Sigma 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 EX APO OS (Optical Stabilizer)

Has anyone got experience with this new lens from Sigma? I'm intrigued. I can't find any thorough reviews online and am wondering if any of you have actually used it?

Pfewhh I almost cancelled the Sigma when I found out that the Canon 100-400L IS was only $ 100,00 more expensive.

UNTILL I found this review:
http://www.slrclub.com …hp?id=user_revi​ew&no=5449

Is the 400L really THAT soft ?

Greetings,
Frank

J.A.F. Doorhof wrote:
Pfewhh I almost cancelled the Sigma when I found out that the Canon 100-400L IS was only $ 100,00 more expensive.

UNTILL I found this review:
http://www.slrclub.com …hp?id=user_revi​ew&no=5449

Is the 400L really THAT soft ?

Greetings,
Frank

Well, at least in those pictures it is. It'd be interesting to see some more comparisons (especially from a more 'familiar' locale and forum). I like the idea of sharper pictures at a $100.00 less though .

Well I cooled down a bit from the idea of having a white lens ;D.

When I use my common sense the Sigma HAS to be better than the Canon, look at the whole range, Canon is normally arround 1.5-2x more expansive than Sigma/Tamron. When this is so close I have faith in the Sigma.

(keeping my fingers crossed, because I love the color white).

Greetings,
Frank

In my experience the 100-400L isn't soft and mine is heavily used with a 10D and 1D. Shots in this 'review' were taken with different cameras and in one there was a focus, not sharpness, issue and in another motion blur.

If you are considering the Sigma, wait for a review that shoots with the same camera, a fixed target and where they post full exif. As it does not have HSM it will be interesting to see just how quickly it can focus in comparison to the Canon.

Too many questions on this lens for anyone to go out and buy one based on what was shown there.

whre did you find that lens? I never heard about that! these lens is not on the lens shart of sigma usa and sigma europe!

Peter

this is the manufacturer's link.

http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/a_pages/lenses.​htm

In that side by side,. the image of the Lovely young lady with the HK-91 aimed at us,. the 100-400mm image is out of focus,. look at the last shot in the series,. the TIP of the barrel is in better focus than her face,. the Sigma shot however the tip of the barrel is totally out of focus,. as it shoud be.

..therefore the 100-400mm image is focused somewhere between the tip of the barrel and her face.. thus the softness.

Whoever did that review has not a clue. If anyone here on this forum thinks the 100-400 is soft, you haven't been here very long...

I noticed that, since you pointed it out. The front of the barrel is pretty sharp. I also noticed that in a couple of scenes, the subjects weren't practicing safe firearms handling techniques. Get your finger off the trigger unless you're pointed in a safe, desired direction.

Most bizarre test I've ever seen. Wish I could understand what it was saying. For testing subjects we have a sexy sniper girl, and another pretty girl with two discolored front teeth. And we do have some really sharp shots of the lenses themselves. Can someone translate the conclusion?

I don't really mean the shot you are talking about, look at the close up shots of for example the eyes.
And the longer distance shots, I'm really impressed with the overall tone of the Sigma.

I have taken the gamble and ordered one so I will be posting some results and minireview soon, I can compare it to the 70-210f2.8 APO from Sigma a lens which should equal L-class glass.

Again I would LOVE to have a white lens and L quality however the price difference has pushed me towards the Sigma, I EXPECT higher quality than the 100-400L otherwise I guess I will sell it over here and buy the 100-400L.

Greetings,
Frank

I only see a cross ?

http://www.slrclub.com …a/pds2/10740094​99/025.jpg