Table of Contents
amazon Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS reviews
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Lens is the latest Contemporary lens recently launched for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
Sigma brand has long asserted its name in the market with quality For (third-party) lenses and has always been highly appreciated by the community. It can be said that Sigma is close to seeming to have blurred the boundaries of the quality of their lenses when compared to genuine lenses but at a more reasonable price point.
Of course, the price difference is much, the quality of lenses from Sony still has superior parts, but the writer will not compare both lenses, but only focus on Sigma lenses.
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS is not a completely new lens that the company has just launched. Still, it has previously been released but is for DSLR cameras. It has recently been redesigned to suit the needs of users’ line of full-frame mirrorless cameras, especially for the E-mount Sony and the L-mount Leica.
Under Contemporary, this line is distinguished by Sigma as a line of lenses with a compact design and high optical quality. The Sigma 100-400mm is built with 22 elements in 16 groups, including one FLD low-dispersion element and four SLD special low-dispersion elements. The lens has a stepping motor for autofocus and has a 9-blade aperture with a minimum aperture of between F/22 and F/29. Front filter diameter 67mm. At 100mm, the lens has a minimum focusing distance of 112cm, and at 400mm, it’s 160cm. The lens is 86mm in diameter and 197mm long and weighs 1135g.
Besides this zoom lens, Sigma also launched two new Teleconverters, TC-1411 (1.4x) and TC-2011 (2x), with dust and splash resistance for Sigma’s Sports lens line, for you to enjoy.
For a good price, the Sigma 100-400mm is sold without a tripod mount, which you need to buy if you need to use it with a tripod. With a weight of 1135g, the Sigma is “lighter” than the Sony lens by about 250g, which can be considered an ideal weight for you to carry with you.
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary lens achieves stabilization at about four steps and is perfectly compatible with Sony’s 5-axis stabilization system.
where can you get a Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS online
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens 750969 for L-Mount Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras Bundle w/Deco Gear Photography Backpack Case + Filter Kit + 64GB Card + Monopod + Accessories: Buy it now
Performance
1. Autofocus:
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS features a fast and reliable autofocus system, powered by a stepping motor (or STM) that delivers smooth and quiet focusing. Key points about its autofocus performance include:
- Speed: The autofocus system is responsive and quick, capable of locking onto subjects efficiently. It performs well in various shooting scenarios, including fast-moving subjects.
- Accuracy: The lens provides accurate autofocus, with minimal hunting or focus errors. This accuracy is particularly beneficial for wildlife and sports photography where precise focusing is critical.
- Focus Tracking: The lens maintains good tracking of moving subjects, although performance may vary depending on the camera body and its autofocus system.
2. Image Quality:
The optical performance of the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS is impressive for its class. Here’s a detailed look at its image quality:
- Sharpness: The lens delivers sharp images throughout the zoom range, with the highest sharpness generally observed around f/8. At 400mm, sharpness is still commendable, though there may be some softness at the extreme corners.
- Chromatic Aberration: The use of LD glass helps to reduce chromatic aberrations effectively. While some purple fringing might be noticeable in high-contrast scenes, it is well-controlled overall.
- Distortion: Barrel distortion is minimal, and there is little to no pincushion distortion. This makes the lens suitable for landscape photography where straight lines need to be preserved.
- Bokeh: The lens produces a pleasant bokeh, with a soft and creamy background that helps isolate subjects. The out-of-focus areas are smooth and non-distracting, enhancing the overall aesthetic of images.
- Flare and Ghosting: The Super Multi-Layer Coating effectively minimizes flare and ghosting, resulting in clear and contrast-rich images even in challenging lighting conditions.
Comparative Analysis
To provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS, it’s useful to compare it with other lenses in its category.
1. Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM (for DSLR):
- Mount: The DG OS HSM is designed for DSLR cameras, while the DG DN OS is for mirrorless systems. The mirrorless version benefits from a more compact design due to the shorter flange distance.
- Size and Weight: The mirrorless version is generally lighter and more compact, making it more portable compared to its DSLR counterpart.
- Optical Performance: Both lenses offer similar optical performance, but the mirrorless version might have slight improvements in handling and stabilization due to advancements in design.
2. Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD:
- Aperture: The Tamron lens offers a slightly larger maximum aperture of f/4.5 at 100mm compared to the Sigma’s f/5. The difference is minimal but can be relevant in low-light conditions.
- Optical Stabilization: The Tamron lens features its own vibration compensation system, which competes closely with Sigma’s OS system. Both lenses offer comparable stabilization performance.
- Price: The Tamron lens is often priced competitively, making it an alternative to consider for those seeking value for money.
3. Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM:
- Focal Length: The Canon lens extends to 500mm, providing more reach compared to the Sigma 100-400mm. However, the Canon lens is larger and more expensive.
- Build Quality: The Canon lens features premium build quality and weather sealing, offering better durability. The Sigma 100-400mm is more compact but lacks some of the premium features.
- Optical Performance: Both lenses deliver high image quality, though the Canon’s longer reach may be advantageous for certain applications.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Compact and Lightweight: The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS is relatively compact for a telephoto zoom lens, making it more manageable for handheld shooting and travel.
- Versatile Focal Length: The 100-400mm zoom range provides excellent versatility for capturing distant subjects, making it suitable for wildlife, sports, and landscape photography.
- Optical Performance: The lens delivers sharp images with minimal distortion and aberrations. The optical stabilization is effective in reducing camera shake.
- Value for Money: The Sigma 100-400mm offers a good balance of performance and affordability, providing excellent value in its category.
Weaknesses:
- Maximum Aperture: The lens’s maximum aperture of f/5-6.3 is relatively small compared to some other telephoto lenses. This can limit performance in low-light conditions and affect the ability to achieve very shallow depth of field.
- Build Quality: While the lens is well-built, it does not feature the same premium materials and weather sealing as higher-end models. This may impact durability in harsh conditions.
- Focus Breathing: Some users might notice a slight shift in focus during zooming, known as focus breathing. This can be a consideration for video work, where precise focus control is critical.
Conclusion
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS is a commendable lens that offers a blend of versatility, performance, and value for mirrorless camera systems. Its compact size and lightweight design make it a practical choice for photographers who need a long focal length without the bulk of traditional telephoto lenses. The optical performance is impressive, delivering sharp and clear images with minimal distortions.
While the maximum aperture may be limiting in some low-light situations, the lens’s overall performance and feature set make it a strong contender in the telephoto zoom category. Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, sports enthusiast, or landscape artist, the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS provides the necessary reach and image quality to meet your needs.
In summary, the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality telephoto zoom lens for mirrorless cameras. Its combination of compact design, versatile focal length range, and competitive pricing makes it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit.