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

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

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2008.
The lens belongs to the category telephoto zoom lenses, a telephoto lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Sigma

At launch 2008 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG APO HSM OS:

"The Sigma APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG telephoto zoom lens is an outstanding lens in this category, an excellent optical performer with Optical Stabilization and a high speed Hyper-Sonic Motor to help you shoot amazing photos. Three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide optimum color correction & sharpness throughout the entire zoom range. Rear focusing system corrects for fluctuation of aberration due to focusing. Compatible with the Sigma APO Tele converters. Its reach relative to its size makes handheld photography easy to track moving subjects and it fits easily in most common camera bags for the ultimate convenience. Its close-up focusing ability makes it handy for shots of small objects such as flowers without having to change lenses. Outstanding photographs are always the outcome.

Designed for use with full frame digital SLR cameras. May also be used with smaller APS-c size sensors with a corresponding effective increase in focal length to about 180 to 600mm with most cameras

Offers Sigma’s OS System (Optical Stabilization) allowing handheld photography even in low-light situations

HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus

Minimum focusing distance of 59 inches with a maximum magnification of 1 to 4.2

Compact weighing only 3.6 pounds & a mere 8 inches in length

A lens hood, tripod socket TS-31, front & rear lens caps and carrying case are included with the lens."

Product description from Sigma at launch 2008

Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon and Nikon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 120-400 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/4,5-5,6.

This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.

One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 120 mm the lens brightness is f/4,5 and at 400 mm the brightness is f/5,6. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.

Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 77 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "LH830-01".

Tripod Mount

This lens is equipped with a tripod mount, which makes use of a tripod easier and more stable.

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

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • Has a built-in image stabilizer
  • Long focal length with its 400 mm
  • An impressive focal range
  • Works on all sensor types
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • A tripod mount is included
  • Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
  • Heavy (1750 gr)

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG APO HSM OS.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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