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Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£890
Avg. price in US: ~$1,000
Lens mount: Fujifilm X, Sony E, L-Mount
Maximum focal length: 400 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 6.3
Optical image stabilization: yes
Maximum angle of view: 24.4 °

Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

8.4

Excellent

8.2

Excellent

9.3

Exceptional

9.6
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
9.4
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
10
Optical image stabilization
8.3
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
6.8
Lens length
25.0%
7.0
Lens diameter
25.0%
10
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
10
Optical image stabilization

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#12 in Best Telephoto Lenses
#19 in Best Camera Lenses

Verdict

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is a compact ultra-telephoto zoom lens designed specifically for full-frame mirrorless systems, featuring an optical construction of 22 elements in 16 groups with one FLD and four SLD elements to minimize chromatic aberrations. Key characteristics include a lightweight 1,135g body, a stepping motor for fast and quiet autofocus, and an integrated Optical Stabilizer providing up to 4 stops of compensation. Its primary pros are excellent edge-to-edge sharpness, a versatile 'Dual Action' zoom (supporting both ring and push-pull operation), and a durable, dust- and splash-resistant brass mount. However, notable cons include its relatively slow variable aperture (f/5-6.3), the exclusion of the tripod collar from the standard package, and the lack of full weather sealing beyond the mount.

Technical Specifications of Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C

Overall score

8.4

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

8.2

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

zoom

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Fujifilm X, Sony E, L-Mount

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

67 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

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Optics & Aperture

8.1

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

100 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

400 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

4x

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

24.4 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

6.2 °

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Focus & Controls

7.0

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

STM

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

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Stabilization

7.9

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

Build & Handling

9.1

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

?

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

?

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Lab Scores

9.0

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

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Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C vs the average camera lens

Why is Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C better than the average camera lens?

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Has optical image stabilization
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Teleconverter compatible
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has fluorine coating
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 25.5% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
What it is: A protective coating on exposed elements that repels water, oil, and dirt for easier cleaning.
When it matters: When you shoot in rain, sea spray, or dusty places and want easier front-element cleaning.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 25.5% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
Has focus hold button
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
What it is: A button on the lens barrel used to lock focus temporarily during shooting.
When it matters: When you want to lock focus quickly during sports, wildlife, or recomposed portraits.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
Has focus limiter switch
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
What it is: A control that restricts the focus range to improve autofocus speed and reduce hunting.
When it matters: When autofocus speed matters and you want to stop the lens from hunting through its full focus range.
Importance: LOW
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
Has zoom lock switch
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
Zoom lock switch present.
What it is: A switch that locks the zoom position to prevent the lens from extending during transport.
When it matters: When you carry the lens while walking or traveling and want to prevent zoom creep.
Importance: LOW
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
3 more low-dispersion elements
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (5 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (5 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.5 vs 2
0.19 m shorter minimum focus distance
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.112 m vs 0.3 m
Teleconverter compatible
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
3 more low-dispersion elements
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (5 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
Has focus hold button
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
Has focus limiter switch
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
Has zoom lock switch
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
0.19 m shorter minimum focus distance
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
Has optical image stabilization
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Has fluorine coating
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 25.5% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Why is Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C worse than the average camera lens?

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3.5 higher f-number at telephoto end
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/6.3 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
2 fewer aspherical elements
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
105.2 mm longer lens
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C is longer than the average camera lens (197.2 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
9 mm wider lens barrel
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C is wider than the average camera lens (86 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
3.5 higher f-number at telephoto end
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/6.3 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/6.3 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.6.3 vs 2.8
105.2 mm longer lens
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C is longer than the average camera lens (197.2 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C is longer than the average camera lens (197.2 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.197.2 mm vs 92 mm
2 fewer aspherical elements
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
9 mm wider lens barrel
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C is wider than the average camera lens (86 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C is wider than the average camera lens (86 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.86 mm vs 77 mm
67.9% more expensive
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C is more expensive than the average camera lens (£890 vs £530).
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C is more expensive than the average camera lens (£890 vs £530).£890 vs £530

Optics & Aperture

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C?

