Lens Review - Sigma 120-400

[MarkChap]

Well as most of you would be aware, I purchased the Sigma 120-400 f4.5-5.6 APO DG OS whilst I was in Canada (about 6 weeks ago now).

Well I guess as there have been a few posts recently enquiring about these I would post up a review.

Technical Stuff
Lens Construction - 21 Elements in 15 Groups
Angle of View 20.4 - 6.2 degrees
Number of Diaphragm Blades 9 Blades
Minimum Aperture F22
Minimum Focusing Distance 150cm / 59.1 in.
Maximum Magnification 1:4.2
Filter Size Diameter 77mm
Filter Size Bayonet-type Hood
Dimensions
Diameter 92.5mm X Length 203.5mm - 3.6 in. X 8 in.
Weight 1750g - 61.7 oz.
Corresponding AF Mounts
SIGMA, CANON, NIKON, PENTAX (1*, 2*), SONY (1*)

Having had this lens for 6 weeks now and having fairly limited time for use these are my observations, true to my belief.

AF Speed - Can be slow, particularly if you are changing large distance between objects, this can however be overcome by giving the focus ring a tweak as you are zooming. The HSM focus motor allows for full time Manual Focus even when set to AF.
However once focus in the "zone" it is quick to make minor adjustments.

Stabiliser[/] - Seems to take a moment to kick in initially, but I would think that it does give the rated / touted 3 stops or maybe a bit better.

[b]Build Quality / Finnish - This lens is finnished with Sigmas new matt black finnish, with an almost velvet feel to it. I haven't managed to scratch it yet and it does seem / feel to be quite rugged.
The build feels rock solid to me. The OS and focus switches slide freely and yet are quite firm and decisive. The zoom ring although a little stiff when first out of the box has freed up little now and is quite comfortable to use. The zoom and focus rings are are both easy to use yet firm in their operation giving that feeling of quality.

Image Quality
100% crop, minor sharpen, minor levels, no other processing
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u263/Bay_Firey/Birds/100.jpg

If I can get it right, I think this lens will certainly get it right.

Value For Money - This is very subjective, would I, myself get a better picture from an "L" series lens. I doubt it at the moment. At half the price of the 100-400 L am I happy with the quality versus price, Extremely.
For the budget conscious shooter who wants that bit extra length with stabilization you would have to look seriously at this lens.

I hope this helps someone who may have been thinking about this lens

[ving]

thanks mark, look the part for sure... now to decide between this lens and the 150-500 HSM OS.

thans for the review :)

[brindyman]

thanks mate.....just have to find somewhere that stocks it now :D apart from ebay lol :D

[Tannin]

Looks good, Mark, and might be just the thing for me to reccomend to a friend or two. Thanks for writing it up.

Brindyman, yry here: http://www.qualitycamera.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=187_190&products_id=4228

[brindyman]

Looks good, Mark, and might be just the thing for me to reccomend to a friend or two. Thanks for writing it up.

Brindyman, yry here: http://www.qualitycamera.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=187_190&products_id=4228

muchos gracias senor tannin :D

[jim]

Tony do you have any thoughts on this as a birding lens? Considering that some of us would love a 400 f2.8, or a 500 f4, but can't seem to quite stretch to it just now... yes, and some of us are taking all our bird shots with an excellent but frankly bloody inadequate 300 f4...

[Tannin]

Jim, I've never used one (obviously) but I do own and use a Canon 100-400, which would have to be pretty similar. Doubtless the Canon is a fraction sharper - if I remember correctly the reviews say as much, and it certainly ought to be at double the price - but I have no doubt that a decent photographer could get excellent pictures with a Sigma 120-400. I note with approval that it's an f/4.5-5.6 unit, not the f/6.3 at the long end that quite a few other longish 3rd party lenses are. That's a significant factor, I think. Slow focus for full travel isn't really an issue, just so long as the in-the-ballpark focus speed is OK (which Mark says it is).

In other places I have seen plenty of very, very good bird pictures taken with things like the Sigma 50-500 and with 6MP cameras like the D70 and the 300D so, in short, I'd suggest that provided the gear is good enough it is then largely a matter of the photographer honing his skills.

Having no children and a paid-for house, I choose to buy and use higher-end gear most of the time (though I do a fair bit with the 40D and the 100-400 as well), but I'm not sure how much difference that really makes. Sure, there are shots that I get with the 500/4 that you couldn't do with a 120-400, and shots that are a little better than they would be with a lesser lens, but not as many as you'd think. The sheer weight and size of the big white glass is a major factor in this: it makes you a lot slower and clumsier in the bush, and although you don't need to get as close to the birds, you don't get as close as you can with a smaller, lighter lens. You just can't move as lightly and easily, and you spend a lot more time standing and waiting, hoping that some nice creature will come your way.

