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

Avg. price in UK: ~£660
Avg. price in US: ~$800
Lens mount: Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA
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 OS HSM review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

7.9

Very good

7.6

Very good

9.3

Exceptional

9.6
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
9.4
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
10
Optical image stabilization
6.1
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
7.0
Lens length
25.0%
7.0
Lens diameter
25.0%
1.0
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
10
Optical image stabilization

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#73 in Best Telephoto Lenses
#178 in Best Camera Lenses

Verdict

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a versatile ultra-telephoto zoom designed for full-frame DSLRs, featuring a complex optical design of 21 elements in 15 groups, including four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements to minimize chromatic aberrations. Weighing approximately 1,160g with a 67mm filter thread, it offers a compact build with a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for fast autofocus and an Optical Stabilizer (OS) providing roughly four stops of compensation. Key pros include its exceptional price-to-performance ratio, impressive sharpness across the focal range, and a unique push/pull zoom mechanism for rapid framing. However, notable cons include the lack of a tripod collar in the box, a relatively narrow maximum aperture that limits low-light performance, and some corner softness when shooting wide open at the extreme ends of the zoom range.

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

Overall score

7.9

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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

Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA

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

6.8

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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

HSM

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

6.7

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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 OS HSM vs the average camera lens

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

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Has optical image stabilization
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM 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 OS HSM 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 OS HSM 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 OS HSM supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has focus distance scale
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has focus limiter switch
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM 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 OS HSM 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 OS HSM 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 OS HSM has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
0.14 m shorter minimum focus distance
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 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 OS HSM has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.16 m vs 0.3 m
2 more low-dispersion elements
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 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 OS HSM has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.4 vs 2
15.4% higher user score
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.34 vs 8.091).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.34 vs 8.091).9.34 vs 8.09
Teleconverter compatible
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
2 more low-dispersion elements
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
Has focus distance scale
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has focus limiter switch
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM 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 OS HSM has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
0.14 m shorter minimum focus distance
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 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 OS HSM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Why is Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM 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 OS HSM 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 OS HSM has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
Not weather-sealed
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
694.6 g heavier
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM is heavier than the average camera lens (1,220 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
90.3 mm longer lens
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM is longer than the average camera lens (182.3 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
9.4 mm wider lens barrel
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM is wider than the average camera lens (86.4 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 OS HSM 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 OS HSM 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
Not weather-sealed
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
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
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
694.6 g heavier
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM is heavier than the average camera lens (1,220 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
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
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM is heavier than the average camera lens (1,220 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.1220 g vs 525.4 g
90.3 mm longer lens
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM is longer than the average camera lens (182.3 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 OS HSM is longer than the average camera lens (182.3 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.182.3 mm vs 92 mm
2 fewer aspherical elements
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM 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 OS HSM has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
9.4 mm wider lens barrel
Sigma 100 400mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM is wider than the average camera lens (86.4 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 OS HSM is wider than the average camera lens (86.4 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.86.4 mm vs 77 mm

Optics & Aperture

Build & Handling

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

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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 OS HSM?

Excellent center sharpness across the entire zoom range, even wide open
Highly compact and lightweight for a 400mm lens, making it suitable for travel and hiking
Exceptional price-to-performance ratio compared to first-party alternatives
Robust build quality with a dust and splash-proof mount gasket
Effective optical image stabilization for handheld shooting
Versatile zooming options including both twist and push-pull mechanisms

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

Variable aperture drops to f/6.3 relatively quickly, limiting low-light performance
Does not include a tripod collar, and some versions don't even support an optional one
Noticeable drop in sharpness and increased vignetting at the corners when wide open
Autofocus can occasionally hunt or struggle with fast-moving subjects compared to professional-grade lenses
Noticeable pincushion distortion, particularly at longer focal lengths

Expert reviews

dustinabbott.net

30/06/2017

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary Review - Dustin Abbott

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 dustinabbott.net File has been removed 2 paragraphs summary of this review in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside

ephotozine.com

14/06/2017

Summary of the review

Sigma AF 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens Review

The ePHOTOzine review highly commends the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens as a compact, lightweight, and budget-friendly telephoto option for full-frame and APS-C DSLRs. It highlights excellent central sharpness, smooth bokeh, low aberration, effective optical stabilization, and fast autofocus as key strengths. Conversely, the lens features a narrow variable aperture (f/5-6.3) that requires higher ISO in low light, exhibits edge softness when wide open, has noticeable pincushion distortion at long focal lengths, and lacks full-body weather sealing.

