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Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£330
Avg. price in US: ~$430
Lens mount: Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Pentax K, Sigma SA
Maximum focal length: 400 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 5.6
Optical image stabilization: yes
Maximum angle of view: 20.4 °

Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

7.3

Very good

7.1

Very good

8.1

Excellent

9.7
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
9.5
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
10
Optical image stabilization
5.9
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
6.7
Lens length
25.0%
6.5
Lens diameter
25.0%
1.0
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
10
Optical image stabilization

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#151 in Best Telephoto Lenses
#504 in Best Camera Lenses

Verdict

The Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM is a versatile telephoto zoom lens designed for full-frame and APS-C DSLRs, featuring an optical construction of 21 elements in 15 groups, including three Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements for superior color correction. Its primary characteristics include a multi-mode Optical Stabilizer (OS) providing up to a 4-stop advantage, a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for fast and quiet autofocus with full-time manual override, and a nine-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth bokeh. Main pros include a robust metal-composite build, a practical 1.5m minimum focus distance with a 1:4.2 magnification ratio for close-up shots, and strong center sharpness throughout much of the zoom range. However, users frequently note its substantial weight (approximately 1,640g–1,750g) and bulk, a tendency for the autofocus to 'hunt' in low-light or low-contrast conditions, and occasional 'zoom creep' where the lens barrel extends when pointed downward.

Technical Specifications of Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM

Overall score

7.3

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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, Sony A, Pentax K, 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

77 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

120 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

3.3x

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

20.4 °

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

6.4

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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

ultrasonic motor

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

6.0

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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

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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

6.4

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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 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM vs the average camera lens

Why is Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM better than the average camera lens?

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Has optical image stabilization
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO 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 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Teleconverter compatible
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Manual-focus only with supported teleconverters.
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 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has focus distance scale
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Distance scale window.
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 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has zoom lock switch
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO 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 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
1 more low-dispersion elements
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 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 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.3 vs 2
1.5 µm lower chromatic aberration
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a lower chromatic aberration than the average camera lens (7 µm vs 8.5 µm). The average lens has chromatic aberration of 8.5 µm.
What it is: The DxOMark metric that quantifies unwanted color fringing caused by different wavelengths focusing unevenly.
When it matters: When you want to avoid color fringing on high-contrast edges in backlit scenes or detailed subjects.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a lower chromatic aberration than the average camera lens (7 µm vs 8.5 µm). The average lens has chromatic aberration of 8.5 µm.7 µm vs 8.5 µm
Teleconverter compatible
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
1 more low-dispersion elements
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
Has focus distance scale
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has zoom lock switch
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
Has optical image stabilization
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
1.5 µm lower chromatic aberration
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a lower chromatic aberration than the average camera lens (7 µm vs 8.5 µm). The average lens has chromatic aberration of 8.5 µm.

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Why is Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM worse than the average camera lens?

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2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
2 fewer aspherical elements
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
1.2 m longer minimum focus distance
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
Not weather-sealed
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
111.5 mm longer lens
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM is longer than the average camera lens (203.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
15.5 mm wider lens barrel
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM is wider than the average camera lens (92.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
Older release date
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM was released earlier than the average camera lens.
January 2008
5 points lower DxOMark score
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a lower DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (21 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.
0.1 EV more vignetting
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has more vignetting than the average camera lens (1.3 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
2 points lower DxOMark sharpness
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a lower DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (14 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.
Not weather-sealed
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO 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 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 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 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.5.6 vs 2.8
111.5 mm longer lens
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM is longer than the average camera lens (203.5 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 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM is longer than the average camera lens (203.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.203.5 mm vs 92 mm
1.2 m longer minimum focus distance
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.5 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 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.1.5 m vs 0.3 m
15.5 mm wider lens barrel
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM is wider than the average camera lens (92.5 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 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM is wider than the average camera lens (92.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.92.5 mm vs 77 mm
2 fewer aspherical elements
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO 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 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
Older release date
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM was released earlier than the average camera lens.
January 2008
What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.
Importance: LOW
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM was released earlier than the average camera lens.2008 vs 2016
5 points lower DxOMark score
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a lower DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (21 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.
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
Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM has a lower DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (21 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.21 vs 26

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM?

