I was wondering just what they were doing...

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

I asked Sigma Germany and they replied with something like "you have to expect changes, the lens is coming with some innovations."
Which is exactly saying nothing with regard to the optical formula. It should be available end of february - and perhaps I'll have a look at it.

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

The programmable features of the new lens may be worth it for some, but the cost may still be a concern. The existing version has taken another price drop near me and is now £1549 (about €1850) from a major independent dealer. That is really amazing considering the amount of physical aperture you're getting.

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

Yeah, the price-drop makes this lens in its current incarnation quite attractive!
use it with a 1.4xTC and you get a stabilized 170-420/4.0 - similar to Nikon's or Canon's own offering with a bigger zoom range.

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Ouch: First prices range from 3400 EUR to 4000 EUR at Internet dealers in Germany (all incl. 19% VAT).

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Ouch! The best price in the UK for the older version is about half that...

_________________
Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.