Throw in the much longer minimum focus distance of the bigger lenses (the 500/4 is 4.5 metres) and you have a pretty good case for using something like a 100-400 (2m). Or, indeed, the Sigma 120-400, which apparently focuses right down to 1.5 metres. I think our own Darksome provides an excellent example of just how good a picture a talented, hard-working photographer can produce with a 40D and a 400mm f/5.6 lens.

In a moment, I'll slip over to The Digital Picture and see if it has been reviewed there yet: I think that's as good a lens review site as any on the web, and I very rarely find myself disagreeing with his conclusions.

[Tannin]

Nope, not yet. But the Canon 800/5.6 review seems to be up. Excuse me, I have some reading to do.

[MarkChap]

The only review I have seen on the net is this one

http://www.popphoto.com/cameralenses/5475/sigma-120-400mm-f45-56-dg-os-hsm.html

[jim]

Thanks Tony. This is sort of what I was thinking... though my lens has a minimum focus of 2.5m and that's way too much...

I expect that a decent photographer could get good photos with my 300 f4, but (when I'm not photographing kiwi forest birds, and falling over backwards trying to get away from them) I generally find that 300mm is way too short.

I tend to worry that f5.6 may not be good enough. I've got no kids and a paid for house too, but no way can I afford the 400 f2.8 or the 200-400 zoom that I really want.

The Sigma sounds good, but I'd pay extra to get a 400 f4!

[Kerry]

Thanks Mark....I've recently been thinking about getting a lens with more reach and hadn't come across this yet...Will definitely consider it!
Here's a link with few more more pics/opinions if anyone's interested...
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=539525

[fairy bombs]

I bought this lens,and sent it back to the shop after two days.I would not recommend th is lens to anyone!IMO it was very slow,to focus,images produced extremely poor.The OS did'nt work very well.My canon 70-300 kit lens produced vastly better images!

If your a canon user and want a longer range lens,get the 300 mm F4 prime or 400 mm F5.6 primem or 100 -400 F5,6,yes they are a bit more expensive,but believe me you are defruading yourself if you buy the sigma.I ended up with the canon 400 prime F5.6-worth every cent!

if your a niokon user I am sure they have some wonderful lenses in their longer range lenses.

hope this save someone a headache:Doh:

[I @ M]

Fairy bombs, perhaps you would like to post some images to back up your claims in this post because I see one that contradicts you entirely.

[MarkChap]

Yes please do Madonna,

2 days, you must have given it a real good test, having had it for that long.

Just a couple of examples from this lens
http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=57309
http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=53791
http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=48512

[creativepro]

I have a Nikon 24-70mm and a Nikon D700.

I am visiting Namibia in September and wanting to buy a telephoto lens that is sharp and quick focussing that is compatible with my Nikon D700 Also because the my equipment is already heavy - looking for a lens that is not very heavy.

Do you believe that the Sigma 120-400mm would fit the bill.

Sue

[William]

I've just spent the last three days , 5 hrs a day using the Sigma 120-400, Shooting Surf photos at the Quiksilver pro on the Gold Coast, One of my photos won a comp yesterday !! I did'nt use IS because i was shooting at 1250-1600/sec , I was quite surprised with the quality of the images it produced , I like it !!:D

[PH005]

Am glad to hear and see that I think I made the right choice in buying the Sigma 120-400 a couple of weeks back. Have not had time to get out with it seriously yet but am looking forward to it.

To Brindyman : I bought mine locally at Photo Continental for an internet matched price of $810.00. Go for it !

[PH005]

I've just spent the last three days , 5 hrs a day using the Sigma 120-400, Shooting Surf photos at the Quiksilver pro on the Gold Coast, One of my photos won a comp yesterday !! I did'nt use IS because i was shooting at 1250-1600/sec , I was quite surprised with the quality of the images it produced , I like it !!:D

Are you able to post the winning shot on here William ?

[creativepro]

Hi PH005

Is it possible to provide the link to the website where you purchased the lens?

What filters do you use on the 120-400mm lens?

What camera are you use?

Sue

[PH005]

Hi PH005

Is it possible to provide the link to the website where you purchased the lens?

What filters do you use on the 120-400mm len

What camera are you use?