Excellent value for money and significantly more affordable than first-party alternatives
Compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable for an ultra-telephoto zoom
Sharp image quality across the entire zoom range, even when used wide open
Fast, quiet, and accurate stepping motor autofocus system
Effective optical image stabilization providing up to 4–5 stops of shake reduction
Low chromatic aberration and good control over color fringing
Smooth and pleasing bokeh for its aperture class
Practical features like a programmable AFL button, focus limiter, and zoom lock switch

What customers dislike about Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG DN OS C?

Tripod collar is sold as an optional separate purchase rather than being included
Small maximum aperture (f/6.3) at the long end, which can be reached quickly when zooming
Lacks full weather sealing; protection is primarily limited to a rubber gasket at the mount
No teleconverter support for the Sony E-mount version
Slight drop in sharpness and contrast at the maximum 400mm focal length compared to mid-range
Autofocus can struggle with fast-moving subjects coming directly toward the camera

Expert reviews

dustinabbott.net

18/06/2020

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DN OS Review - DustinAbbott.net

The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DN OS Contemporary lens for Sony FE and Leica L-mount is a highly competitive, budget-friendly telephoto zoom designed for wildlife, birding, and sports photography. Weighing 1135g, it is significantly lighter and slimmer than its main competitor, the Sony 100-400mm GM, making it excellent for traveling light. Optically, the lens performs exceptionally well, delivering strong contrast and sharpness that actually optimizes at the 400mm focal length, rivaling far more expensive alternatives. Its stepping motor provides fast, quiet, and smooth autofocus tracking that supports Sony's Eye AF, a major upgrade over the sluggish autofocus found in Sigma’s older DSLR version. Additionally, it features a robust rubber lens mount gasket, effective 4-stop optical stabilization, and dual "twist" or "push-pull" zoom mechanics. However, the lens does compromise on a few features to achieve its low price point. A notable disadvantage is that the variable aperture drops very quickly, hitting F5.6 at just 113mm and reaching its dimmest F6.3 aperture by 235mm, limiting its usefulness in poor light. While the lens barrel is physically prepared to accommodate a tripod collar, the...

digitalcameraworld.com

28/08/2020

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm f/5.6.3 DG DN OS | C review

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is a completely redesigned "light bazooka" engineered specifically for full-frame Sony E and Leica L-mount mirrorless cameras. Weighing just 1,135g to 1,140g depending on the mount, this compact and lightweight lens offers a powerful super-telephoto range that is highly portable compared to heavy DSLR counterparts. It delivers highly impressive sharpness across the entire image frame—even when shooting wide-open—and keeps color fringing completely negligible due to an upgraded optical path featuring a premium FLD element. Handling is excellent, boasting a rapid stepping motor autofocus system, an autofocus range limiter, a customizable AF-Lock button, 4-stop optical stabilization, and a unique dual-action mechanism that allows for both twist and push-pull zooming. Despite its stellar performance, the lens has a few notable drawbacks. Its maximum aperture rating becomes fairly narrow at f/6.3 at the longer focal lengths, making it a bit of a struggle to achieve a tightly blurred background at the short end. While Leica L-mount users enjoy teleconverter and USB Dock support, Sony E-mount shooters face the major con of having absolutely no compatible...

betapixels.photography

07/12/2020

Summary of the review

Review: Sigma 100-400 DG DN for Sony E Mount - Betapixels

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS for Sony E-mount offers a high-value alternative to Sony’s first-party version for less than half the price. The reviewer praises the lens for its solid, mostly metal build quality and reliable weather sealing that survives rainy conditions. Its hardware features are highly functional, including an auto-focus lock button, a focus range switch, and multiple image stabilization modes. Optically, the lens delivers competitive performance with fast autofocus that hunts less than other mid-tier zooms, making it an excellent entry point for hobbyist wildlife, street, and outdoor photographers. However, the lens has notable trade-offs when compared to the premium $2,499 Sony alternative. A key con is its slower f/5-6.3 aperture range, which loses a third-stop of light against Sony's f/4.5-5.6 range and limits low-light performance. Additionally, its minimum focusing distance grows progressively longer up to 63 inches at the 400mm end, making it less versatile for close-up macro shots. The autofocus accuracy, while good, falls slightly short of the precision needed by tracking professionals. Finally, it is heavy at 2.5 pounds, conspicuous for street photography,...

