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Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DN DG OS L mount

dirk said:
I want to add to this Sigma 100-400 DG DN thread a review from Dustin Abbott.



Similar to other reviews, the Sigma zoom seems to be outstanding compared to i.e. Sony G Master with similar range and double the price.

It also seems to be able to deliver on very high MP cameras as the version for Fuji X has proven on a XT 5 (which would be a resolution on a fullframe sensor of around 90MP). You find that review also at Dustin Abbott's youtube channel.

@pdk42

If you normally use your 24-105 a lot, this Sigma would be a perfect match. Dustin Abbot offers also example images on his blog.
Click to expand...

Thanks Dirk. I've had a good look at the 100-400 and from sample images I've seen, it looks very good. It might be an option for me. It's also readily available used for reasonable prices. I should just get one and try it!
 
dirk said:
I want to add to this Sigma 100-400 DG DN thread a review from Dustin Abbott.



Similar to other reviews, the Sigma zoom seems to be outstanding compared to i.e. Sony G Master with similar range and double the price.

It also seems to be able to deliver on very high MP cameras as the version for Fuji X has proven on a XT 5 (which would be a resolution on a fullframe sensor of around 90MP). You find that review also at Dustin Abbott's youtube channel.

@pdk42

If you normally use your 24-105 a lot, this Sigma would be a perfect match. Dustin Abbot offers also example images on his blog.
Click to expand...

Just found a used one in Exc+ condition for a good price at SRS Microsystems in the UK so I've bought it!
 
pdk42 said:
Just found a used one in Exc+ condition for a good price at SRS Microsystems in the UK so I've bought it!
Click to expand...

That was fast :)

When I saw the Youtube video this morning, even me was attracted to that zoom, although I seldom use telezooms. But for landscapes, I would love to use it. I like the ability to compress and to select small areas out of a landscape to create impressions with shapes, colours etc of the nature.
 
dirk said:
That was fast :)
Click to expand...
Well, I've been hesitating about it for weeks. I got @Jayneboo to send me some sample images (and also with the Sigma 70-200 f2.8) and they did look good. I've had this particular lens in my basket a few times already so your message prompted me to press the button. YOLO!

dirk said:
But for landscapes, I would love to use it. I like the ability to compress and to select small areas out of a landscape to create impressions with shapes, colours etc of the nature.
Click to expand...
Yes, that's exactly what I would use it for. I took this a while ago with the 70-300 and it's the sort of landscape shot that lends itself well to a tele:

52728198909_2a73422243_o.jpg
  • Panasonic - DC-S1R
  • LUMIX S 70-300/F4.5-5.6
  • 175.0 mm
  • ƒ/8
  • 1/25 sec
  • Pattern
  • Auto exposure
  • -0.3
  • ISO 100

Caught in the Sunlight by Paul Kaye, on Flickr
 
Fingers crossed you get a good copy Paul.. definitely worth testing and if first copy isn't quite there try another one, think for your landscape shooting it will be a nice addition to your kit. I'm a big fan of Thomas Heaton and the images he captures with a 100-400, landscape details, trees etc using the compression you get with a long lens, lovely!
 
dirk said:
@pdk42

If you need to save weight, because of the heavy telezoom, maybe a Sigma FpL instead of the S1R would be an option? 60MP. This is what I was thinking about, once they fall in prices :(

Bear in mind that you need to buy a tripod collar for the 100-400 zoom. It is normally not included. Buy not the original, which is too expensive (120€}. Buy one at amazon:

Click to expand...
The Sigma FpL is an interesting camera for landscape. But it's let down by two major limitations - the fixed rear screen, and the clunky bolt-on solution for an EVF. Together they make the camera very awkward to use for landscape work, even on a tripod. I vowed years ago that I'd never buy another camera without both a tiltable rear screen and an EVF.
 
I like the images of that long and heavy tele zoom more and more. Z04 Menno

I will resist, I will resist, I will resist...

My Billingham Hadley Small is not big enough... not big enough.... not big enough....

But maybe with a good looking small backpack for the city....? Z04 Head Wall
 
dirk said:
I like the images of that long and heavy tele zoom more and more. Z04 Menno

I will resist, I will resist, I will resist...

My Billingham Hadley Small is not big enough... not big enough.... not big enough....

But maybe with a good looking small backpack for the city....? Z04 Head Wall
Click to expand...
Backpack is probably the answer. For me if I'm just out for a walk I like to go bagless if possible. Coat with big pockets helps for spare batteries and stuff. Yesterday I had FpL with Sigma 50/2 in my coat pocket and carried the S52 and tele as below, less strain on the camera mount but honestly the lens doesn't feel that heavy, need to keep zoom lock on though if
walking with it on your shoulder, lot of zoom creep :) .


