Sigma 120-400

[megy]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any experience of this lens? Seems to be cheap for a comparable lens to the Canon 100-400 but I am wondering if the word CHEAP means it is vastly inferior. I know it wont be as good as the Canon equivelant, but at less than half price, could it be a reasonable alternative?

[jimmy156]

I have this lens, and i thoroughly enjoy using it. Its not the sharpest lens in the world, but its definitely acceptably so. Comparing it to the Canon 100-400 (which is done a lot, and almost definitley will be in this thread!) isn't particularly fair as its twice the cost of the Sigma! Stopping down a bit will help sharpness, but to be honest i don't think its too bad wide open anyway.

Auto focus is generally good on my 50d, although it can hunt when light gets low (by low i mean in a shady forest, heavily overcast. The image stabilization works well, although Sigma's claim of giving you 4 stops is, IMO, an over exaggeration. Its probably three stops at best.

The lens handles pretty well, even if it is a bit heavy (1750g?), but doesent start to feel heavy until you have been hand holding for a few hours.

Some examples.

Spotted Flycatcher.



kestral



robin



If you want some more examples just let me know, i have stuff that isnt birds but not that i can link to without uploading more pics.

Edited by jimmy156 on Friday 6th August 19:36

[megy]

Nice shots, look clear and sharp enough (on web size at least). You dont happen to have any motorsport ype shots at all do you?

[jimmy156]

I dont i'm afraid, i've not had a chance to do any motorsport stuff yet. hopefully there will be someone else along who has.