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

Sigma AF 100-400mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Performance

First, we look at sharpness and at 100mm centrally we are off to a good start. The centre is excellent from f/5 through to f/11, very good at f/16 and, as diffraction takes its toll, still good at f/22. The edges are very good from f/5 to f/11, good at f/16 and soft at f/22.

200mm shows excellent sharpness centrally, from f/5.6 to f/11, very good at f/16 and just fair at f/22 and f/29. The edges are very good at f/5.6, excellent at f/8 and f/11, very good at f/16 and again fair at f/22 and f/29.

300mm at the centre shows excellent sharpness at f/6.3 and f/8, becoming very good at f/11 and f/16, fair at f/22 and soft at f/29. The edges are fair at f/6.3, very good from f/8 to f/16, fair at f/22 and soft at f/29.

400mm is excellent centrally at f/6.3 and f/8, very good at f/11 and f/16, fair at f/22 and soft at f/29. The edges are fair at f/6.3, good at f/8, very good at f/11, good at f/16, fair at f/22 and soft at f/29.

Given the limited maximum aperture, it is useful that wide open the lens is excellent centrally over the whole focal length range. This does enable a full range of sharp images if the subject can be located in the centre of the frame. It is only at the edges and at 400mm that the optic loses it and becomes relatively soft, although saying that an aperture of f/11 will secure very even sharpness even at 400mm.

CA (Chromatic Aberration) shows up as colour fringing, and in some circumstances can be clearly seen at the edges. Centrally, CA is extremely well controlled, almost banished in fact. The edges are also very impressive for a zoom lens of this range. Edge fringing will be visible in some shots, but it is far better corrected than most lenses of this type. Any residual fringing can always be tackled in software.

Distortion is also impressively handled. As expected for a telephoto zoom, we have some pincushion distortion throughout. This measures +0.87% at 100mm, +1.72% at 200mm, +1.84% at 300mm and +1.82% at 400mm. This is a better result than many more expensive lenses. Distortion can be removed in software if desired.

The provided lens hood is efficient, as no doubt are the lens coatings, as we have no signs of flare. For all normal situations, the lens is flare free.

Bokeh is excellent throughout and with the right subject can look superb. This is obviously aided by the rounded diaphragm blades and the general nature of a long telephoto lens. It means we can enjoy some very smooth out of focus areas that will enhance the overall appearance of images.

The OS system is always a welcome feature. The 1-second delay to stabilisation does mean that bird, wildlife and sports photography may well benefit from it being switched off, so as not to miss the “decisive moment”. When in use, depending on the photographer and the circumstances, at least a three stop advantage can be expected.

Value For Money

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens costs £799. Looking at the alternative telephoto zooms that reach 400mm, we have some very expensive choices. Firstly, Canon offers the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM (£1875) and the EF 200-400mm f/4 L IS USM (£10,999).

Nikon has the AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR (£1164), the AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4-5.6 G ED VR (£2069) and the AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 G VRII ED (£6109). Sony A mount users are served by the Sony 70-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G SSM II (£1829) and the FE/E-mount users by the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 OSS G Master (£2499). Pentax has the HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 ED DC AW priced at £1699. Sigma has one other offering, the 200-500mm f/2.8 EX DG at £14,999. Tamron also has the 150-600mm f/5-6.3 SP Di VC USD priced at £754.

Against this generally expensive backdrop, the new Sigma looks excellent value.

For more options from Sigma, have a look at our top 19 best Sigma lenses article. We also have a top 10 best super telephoto prime lens round-up should you be in the market for a prime lens. 

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