findingrange.com

12/01/2021

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary lens review L-mount

The Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary lens for L Mount is a highly manageable, compact, and affordable long-range telephoto zoom designed specifically for full-frame mirrorless cameras. Constructed from a robust blend of polycarbonate and metal, it features a durable brass bayonet mount equipped with dust- and splash-proof sealing. Weighing 1,135 grams and measuring 197.2mm in its shortest state, the lens is exceptionally lightweight for its focal range, making it comfortable for full-day handheld photography walks. It delivers excellent overall image quality with high center sharpness, strong contrast, minimal flare due to a Super Multi-Layer Coating, and smooth bokeh from a 9-blade rounded diaphragm. Additionally, it features up to 4 stops of optical image stabilization, a quiet stepping autofocus motor, a zoom lock switch to prevent zoom creeping, and compatibility with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters exclusively on the L Mount version. The reviewer highlights several notable pros, emphasizing its high-quality construction, compact size, and effective optical stabilization. Its affordability is another major advantage; priced at $949, it serves as a budget-friendly alternative to much more expensive L-mount long zooms...

opticallimits.com

03/12/2021

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Review

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is a mirrorless telephoto zoom lens that offers strong value, pricing around 950 USD/EUR for Sony E and L-mounts. On the positive side, it features an upgraded metal design near the mount, a fast and noiseless stepping autofocus motor, an effective optical image stabilizer, and a unique "Dual-action" zoom mechanism allowing push/pull operation. Optically, the lens delivers decent resolution across its range, peaking with highly commendable sharpness in the low-to-mid focal lengths and low lateral chromatic aberrations. It is also highly praised for being relatively lightweight and compact for a 400mm lens.

fstoppers.com

23/02/2024

Summary of the review

We Review The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens betapixels.photography

in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside You sent: 1 tab and said: 2 paragraphs summary of this review in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside Decent but Flawed: We Review The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens for Fujifilm X | Fstoppers 2 paragraphs summary of this review in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside

sigmaphoto.co.za

10/08/2021

Summary of the review

Review of the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS

In his review for Sigma South Africa, wildlife photographer Trevor McCall-Peat praises the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary lens as a lightweight, compact option delivering sharp images, impressive contrast, and fast, quiet autofocus. The lens is lauded for its excellent image stabilization and portability, making it ideal for handheld, all-day shooting, even at 400mm. Cons noted in the review include the lack of a bundled tripod collar (requiring the optional TS-11), the absence of full weather-sealed construction found in higher-end models, and a narrower f/6.3 maximum aperture at the telephoto end that limits extreme low-light performance. Overall, the review positions it as a highly capable, budget-friendly choice for nature photography.

pcmag.com

26/10/2020

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Review

The PCMag review highlights the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary as an exceptional, budget-friendly ($949) telezoom for full-frame mirrorless cameras, boasting a lightweight, compact design and sharp image quality. It delivers fast, quiet autofocus, and effective optical stabilization, making it ideal for handheld sports and wildlife photography. However, the lens has drawbacks, including noticeable pincushion distortion, vignetting at wide apertures, and a significant physical extension when zooming. Furthermore, the lens lacks comprehensive weather sealing, omits a tripod collar in the box, and blocks the use of teleconverters for Sony E-mount users.

the-digital-picture.com

01/02/2021

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS C Lens Review

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary lens is a lightweight, full-frame mirrorless zoom that offers highly impressive, sharp image quality, efficient autofocus, and four stops of image stabilization. Key pros highlighted include its compact, hand-holdable design, durable construction with on-lens controls, and an affordable price point compared to competitors. Conversely, the lens has a variable f/5-6.3 aperture, which can hinder low-light performance and limit shutter speeds for action, alongside limited headroom to avoid diffraction. Additionally, while featuring a dust-and-splash-proof mount, it lacks full-body weather sealing and does not support teleconverters on E-mount versions.