imaging-resource.com

29/09/2017

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Field Test

Despite these strengths, the review notes several optical and physical compromises. Central and corner sharpness are somewhat disappointing when shooting wide open at the 100mm focal length, though image quality noticeably improves when stopped down or when shooting at the critical 400mm end. The relatively slow maximum aperture range—which drops to f/6.0 at 220mm and reaches f/6.3 by 350mm—significantly limits shutter speeds and forces higher ISO settings, causing the autofocus to become sluggish in low-light environments. Additionally, there is some visible blue/orange chromatic aberration and vignetting when shooting wide open. Lastly, the lens lacks a dedicated tripod collar or an included lens case in the box, which may complicate handling for extended field use.

digital-photography-school.com

30/10/2017

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens Review

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens is a budget-conscious, long-range telephoto zoom that delivers impressive performance for outdoor, wildlife, and sports photography. Built from solid hard plastic, it lacks the metallic construction of Sigma's Art series but feels exceptionally well-balanced and nimble, particularly when extended to 400mm. Its standout features include stellar image sharpness and exceptional resolving power, even when shooting wide open at the maximum apertures of both focal lengths. Additionally, the lens boasts highly responsive and silent autofocus performance, negligible chromatic aberration, and robust weather sealing—complete with a visible rubber gasket on the bayonet mount to keep out dirt and moisture. Despite its strong performance, the lens has notable drawbacks, most significantly the complete lack of a tripod collar or ring, which could cause weight distribution issues on smaller, adapted camera bodies. The optical stabilization system is functional but underwhelming, failing to provide the drastic improvements seen in competing telephoto lenses. Furthermore, the exterior is crowded with numerous switches, making tactile adjustments difficult without looking away from the viewfinder. However, with a lock switch to...

focus-review.com

13/06/2019

Summary of the review

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

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a compact, lightweight telephoto zoom lens weighing 1160 grams and measuring 182 mm in length, making it highly portable and ideal for nature and sports photography. Built primarily with high-quality plastics, the lens feels solid and includes a rubber gasket at the mount to guard against dust and moisture. Optically, it features a complex design of 21 elements that delivers highly consistent sharpness across almost the entire zoom range, even when tested on demanding full-frame cameras. Its Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) autofocus operates quietly, and the built-in optical image stabilization proves highly effective for handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds on unstabilized DSLRs. Furthermore, the lens offers high customizability via Sigma’s USB Dock, allowing users to program custom focus ranges, stabilization modes, and autofocus speeds. The review highlights several specific pros, including its excellent value for money, compact size, lightweight build, and strong overall image quality. It also benefits from very low vignetting and excellent resistance to flare, alongside a useful 0.26x maximum magnification for close-up shots. On the downside, the...

photographylife.com

05/02/2024

Summary of the review

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

The Photography Life review identifies the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary as a lightweight (1,160g), compact, and budget-friendly ultra-telephoto lens offering impressive central sharpness and solid, wobble-free construction. Key advantages include functional optical stabilization, quiet autofocus, and a weather-sealed metal mount, making it an excellent value for wildlife photography. Conversely, the lens exhibits weak corner sharpness at 100mm, noticeable vignetting, and a narrow f/5-6.3 variable aperture, along with a lack of a tripod collar in the standard package. While well-constructed, it feels more plasticky than premium alternatives and lacks full-body weather sealing, representing a compromise for its lower price point.

fstoppers.com

28/07/2018

Summary of the review

Fstoppers Real-World Review of the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens focus-review.com

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens is a highly portable, budget-friendly telephoto lens designed for travel, wildlife, and action photographers who value low weight over premium build features. Weighing only 2.55 pounds and measuring just over 7 inches, it offers a massive focal range in a package comparable to a standard 70-200mm lens, making it an excellent dual-lens pairing with a mid-range zoom. In real-world testing along a cold, snowy coastline, the lens delivered exceptional image contrast, very low chromatic aberration, and impressive edge-to-edge sharpness that rivals far more expensive native Canon or Nikon alternatives. Its autofocus system integrates seamlessly with Canon's AF tracking, though it occasionally slows down and hunts for focus at the maximum 400mm focal length. While the lens offers unparalleled price-to-performance value at $699, it makes a few notable structural sacrifices to maintain its light weight and low cost. The biggest downsides for outdoor photographers are the lack of true weather sealing—featuring only basic dust and splash protection at the mount—and the omission of a tripod collar. Additionally, its variable f/5-6.3 aperture forces...

wildernessdestinations.com

24/01/2018

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm: Lenses for Safari Photography Review Are you planning to use this lens on a Canon EF or Nikon F mount DSLR, or are you adapting it to...

