Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO EX DG [HSM]

Super telephoto prime lens • Digital era • Discontinued

Announced:
· February 2005
Production status:
● Discontinued
Country of design:
· Japan
Original name:
· SIGMA 300mm 1:2.8 APO DG EX
· SIGMA 300mm 1:2.8 APO DG HSM EX
Class:
· Fast full-frame super telephoto prime lens
· Professional model

Abbreviations

APO	Apochromatic optical design.
EX	Professional lens with high quality optics and robust build. Meets the highest standards and provides excellent performance and flawless image quality unachievable with traditional optical technologies.
DG	The lens is designed for 35mm digital cameras but can be also used on APS-C digital cameras.
HSM	The lens is equipped with Hyper Sonic Motor.

Model history (3)

■Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO ZEN	A	12 - 9	2.50m	--	1988 ●
■Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO EX [HSM]	A	11 - 9	2.50m	--	1999 ●
■Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO EX DG [HSM]	A	11 - 9	2.50m	--	2005 ●

Specification

Optical design:
Maximum format:	35mm full frame
Focal length:	300mm
Speed:	F/2.8
Lens construction:	11 elements in 9 groups
	2 ELD
	Internal focusing (IF)
Mount and Flange focal distance:	Canon EF [44mm]
	Minolta/Sony A [44.5mm]
	Nikon F [46.5mm]
	Pentax K [45.5mm]
	Sigma SA [44mm]
Diagonal angle of view:	8.2° (35mm full frame)
On Canon EOS APS-C [1.59x] cameras:
35mm equivalent focal length:	477mm (in terms of field of view)
35mm equivalent speed:	F/4.5 (in terms of depth of field)
Diagonal angle of view:	5.2°
On Sony DSLR-A/SLT-A APS-C [1.53x] cameras:
35mm equivalent focal length:	459mm (in terms of field of view)
35mm equivalent speed:	F/4.3 (in terms of depth of field)
Diagonal angle of view:	5.4°
On Nikon D APS-C [1.53x] cameras:
35mm equivalent focal length:	459mm (in terms of field of view)
35mm equivalent speed:	F/4.3 (in terms of depth of field)
Diagonal angle of view:	5.4°
On Pentax K APS-C [1.53x] cameras:
35mm equivalent focal length:	459mm (in terms of field of view)
35mm equivalent speed:	F/4.3 (in terms of depth of field)
Diagonal angle of view:	5.4°
On Sigma SD APS-C [1.74x] cameras:
35mm equivalent focal length:	522mm (in terms of field of view)
35mm equivalent speed:	F/4.9 (in terms of depth of field)
Diagonal angle of view:	4.7°
Diaphragm mechanism:
Diaphragm type:	Automatic
Aperture control:	None; the aperture is controlled from the camera (Canon EF, Minolta/Sony A, Sigma SA)
Aperture control:	Aperture ring (Manual settings + Auto Exposure setting) (Nikon F, Pentax K)
Number of blades:	9 (nine)
Focusing:
Closest focusing distance:	2.50m
Magnification ratio:	1:7.5
Focusing modes:	Autofocus (A), Manual focus (M)
Autofocus motor:	Hyper Sonic Motor (Canon EF, Sigma SA, Nikon F)
Autofocus motor:	In-camera motor (Pentax K, Minolta/Sony A)
Manual focus control:	Focusing ring
Focus mode selector:	AF - M (Canon EF, Sigma SA, Nikon F)
Focus mode selector:	Focus Clutch Mechanism (Pentax K, Minolta/Sony A)
Manual focus override in autofocus mode:	Yes (Canon EF, Sigma SA, Nikon F)
Manual focus override in autofocus mode:	- (Pentax K, Minolta/Sony A)
Optical Stabilizer (OS):
Built-in OS:	-
Physical characteristics:
Weight:	2400g (Sigma SA)
Maximum diameter x Length:	⌀119×214.5mm (Sigma SA)
Weather sealing:	-
Fluorine coating:	-
Accessories:
Filters:	Removable front filters are not accepted
Additional features:	Drop-in filter holder (46mm)
Lens hood:	LH1196-01 - Clamp-on round
Teleconverters:	Sigma APO Tele Converter 1.4X EX DG → 420mm F/3.9
Teleconverters:	Sigma APO Tele Converter 2X EX DG → 600mm F/5.6

Source of data

Manufacturer's technical data.

