Review: "Some people like dinosaurs, others like the Loch Ness monster, but my favorite monster is a beast of a different kind, it's the Sigma 300-800mm f /5.6 EX zoom lens, nicknamed by Romy Ocon 'the Sigmonster'. First announced by Sigma at Photokina 2002 it is a beast whose legend is growing daily among the seekers of the ultimate super telephoto lens. It's size is truly leviathan, 21.4 inches in length and 12.7 lbs in weight. It's front element is 6 inches in width. It's street price hovers near a beastly $6000.
In my opinion, this lens is a breakthrough product. In real world situations it will get you many shots that you would miss with the prime and teleconverter system. It takes me about one second to zoom in and frame, once I've acquired my subjects at 300mm. If my prime lens doesn't have enough reach, it takes me about 20 seconds to remove the camera, add the converter, replace the camera and recompose. That is often just not quick enough......Well, there you have it. The makings of a legend."