fstoppers.com

14/09/2023

Summary of the review

We Review the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens for Fujifilm X Mount

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary lens for Fujifilm X-mount cameras stands out as a highly portable telephoto option, offering a 150-600mm full-frame equivalent focal length in a remarkably compact and lightweight body. Reviewer Pete Coco praises the lens for delivering sharp, high-contrast images with exceptional color rendition across all focal lengths. When tested with the Fujifilm X-T5, its autofocus tracking proved silent, fast, and highly accurate, flawlessly capturing a 15-frame-per-second sequence during a college soccer match. Additionally, handling is improved by a dual-action mechanism that allows users to adjust framing by either using the zoom ring or simply pushing and pulling the front barrel. Despite its high build quality and budget-friendly price tag, the lens does have a few drawbacks. Its slow f/5 to f/6.3 maximum aperture limits light intake, though it can still achieve pleasing bokeh separation. The reviewer noted some visible purple fringing when shooting under harsh midday sunlight and found that the color profile leaned slightly cooler compared to native Fujifilm glass. Performance also varied by camera generation; autofocus tracking was far less "sticky"...

photoscala.de

08/07/2020

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS hands-on review

While the reviewer praises its excellent price-to-performance ratio, several distinct drawbacks are highlighted. On the downside, the lens exhibits slightly soft details at the wide-open aperture, especially in the corners and at the maximum 400mm focal length, requiring users to stop down to F11 for optimal sharpness. The bokeh can also appear busy and nervous due to pronounced onion-ring effects on out-of-focus highlights. Additionally, a tripod collar is not included in the box and must be purchased separately as an expensive accessory. A critical limitation for Sony users is that this E-mount version cannot be used with teleconverters at all, unlike its L-mount counterpart. Despite these minor compromises, the lens is highly recommended as a portable and cost-effective telephoto solution.

nikon-fotografie.de

07/05/2021

Summary of the review

Review - Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is identified as a lightweight, affordable telephoto zoom featuring a rubber-gasketed, mirrorless-specific design that offers excellent central sharpness. Pros include a compact, 70-200mm f/2.8-style form factor suitable for all-day shooting, alongside improved weather sealing. However, the review outlines compromises, such as significant raw-file vignetting and distortion requiring digital correction, along with a slow variable aperture limiting low-light performance. Additionally, the lens lacks full environmental sealing and requires a separate purchase for the necessary tripod collar.

klapszus.de

06/09/2023

Summary of the review

SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Tested on APS-C

The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary lens review highlights it as a highly capable and affordable ultra-telephoto zoom lens tailored for mirrorless systems, specifically tested on Fujifilm APS-C cameras (where it provides a 150-600mm full-frame equivalent). Because it was originally designed to cover a full-frame sensor, using it on an APS-C crop body utilizes only the sweet spot in the center of the glass. As a result, the lens delivers outstanding, edge-to-edge sharpness across its entire zoom range at any given aperture, completely removing the need to stop down to get a crisp image. Its core strengths include a relatively lightweight and compact body (weighing 1.1 kg), a highly effective built-in optical stabilizer that gains an extra stop of efficiency on Fuji bodies (up to 5 EV stops), a swift autofocusing system, and a clever "Dual Action Zoom" feature allowing you to adjust the focal length by turning the ring or pushing the barrel directly. However, the review points out several notable compromises made to keep the lens affordable and compact. The most prominent disadvantage is its lack...

zielfoto.com

27/07/2026

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm F/5-6.3 DG DN OS - Target Photo

The Sigma 100-400mm F/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary lens for Sony E-mount is highly rated by users, earning 4.5 out of 5 stars for its balance of performance and portability. Reviewers praise the lens for its compact, lightweight design (weighing roughly 1.1 kg and measuring 20 cm), making it an excellent, easy-to-transport choice for hobbyists focusing on wildlife, nature, and landscape photography. The optical image stabilization is highly effective for handheld shooting. Additionally, users note that the lens offers very good overall sharpness, clean image quality, and a manageable 67mm filter diameter at a very fair price point under €1,000. However, the review highlights several distinct compromises. The autofocus is fast and precise under good lighting but tends to "hunt" (pump) and slow down significantly in low-light or low-contrast situations, lagging noticeably behind the performance of heavier lenses like the Sigma 150-600mm Sport. Image sharpness also drops slightly when shooting at the maximum 400mm focal length with a wide-open aperture, and minor vignetting is present. Finally, users criticize the complete lack of a weatherproof seal for harsh conditions, the fact...