Manufacturer description

Fast maximum aperture f/2.8 300mm telephoto lens optimized for digital SLR cameras. The new multi layer lens coating reduces flare and ghost, which is a common problem with digital SLR cameras. ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements reduce chromatic aberration to a minimum and also ensure sharp, quality images of high contrast. It creates an excellent image quality with 35mm film SLR cameras as well as digital SLR cameras.

This new lens has a special coating to reduce internal reflection and minimize flare and ghost, which is a common problem with digital cameras and also creates an optimum color balance.

This lens uses two ELD glass elements reduce chromatic aberration to a minimum and also ensure sharp, quality images of high contrast.

A drop-in 46mm filter holder in the rear part of the lens barrel can be rotated to facilitate the use of filters, including a polarizing filter.

The HSM models (Sigma, Nikon and Canon mounts) provide fast, silent AF function as well as full- time manual focus override.

It also incorporates inner focusing system, which enables responsive and fast auto focus speed. The overall length of the lens does not change during focusing, ensuring convenient handling and ease of use.

Simply adding an APO teleconverter (optional extra), means that this lens can be used as a 420mm f/4 AF ultra-telephoto lens with a 1.4X EX teleconverter, or a 600mm f/5.6 AF ultra-telephoto lens with a 2X teleconverter.

Lenses with similar focal length

■Canon EF mount (9)
Canon EF 300mm F/2.8L IS II USM	Pro	2011 ●	compare	4	0
Advantages: 4 Disadvantages: 0 · Newer model (2011) · More complex optical design · Smaller closest focusing distance (2m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:5.56 vs 1:7.5) · Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor instead of Hyper Sonic Motor · Focusing distance range limiter · Has image stabilizer · Slightly larger (249mm vs 214.5mm) · Weather-sealed · Fluorine coating NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Canon EF 300mm F/2.8L IS USM	Pro	1999 ●	compare	2	2
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 2 · Older model (1999) · Not optimized for digital cameras · More complex optical design · Less diaphragm blades (8 vs 9) · Slightly smaller magnification (1:7.7 vs 1:7.5) · Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor instead of Hyper Sonic Motor · Focusing distance range limiter · Has image stabilizer · Too heavy for handheld photography · Slightly larger (252mm vs 214.5mm) · Weather-sealed NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Canon EF 300mm F/2.8L USM	Pro	1987 ●	compare	1	3
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 3 · Older model (1987) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Less diaphragm blades (8 vs 9) · Larger closest focusing distance (3m vs 2.50m) · Slightly smaller magnification (1:9.1 vs 1:7.5) · Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor instead of Hyper Sonic Motor · Focusing distance range limiter · Slightly heavier (2855g vs 2400g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Slightly larger (253mm vs 214.5mm) NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO EX [HSM]	Pro	1999 ●	compare	0	1
Advantages: 0 Disadvantages: 1 · Older model (1999) · Not optimized for digital cameras HIDE
Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO ZEN	Pro	1988 ●	compare	0	3
Advantages: 0 Disadvantages: 3 · Older model (1988) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Floating element system · Slightly smaller magnification (1:7.66 vs 1:7.5) · Micromotor · Features Focus Clutch Mechanism · No manual focus override in autofocus mode · Slightly lighter (2030g vs 2400g) · Built-in telescopic lens hood NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Tamron SP AF 300mm F/2.8 LD [IF] 360E • ⌀112	Pro	1992 ●	compare	1	4
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 4 · Older model (1992) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Floating element system · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.1 vs 1:7.5) · Micromotor · Features Focus Clutch Mechanism · No manual focus override in autofocus mode · Slightly heavier (2800g vs 2400g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Has filter thread (112mm) NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Tokina AT-X Pro AF SD 300mm F/2.8 • ⌀112	Pro	1999 ●	compare	1	3
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 3 · Older model (1999) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.5) · Micromotor · Features Focus Clutch Mechanism · No manual focus override in autofocus mode · Slightly smaller (187mm vs 214.5mm) · Has filter thread (112mm) NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Tokina AT-X AF SD 300mm F/2.8 • ⌀112	Pro	1990 ●	compare	1	3
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 3 · Older model (1990) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Less diaphragm blades (7 vs 9) · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.5) · Micromotor · No manual focus override in autofocus mode · Slightly lighter (1940g vs 2400g) · Has filter thread (112mm) NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Tokina AT-X AF SD 300mm F/2.8 II • ⌀112	Pro	1995 ●	compare	1	3
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 3 · Older model (1995) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.5) · Micromotor · No manual focus override in autofocus mode · Has filter thread (112mm) HIDE