Excellent build quality with a robust, sturdy feel
Effective Optical Stabilizer (OS) that helps with handheld shots
Fast and quiet autofocusing thanks to the Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM)
Impressive sharpness, particularly when stopped down slightly
Great value for the price compared to premium telephoto alternatives
Includes useful accessories like a tripod mount ring, lens hood, and a high-quality padded case

What customers dislike about Sigma 120 400mm F4 5 5 6 DG APO OS HSM?

Significant weight (approx. 1.6kg) making it tiring for long handheld use
Large and bulky physical size
Struggles in low light due to the f/4.5-5.6 maximum aperture
Prone to 'zoom creep' or having a loose zoom mechanism that can shift when pointing the lens up or down
Autofocus can occasionally hunt in dim light or with low-contrast subjects
Visible vignetting and some chromatic aberration at the edges on full-frame cameras

Expert reviews

imaging-resource.com

30/06/2008

Summary of the review

Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM APO

The Imaging Resource review characterizes the Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM APO as a solid, budget-friendly telephoto lens featuring excellent chromatic aberration control, effective optical stabilization, and quiet autofocus. While performance is strong at shorter focal lengths, the lens exhibits decreased sharpness at 400mm and suffers from significant weight and handling issues, including a forward-placed zoom ring and limited zoom lock functionality.

ephotozine.com

16/03/2011

Summary of the review

Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM Interchangeable Lens Review

The ePHOTOzine review of the Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM finds the lens to be a solid, value-focused super-telephoto option offering robust build quality and a highly effective Optical Stabilisation (OS) system for sharp, handheld shooting. The lens features a fast and quiet Hypersonic Motor (HSM) with manual focus override, making it suitable for wildlife and sports, despite not carrying Sigma's premium "EX" designation. Key disadvantages noted include a heavy 1640g weight, a tendency for the matte finish to mark, and a loose zoom mechanism that suffers from "zoom creep". Furthermore, autofocus can hunt in low light at the 400mm setting, and the image sharpness degrades at maximum zoom unless stopped down, with a susceptibility to flare without the hood.

the-digital-picture.com

22/10/2014

Summary of the review

Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM Lens Review

The Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM lens, as reviewed on The Digital Picture, is a budget-friendly, high-utility telephoto option featuring an effective four-stop Optical Stabilizer and a fast, quiet Hyper Sonic Motor. It offers strong center sharpness across much of its range, three SLD glass elements for reduced aberration, and a useful 1:4.2 maximum magnification. YouTube · However, the lens suffers from significant edge softness when shooting wide open, necessitating a stop down to f/8 or f/11 for better results, with noticeably reduced contrast at 400mm. Its heavy, 3.6 lb build can cause fatigue, while practical limitations include zoom creep, a 120mm-only lock, and AF hunting in low light.

darwinwiggett.wordpress.com

23/02/2010

Summary of the review

Lens Review: The Sigma 120-400 4.5-5.6 APO HSM Telephoto Zoom

The Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 APO HSM is a sturdy, well-built telephoto zoom lens that offers landscape photographers a highly versatile focal range at a budget-friendly price of around $1,000 CAN. In field tests using a full-frame Canon EOS-1ds Mark III, the lens delivered impressive sharpness that easily matched the Canon 70-200mm f/4L (at 120mm and 200mm) and the Canon 300mm f/4L prime lens (at 300mm), especially when shooting at its sharpness "sweet spot" between f/5.6 and f/11. Its build quality features smooth focus and rotating zoom mechanisms, and its internal design creates significantly less dust-attracting airflow compared to the push-pull design of the Canon 100-400mm. Additionally, it renders images with a noticeably warmer colour cast and demonstrates better edge sharpness with less chromatic aberration (colour fringing) than its Canon zoom competitor at the wider end of the focal range. Despite its strong performance, the lens does have notable drawbacks, particularly at its maximum focal length and wide apertures. Image sharpness and the ability to achieve precise focus fall off at 400mm compared to the Canon 100-400mm, though professional results are...

