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

[kala]

<p>Hi,<br>

Did anyone get a chance to use this lens? Any reviews? I am planning to buy this lens. I would like to know how sharp and how useful is the OS feature of this lens. Wonderfing if we can shoot hand held with this lens!!!<br>

Any other suggestions are most welcome!!!<br>

BTW, I've Nikon D300.<br>

Other lens I've are Nikon 35mm 1.8G and Sigma 70mm 2.8 Macro.<br>

Thanks,<br>

Kala</p>

[richard_pigott1]

<p>i would also like to know how sharp this lens is compared with the sigma 70-200mm 2.8 with a x2 at 400mm.</p>

[kenray]

<p>I have the 120-400 on a D200. I can't speak highly enough about it. The focus is like lightening and the OS PROBABLY gives a realistic 2 step advantage. Quality of image is exemplary. I cannot fault the lense in any way. Image quality at 400mm is better than my 80-200 2.8 Nikkor with 1.4Kenko TC. Don't have a 2x so can't make a comparison. My Nikkor is the older push-pull version. The tripod mount is good and it seems to be very solid. I have used the lense most handheld but also use it tripod mounted via a Jobu Jr.2 Kit. I have no problem Handholding the lense for birds. My D200 has a power grip and with the 120-400 mounted it is not exactly a lightweight outfit. The carrying is more awkward than the shooting. When not using the tripod and shooting handheld I generally use a Tamrac 5630 Holster which holds the D200 w/grip and 120-400 mounted with hood reversed. Purchased the Sigma new from Adorama. The OS SEEMS to take a small hesitation to activate but in no manner affects shooting. You can just kind of sense when it kicks in. I don't really know whether I HEAR it or just SENSE it happening. The HSM is totally silent and focus just seems to be instantaneous no matter the light level. I have experienced zero searching. I recommend it highly.</p>

[rarmstrong]

<p>Kenneth, do you have any example images you could share with us?</p>

[tim_knight]

<p>Here is one test review for you to look at.<br>

<a href="http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1184/cat/all">http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1184/cat/all</a></p>

[kenray]

<p>Don't know how to post a picture on this forum. Have several on other forums.</p>

[kenray]

<p>This is an attempt to add an image to a post</p>

[kenray]

<p>This is a second attempt to add an image to a post</p><div></div>

[kenray]

<p>Explanation of the Say's Phoebe shot. It was shot with a D200 with a Sigma 120-400 handheld. It was shot thru a VERY dirty window which is actually a twindow unit. That means it is 2 panes of glass with about a 1/4" gas filled space between. The lense was approximately 3 ft from the window and the bird is perched about 6ft from the window. In another forum it has been cleaned up in PS and appears much cleaner.</p>

[victorwei]

<p>These two were shot with this lens and Nikon D60 - handheld. I must say though I haven't perfected my skills in bringing the best out of this lens yet.<br /> <img src="../photo/7834829&size=lg" alt="" /><br>

<br /> <img src="../photo/8196291&size=lg" alt="" /></p>

<p><img src="../photo/7834829&size=lg" alt="" /> <img src="../photo/8196291&size=lg" alt="" /></p>

[victorwei]

<p>For some reasons, my inserts did not work. Let's try these again...</p><div></div>

[victorwei]

<p>Second shot here...</p>

<div></div>

[kala]

<p>Thank you all...I'll wait on this....shooting at f/8 or above always doesn't seem too interesting...looks like even with OS, it doesn't make a good lens for low light photography!</p>

[thomas_fiege]

<p>Hi, I was also locking for the Sigma 120-400 and had the chance to try it at my local store. I didn't like it as it was too havy for my taste. the sellsman showed me the tokina 80-400 wich is much lighter. It is just under 1Kg and I found it easyer to hold than the Sigma. That already gave me the study plus. It doesent have a VR system but I think it is good handheld in normal day light. If you are locking at this lens get the secound version. (the one without internal motor and with tripod mount)</p>

[joseph_massimino]

<p>I ordered this lens from Adorama via Ebay. I read a lot of reviews and this is what my conclusion was after doing so.<br>

In the user reviews, it got very high marks from most all who owned it. They all agreed that it is heavy. More than a few agree that it is soft at 400mm, and starts to soften after 300, with a gradual increase until you reach 400mm. Not all were bothered by that, and lots didn't mention it at all. Most all said they would buy it again and recommend it to a friend. More than a few said it was better than some other lens they had. Many thought that the trade off from the Nikon to the cost savings of the Sigma made the Sigma a bargain.<br>

The professional review criticized it in a royal way and said that the reviewer returned it after testing and writing the review. He brought to light the softness from 300 - 400mm, and complained about a lot of things that the casual user never mentioned. This guy’s review was so bad that I almost wanted to cancel the order. I came here and read the reviews from the users, and decided that I would make up my mind after I spend one entire weekend testing it. <br>

Joe</p>