■Minolta/Sony A mount (11)
Minolta AF 300mm F/2.8 APO G D SSM	Pro	2003 ●	compare	4	1
Advantages: 4 Disadvantages: 1 · Not optimized for digital cameras · Smaller closest focusing distance (2m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:5.56 vs 1:7.5) · Super Sonic Wave Motor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Slightly lighter (2150g vs 2400g) · Slightly larger (242mm vs 214.5mm) NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Minolta AF 300mm F/2.8 HS-APO G • ⌀114	Pro	1989 ●	compare	3	1
Advantages: 3 Disadvantages: 1 · Older model (1989) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.14 vs 1:7.5) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Slightly larger (238.5mm vs 214.5mm) · Has filter thread (114mm) · Built-in telescopic lens hood NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Minolta AF 300mm F/2.8 APO • ⌀114	Pro	1985 ●	compare	3	1
Advantages: 3 Disadvantages: 1 · Older model (1985) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.14 vs 1:7.5) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Slightly larger (238mm vs 214.5mm) · Has filter thread (114mm) · Built-in telescopic lens hood NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO EX [HSM]	Pro	1999 ●	compare	0	1
Advantages: 0 Disadvantages: 1 · Older model (1999) · Not optimized for digital cameras HIDE
Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO ZEN	Pro	1988 ●	compare	0	1
Advantages: 0 Disadvantages: 1 · Older model (1988) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Floating element system · Slightly smaller magnification (1:7.66 vs 1:7.5) · Slightly lighter (2030g vs 2400g) · Built-in telescopic lens hood NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Sony 300mm F/2.8 G SSM [SAL300F28G]	Pro	2006 ●	compare	4	0
Advantages: 4 Disadvantages: 0 · Smaller closest focusing distance (2m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:5.56 vs 1:7.5) · Super Sonic Wave Motor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Slightly lighter (2150g vs 2400g) · Slightly larger (242mm vs 214.5mm) NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Sony 300mm F/2.8 G SSM II [SAL300F28G2]	Pro	2012 ●	compare	5	0
Advantages: 5 Disadvantages: 0 · Newer model (2012) · Smaller closest focusing distance (2m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:5.56 vs 1:7.5) · Super Sonic Wave Motor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Slightly larger (242.5mm vs 214.5mm) · Weather-sealed NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Tamron SP AF 300mm F/2.8 LD [IF] 60E • ⌀112	Pro	1990 ●	compare	2	1
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 1 · Older model (1990) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Floating element system · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.1 vs 1:7.5) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Focusing distance range limiter · Has filter thread (112mm) HIDE
Tokina AT-X Pro AF SD 300mm F/2.8 • ⌀112	Pro	1999 ●	compare	1	1
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 1 · Older model (1999) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.5) · Slightly smaller (187mm vs 214.5mm) · Has filter thread (112mm) NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Tokina AT-X AF SD 300mm F/2.8 • ⌀112	Pro	1990 ●	compare	1	1
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 1 · Older model (1990) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Less diaphragm blades (7 vs 9) · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.5) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Slightly lighter (1940g vs 2400g) · Has filter thread (112mm) NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Tokina AT-X AF SD 300mm F/2.8 II • ⌀112	Pro	1995 ●	compare	1	1
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 1 · Older model (1995) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.5) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Has filter thread (112mm) HIDE