Sue


Google " Photo Continental ". Do not have any filters specifically for it, but I do have 77mm Cokin kit for my 10-20 that will fit it if I desire. I use a canon 40D. :)

[peterb666]

I've just spent the last three days , 5 hrs a day using the Sigma 120-400, Shooting Surf photos at the Quiksilver pro on the Gold Coast, One of my photos won a comp yesterday !! I did'nt use IS because i was shooting at 1250-1600/sec , I was quite surprised with the quality of the images it produced , I like it !!:D

It is a great lens. I have its big brother, the 150-500 and this pair of lenses would have to be the best value long zooms on the market.

[creativepro]

Sigma lenses are often inconsistency, I have a concern in purchasing a Sigma lens over the net ?

Sue

[ricktas]

Sigma lenses are often inconsistency, I have a concern in purchasing a Sigma lens over the net ?

Sue

Any lens, no matter what brand can have inconsistencies. It is called fault tolerance. Basically lenses are designed fit within a specific quality control level. That level may be say 98% accuracy, and then any lens that is tested at the manufacturing stage and fits in that 4% bracket (2% over and 2% under specification) is sent to market. There is no such thing as a perfect lens, and two lenses made after one another will display differences, no matter what the brand.

Sigma make some truly great gear, as do the other brands. Yes you can get an lens that may need calibrating to your camera etc, to be as accurate as possible, but that is not just a Sigma issue.

You do not have to buy Sigma lenses over the net, you can get them at most reputable camera stores as well, so you can take your camera along and test it out first, take some shots using the lens and then zoom in on your LCD screen as much as possible to check sharpness etc.

[MarkChap]

Sigma lenses are often inconsistency, I have a concern in purchasing a Sigma lens over the net ?

Sue

Just be aware that if you buy from a Grey or Parallel importer you WILL NOT have genuine warranty provided by CR Kennedy

I am unsure about where you hear of this "inconsistency" , Sigma have no more and no less, quality control issues than any other lens maker, I have 3 now and not a single issue. I have sold plenty and not a single one has had any issues

[kiwi]

Sigma today seem a much different company than even three or four years ago. At that time th definately had qc issues. Not now.

[creativepro]

Thank you

[Roosta]

I bought this lens,and sent it back to the shop after two days.I would not recommend th is lens to anyone!IMO it was very slow,to focus,images produced extremely poor.The OS did'nt work very well.My canon 70-300 kit lens produced vastly better images!

If your a canon user and want a longer range lens,get the 300 mm F4 prime or 400 mm F5.6 primem or 100 -400 F5,6,yes they are a bit more expensive,but believe me you are defruading yourself if you buy the sigma.I ended up with the canon 400 prime F5.6-worth every cent!


if your a niokon user I am sure they have some wonderful lenses in their longer range lenses.

hope this save someone a headache:Doh:


Did you give another 120-400 ago, or did you just right the lens off.

Compairing a kit lens to a Sig tele zoom is a big call, I'm sure Sigma (Via CR Kennedy) would love to hear and maybe see some results.

I too, have used the 300mm F4 L and rate this lens as a first rate lens, but being a prime, as to what Tannin has mentioned 500 F4 in the bush, they tend to be limited in their use, not to say they don't have their place, but a 120-400mm lens I feel would be a far better choice 8 out of 10 times.

What where you shooting that put you off the 120-400 and what are you mainly compairing it to? 300mm F4 L or the 100-400mm L ???

Cheers,

[creativepro]

I appreciate everybody's input.

Any tips where there is a good price for the 120-400 lens.?

Also will it fit easily into a Lowepro Flipside 400

[silkdiver]

I appreciate everybody's input.

Any tips where there is a good price for the 120-400 lens.?

Also will it fit easily into a Lowepro Flipside 400

I have the same lens, it will fit as long as you don't want anything else much in there too :D It comes with it's own rectangular
carry bag which roughly measures 26 x 15 x 15cm

[PH005]

I appreciate everybody's input.

Any tips where there is a good price for the 120-400 lens.?

Also will it fit easily into a Lowepro Flipside 400

I paid only $810 for mine. Photo Continental, Mt Gravatt. Mine fits in my Mini Trekker with 40D and BG fitted, so should easily fit in your flipside 400.

[creativepro]

Hi PH005

I googled Photo Continental - price quoted for Sigma 120-400m is $1,049.00?

Sue

[peterb666]

Hi PH005

I googled Photo Continental - price quoted for Sigma 120-400m is $1,049.00?

Sue

$859 with free shipping from Techrific http://www.techrific.com.au/digital-slr-camera-lens-sigma-c-157_160.html?page=2

Get a price match on that.

[PH005]

Photo Continental matched the online price that I could get it from DWI for. There supplier will match it for you. Check DWI's price and then tell PC what you can get it for.