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens is a lightweight, 1160g telephoto zoom designed for travel, wildlife, and bird photography. The review highlights excellent sharpness and high image quality across the zoom range, with mid-frame and corner performance almost matching the centre sharpness. Built with thermally stable composite materials, it features a dust- and splash-proof mount and a rounded 9-blade aperture that creates smooth bokeh. Additional pros include its versatile push/pull and twist zoom mechanisms, its functionality as a macro lens due to a close 160-centimetre focus distance, and optical stabilisation that allows usable hand-held shots down to 1/40th of a second. However, the lens comes with several specific drawbacks, particularly its variable f/5 to f/6.3 aperture which makes it slower and less suitable for capturing low-light action. The reviewer experienced significant autofocus hunting during low-light periods and noted that results at the maximum 400mm focal length are slightly softer than at wider options. Physical limitations include a total lack of weather-sealing, some visible vignetting when shot wide open, and the fact that a tripod ring is neither...

zielfoto.com

27/07/2026

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM - Target Photo

The Sigma 100-400mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary (Nikon F-Mount) is highly rated by the community, earning an overall score of 4.4 out of 5 stars with a 100% user recommendation rate. Reviewers praise the lens as an excellent, budget-friendly entry or travel alternative for wildlife and nature photography, noting a significant upgrade in reach and sharpness compared to standard kit lenses. Users highlighted its very good image quality, strong central sharpness even at 400mm, and an effective optical stabilization system that minimizes camera shake. Additionally, it offers useful physical controls, including a zoom lock switch and customizable focus ranges (Full, 6m-∞, 1.6m-6m) to speed up performance. On the downside, multiple users noted that the lens is quite heavy and lack a standard tripod collar, which can cause the camera to tilt forward when mounted on a tripod without purchasing the optional Sigma collar. The autofocus performance is criticized for being somewhat slow and prone to hunting or requiring manual adjustments under low light and twilight conditions. Some edge softness at maximum focal lengths and a slight drop in image...

digitalphoto.de

31/10/2017

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm: Super-telephoto zoom lens review

The DigitalPHOTO review of the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens concludes it is an excellent, compact supertelephoto option for its price, earning an 89% overall score. It delivers high-quality images throughout the zoom range, with peak performance between the wide-open aperture and f/11. Key features contributing to this performance include an integrated Optical Stabilizer (OS) and a fast Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for rapid autofocus. While weighing over 1.2 kg, the lens is considered compact for a 400mm telephoto, making it convenient for field use. The review highlights its strong, versatile build, combining high-resolution performance with practical, portable design for, among other things, nature and sports photography. It represents a strong value-for-money option within its class.

digitalcamaralens.com

16/08/2017

Summary of the review

SIGMA 100-400 mm. f/5-6,3 DG OS HSM Contemporary - Test Digital Camara Lens

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary telezoom lens is evaluated as an excellent, budget-friendly choice that sits comfortably between basic 70-300mm lenses and massive super-telephotos. Designed for full-frame cameras, it features a robust build with an external plastic structure, a high-quality anodised aluminium bayonet, and a rear rubber gasket that safely seals the mirror chamber from dust. Optically, the reviewer notes its excellent overall construction, utilizing an internal floating rear-group focusing system that keeps the front element fixed. Its advanced features include a highly customizable Type III optical stabilization system with two distinct modes, a 3-mode focus distance limiter (Full, 6m to infinity, and 1.6m to 6m), and an electromagnetic diaphragm for reliable exposure control. The primary pros of this lens include its highly portable, lightweight structure (weighing just 1,160 grams) and compact dimensions, which make it significantly less bulky and more accessible than direct competitors. It also delivers highly sophisticated, fast, and silent autofocusing, smooth mechanical zoom and manual focus rings, and an effective zoom lock at the 100mm position to prevent barrel creep. On the down...

