Sigma 80-400 OS

[lensmen]

Has anyone read a review of this lens.

Can't seems to find it anywhere.

Is the OS as good or better than IS ?

[KennyG]

I borrowed one for a full day's shoot and my conclusion is, best avoided.

It is very slow to focus (no HSM), a bit like trying to make treacle flow up-hill, which makes it useless where the subject is moving. Contrast isn't as good as say the 100-400L or Sigma's 120-300 2.8. I didn't like the look at all.

OS was not as quick as the current IS in Canon lenses and you felt as though you were waiting for the lens to catch up with any movement.

Considering it isn't a cheap lens I feel that Sigma not only have failed to deliver what should have been an alternative to the legendary 100-400L, but have not even got the basics right.

[J.A.F. Doorhof]

I have one and I love it :D
It's very very sharp even wide open.
OS works perfect, with a 1.4x convertor I can make shots on 400mm with shuttertimes arround 1/100's.

The focus is slow that's right, but sharpness and contrast is amazing.

Greetings,
Frank

[lensmen]

Thanks for the note

I lost out on a deal on the 100-400L this afternoon..... so sad and spotting this lens sitting at the window. Never heard of it, hence the question.

Yup, if it is price at 50% that of the L, I would consider it . Found out later that the prices are SO CLOSE to the L, that I didn't even borther asking to try it out....

have a great weekend...

[Jesper]

Here are a few reviews:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=223&sort=7&thecat=29

[Bruce Watson]

Here is the Pop Photo review, you may have to paste to get link in one line:

http://www.popularphotography.com/article.asp?section_id=2&article_id=1111

Mine s/b delivered today, for me it is a 50% savings over Canon.

Yes, the L is better, but all things in life are a trade off. The reviews I have seen indicate it will do what I need.

Cheers,

Bruce

[J.A.F. Doorhof]

well is it really better ?
I have seen some shots of the 400L wide open on 400mm and was not impressed on 300mm it was tack sharp on 400mm it was softer.
The Sigma is tacksharp on both and wide open.

I aimed for the sharpness, offcourse I want HSM :D but I don't really miss it, and I do alot of sport and animals.

[Bruce Watson]

Well, I now have the Sigma on my camera, so I guess I will find out this weekend.

Heavy (as expected) but finish and build are good, nice case and carrying strap included. I played around with it for a few minutes in my office, focus speed seems reasonable for my expectations.

Couple of quick shots indoors; magnified on the LCD they look very sharp but that isn't much of a test, so it's off for a hike at the nature preserve tomorrow.

Turned the IS on and dialed shutter in of 1/60, shot still looked okay on LCD.

Real measure will be when I blow them up on the monitor.

If I could convince Canon to send me 100 - 400 for testing, this could be fun!

Not likely though....

Cheers,

Bruce