Sigma 300mm f/4 APO Tele Macro

Information via third party site,review from Rusty Dodson

Discover a new world of possibilities with this ultra telephoto macro. It lets you get as close to your subject as 47.3 inches and its 1:3 macro capability enables you to shoot images so powerful, they'll take your breath away. Two SLD glass lens elements correct chromatic aberration and an inner focusing mechanism keep the 7.8 inch length constant. A rotating tripod collar is included and the durable ZEN finish makes it the ideal lens for even the most rugged photographic applications.

The 300mm f4 lens is an excellent compromise telephoto lens. 300mm is a good range for many wildlife applications and the f4 aperture keeps it light enough to carry and hand hold.

The Sigma 300mm f4 APO tele macro lens was very versatile. Prime lenses usually offer an advantage in image quality especially when used with a teleconverter, but this one also has some of the advantages of a zoom due to its close focus ability. I do have a few images made with this lens in my professional portfolio. I do have to admit, the Sigma 300mm f4 was a little soft wide open. The worst thing about the lens however is the painfully slow auto focus performance (non-hsm). If you can find the HSM version and don't mind stopping it down a few stops, it is an excellent lens.

The coolest thing about this lens was being able to use it as a macro lens for subjects like butterflies and other flighty animals. When used on a Dslr the macro range on this lens was even further enhanced. Basically giving one a 450mm f4 macro lens. That is a pretty useful range, and it was even light enough to hold.

Some day I'll get my hands on a Nikon/Nikkor 300mm f4 and write a proper comparison.