Sigma 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 APO EX DG OS

Overview

Optical Stabilizer (OS) function, developed with Sigma’s own technology, compensated for shaking of the camera.

Using Sigma’s original OS (Optical Stabilizer) function, two types of sensors inside the lens detect vertical and horizontal movement of the camera.

New Coating reduces Ghost and Flare

The new multi layer lens coating and lens design reduce flare and ghost, which is a common problem with digital cameras and also creates an optimum color balance through the entire zoom range.

Two types of camera-shake compensation modes to handle all types of shooting conditions

In Mode 1, the system detects and compensates for vertical and horizontal movement of the camera; ideal for still-image photography. And in Mode 2, the system detects and compensates for vertical movement of the camera; ideal for motor sports and other situations where panning may be desired.

*NIKON cameras: OS system can be used with Nikon cameras, which are compatible with image blurring compensation mechanism. It can be used with the following Nikon cameras -- F6 and F100, F80/N80 series - F65/U, F75/U2, D2H, and D1 series, D200, D100, D70, D50, D80, D40. Also with the Fuji Film FinePix S2 Pro and the FinePix S3 Pro. OS mechanism cannot be used with other camera models. In addition, OS mechanism and Auto Focus operation of this lens may not work properly with the Nikon F5 cameras.

SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass

This lens has two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements in the front lens group and one in the rear lens group for correction of Chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range.

Rear focus and zoom lock switch

The rear focus eliminates the need for the front of the lens to rotate, thus allowing the use of Circular polarizing filter. A zoom lock switch is built in to prevent the lens from extending due to its own weight, and the lens is easier to use.

Optional APO Tele-Converter EX

It is also possible to use this lens with Sigma 1.4x EX and 2x EX APO Tele-Converter to make ultra tele-zoom. With the optional APO tele-converter 1.4x EX, it works as a manual focus tele-zoom lens from 112mm to 560mm F6.3-8. With APO tele-converter 2.0x EX, it works as a manual focus tele-zoom lens from 160mm to 800mm F9-11.

Lens Specifications

Generic Lens Specifications

Lens Type: Zoom
IS / VR / OS: OS
Min Focal length (mm): 80
Max Focal Length (mm): 400
Number of Elements: 20
Element Groups: 14
Max Aperture: 4.5
Minimum Aperture: 32
Diaphragm Blades: 9
Closest Focus Distance (m): 0.18
Maximum Magnification: 1.5
Filter Type: Screw In
Filter Diameter (mm): 77
Diameter at widest (mm): 95
Lens Length (mm): 192
Weight (g): 1750

Details

Lens Construction	20 Elements in 14 Groups
Angle of view	30.3 - 6.2 degrees
Number of Diaphragm Blades	9 Blades
Minimum Aperture	F32
Minimum Focusing Distance	180cm/70.9 in.
Maximum Magnification	1:5
Filter Size	Diameter 77mm
Dimensions	Diameter 95mm X Length 192mm 3.7 in. X 7.6 in.
Weight	1750g/61.9 oz.
Corresponding AF Mounts	SIGMA, CANON, NIKON (D)

*Nikon mount of this lens is not equipped with an aperture ring, therefore, depending on the camera model some functions may not work.

*The appearance and specifications of the product are subject to change for improvement without notice.

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Editor review : Sigma 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 APO EX DG OS


Overall rating (weighted)		4.0
Sharpness		4.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		3.0
Value for Money		5.0

I had this lens for about 3 years and it was a lens that worked well when you wanted a long reach, the OS worked well (though a little slower than the Nikon 80-400mm VR). The focus is also a little slow up to the latest lenses from Sigma but it works well and feels solid. I used it on a D70,D200, Fuji S3Pro and a Nikon D2X and had no issues on any of them.

It can have times where it seems to hunt for the focus point but this was when I was trying to get as close as I could. If you want a lens that can be pin sharp in the middle and also have a wide focal range that will stay on the body all day then this is a good lens for you. But if you are looking for a fast lens with OC/VR then look for something else. There is a little chromatic Aberration at full zoom and also some vignette. But this is to be expected with such a long zoom.

I like it, it worked well for me and it meant I did not have to keep changing lenses when you may be in a position that it is not the correct environment to change the lens.

Why should you care what I think?