photoreview.com.au

14/03/2012

Summary of the review

Sigma APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM Lens Review

The Photo Review review of the Sigma APO 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM lens highlights it as a versatile, affordable telephoto option for wildlife and sports, featuring effective Optical Stabilizer (OS) technology for handheld shooting. The lens provides quick autofocus via the Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM) and utilizes Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass to maintain good center sharpness across most of its focal range. However, the 1,750-gram weight presents handling challenges, and performance drops in both contrast and edge-to-edge sharpness when extended to 400mm at wide apertures. Additionally, the matte barrel finish is prone to collecting dust, and optimal sharpness requires stopping down to f/8 or f/11 at the telephoto end.

dxomark.com

01/01/2008

Summary of the review

Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM Nikon Review

The Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM mounted on a Nikon D800E scores a DXOMARK rating of 21, indicating decent performance for a telephoto zoom lens released in 2008. Dynamically, the lens performs best at its wider end of f=120mm with an aperture of f/4.5. It displays an impressive sharpness score of 14 P-Mpix, and delivers highly effective management of optical distortions, registering a distortion level of only 0.2% alongside a well-controlled vignetting score of -1.1 EV. Furthermore, its control over chromatic aberration is exceptionally strong, measuring at a minimal 7 µm. Despite these strengths, the review highlights several performance bottlenecks under real-world testing conditions. On the negative side, the lens suffers from a low light transmission rate of 5.9 TStop, limiting its efficiency in dim environments, and exhibits soft image quality towards the edges of the frame when shot wide open. To mitigate this edge softening and reach peak resolution across the frame, photographers are forced to stop down the lens, ideally reaching its sweet spot between f/8 and f/11. Additionally, user reviews point out that the lens...

birdforum.net

20/11/2020

Summary of the review

Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 APO DG OS User Review Are you comparing this to newer Contemporary or Sport series lenses, or do you need teleconverter compa...

The Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 APO DG OS HSM is recognized as a capable, value-oriented telephoto zoom offering solid construction with a robust matte finish and smooth zoom, complemented by an effective Optical Stabilizer (OS) and quick, quiet Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) tracking. While it delivers good color correction and sharpness at wider focal lengths, users report a notable drop in contrast at 400mm, alongside significant weight and a variable aperture that can lead to autofocus hunting in low light. Review the full BirdForum analysis at BirdForum.

digitalkamera.de

14/04/2008

Summary of the review

Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM Datasheet and Lab Test Summary

The Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM is a solid, well-built entry-level telephoto zoom for wildlife and sports, featuring a sturdy design, convenient zoom lock, and integrated tripod collar. It offers fast, quiet HSM autofocus and effective optical stabilization, providing decent center sharpness at shorter focal lengths. However, the lens suffers from significant sharpness and contrast degradation at the 400mm end, requiring it to be stopped down to f/8-f/11 for better results. Other drawbacks include noticeable vignetting on full-frame cameras, heavy weight for handheld use, low-light autofocus hunting, and a finish that collects dirt easily. The full, detailed review is available on digitalkamera.de.

