Product Description

This telephoto zoom lens incorporates Sigmas original OS (Optical Stabiliser) system. It offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed approximately 4 stops faster. Three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide excellent correction for chromatic aberration. This lens is equipped with the rear focus system that minimises fluctuation of aberrations caused by focusing. It provides optimum image quality throughout the entire zoom range. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #40938 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Sigma
• Model: 728-306
• Released on: 2008-04-13
• Dimensions: 1.49 pounds

Features

• With a focusing distance of just 150 cm, Sigma&rsquos APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM opens the door to the world of close-up photography! The APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM has Sigma&rsquos exclusive optical image stabilisation system, which is particularly suited to taking photos of sporting events and landscapes. The APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM&rsquos glass elements are coated with a super multi-layer that reduces flare and ghosting, guaranteeing perfect quality photos at all times,
• while the APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM&rsquos silent and quick, ultrasonic HSM motor makes it even easier to use. High image quality is guaranteed with the APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM!

Manufacturer's Description
This is a telephoto zoom lens equipped with Sigma’s own Camera Shake Compensation OS (Optical Stabiliser) System. The Optical Stabiliser has two modes to choose from: Mode 1 is ideal for general photography, and Mode 2 is best for panning. With a minimum focusing distance of 150cm and a maximum magnification of 1:4.2, the lens is a powerful tool for close-up photography. SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass is used for correction of chromatic aberration, and the rear focusing system corrects for fluctuation of aberration due to focusing. The lens is equipped with HSM for fast and quiet AF with full-time manual focus. It also accommodates optional APO Tele Converters

Box Contents

Customer Reviews

An Excellent Lens
I am an amateur wildlife photographer who has always used Canon lenses on my 400D camera. When I needed a lens with more reach the cost of Canon's lenses meant either a second hand or a look for an alternative. The Sigma 120-400 had very mixed reviews - especially with regards the lens full open - but what persuaded me to buy the Sigma was looking at the quality of photos on some of the better known photo sharing sites.

The Lens arrives in a well padded lens case. Also included is a lens hood and caps. As you can see from the photos of the lens there is a very useful tripod mount included; this also makes an excellent hand-hold for carrying the lens. Two straps are also provided - one for the lens, and one for the case (the case one is a little short, but quite usable).

Make no mistake - this is a big lens! With the hood attached and mounted on a 400D camera it extends to 41 cm (16 inch) but it is also very well designed. On the left hand side are three buttons: one is a lock to prevent 'lens creep' when the lens is carried pointing down, one is a choice for auto or manual focus, and the third selects the Optical Stabiliser (OS) allowing hand held photography at 400mm.

Neither is it light! When mounted on a camera (inc. battery etc.) it weighs in at 2331 grammes (5.14 lbs) but when used with the second strap it feels quite well balanced on the neck. (These are my own weights and measures and are as accurate as the average tape/scale in a home!)

How does it take? I have posted two photos with this review. Both are taken hand held at 400mm and are unprocessed. Auto focus is quick and quiet and the OS is very effective.

Just a note on the OS. There are two options for this - the 'normal' (option 1) detects camera shake and movement. The second can be used for panning action (sports, motor racing etc) I have not used the second option (yet!!). My experience of the first is that it sounds a little loud prior to engaging - but the wildlife I was taking neither seemed to hear or be disturbed by the noise (and frankly I wouldn't have been able to take the photos hand held without the OS!)It is, as I mentioned earlier, very effective.
Some reviews mention a disturbing shake or 'erratic behaviour' prior to the OS engaging - the only time I experienced anything like this was when I attached the lens to a monopod and forgot to disengage the OS prior to attempting to shoot; apart from that I have had no problems in nearly a 1000 shots.

Conclusions: I am more than pleased with this lens. The price is exceptionally good for the product, and the images are far better than I expected. Some reviews compare this to the Canon 100-400 - but this is neither fair or helpful. If the Canon was this price I would have bought it - but it isn't! And having bought this lens and tried it 'in the field' I won't be saving up to buy another 400mm lens from another manufacturer.

ZOOM ZOOM
Decided on this lens as it fitted perfectly with what I wanted to photograph (wildlife and airshows) also my budget isn't that of a rich man lol.

Well i can safely say this lens is superb, the clarity is fantastic and zoom perfect if a little slow. For a lens of this length you really can't go wrong for the money. If I take photography further then I may upgrade and find a whole new world with much more expensive lens's but for not this is absolutely spot on.

I shall try and upload some images that I took at the Biggin Hill Airshow to show you just how good this lens is. I for one would defo buy this lens again. Top job Sigma :o)