Get used to talking in superlatives with the Sigma 300-800 f/5.6 EX APO HSM AF (Street: $6,200), affectionately called the "Sigmonster" by photo enthusiasts. The Sigmonster is the longest zoom lens for 35mm-based cameras.

This lens from Sigma is in a class of it's own! Nobody else makes anything like it! Nothing else (apart from it's prime brother) that you can buy off the shelf for less than the price of a house has this sort of reach. So why have Sigma gone to such extremes? We take a look.

Excellent picture quality; Astonishing focal range; Fast and silent autofocus; Good price for the capabilities

Big and heavy; Could benefit from a focus limiter; Closest focus at 6m is a bit far; Case leaves a lot to be desired

This lens from Sigma is in a class of it's own! Nobody else makes anything like it! Nothing else (apart from it's prime brother) that you can buy off the shelf for less than the price of a house has this sort of reach. So why have Sigma gone to such extremes? We take a look.

Excellent picture quality; Astonishing focal range; Fast and silent autofocus; Good price for the capabilities

Big and heavy; Could benefit from a focus limiter; Closest focus at 6m is a bit far; Case leaves a lot to be desired

I have been using the Canon version of this lens & it is sharp wide open!! No stop down required unless you need DOF! Focus is fast & accurate. The first thing I did was do a true test of it's sharpness wide open & it's sharp.

this is the best thing you could buy for your camera. the best picture i have ever gotten with this camera.i would buy it agin .the bust thing out there.

every thing

waight

I own this lens a little over a year and I am very pleased with the results. I hesitated between the Nikon 500 and this lens. The Nikon had more contrast and sharpness and a more blue character. I use it for birdphotography. I like it’s versatility. The ability to zoom gives you a high hitrate.

Zoom; soft color; contrast and sharpness

finish could be better; heavy

If you don't mind lugging around a 12lb lens, this works great. The gimbal head is a must which adds a lot to the weight. If you're into wild life and have a lot of muscle I would recommend the product. They don't have it has an option, but a good sherpa is also recommended.

This is a seriously heavy piece of equipment,weighing about three pounds more than Canon's 800mm, so get your support right.The Manfrotto 475B does a great job with the 393 head for sensible money.

Durable; Quick Focus; Rugged; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

GREAT JOB BY SIGMA. YOU MAY NEED A HEAVY DUDY TRIPOD FOR VIDEO CAMERAS. I GOT ONE FROM MANFROTTO ABOUT $400. IF COMPARED TO NIKON AND CANON 600MM LENSES, THIS QUALITY IS SAME AT A REASONABLE PRICE. I PURCHASED FROM SIGMA4LESS FOR A GOOD PRICE. BE CAREFUL!

PERFECT AUTOFOCUS GOOD PRICE

IT IS 6KG HEAVY

A great bit of kit. Imagery is sharp and the internal focus is perfect for getting the right focus. the balance of the lens is spot on. you get what you paid for with this.