apprendre-la-photo.fr

20/10/2022

Summary of the review

Review of the Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM

This review evaluates the Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM zoom lens, tested on a Canon EOS 550D specifically for wildlife and sports photography. Priced affordably under €850, this heavy lens (over 1.6kg) features a sleek matte finish, smooth zoom and focus rings, and an ergonomic tripod collar. Optically, the lens is somewhat "soft" at its maximum aperture of f/5.6 when shooting at 400mm, but it reaches its peak sharpness (sweet spot) between f/8 and f/11. While the ultrasonic HSM autofocus motor is quiet and supports full-time manual override, it feels relatively slow due to the large focal range. On the field, the reviewer notes that 400mm is the bare minimum for wildlife photography, requiring proper camouflage to get full-frame shots of distant subjects. The lens delivers a solid balance of advantages and drawbacks for budget-conscious photographers. The pros include its highly versatile focal range up to 400mm, a very reasonable price point, excellent overall build quality, and zero noticeable chromatic aberration. Additionally, its built-in optical stabilizer is highly effective, providing a 3-stop shutter speed advantage and significantly steadying the...

dxomark.fr

26/08/2008

Summary of the review

Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM Canon - DXOMARK

The Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM Canon is evaluated on DXOMARK across various Canon DSLRs, including high-resolution bodies like the Canon EOS 5DS R. Originally launched in January 2008, this full-frame super-telephoto zoom lens serves as a budget-friendly option for amateur and semi-professional wildlife, sports, and aviation photographers. Testing benchmarks highlight that the lens delivers very good center sharpness at the wider end of its focal range (120mm to 200mm) even when shot wide open, with optical performance reaching its peak sharpness across the entire frame when stopped down between f/8 and f/11. The primary pros of this lens include its robust, high-quality build, smooth ergonomic zoom and manual focus rings, and the inclusion of Sigma's original Optical Stabilizer (OS) which significantly counteracts camera shake during handheld tracking. Furthermore, its Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures nearly silent and fast autofocusing, while three Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements work effectively to minimize chromatic aberration. On the downside, the cons focus heavily on its bulky and heavy 3.6 lbs chassis, making prolonged handheld shooting exhausting. Optically, the image quality...

dxomark.fr

Date de mesure variable

Summary of the review

Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM Nikon - DXOMARK Review

The Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM Nikon is a full-frame telephoto zoom lens launched in January 2008, designed for sports, bird, and wildlife photography. According to the DXOMARK technical evaluation, the lens achieves its highest optical performance when shooting at its widest focal length and maximum aperture (120mm at f/4.5). The lens provides distinct benefits for budget-conscious photographers, featuring a built-in Optical Stabilizer (OS) that delivers up to 4 stops of camera shake correction, three Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements to minimize aberrations, and a quiet Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for autofocusing. Ergonomically, it offers smooth physical rings, a reliable tripod collar for balanced mounting, and an inclusive padded carrying case. However, the comprehensive testing data also reveals several optical and physical limitations. The primary disadvantage of this lens is its drop in sharpness and contrast at the telephoto end, particularly when shooting wide open at 400mm, which requires stopping down to f/8 or f/11 to achieve optimal center-to-edge frame homogeneity. Additionally, DXOMARK’s measurements highlight that while chromatic aberration is exceptionally well-controlled at 120mm, it degrades slightly...

digitalcamaralens.com

12/09/2008

Summary of the review

Sigma AF 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS APO HSM Lens Review, Test, and Rating

The DigitalCámaralens review focuses heavily on the design and ergonomics of the Sigma AF 120-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG APO HSM OS telephoto zoom lens. Structurally, the lens features a fixed chassis with a single telescoping element controlled by a smooth zoom ring. The reviewer notes several pros, highlighting the smooth operation of the zoom ring despite its 90-degree rotation angle and substantial overall weight. Additionally, the manual focus ring provides excellent tactile response, the distance window is highly accurate, and the autofocus performance shows no chronic focus hunting or calibration issues across testing. Conversely, the review highlights distinct design flaws and cons, particularly regarding the physical build materials. A major complaint is directed at the removable tripod collar; while the handle section is generously spaced for fingers, both the collar and the base plate are constructed from a lightweight plastic that is overly flexible under the weight of an APS-C camera setup. The control buttons for the optical stabilizer and AF/MF feel cheap and overly "industrial" to the touch. Furthermore, the front lens cap and the included flat PUR...

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