Why 300GM for sports?

[sunshine55555]

I have Sigma 300-600mm F/4 for a while but I'm deeply disappointed due to its AF performance which is quite unreliable and slow compared to Sony GM lenses. I can say that Sony 200-600 performed a lot better than Sigma 300-600mm F/4 in many ways especially since AF-C does not work while zooming.

While I was using Sony 200-600, it was a perfect lens in terms of zoom range and I normally got best shots between 400~600mm. Because of that, I thought Sigma 300-600mm F/4 might be the best replacement but it never did. Now, I'm gonna sell several Sigma lenses including 300-600mm F/4 for better lenses but I'm in dilemma.

I can spend up to $7500 once I sell my lenses and there are few options such as 50-150 GM, 70-200 GM II, 200-600, 400-800, 100-400, and surprisingly 300GM. Ideally, having 200-600 is the best option since I know the lens well and the coverage is the best while I could get either 50-150 or 70-200. But many sports photographers from different communities suggested 300GM. They said it can replace 70-200 and 200-600 in many sports games.

I dont shoot pro games and only shoot outdoor games so I dont expect to shoot at a large field ever but I can wait. So far, 70-200 and 300GM is what I'm thinking based on other suggestions. But still, tell me why 300GM is the best sports lens which can easily replace 70-200 and 200-600 according to many photographers?

 

[Unframed Dave]

300mm is an ideal focal length for the human body at the sort of distances involved. F2.8 gives you an edge light wise and superb subject separation.

Image quality is going to be superb if you do your bit. It is a stunning piece of glass.

The 70-200mm is also a great lens, but not quite the reach and compromises have to be expected optically given that it's a zoom. That said, I've never experienced any disappointment using mine.

They're both great lenses, but given the choice I'd take the 300.

 

[iamdlewis]

If you feel the 300 is too restrictive the 100-400 will be the next best option for outdoor sports. You won't get the separation but the range will give you more options about where you can shoot from. The lens is fast and sharp.

 

[sunshine55555]

If you feel the 300 is too restrictive the 100-400 will be the next best option for outdoor sports. You won't get the separation but the range will give you more options about where you can shoot from. The lens is fast and sharp.

100-400 could be nice but it's too old and the next version is coming soon while it's not gonna cheap I assume.

 

[iamdlewis]

100-400 could be nice but it's too old and the next version is coming soon while it's not gonna cheap I assume.

I don't understand what that has to do with the quality of the lens. It focuses faster that the 200-600 and is also sharper. I have no doubt that the newer version will be much more expensive.