nikonland.it

24/09/2017

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400 f5-6.3 C... Into the Wild! (Test)

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens provides excellent optical performance for its class, particularly noted for its sharpness and highly uniform image quality across all focal lengths. Tested alongside a Nikon D500 in the Bayerischer Wald National Park, the lens proved to be an ideal, lightweight companion for all-day wildlife photography, allowing the user to seamlessly capture both distant and close-up subjects without fatigue. It delivers crisp subject rendering in standard conditions, and MTF chart comparisons suggest it holds a slight edge or tie in corner definition over heavier alternatives like the Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E when stopped down slightly. However, the reviewer highlighted distinct limitations when shooting in dim, overcast, and rainy forest environments, where the maximum variable aperture of f/5-6.3 forces the use of very high ISO speeds. While the built-in optical stabilisation is effective, it was noted as being slightly less powerful than the systems found in the Nikkor 200-500mm or the Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED. Ultimately, while it cannot compete with the low-light performance of a premium 500mm f/4 prime lens, it stands...

nikonland.it

15/08/2017

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 Contemporary

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens provides exceptional image sharpness that uniquely excels at the maximum 400mm focal length, delivering telephoto performance that punches far above its affordable €800 price point. Weighing 1,160 grams and measuring 182mm in length, its compact and highly manageable body allows for comfortable handheld shooting for extended periods without causing fatigue. Testing on full-frame Nikon D5 and APS-C D500 bodies shows natural color reproduction, a highly effective optical stabilization system that remains secure down to 1/10 of a second, and a swift autofocus speed well-suited for sports and wildlife photography. Mechanical perks include a convenient zoom lock switch to prevent barrel extension during transport and full firmware customisation capabilities via Sigma’s USB Dock. However, the reviewer notes a few drawbacks, most notably its dim f/6.3 maximum aperture which designates it as a "summer lens" that requires pushing to extreme ISO levels to maintain fast shutter speeds in low-light environments. Physically, the lens lacks a dedicated tripod collar, forcing users to mount the camera body directly to a tripod—a design choice that causes...

nikonland.it

08/03/2023

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary: At the racetrack (test/review)

The reviews featured on Nikonland.it present a thorough evaluation of the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens when adapted for long-term use on Nikon Z mirrorless bodies like the Nikon Z6. Author Silvio Renesto frames this super-telephoto zoom as a highly convenient and successful compromise rather than a flawless masterpiece. The primary pros highlighted include its excellent value for money, impressive versatility for wildlife photography, and its ability to deliver surprisingly good image quality on 24-megapixel sensors when used with proper technique and awareness of its boundary limits. On the downside, the lens is explicitly noted as a compromise in absolute optical excellence, meaning it will not match the razor-sharp rendering of a premium, fixed 600mm prime lens. Reviewers emphasize that it requires criteria and conscious handling to avoid disappointing results, as performance can degrade if pushed beyond its structural limitations. Overall, the consensus portrays it as an enduringly smart, cost-effective placeholder option for Nikon Z shooters who are waiting to transition to native, original Z super-telephoto lenses without breaking the bank.

kijkenziefotoschool.nl

07/04/2021

Summary of the review

Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary review

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a highly accessible, lightweight telephoto zoom lens released in 2017, designed for both full-frame and APS-C DSLR cameras from Canon, Nikon, and Sigma. Evaluated by multiple photography publications, the lens is praised for its compact size, robust build quality with a metal mount, and reliable optical image stabilisation (OS) that assists in handheld shooting. Reviewers from Photography Blog and ePhotoZine highlighted its portability for long-duration use, noting it weighs 1,160 grams and features a responsive 90-degree zoom ring trajectory. When it comes to image quality, the lens yields very sharp results in the centre and corners between 100mm and 400mm when stopped down to f/8 or f/11, offering a high-value performance factor given its retail price of €859. Conversely, the lens has several distinct drawbacks, primarily centered around its slow maximum aperture of f/5–6.3, which makes it less ideal for low-light conditions. Testing by PCMag revealed noticeable vignetting (dark corners) at maximum aperture, alongside soft, unsharp corners when shooting wide open at 100mm. In terms of physical construction, the body lacks...

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