fuji-x-forum.de

01/09/2023

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Field Test

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary for Fujifilm X-mount offers excellent image quality, leveraging the center of its full-frame glass for high sharpness on APS-C sensors. Key advantages include an effective 5-stop optical image stabilization system, rapid autofocus performance, and strong resistance to ghosting and flare. Cons identified in the review include slight softness at the extreme corners when zoomed to 400mm, which improves with stopping down, and potential chromatic aberration in direct, intense backlight. Additionally, the lens lacks full weather sealing, with protection limited to the mount area.

lesnumeriques.com

13/10/2020

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Sony E Review: A Compact and High-Quality Telephoto Zoom

The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary lens (Sony E mount) is a lightweight, weather-sealed, and optically stabilized telephoto zoom designed as a budget-friendly alternative for sports and wildlife photography. Tested on a 61-megapixel Sony A7R IV, it delivers strong image quality, excellent contrast, and its best sharpness at wide focal lengths between 100mm and 200mm, with sharpness peaking at f/5.6. Additional strengths include a responsive and silent autofocus system that seamlessly integrates with Sony's eye and face-tracking, reliable optical stabilization, a customizable AFL control button, and superb control over vignetting and chromatic aberrations. However, the lens makes several compromises to maintain its sub-€1000 price point. Its optical performance drops noticeably at longer focal lengths, showing a clear loss of sharpness between 300mm and 400mm where photographers are forced to step down to f/8 or f/11. Its slow, variable maximum aperture (f/5-6.3) limits its low-light usability and results in a mediocre, misshapen background bokeh. Furthermore, distortion is present across all focal lengths, and the critical tripod collar must be purchased separately. Ultimately, while native Sony equivalents offer superior sharpness,...

les-guides-sony.com

18/06/2020

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Review: Testing on Challenging Subjects

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary lens for Sony E-mount is a highly versatile, lightweight telephoto lens weighing 1,135 grams that offers a more affordable alternative to premium options like the Sony GM equivalent. Tested across various environments on high-resolution bodies like the Sony A7R IV and A9, the lens delivers exceptional, uniform sharpness and high contrast from center to edge right from its maximum wide-open aperture. It exhibits excellent resistance to optical flaws like chromatic aberration, flare, and distortion, while producing a deep, pleasing bokeh effect with smooth background compression. Furthermore, its native autofocus tracking system performs remarkably well, delivering fast, silent, and highly accurate eye-detection for moving subjects, such as galloping horses and birds in flight. Despite its high-end performance, the review highlights several specific limitations. Optically, a slight vignetting is noticeable at both 100mm and 400mm focal lengths, and the overall sharpness drops marginally on the frame edges when fully extended to 400mm. Mechanically, the zoom and focus rings are inverted compared to standard layouts, and the zoom rotates in the opposite direction. Crucially, the...

bastienjuif.com

14/09/2020

Summary of the review

Field test of the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS for Sony E mount

This review praises the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS lens (Sony E-mount) as a highly capable and budget-friendly alternative to Sony's native telephoto options, coming in at less than half the price. The reviewer was highly impressed by its lightweight design, noting that the combined weight of the lens and a Sony A7III body is only 1.8 kg, making it excellent for handheld shooting and long walks. Performance-wise, the lens delivers exceptionally sharp images from the centre to the edges right from maximum aperture, backed by an excellent, fast, and precise autofocus system that effortlessly tracks moving subjects like swallows. Additionally, the optical stabilization works effectively with the camera body's internal stabilization to deliver sharp handheld shots even at slow shutter speeds like 1/13th of a second. Despite the high praise, the reviewer notes a few drawbacks in design and functionality. A major complaint is the sliding minimum focus distance, which drops to 1.6m at 400mm, limiting its usefulness for close-up macro-style photography. Additionally, vignette is relatively noticeable at wide apertures, though easily corrected in post-production. On the build...

