Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO ZEN

Super telephoto prime lens • Film era • Discontinued

Announced:
· October 1988
Production status:
● Discontinued
Country of design:
· Japan
Original name:
· SIGMA 300mm 1:2.8 APO
Class:
· Fast full-frame super telephoto prime lens
· Professional model

Abbreviations

APO	Apochromatic optical design.

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:	12 elements in 9 groups
	2 SLD
	Internal focusing (IF)
	Floating element system
Mount and Flange focal distance:	Canon EF [44mm]
	Minolta/Sony A [44.5mm]
	Nikon F [46.5mm]
	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 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)
Number of blades:	9 (nine)
Focusing:
Closest focusing distance:	2.50m
Magnification ratio:	1:7.66
Focusing modes:	Autofocus (A), Manual focus (M)
Autofocus motor:	Micromotor (Canon EF, Sigma SA)
Autofocus motor:	In-camera motor (Minolta/Sony A, Nikon F)
Manual focus control:	Focusing ring
Focus mode selector:	Focus Clutch Mechanism
Manual focus override in autofocus mode:	-
Optical Stabilizer (OS):
Built-in OS:	-
Physical characteristics:
Weight:	2030g (Nikon F)
Maximum diameter x Length:	⌀120×223mm (Nikon F)
Accessories:
Filters:	Removable front filters are not accepted
Additional features:	Drop-in filter holder (30.5mm)
Lens hood:	Built-in telescopic round
Teleconverters:	Sigma APO Tele Converter 1.4X EX → 420mm F/3.9
	Sigma APO Tele Converter 1.4X EX DG → 420mm F/3.9
	Sigma APO Tele Converter 2X EX → 600mm F/5.6
	Sigma APO Tele Converter 2X EX DG → 600mm F/5.6

Source of data

Manufacturer's technical data.

Manufacturer description #1

World's fastest and lightest telephoto lens in its class.
Sigma SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass plus Apochromatic and Double-Floating Focus Design for dramatically superior contrast and color correction throughout the focusing range.
Highly maneuverable for sharp, hand-held long lens images.
Special dry lubricant and internal focus mechanism assures smooth focusing even in sub-zero temperatures.
Built-in lens hood and front protective filter.

Manufacturer description #2

Even at ultra-telephoto 300mm, compactness and performance are very stringent. Sigma's APO 300mm uses an apochromat and an inner focusing mechanism for an overall length of just 223mm, in spite of having an aperture of F2.8. Ultra-compact, it weights just 2030g. Also, the use of SLD glass restricts chromatic aberration to extreme limits and obtains excellent images. Single-finger focusing is smooth, fast and precise for manual focusing. Closest focusing distance is 250cm. Equipped with front-end protective glass, it is also suited for outdoor use.

From the editor

Introduced at Photokina 1988.

Notes

The autofocus will not be available with Nikon D40, D40X, D60, D3000-D3500, D5000-D5600 digital SLR cameras.
Sigma had to reverse engineer the communication protocol of the Canon EF mount to produce a version of this lens for Canon EOS 35mm film SLR cameras. As a consequence, this lens may not work properly with Canon EOS cameras (both film and digital) due to compatibility issues.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Sigma lens designation "ZEN" mean?

It means that the lens has a ZEN finish. ZEN is an acronym for Zeitgeist ("the spirit of the times"), Enhancement, and Nonglare. This nonreflective urethane resin finish was introduced around 1989 and replaced the old-style, painted satin-black finish. Sigma claimed it to be hard, strong, antichemical, nonslip, antiglare, and scratch-resistant, however, it actually had a tendency to peel off and become sticky as it aged.

