Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM

Canon EF

Review

The Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM lens is a versatile telephoto zoom lens designed for Canon EF mounts, making it a solid option for wildlife, sports, and landscape photography. With its impressive focal length range, this lens provides the flexibility to capture distant subjects with clarity and detail.

Build and Design

The build quality of the Sigma 120-400mm is robust, featuring a durable polycarbonate body that can withstand the rigors of outdoor shooting. The lens comes equipped with a tripod collar, adding stability when mounted on a tripod, which is particularly beneficial when using the longer focal lengths. The overall weight, approximately 1.8kg (3.9 lbs), may be a consideration for some users, particularly during extended shooting sessions. However, the lens is well-balanced, which enhances its handling capabilities.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, the Sigma 120-400mm delivers sharp images across the zoom range, although it performs best when stopped down a bit from its maximum aperture. Color fringing and distortion are generally minimal, and the lens features a Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting, improving contrast in challenging lighting conditions. One noteworthy aspect is the Optical Stabilization (OS) system, which helps to combat camera shake, making it easier to shoot at slower shutter speeds, especially at the longer end of the zoom.

Auto Focus

The HSM (Hypersonic Motor) technology provides fast and quiet autofocus, which is an advantage for capturing elusive wildlife or fast-paced sports action. However, there are instances where the autofocus may hunt in low-light situations or with low-contrast subjects. Additionally, the lens lacks a full-time manual focus override, which might be a drawback for some photographers who prefer to make quick adjustments while in autofocus mode.

Versatility

With its extensive focal range, the Sigma 120-400mm is a capable lens for various shooting scenarios. It provides enough reach for wildlife photography while being suitable for sports and even landscape photography at the longer end. The ability to zoom means you can quickly adjust your composition without having to change lenses or reposition yourself, which can be particularly useful in dynamic shooting environments.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Good build quality with durable materials.
• Versatile focal range from 120mm to 400mm.
• Optical stabilization for effective handheld shooting.
• Sharp images with minimal distortion.
• Fast and quiet autofocus performance.

Cons

• Weight may be cumbersome for long shoots.
• Can struggle in low-light autofocus situations.
• Lack of full-time manual focus override.

Verdict

Overall, the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM lens is an excellent choice for Canon EF mount users looking for a reliable telephoto zoom lens. Its combination of solid build quality, versatile focal range, and respectable optical performance makes it a worthy addition to any photographers' kit. While it does have some limitations, such as its weight and occasional autofocus challenges, the advantages often outweigh the drawbacks for photographers who need a dependable lens for capturing distant subjects.