alphadxd.fr

30/08/2020

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Review

The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is a highly versatile telephoto lens that offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio, making it an ideal companion for less dense camera bodies like the Sony A7III or A7RIII. Priced at around 1,000 euros, its broad focal range makes it well-suited for portrait, landscape, wildlife, and sports photography. A major advantage highlighted by users is the availability of a v2 firmware update; however, users with the initial version must physically send the lens back to Sigma to apply the update, which fixes optical stabilization discrepancies across different shutter types and resolves an issue preventing in-camera firmware updates. On the downside, the lens falls short when paired with high-resolution sensors like the Sony A7RIV, where it cannot match the sharpness or autofocus reliability of the more premium Sony FE 100-400mm GM lens. While autofocus performance is highly accurate on static subjects, it struggles significantly with moving subjects, resulting in a much higher failure rate for action shots. Furthermore, if your photography relies strictly on the 400mm focal length, reviewers note that the Sony FE...

digixo.com

02/05/2026

Summary of the review

Review - Test: SIGMA 100-400MM - Digixo

The Digixo review of the Sigma 100-400mm lens for Fujifilm X-mount highlights its excellent optical performance, featuring outstanding image homogeneity, negligible vignetting on APS-C sensors, and strong distortion control, making it a reliable option for enthusiasts. Despite these strengths, the lens has a restrictive variable maximum aperture of f/5-6.3, which serves as the primary trade-off for its compact design, and it may require additional, costly accessories. Digixo

photolari.com

18/06/2020

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN: field test - Photolari

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN Contemporary is a lightweight, budget-friendly telephoto zoom lens built specifically for full-frame mirrorless Sony E and L-mount cameras. Weighing 1.1 kilograms and priced around 1,000 euros, it balances long-reach capabilities with portability and cost. The lens features a sealed weather-resistant design, switches for focus and stabilization modes, a zoom lock, and a "direct zoom" mechanism that allows users to push or pull the lens hood directly for rapid focal adjustments. Testing with a Sony A7 III demonstrated that the lens delivers fast, quiet, and precise continuous autofocus tracking, making it well-suited for wildlife and action photography. Additionally, its optical stabilization works effectively in tandem with camera body stabilization, allowing sharp, handheld shots at shutter speeds as low as 1/25 or 1/50 of a second at the 400mm focal length. However, the review highlights distinct trade-offs to achieve its affordable price and compact size. The primary drawback is its slower f/5-6.3 variable maximum aperture, making it less luminous compared to more expensive alternatives, such as Sony's native 100-400mm GM lens, which starts at f/4.5 but...

fujistas.com

10/10/2023

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 Contemporary Review: The Best Value Super-Telephoto Zoom

The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is a highly recommended, budget-friendly super-telephoto zoom lens for Fujifilm X-mount cameras, offering an excellent price-to-quality ratio. Designed for full-frame sensors, it remains remarkably lightweight on APS-C bodies at just over one kilogram, providing a versatile focal range popular for wildlife and outdoor action photography. Optically, the lens delivers impressive sharpness and contrast, particularly up to 300mm, with minimal distortion and vignetting. Its robust external controls feature a zoom lock, a customisable AF-L button, an focus range limiter, and a reliable 5-stop optical image stabilizer that allows for sharp handheld shooting. However, the lens does come with several notable trade-offs compared to the native Fujinon XF 100-400mm alternative. Its primary drawback is autofocus reliability; the review notes occasional tracking failures, missed focus against low-contrast backgrounds, and a tendency to jump to the background in busy environments. Structurally, it lacks a physical aperture ring and full weather-sealing, relying instead on a simple rubber gasket at the mount. Additionally, it is slightly less bright than the Fujinon version, does not support teleconverters, requires an...