IMG_2483.jpg
 
that was the reason why I decided against the Sigma 100-400 and bought the Lumix 70-300. Much smaller and more lightweight. There are 100mm missing but the lens fits into my small bag and in combination with the 20-60 the S5 becomes a great travel option...
 
Got my 100-400 this morning (after Parcel Force took it back to the depot because they couldn't find my house - bunch of clowns!). First few shots are very positive. Nice and sharp. It'a bit bigger than the 70-200 f4, but not by a lot:

lenses.jpg

I think it's a keeper. Certainly way better than the 70-200 f4 I had on loan (but it was clearly a bad copy). I think sharpness-wise it's about the same as the 70-300, but at least at first blush, focus accuracy near infinity seems to be more predictable.
 
I must say I’m constantly blown away by the image quality of mine given the price compared to similar offers from other manufacturers. The only slight concern I have in the back of my mind is the weather proofing of it, not that that’s been an issue to date :)
 
RBecker said:
that was the reason why I decided against the Sigma 100-400 and bought the Lumix 70-300. Much smaller and more lightweight. There are 100mm missing but the lens fits into my small bag and in combination with the 20-60 the S5 becomes a great travel option...
Click to expand...
For me the 70-100mm range, the 70-300 offers compared to the 100-400 was one of two main reasons to choose the 70-300. The other was the close focusing distance. I use the lens for people, companion animals and some casual macro and landscape. Therefore the additional focal range on the shorter end an close focusing are more helpful than additional 100mm.
 
Quentinquirelino said:
For me the 70-100mm range, the 70-300 offers compared to the 100-400 was one of two main reasons to choose the 70-300. The other was the close focusing distance. I use the lens for people, companion animals and some casual macro and landscape. Therefore the additional focal range on the shorter end an close focusing are more helpful than additional 100mm.
Click to expand...
Yeah, same for me as well as the smaller and lightweight. Going to 400 wouldn't be long enough, the 70-100 is more useful if I'm only using one lens on a hike or shorter walk without changing to 24-105, I like having the same crossover latitude with 70-105 with either lens and 0.5x macro with either. I find thd O.I.S excellent also.

Who's going out to capture storm Katherine this weekend in Ireland/UK? I remember a really strong one about 8 years ago and it was empty with everyone in fear indoors with those weather warnings, I drove about 100 miles that day visiting places on the coast and a longer lens was excellent for capturing the action, I actually did video which now should be good... I.e. From Pentax to Lumix for video!
 
I wasn´t really happy with the 100-400, particularly with its bokeh. It appears too harsh in certain situations:
PS5_3068_Dx0-1.jpg
  • Panasonic - DC-S5
  • 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary 020
  • 400.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/500 sec
  • Pattern
  • Auto exposure
  • ISO 800
PS5_3477_Dx0.jpg
  • Panasonic - DC-S5
  • 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary 020
  • 323.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/250 sec
  • Pattern
  • Auto exposure
  • ISO 1250
PS5_5316_Dx0.jpg
  • Panasonic - DC-S5
  • 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary 020
  • 400.0 mm
  • ƒ/11
  • 1/125 sec
  • Pattern
  • Auto exposure
  • ISO 125

Others have been decent:
PS5_4376_Dx0-1.jpg
  • Panasonic - DC-S5
  • 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary 020
  • 400.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/500 sec
  • Pattern
  • Auto exposure
  • ISO 640

PS5_5330_Dx0.jpg
  • Panasonic - DC-S5
  • 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary 020
  • 400.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/320 sec
  • Pattern
  • Auto exposure
  • ISO 1250

The overall performance of the 70-300 looks better to me.
 
70-300 has 11 aperture blades but there is no bokeh to speak of in those first 3 photos you don't like. The bokeh looks fine to me in the last 2 photos when you created bokeh.

I don't think there is a single L-mount lens that has harsh bokeh as it's too new and they completely understand it nowadays, older or pre-mirrorless cheap DSLR lenses could do nasty stuff alright and really ruin a photo.
 
pdk42 said:
Got my 100-400 this morning (after Parcel Force took it back to the depot because they couldn't find my house - bunch of clowns!). First few shots are very positive. Nice and sharp. It'a bit bigger than the 70-200 f4, but not by a lot:

View attachment 3211

I think it's a keeper. Certainly way better than the 70-200 f4 I had on loan (but it was clearly a bad copy). I think sharpness-wise it's about the same as the 70-300, but at least at first blush, focus accuracy near infinity seems to be more predictable.
Click to expand...
I really like my 100-400 and is probably my most used lens. I got it as the 150-600 was too heavy and there are obviously compromises with all lenses but this seems a good choice. Was also thinking of getting a tc for those times I’m sitting in a ditch watching stuff too far away.
 
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