Sigma 120-400

[Wayne63]

Hi all, Does anyone have any thoughts on the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM? It will be used on a Canon 450D.
ATM I can buy one new for under $800 and am seriously considering it.

[Wayne63]

150-500 for the same price, now that's making the decision a bit harder.
Does anyone own a 120-400?

[Ms Monny]

I would love to know too! My kit lens that only goes to 250 isn't long enough and the 120-400 sounds good. Is it really big though??

[ROA44]

If you can get the 150 - 500 for the same price as the 120 - 400 then get the 150 - 500 I have the 120 - 400 and the review rating was dropped back just after I purchased it and the 150 - 500 does seem to be liked by a number AP members that I believe have one. Weight is always something you will have to accept when you start looking at these size lenses, but if your looking at w/life photography start doing weights. Depending on how much your wanting to spend or afford, a good 200 zoom with a TC could be an better alternative. Unfortunately I don't have any reasonable shots to post as I am still trying to get some with my 120 - 400 and would advise use of a good tripod. Most of the times I manage to get out seem to be in lower light and end up with a higher noise level and just enough blur or movement to make them unsuitable for loading up but will keep trying. Anyway check out photozone and dp review for more info. hope this helps.

[J.davis]

I have a 120-400 and love it for its range ( I got it at a good price too).
Examples -


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[ROA44]

No.2 is a great shot. Well done & envious.

[Wayne63]

Thank you every one for your comments, there is on about $10 difference between the 2 lenses on eGlobal (Site sponsor) at the moment. The reason I was thinking about the 120-400 was because of the f4.5-5.6 which is the same as the 250mm lenses that I have and find I have to up the ISO to max on my camera (1600) to get any early morning bird shots.

[PeteInOz]

Hi,

I have the 120-400mm and love it. There are so many negative reviews out there about it but my attitude is that NO lens is perfect and NO lens is strong in every area. It is a balancing act of cost, weight, IQ, reach, speed etc etc etc. Just as I am happy with this lens I am sure that I would be just as happy (or happier) with something costing 2 - 3 times as much but I can't afford that so no point thinking about it.

Have a look here - nothing amazing but does the job I wanted. https://www.flickr.com/photos/ozsnapz/13599002205/

Also here - a good real world investigation - though his emphasis is on landscape rather than action, wildlife etc. http://darwinwiggett.wordpress.com/2010/02/23/lens-review-the-sigma-120-400-4-5-5-6-apo-hsm-telephoto-zoom/

[Wayne63]

Thanks Pete, I did buy the 120 - 400 and have been pleased with the results. I now use it on a 700D and love the kit especially with the extra iso thats available. Just need to get back to using it more