Lenses with similar focal length

■Canon EF mount (9)
Canon EF 300mm F/2.8L IS II USM	Pro	2011 ●	compare	8	0
Advantages: 8 Disadvantages: 0 · Newer model (2011) · Optimized for digital cameras · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Smaller closest focusing distance (2m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:5.56 vs 1:7.66) · Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Has image stabilizer · Slightly heavier (2400g vs 2030g) · Slightly larger (249mm vs 223mm) · Weather-sealed · Fluorine coating · Detachable lens hood NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Canon EF 300mm F/2.8L IS USM	Pro	1999 ●	compare	5	2
Advantages: 5 Disadvantages: 2 · Newer model (1999) · More complex optical design · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Less diaphragm blades (8 vs 9) · Slightly smaller magnification (1:7.7 vs 1:7.66) · Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Has image stabilizer · Heavier (2550g vs 2030g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Slightly larger (252mm vs 223mm) · Weather-sealed · Detachable lens hood NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Canon EF 300mm F/2.8L USM	Pro	1987 ●	compare	4	3
Advantages: 4 Disadvantages: 3 · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Less diaphragm blades (8 vs 9) · Larger closest focusing distance (3m vs 2.50m) · Slightly smaller magnification (1:9.1 vs 1:7.66) · Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Much heavier (2855g vs 2030g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Slightly larger (253mm vs 223mm) · Detachable lens hood NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO EX DG [HSM]	Pro	2005 ●	compare	4	0
Advantages: 4 Disadvantages: 0 · Newer model (2005) · Optimized for digital cameras · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.5 vs 1:7.66) · Hyper Sonic Motor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Slightly heavier (2400g vs 2030g) · Detachable lens hood NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO EX [HSM]	Pro	1999 ●	compare	2	0
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 0 · New optical design · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.5 vs 1:7.66) · Hyper Sonic Motor instead of Micromotor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Slightly heavier (2300g vs 2030g) 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	2	2
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 2 · Newer model (1992) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.1 vs 1:7.66) · Heavier (2800g vs 2030g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Has filter thread (112mm) · Detachable lens hood 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	2	0
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 0 · Newer model (1999) · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.66) · Slightly heavier (2300g vs 2030g) · Slightly smaller (187mm vs 223mm) · Has filter thread (112mm) · Detachable lens hood NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Tokina AT-X AF SD 300mm F/2.8 • ⌀112	Pro	1990 ●	compare	2	0
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 0 · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Less diaphragm blades (7 vs 9) · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.66) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Has filter thread (112mm) · Detachable lens hood HIDE
Tokina AT-X AF SD 300mm F/2.8 II • ⌀112	Pro	1995 ●	compare	2	0
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 0 · Newer model (1995) · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.66) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Has filter thread (112mm) · Detachable lens hood HIDE

■Minolta/Sony A mount (11)
Minolta AF 300mm F/2.8 APO G D SSM	Pro	2003 ●	compare	5	0
Advantages: 5 Disadvantages: 0 · Newer model (2003) · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Smaller closest focusing distance (2m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:5.56 vs 1:7.66) · Super Sonic Wave Motor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Detachable lens hood HIDE
Minolta AF 300mm F/2.8 HS-APO G • ⌀114	Pro	1989 ●	compare	3	1
Advantages: 3 Disadvantages: 1 · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.14 vs 1:7.66) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Heavier (2480g vs 2030g) · Has filter thread (114mm) 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) · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.14 vs 1:7.66) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Heavier (2480g vs 2030g) · Has filter thread (114mm) NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO EX DG [HSM]	Pro	2005 ●	compare	2	0
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 0 · Newer model (2005) · Optimized for digital cameras · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.5 vs 1:7.66) · Slightly heavier (2400g vs 2030g) · Detachable 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	0
Advantages: 0 Disadvantages: 0 · New optical design · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.5 vs 1:7.66) · Slightly heavier (2300g vs 2030g) NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Sony 300mm F/2.8 G SSM [SAL300F28G]	Pro	2006 ●	compare	6	0
Advantages: 6 Disadvantages: 0 · Newer model (2006) · Optimized for digital cameras · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Smaller closest focusing distance (2m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:5.56 vs 1:7.66) · Super Sonic Wave Motor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Detachable lens hood HIDE
Sony 300mm F/2.8 G SSM II [SAL300F28G2]	Pro	2012 ●	compare	7	0
Advantages: 7 Disadvantages: 0 · Newer model (2012) · Optimized for digital cameras · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Smaller closest focusing distance (2m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:5.56 vs 1:7.66) · Super Sonic Wave Motor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Slightly heavier (2340g vs 2030g) · Weather-sealed · Detachable lens hood 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	3	0
Advantages: 3 Disadvantages: 0 · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.1 vs 1:7.66) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Focusing distance range limiter · Slightly heavier (2247g vs 2030g) · Has filter thread (112mm) · Detachable lens hood 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	2	0
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 0 · Newer model (1999) · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.66) · Slightly heavier (2300g vs 2030g) · Slightly smaller (187mm vs 223mm) · Has filter thread (112mm) · Detachable lens hood NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Tokina AT-X AF SD 300mm F/2.8 • ⌀112	Pro	1990 ●	compare	2	0
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 0 · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Less diaphragm blades (7 vs 9) · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.66) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Has filter thread (112mm) · Detachable lens hood HIDE
Tokina AT-X AF SD 300mm F/2.8 II • ⌀112	Pro	1995 ●	compare	2	0
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 0 · Newer model (1995) · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.66) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Has filter thread (112mm) · Detachable lens hood HIDE