nikonland.it

15/08/2017

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 Contemporary

The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 Contemporary lens delivers impressive performance as a versatile telephoto zoom, standing out for its exceptional sharpness at the longer focal lengths—even drawing comparisons to high-end super-telephoto lenses. Tested on Nikon bodies like the D5 and D500, it proves highly capable for sports, wildlife, and outdoor portrait photography. Mechanically, the lens weighs 1,160 grams, making it light and compact enough for extended handheld shooting. Its robust feature set includes highly effective image stabilisation functional below 1/10 second, a convenient zoom lock mechanism, a customisable button layout via Sigma's USB dock, and an electromagnetic diaphragm. However, the lens's main limitation stems from its slow f/6.3 maximum aperture at 400mm, rendering it primarily a "summer lens" that requires bumping up ISO levels excessively to freeze motion in low-light environments. The reviewer noted a minor build issue with slight creaking sounds when pressing the custom barrel buttons. Furthermore, while the omission of a tripod collar keeps the build compact, it was considered a major drawback by some users who prefer locked-down shooting setups. Lastly, although it weighs less than heavy...

fotocolombo.it

10/05/2026

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens for Fujifilm X-Mount

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary lens for Fujifilm X-mount is a highly versatile teleobjective zoom that balances a lightweight, compact footprint with robust optical delivery. On Fujifilm’s APS-C mirrorless bodies, it provides a powerful 350-character line-break equivalent focal range of 150-600mm. The lens excels in sharpness and color fidelity thanks to one F Low Dispersion (FLD) element and four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements engineered to eliminate chromatic aberrations. Autofocusing is fast, fluid, and near-silent due to an integrated stepping motor with an optimized AF algorithm. Additional operational highlights include a 4-stop optical image stabilization system for crisp handheld shooting, a close focusing distance of 3.7 feet at 100mm, a customizable AFL button, and a weather-sealed brass bayonet mount. While the lens offers impressive reach and speed, it does come with a few notable drawbacks. The primary disadvantage is its slow, variable maximum aperture of f/5-6.3, which restricts its performance in low-light environments. Furthermore, while the lens structure incorporates a rear rubber gasket to resist dust and moisture, full weather-sealing is not provided across the entire...

juzaphoto.com

20/09/2021

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400 DN Review - JuzaPhoto

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS C is a compact and exceptionally lightweight telephoto zoom lens designed natively for full-frame mirrorless systems (Sony E and L-mount). It delivers outstanding, edge-to-edge sharpness across all focal lengths even when shooting wide open, along with well-controlled chromatic aberration and a pleasing background bokeh. Retailing at roughly €1,000, it costs less than half the price of its direct Sony counterpart, making it a highly attractive, high-value alternative for wildlife, sports, and detailed landscape photography. However, the lens lacks weather-sealing except for a basic rubber gasket on the mount, meaning users must take caution in heavy rain. Its most notable omission is the tripod collar, which is not included and must be purchased separately as the Sigma TS-111 to prevent front-heavy unbalancing on a tripod. Furthermore, user comments note that the lens exhibits a minor drop in edge sharpness past 300mm, its 0.25x macro capabilities lose edge performance at minimum focus distance, and the tracking autofocus can occasionally struggle with rapid, erratic movements like tracking birds in flight.

visdief.nl

31/07/2026

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5.0-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary lens is reviewed as a highly capable, budget-friendly telephoto lens that serves as an excellent companion for travel and wildlife photography when paired with a Sony A7 III camera. It is highly praised for being roughly half the price and significantly lighter (weighing 1,135 grams) than the larger Sony FE 200-600mm lens, making it easy to carry on long hikes through mountain meadows. Additionally, its close minimum focusing distance of 112 centimetres allows photographers to capture high-quality, up-close footage of butterflies and insects without disturbing them, essentially eliminating the immediate need for a dedicated macro lens. However, the reviewer notes several downsides depending on the primary subject matter. The most notable visual flaw is that the included lens hood causes visible vignetting against bright backdrops, meaning it must often be removed during shooting. Structurally, the external zoom mechanism causes the lens to physically extend and retract, which shifts air and risks drawing dust inside the barrel over time. Furthermore, a tripod collar is not included in the box and must be purchased...

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