Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Ted Slaughter photo
1 Level
774 Review
66 Karma

Review on Sigma Contemporary Lens for Canon EF: 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM by Ted Slaughter

Revainrating 4 out of 5

A high-performance, long-range telephoto lens that won't break the bank.

First off, this isn't a $3,000 lens. I don't expect it to have the same performance as an expensive Nikkor lens etc. I fully understood the limitations of the wide-angle aperture. If I wanted or needed a 2.8 wide-angle telephoto lens, I would put a cardioid. Sold some blood and one of my kids for one. However, I didn't, so I accept what a lens in this price range can and should do. A lot of people have given reviews of this lens, so basically giving my two cents away would be a lot of rep. I will only address a few points. This lens has every chance of being nice and sharp. Many instances including mine seem to have a slight front/back focus bug. I simply fixed this in the D750's autofocus setting. It took me -3 to get a crisp and clear 400mm length. Long term solution and to ensure accuracy at different lengths and apertures I got a USB docking station for the lens. It's not expensive and I used mine. The docking station seems to have the most potential when you need to fine-tune autofocus down to the anal hold level. The autofocus works great on my D750. Works as expected. Almost never yaws or misses focus, and when it does it's mostly due to the scene or using the wrong AF meter for the shot. But that was rare. Again, this is not a 3-facet lens. The operating system works fine. Seems to add a few stops but then again the 400mm handset has limitations on any OS if you want sharpness, particularly cropped. I just put it on a tripod. The lens is dark, yes, but it is already visible. The maximum opening at 400 m is clearly indicated. If that doesn't work, throw the kidney and liver on the black market and buy a 2.8 lens. Personally, I value my kidneys and liver and can't afford them, so I'm learning how to shoot them. It works quite well in moderate lighting. Raise the ISO a bit and I don't have any tripod issues. With a portable camera with an aperture of f11 or less and in conditions other than sunlight. Well, who doesn't work? Lens or person behind the camera? Adjusting C1 and C2 from the dock is a good thing. Helps in various situations to quickly change OS or AF priority, etc. Overall this is a good lens for the price. not perfect but again at this price i have no complaints. If I were to spend a few thousand or more I could cover a few, but I spent less than $800 so keep an eye on that. After all, there are always bad or faulty copies. happens with all manufacturers, even with your favorite manufacturer. I've had bad copies of cameras etc from several top brands. It happens. Sometimes it might just not be your thing. If yes. Drink coffee and be happy.

Pros
  • Camera Lenses
Cons
  • I vaguely remember

Comments (3)

Please, sign in to write a comment
May 14, 2023
Much success with this new Sigma
April 01, 2023
Almost the Right Compromise Between, Size, Performance, and Price
March 10, 2023
Love this lens!!!