My relationship with this item: Editor review

Conclusions at a glance

Would you recommend this Item: Yes
Pros: Sharp, long focal range
Cons: Heavy, will not suit all

User Lens Reviews

Average user rating from: 5 user(s)


Overall rating (weighted)		4.3
Sharpness		4.6
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		4.2
Value for Money		4.4

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Sigma APO 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6 EX DG OS Lens for Can, Sunday, 13 August 2006


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		4.0

Very pleased with this lens.. espcially like the OS for hand held shooting. Photos are sharp. Debated betwwen this lens and the Canon 100-400mm... Selected the Sigma based on reviews and cost savings of $450. Works well with my Kenko 1.5 teleconverter for a Zoom of 600mm though the auto focus is slow with the Kenko unit.

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Not a bad lens, not perfect., Saturday, 15 July 2006


Overall rating (weighted)		3.8
Sharpness		4.0
Build Quality		3.0
AF Speed		3.0
Value for Money		5.0

I purchased this lens in lieu of the Canon 100-400 L OS, to save a little money. It wasn't a bad decision, but I will qualify it with the following note. I've used this lens on the Canon 30D crop sensor and on the 5D full-frame sensor. This lens works much better on the crop sensor. You'll get more telephoto and less distortion. On the full-frame 5D, the lens is at its limits on Vignetting most of the time and I've found the results to be mostly unacceptable. It produces reasonable sharp shot and the OS works very well. It is a slow focuser though. Build quality is good and solid, though a Bit heavy it isn't difficult to carry around and use. Final thoughts...if you are shooting a crop sensor camera, this is an excellent walk-around lens with good range and good results. If you're shooting full-frame, I'd avoid it.

Excellent Value, Sunday, 04 June 2006


Overall rating (weighted)		3.3
Sharpness		4.0
Build Quality		3.0
AF Speed		3.0
Value for Money		3.0

I was considering both the Canon 100-400 and this lens. I opted for the Sigma for cost and I very happy with it. Though it's not a light lens, with the OS, I can hand-hold it even with a 1.4 extender in daylight. I prefer the ring zoom over the Canon push-pull because all of my other lens have it.

A great alternative to higher priced "L" lenses, Friday, 14 April 2006


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

The Sigma EX 80-400 provides the same optical clarity and sharpness as the Canon 100-400L lens, but for $400 less. The image stabilization works beautifully; I've taken handheld shots at 400mm with a shutter speed of 1/100 - try THAT with an unstabilized lens! AF is a little noisy, and is said to be slower than the Canon, but by all accounts it's not much, and the only time it's really noticeable is when trying to change focus from a very close object to one far away. And since you can use manual focus at any time, it's easy to give the focus ring a quick nudge with your thumb or finger, to lessen the distance the AF has to move the glass internally.

I have had my Sigma EX 80-400 lens for about a month, and am very pleased with it. It's extremely sharp and clear, and provides good clarity even at wider apertures. The zoom is smooth (although it's hard to zoom from one end to the other without repositioning your hand), and the image quality is excellent. It is a heavy lens, but not too heavy to carry around. It comes with its own padded nylon carry-bag and a lightweight but very functional lens hood, and the tripod mounting collar doubles as a nice carry-handle for the lens and camera when not mounted on a tripod.

Highly recommended!

Great alternative to the Canon 100-400IS, and just, Monday, 14 November 2005


Overall rating (weighted)		5.0
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

This lens is a great alternative to the Canon 100-400IS. The advantages over the Canon are:
-Twist zoom vs. the Canon pushh/pull zoom (personal preference)
-Less conspicuous black lens (versus Canon white lens--again a personal preference)
-20mm wider (VERY useful)
-and of course ~$400 cheaper!

The Sigma does lack HSM, so it is slower to focus (and louder) than the Canon or the Bigma, but once you have a target locked in your sights it keeps up with most birds/planes/cars. You will notice the slower AF most when going from close to far subjects (and visa versa).

I have used the Bigma (Sigma 50-500) and would recommend this over the Bigma for everything except for people who truly need the 500mm (birders especially). The OS (Sigma's Optical Stabilization) is truly amazing on the 80-400. When it kicks on at 400mm and you see your subject hold steady, well it's amazing. I've been able to get handheld shots at 1/125 at 400mm. You CANNOT do that with the Bigma. :-)

This is a heavy lens, but so are the 100-400, Bigma, and anything else in this class. Seriously, it's very heavy. Seriously... :-) If weight is an issue, check out Canon's 70-300IS. You'll lose 100mm at the long end, but you'll save a GOOD couple of pounds.

Having said that, I have no problems hiking around with this lens for 6+ hours (though I'm stronger than the average person, but not a muscle-head). The Sigma 80-400OS coupled with the Canon 17-85IS makes an amazing combination, and makes you ready for anything you may encounter.