■Nikon F mount (13)
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm F/2.8G ED VR II	Pro	2009 ●	compare	8	2
Advantages: 8 Disadvantages: 2 · Newer model (2009) · In production · Optimized for digital cameras · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Smaller closest focusing distance (2.30m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:6.25 vs 1:7.66) · Silent Wave Motor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Has image stabilizer · Much heavier (2900g vs 2030g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Slightly larger (267.5mm vs 223mm) · Weather-sealed · Detachable lens hood HIDE
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm F/2.8G ED-IF VR	Pro	2004 ●	compare	7	2
Advantages: 7 Disadvantages: 2 · Newer model (2004) · Optimized for digital cameras · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Smaller closest focusing distance (2.30m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:6.25 vs 1:7.66) · Silent Wave Motor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Has image stabilizer · Much heavier (2870g vs 2030g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Slightly larger (267.5mm vs 223mm) · Weather-sealed · Detachable lens hood HIDE
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm F/2.8D IF-ED II	Pro	2001 ●	compare	5	3
Advantages: 5 Disadvantages: 3 · Newer model (2001) · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Smaller closest focusing distance (2.30m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:6.4 vs 1:7.66) · Silent Wave Motor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Heavier (2560g vs 2030g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Larger (268.5mm vs 223mm) · Detachable lens hood HIDE
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm F/2.8D IF-ED	Pro	1996 ●	compare	4	3
Advantages: 4 Disadvantages: 3 · Newer model (1996) · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Silent Wave Motor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Focusing distance range limiter · Much heavier (3100g vs 2030g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Larger (268.5mm vs 223mm) · Detachable lens hood HIDE
Nikon AF Nikkor 300mm F/2.8 ED-IF [II]	Pro	1988 ●	compare	1	3
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 3 · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Larger closest focusing distance (3m vs 2.50m) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Focusing distance range limiter · Heavier (2700g vs 2030g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Slightly larger (255mm vs 223mm) HIDE
Nikon AF-I Nikkor 300mm F/2.8D ED-IF	Pro	1992 ●	compare	3	2
Advantages: 3 Disadvantages: 2 · Newer model (1992) · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Micromotor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Focusing distance range limiter · Much heavier (2950g vs 2030g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Detachable lens hood HIDE
Nikon AF Nikkor 300mm F/2.8 ED-IF [I]	Pro	1986 ●	compare	1	3
Advantages: 1 Disadvantages: 3 · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Larger closest focusing distance (3m vs 2.50m) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Focusing distance range limiter · Heavier (2700g vs 2030g) · Too heavy for handheld photography · Slightly larger (255mm vs 223mm) HIDE
Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO EX DG [HSM]	Pro	2005 ●	compare	4	0
Advantages: 4 Disadvantages: 0 · Newer model (2005) · Optimized for digital cameras · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.5 vs 1:7.66) · Hyper Sonic Motor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Slightly heavier (2400g vs 2030g) · Detachable lens hood NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO EX [HSM]	Pro	1999 ●	compare	2	0
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 0 · New optical design · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.5 vs 1:7.66) · Hyper Sonic Motor instead of In-camera motor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Slightly heavier (2300g vs 2030g) HIDE
Tamron SP AF 300mm F/2.8 LD [IF] 360E • ⌀112	Pro	1992 ●	compare	2	0
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 0 · Newer model (1992) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.1 vs 1:7.66) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Slightly heavier (2247g vs 2030g) · Has filter thread (112mm) · Detachable lens hood HIDE
Tokina AT-X Pro AF SD 300mm F/2.8 • ⌀112	Pro	1999 ●	compare	2	0
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 0 · Newer model (1999) · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.66) · Slightly heavier (2300g vs 2030g) · Slightly smaller (187mm vs 223mm) · Has filter thread (112mm) · Detachable lens hood HIDE
Tokina AT-X AF SD 300mm F/2.8 • ⌀112	Pro	1990 ●	compare	2	0
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 0 · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Less diaphragm blades (7 vs 9) · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.66) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Has filter thread (112mm) · Detachable lens hood HIDE
Tokina AT-X AF SD 300mm F/2.8 II • ⌀112	Pro	1995 ●	compare	2	0
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 0 · Newer model (1995) · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Slightly smaller closest focusing distance (2.40m vs 2.50m) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7 vs 1:7.66) · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Has filter thread (112mm) · Detachable lens hood HIDE

■Sigma SA mount (2)
Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO EX DG [HSM]	Pro	2005 ●	compare	4	0
Advantages: 4 Disadvantages: 0 · Newer model (2005) · Optimized for digital cameras · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.5 vs 1:7.66) · Hyper Sonic Motor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Slightly heavier (2400g vs 2030g) · Detachable lens hood NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE
Sigma 300mm F/2.8 APO EX [HSM]	Pro	1999 ●	compare	2	0
Advantages: 2 Disadvantages: 0 · New optical design · No floating element system (but has internal focusing) · Slightly larger magnification (1:7.5 vs 1:7.66) · Hyper Sonic Motor instead of Micromotor · Does not feature a Focus Clutch Mechanism · Manual focus override in autofocus mode · Slightly heavier (2300g vs 2030g) NOTE: Approximate weight and length were used for comparison purposes. HIDE