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

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daimo_45

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Hi All,

Took my lens out today for the first time and after taking the pics home and reviewing them I noticed there wasn't much contrast in the shots. Is this normal for this sigma?

Canon 550d
F/7.1, 1/200, ISO800 @ 120mm
Partial metering
AWB
RAW
Image stabilisation on full

Handheld
Flat light

Any help is appreciated as this is my first telephoto and have no idea what results to expect.

Original

IMG_5013 - Version 2 by Daimo_45, on Flickr

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IMG_5013 by Daimo_45, on Flickr
 
Last edited:
Did you have the lens hood on, light falling on a front element will always reduce contrast. Can't say I had a contrast problem with my Sigma 150-500 which is similar.
 
Hi Ken,

Yes, Lens hood and UV filter. Could this be from the high ISO? Would you be happy with these results or would contact sigma?
 
A lot may depend on the light which you state was flat, I wouldn't neccessarily make a judgement based on that one photo. Also what are your camera settings, picture profile etc etc.
 
I've got the same lens and not had any problems. As Ken says you can't base your judgement on one photo.
 
You shot in RAW, you said the light was flat, and you had a UV filter.

All RAW files look flat as they have no processing.
Flat light will give flat results
Uv filters can cut contrast in certain situations

Add the contrast back in PP, try not to shoot in flat light and beware of a uv filters limitations! I'm sure the lens is fine, I loved mine and it's was super sharp.
 
This is just 1 of the 10 or so photos I took and the results are all the same. I did however take some pics of some chickens and the contrast looks fine. Maybe it's the light conditions of the field and high ISO?
 
Main problem will be the light and the filter making a poor mix. Keep the hood on and the filter off.
 
daimo_45 said:
Hi All,

Took my lens out today for the first time and after taking the pics home and reviewing them I noticed there wasn't much contrast in the shots. Is this normal for this sigma?
Click to expand...

I have that lens on the Sony mount and it happens to me. Sunny day, low ISO, shooting light aircraft at the local airfield, similar background to yours.

I don't have this contrast issue when shooting elsewhere.

I don't use filters.

Hope that helps.
 
This was taken with the Sigma 120-400 OS and is a Jpeg, SOOC and only cropped, no other PP at all.

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A lot will depend on how you have the camera setup and also if you're shooting RAW it'll be flat as it needs PP to make it look right. Try shooting a few Jpegs with the lens and see what they look like to start with. This lens is actually my wifes so I don't often use it, I usually have the 150-500 OS on, but I don't have any problems with it when I do use it.
 
Thanks for the replies. Took the lens out for a proper beasting today and the majority of the photos came out at a decent contrast with hood and UV filter on. I'm guessing it was the light conditions!

550d
Sigma 120-400mm
F/5.6, 1/200, ISO 400 @ 120mm


Birdworld by Daimo_45, on Flickr
 
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