Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF HSM APO Telephoto Zoom Lens User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper use and care of your Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF HSM APO Telephoto Zoom Lens. Designed for Nikon Digital SLR cameras, this lens offers a constant f/4 aperture across its entire zoom range, ensuring consistent light gathering capabilities. It incorporates advanced optical and mechanical features for high-quality imaging.

Figure 1: Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF HSM APO Telephoto Zoom Lens. This image displays the full lens with its zoom and focus rings, aperture markings, and tripod collar.

2. Product Overview and Features

The Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF HSM APO lens is engineered for high performance with digital SLR cameras. Key features include:

• Constant f/4 Aperture: Maintains a large f/4 aperture throughout the entire 100-300mm focal length range, providing consistent exposure and shallow depth of field.
• SLD (Special Low Dispersion) Glass: Incorporates four SLD glass elements (two in the front group, two in the rear group) to effectively correct chromatic aberration, ensuring high image quality across the zoom range.
• HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor): Provides quiet, high-speed autofocus operation. This motor also allows for full-time manual focus override.
• Inner Focusing and Inner Zooming Systems: The lens length does not change during focusing or zooming, which improves handling and allows for stable use of polarizing filters and the included petal-type lens hood.
• APO (Apochromatic) Design: Further enhances chromatic aberration correction for superior optical performance.
• EX Finish: Denotes the lens's superior build and optical quality.
• Tripod Collar: Includes a removable tripod collar for balanced mounting on a tripod or monopod.

3. Setup

3.1 Attaching the Lens

1. Ensure both the camera and lens are clean and free of dust.
2. Align the mounting index mark on the lens barrel with the corresponding mark on your Nikon Digital SLR camera body.
3. Rotate the lens clockwise until it clicks into place, indicating it is securely locked.
4. Attach the lens hood by aligning its mark with the mark on the front of the lens and twisting until it locks.

3.2 Detaching the Lens

1. Turn off your camera.
2. Press and hold the lens release button on the camera body.
3. Rotate the lens counter-clockwise until it detaches from the camera body.
4. Immediately attach the rear lens cap to protect the rear element and contacts.

4. Operating the Lens

4.1 Focusing

• Autofocus (AF): Set the focus mode switch on your camera to AF. The lens's Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) will provide fast and quiet autofocus.
• Manual Focus (MF): Set the focus mode switch on your camera to MF. Rotate the focus ring on the lens to adjust focus manually. The HSM allows for full-time manual focus override even when the camera is set to AF, enabling fine adjustments without switching modes.
• The lens features an inner focusing system, meaning the front element does not rotate during focusing, which is beneficial for using polarizing filters.

4.2 Zooming

Rotate the zoom ring on the lens to change the focal length between 100mm and 300mm. The inner zooming system ensures the physical length of the lens remains constant during zooming.

4.3 Aperture Control

The lens maintains a constant maximum aperture of f/4 across its entire zoom range. Aperture settings are controlled via your camera body.

4.4 Using Tele-Converters (Optional)

This lens is compatible with dedicated Sigma APO EX tele-converters (1.4x and 2x, sold separately). When used with the 1.4x EX tele-converter, the lens operates as an AF zoom lens with a focal range of 140-420mm at f/5.6. With the 2.0x EX tele-converter, it functions as a manual focus zoom lens with a focal range of 200-600mm at f/8. Automatic Exposure (AE) function is maintained when using these tele-converters.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning the Lens

• Use a lens blower brush to remove dust from the lens surfaces.
• For smudges or fingerprints, apply a small amount of lens cleaning solution to a clean microfiber cloth and gently wipe the lens in a circular motion.
• Never use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.

5.2 Storage

• Store the lens with both front and rear caps attached to prevent dust and damage.
• Keep the lens in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• If storing for extended periods, consider using a desiccant to prevent mold growth.

6. Troubleshooting

• Lens not focusing: Ensure the camera's focus mode is set correctly (AF or MF). Check if the lens is securely mounted. Clean the lens contacts on both the lens and camera body.
• Image quality issues (softness, chromatic aberration): Ensure the lens elements are clean. Verify proper focus. While the lens is designed to minimize chromatic aberration, extreme lighting conditions can sometimes reveal it.
• Lens not recognized by camera: Re-attach the lens, ensuring it clicks into place. Clean the electrical contacts.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For information regarding warranty coverage, service, or technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Sigma website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.