Sigma 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG OS

[riyazi]

This was mentioned once before and I remembered it only when I went through Mike, The Keeper of the Archive's post that there really wasn't an archive for this lens - so I thought I had start one. I know it is not a popular lens on this forum but hopefully we should be able to get a collection of images from the few who have them

The classic POTN start off - a ducky

Model: Canon EOS 40D, ISO: 100, Exposure: 1/60 sec, Aperture: f/5.6, Focal Length: 400mm


And a squirelly
Model: Canon EOS 40D, ISO: 100, Exposure: 1/400 sec, Aperture: f/5.6, Focal Length: 400mm



Unfortunately no 100% crops so hopefully future contributors will add them on

[riyazi]

A few excellent examples in this post

[bob_r]

Originally Posted by riyazi

A few excellent examples in this post

Thanks! Here's another one:

Bob R
30D - 1/50s f/5.6 at 400.0mm iso400

[photobitz]

Looks pretty good at full extent. How does it perform through the rest of the range?

Also, how do you find the AF? That was one thing that put me off buying one of these. I went for the Sigma 100-300 f/4 instead.

[riyazi]

Hi Dan

AF is a bit slow comparatively, but it doesnt cause a problem for me. It just takes a max of 1 sec to get a AF Lock. Maybe if I was shooting motor sports it might be a problem but not otherwise.

Dont have any proper shots from the rest of the range but I will try to get some test shots soon to post here

[photobitz]

Thanks

[steevo2008]

Hi,
Thought I'd add to the thread.

Had my 80-400 for several weeks now and I must say I like it a lot..The only things I would class as weaknesses is slower autofocus speed on my 400D and occasional hunting for focus.
I have found everything else to be perfect for my needs. I mostly shoot birds and scenery and the results have been very pleasing.

Here are some sample pics..

Steve
from NZ

[steevo2008]

Just a couple more...

Hope you don't mind..

[photobitz]

Were you using the OS for any of those shots?

[steevo2008]

Originally Posted by photobitz

Were you using the OS for any of those shots?

Hi,
OS used on the first two of mine but the second two were shot using tripod from living room through double glased windows

steve
from NZ

[madspartus]

Thanks for these images. One of these just came up used in my area and I'm trying to research this lens. Info is preety sparse though. Seem like a good compromise between a 70-300 IS and the 100-400L which i can't possibly afford.

[NeverSummer]

Not much here, I'll try and post more when I can.
100% crop, 315mm, 1/320s, f/5.6

[matonanjin]

Has anyone had problems with this lens causing your camera to "lock up" when you fire at a fast frame rate? Every time i shoot this lens at a high FPS after 6-10 shots i get an error message and my camera is locked up. I need to shut camera off and back on and sometimes need to take out batteries.

I sent it to Sigma and they said it specs out good. They wanted me to send in with body but I couldn't take one out of service. It happens with all bodies listed in my sig.

[matonanjin]

Originally Posted by photobitz

Looks pretty good at full extent. How does it perform through the rest of the range?

Also, how do you find the AF? That was one thing that put me off buying one of these. I went for the Sigma 100-300 f/4 instead.

It is just ok at 400 and wide open. At 300 or less and stopped down one stop it is very sharp. That's been my experience.

This was at about 300 mm and somewhere between 5.6 and 8. Unfortunately, I don't remember the ss or iso. Hopefully, you can see it in exif. It was taken with 5D.

[photobitz]

1/1000, ISO200.

Your problem with the lens sounds like something to do with the diaphragm not being able to stop down and open up quickly enough. I could understand this happening with the 1Dmk2 at 8.5fps but seems strange that it happens with the 10D as well.