■Nikon F mount (13)
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm F/2.8G ED VR II	Pro	2009 ●	compare	4	3
Advantages: 4 Disadvantages: 3 · Newer model (2009) · In production · Smaller closest focusing distance (2.30m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:6.25 vs 1:7.5) · Silent Wave Motor instead of Hyper Sonic Motor · Focusing distance range limiter · Has image stabilizer · Heavier (2900g vs 2400g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Larger (267.5mm vs 214.5mm) · Weather-sealed NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm F/2.8G ED-IF VR	Pro	2004 ●	compare	3	2
Advantages: 3 Disadvantages: 2 · Smaller closest focusing distance (2.30m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:6.25 vs 1:7.5) · Silent Wave Motor instead of Hyper Sonic Motor · Focusing distance range limiter · Has image stabilizer · Slightly heavier (2870g vs 2400g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Larger (267.5mm vs 214.5mm) · Weather-sealed NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm F/2.8D IF-ED II	Pro	2001 ●	compare	2	3
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 3 · Older model (2001) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Smaller closest focusing distance (2.30m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:6.4 vs 1:7.5) · Silent Wave Motor instead of Hyper Sonic Motor · Focusing distance range limiter · Too heavy for handheld photography · Larger (268.5mm vs 214.5mm) NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm F/2.8D IF-ED	Pro	1996 ●	compare	1	4
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 4 · Older model (1996) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Silent Wave Motor instead of Hyper Sonic Motor · Focusing distance range limiter · Heavier (3100g vs 2400g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Larger (268.5mm vs 214.5mm) NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Nikon AF Nikkor 300mm F/2.8 ED-IF [II]	Pro	1988 ●	compare	1	5
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 5 · Older model (1988) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Larger closest focusing distance (3m vs 2.50m) · In-camera motor · No manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Slightly heavier (2700g vs 2400g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Slightly larger (255mm vs 214.5mm) · Built-in telescopic lens hood NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Nikon AF-I Nikkor 300mm F/2.8D ED-IF	Pro	1992 ●	compare	1	5
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 5 · Older model (1992) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Micromotor · No manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Heavier (2950g vs 2400g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Slightly larger (241mm vs 214.5mm) NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Nikon AF Nikkor 300mm F/2.8 ED-IF [I]	Pro	1986 ●	compare	1	5
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 5 · Older model (1986) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Larger closest focusing distance (3m vs 2.50m) · In-camera motor · No manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Slightly heavier (2700g vs 2400g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Slightly larger (255mm vs 214.5mm) · Built-in telescopic lens hood NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO EX [HSM]	Pro	1999 ●	compare	0	1
Advantages: 0 Disadvantages: 1 · Older model (1999) · Not optimized for digital cameras HIDE
Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO ZEN	Pro	1988 ●	compare	0	3
Advantages: 0 Disadvantages: 3 · Older model (1988) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Floating element system · Slightly smaller magnification (1:7.66 vs 1:7.5) · In-camera motor · Features Focus Clutch Mechanism · No manual focus override in autofocus mode · Slightly lighter (2030g vs 2400g) · Built-in telescopic lens hood NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Tamron SP AF 300mm F/2.8 LD [IF] 360E • ⌀112	Pro	1992 ●	compare	1	3
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 3 · Older model (1992) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Floating element system · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.1 vs 1:7.5) · In-camera motor · No focus mode selector · No manual focus override in autofocus mode · Has filter thread (112mm) HIDE
Tokina AT-X Pro AF SD 300mm F/2.8 • ⌀112	Pro	1999 ●	compare	1	3
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 3 · Older model (1999) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.5) · In-camera motor · Features Focus Clutch Mechanism · No manual focus override in autofocus mode · Slightly smaller (187mm vs 214.5mm) · Has filter thread (112mm) NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Tokina AT-X AF SD 300mm F/2.8 • ⌀112	Pro	1990 ●	compare	1	3
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 3 · Older model (1990) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Less diaphragm blades (7 vs 9) · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.5) · In-camera motor · No focus mode selector · No manual focus override in autofocus mode · Slightly lighter (1940g vs 2400g) · Has filter thread (112mm) NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Tokina AT-X AF SD 300mm F/2.8 II • ⌀112	Pro	1995 ●	compare	1	3
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 3 · Older model (1995) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.5) · In-camera motor · No focus mode selector · No manual focus override in autofocus mode · Has filter thread (112mm) HIDE

■Pentax K mount (3)
smc Pentax-FA* 300mm F/2.8 ED [IF] • ⌀112	Pro	1993 ●	compare	2	1
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 1 · Older model (1993) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Less diaphragm blades (8 vs 9) · Smaller closest focusing distance (2m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:5.88 vs 1:7.5) · Slightly larger (247mm vs 214.5mm) · Has filter thread (112mm) NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO EX [HSM]	Pro	1999 ●	compare	0	1
Advantages: 0 Disadvantages: 1 · Older model (1999) · Not optimized for digital cameras HIDE
Tamron SP AF 300mm F/2.8 LD [IF] 60E • ⌀112	Pro	1990 ●	compare	2	1
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 1 · Older model (1990) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Floating element system · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.1 vs 1:7.5) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Focusing distance range limiter · Has filter thread (112mm) HIDE

■Sigma SA mount (2)
Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO EX [HSM]	Pro	1999 ●	compare	0	1
Advantages: 0 Disadvantages: 1 · Older model (1999) · Not optimized for digital cameras HIDE
Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO ZEN	Pro	1988 ●	compare	0	3
Advantages: 0 Disadvantages: 3 · Older model (1988) · Not optimized for digital cameras · Floating element system · Slightly smaller magnification (1:7.66 vs 1:7.5) · Micromotor · Features Focus Clutch Mechanism · No manual focus override in autofocus mode · Slightly lighter (2030g vs 2400g) · Built-in telescopic lens hood NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE