This is an in-depth review of the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sport, a high-end super telephoto lens with a versatile zoom range and a wide constant aperture of f/2.8, designed for wildlife, sports and portrait photographers. This is the third iteration of the lens.

The Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM ($3,599 direct) isn't a lens for the faint of heart. The zoom, which is compatible with full-frame and APS-C camera bodies and is available in Canon, Nikon, and Sigma mounts, brings new meanings to the words big and heavy.

The Sigma AF 120-300mm f/2.8 APO EX HSM DG OS is a refreshingly unique design. It offers the best of both worlds - the flexibility of the popular 70-200mm f/2.8 tele zoom lenses and the reach of the big 300mm f/2.8 prime lenses. The question of the day is, of course, whether it can deliver ?

This lens fills the void between the 70-200mm zoom lenses and the fixed 300mm lenses. Great for shooting wildlife that is on the move. Also good for sports where a 300mm or 400mm is too much reach and the 70-200mm may not be enough. I can easily shoot both ends of the floor at a basketball game.

The Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM ($3,599 direct) isn't a lens for the faint of heart. The zoom, which is compatible with full-frame and APS-C camera bodies and is available in Canon, Nikon, and Sigma mounts, brings new meanings to the words big and heavy.

Wide f/2.8 aperture throughout zoom range; Impressive telephoto reach; Very sharp; Minimal distortion; Excellent build quality.

Expensive; Very large and heavy; Huge front element increases filter costs

Gary Wolstenholme reviews the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM telephoto zoom lens.

Good sharpness throughout the range; Low CA; Excellent build; Optical stabilisation; Fast focusing; Very good value for money

Variable close focusing distance

Sigma's 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM is the lens to get if a 70-200mm f/2.8 just isn't long enough, but you'll need a strong back to lug it. (4.5 out of 5) Editor's Choice Pros Wide f/2.8 aperture throughout zoom range Impressive telephoto reach Very sharp Minimal distortion Excellent build quality...

Wide f/2.8 aperture throughout zoom range; Impressive telephoto reach; Very sharp; Minimal distortion; Excellent build quality; Compatible with USB dock

Expensive; Very large and heavy; Huge front element increases filter costs

Excellent lens! I'm extremely happy with this product, especially when paired with the Sigma USB Dock.

It's bit sharper @300mm F2.8 than Canon 300mm F4 L @F4. But at 300mm you would get similar reach about 280mm of Canon teles.

This was bought to be my new wildlife lens teamed with a 2x Sigma teleconverter on a full frame Nikon D600. Just returned from a safari (I had one days practice with the lens before leaving the Uk for South Africa) and I must say my fears of it being too heavy and the image quality being compromised...