The same scene (in Windsor Great Park) through the year.

It was a very cold night, and I was constantly fighting condensation on the lens. My long suffering wife kindly aided me on several occasions clearing the lens for a few minutes. The fogging is slightly visible on the 3rd picture, before we realised it was happening.

All pictures were taken at ISO 100 using manual focus and exposure (see individual descriptions for details), with my D80 and Sigma 70-300mm.

slightly visible on the 3rd picture, before we realised it was happening.

All pictures were taken at ISO 100 using manual focus and exposure (see individual descriptions for details), with my D80 and Sigma 70-300mm.

Taken with my latest lens, a Sigma 150mm f2.8 APO Macro DG EX HSM.

All I can say is that it's a peach. Sharp, fast, lovely build and sharp - did I mention it's sharp. It's noticeably cheaper than the closest Nikor (the 105mm), and just as good. I also find it makes a great middle-distance telephoto - I've taken some of the best pics of my cat with it.

the closest Nikor (the 105mm), and just as good. I also find it makes a great middle-distance telephoto - I've taken some of the best pics of my cat with it.