Sigma 400mm f/5.6 APO

[sim_m]

<p>I came across a review of the sigma 400mm f5.6 APO where it was stated that the 72mm thread version (the model before the HSM) was not so good optically.<br>

Some even said it needs re chipping to work on the new models but none of them was a Nikon user.<br>

Any other opinions?</p>

 

[Two23]

<p>I've used that lens in the past on an F100 and once on a D80. It is decent for $200 or whatever they bring. The one with the 77mm filter is better.</p>

<p>Kent in SD</p>

[bill_keane2]

<p>There is a 77mm version, right after the 72mm version, that looks exactly like the HSM, and is th same opical formual, but is not HSM. It's excellent as well. Just like the HSM, which was the last version of this great lens...<br>

I believe the re-chipping was a Canon user thing, and only refers to HSM versions...<br>

I've never heard of having to re-chip a Nikon mount version (though it's possible there are instances of this).</p>

 

[User_276104]

<p>A Pentaxian friend of mine bought a Sigma 400mm - regular AF with 72mm threads, I believe - and sent me his first "snapshots" of random subjects with it. I must say, I was impressed with the clarity.</p>

[leif_goodwin8]

<p>The Sigma 400m F5.6 APO Macro is the best in the series, and not expensive on FleaBay. I can point you to some example images if needed. I think the worst Sigma incompatibilites are with Canon because all the camera-lens signalling is electronic.</p>

[sim_m]

<p><em>I can point you to some example images if needed</em></p>

<p>Yes please Leif.</p>

 

[leif_goodwin8]

<p>If I have done the links correctly, here's two examples:<br>

<img src="http://www.leifgoodwin.co.uk/Dragonflies/_DSC4275%20Male%20Hairy%20Dragonfly.html" alt="Male Hairy Dragonfly" /><br>

<img src="http://www.leifgoodwin.co.uk/Dragonflies/_DSC4421%20Female%20Black%20Tailed%20Skimmer.html" alt="Black Tailed Skimmer Dragonfly" /></p>

 

[chriscourt]

<p>I have the APO Telemacro, 77mm filter thread version. I've read about folks having metering issues with this lens, but my example has never given me any problems on my D200. It's light and compact for a 400mm lens, but mine is currently for sale as it's considerably less sharp than my 70-200 w/1.4 TC, even when the latter combination is sampled up to match resolution.</p>

[leif_goodwin8]

<p>Okay, I can't for the life of me understand how to post links on this site so just copy and paste into a browser:</p>

<p>http://www.leifgoodwin.co.uk/Dragonflies/_DSC4275%20Male%20Hairy%20Dragonfly.html<br>

http://www.leifgoodwin.co.uk/Dragonflies/_DSC4421%20Female%20Black%20Tailed%20Skimmer.html</p>

[sim_m]

<p>Excellent images you have Leif</p>

[leif_goodwin8]

<p>Simon: Thanks. BTW the sharpness is pretty good at the pixel level, though you can't tell from such small images.</p>