Sigma 400mm APO

Dangermouse

Dangermouse

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Hi all

I have just bought a Sigma 400mm f5.6 APO .... has anyone used this lens and whats it like for shooting aircraft

Thanks:woot:
 
It's not as good as a Stinger, or Strela 2 :P
 
I'd be interested to know if anybody has any experience of this lens.

In Canon-land the EF 400mm f/5.6 L is an awesome lens that's been optimised for shooting birds and aircraft. It's light, fast to focus, and sharper than a really sharp thing that's just been sharpened. There's nothing remotely like it in Nikon-land. But if the Sigma is anywhere near as good then it could fill a valuable niche for Nikon owners.
 
There's nothing remotely like it in Nikon-land.

Yes there is - its called the 300mm f/4 AF-S + Nikkor / Kenko 1.4x TC.

Superb.

I'd like to see a 400mm f/5.6 in theory, but its going to have to be VERY good to beat the above (and be priced sensibly, something Nikon are not good at doing)

Apparantly the 400mm "telemacro" Sigma APO is very good.
 
puddleduck said:
There's nothing remotely like it in Nikon-land.

Yes there is - its called the 300mm f/4 AF-S + Nikkor / Kenko 1.4x TC.

Superb.

I'd like to see a 400mm f/5.6 in theory, but its going to have to be VERY good to beat the above (and be priced sensibly, something Nikon are not good at doing)

Apparantly the 400mm "telemacro" Sigma APO is very good.
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I don't want to get into an argument, puddleduck, but if you haven't used the Canon 400/5.6 then you really shouldn't make comparisons like this. Good though that Nikon combo is, the Canon really is *much* better. Lighter. Faster. Sharper.

The 400/5.6 niche is an interesting one though. There are *lots* of relatively affordable ways to get to 400mm at f/5.6, such as:
* Canon or Sigma 400 f/5.6
* Canon 100-400 f/4.5-5.6
* Nikon or Sigma 80-400 f/4.5-5.6
* Canon or Nikon 300 f/4 + 1.4xTC
But going longer and/or faster immediately starts to cost silly money. I guess that's because 400/5.6 fits within a 77mm front element, and there must be economies of scale in using components which are the same size as lots of other lenses. So anyway 400/5.6 is the affordable limit for a lot of photographers, and I'm surprised there isn't more competition there.
 
StewartR said:
I don't want to get into an argument, puddleduck, but if you haven't used the Canon 400/5.6 then you really shouldn't make comparisons like this. Good though that Nikon combo is, the Canon really is *much* better. Lighter. Faster. Sharper.

The 400/5.6 niche is an interesting one though. There are *lots* of relatively affordable ways to get to 400mm at f/5.6, such as:
* Canon or Sigma 400 f/5.6
* Canon 100-400 f/4.5-5.6
* Nikon or Sigma 80-400 f/4.5-5.6
* Canon or Nikon 300 f/4 + 1.4xTC
But going longer and/or faster immediately starts to cost silly money. I guess that's because 400/5.6 fits within a 77mm front element, and there must be economies of scale in using components which are the same size as lots of other lenses. So anyway 400/5.6 is the affordable limit for a lot of photographers, and I'm surprised there isn't more competition there.
Click to expand...


Once it arrives I will let you both know if its any good
 
StewartR said:
I don't want to get into an argument, puddleduck, but if you haven't used the Canon 400/5.6 then you really shouldn't make comparisons like this. Good though that Nikon combo is, the Canon really is *much* better. Lighter. Faster. Sharper.
Click to expand...

Sorry Stewart, but I think your comments are too subjective.

I have owned a Canon 400 f5.6L, indeed, I sold it here last year.

I also own (and use) the Nikon combo. I agree, it is a little heavier, and maybe the AF is slower, but otherwise I find it to be the equal of the Canon.

'Much better' is far too subjective, what is good, or better for you, might not be for others, sharpness is aways subjective too.

Objectivity is necessary when making a claim such as yours, merely saying it is so, doesn't make it so.

I'm not a Nikon apologist, indeed, I rate Canon very highly, but I feel that the 300f4 and converter make a very sharp combo indeed, certainly as far as I'm concerned, at least as good as my old 400L
 
Well I got it .... the sharpness is fantastic but the contrast seems low so its away to Sigma Imaging (UK) for a re-calibration at £74 a go will post some aircraft on when it gets back home
 
Hi,
Just reading your thread and seeing if you found out any more on the lens as I just got one this week , its Sigma 400mm F5.6 APO in white/cream obviously quite a few years old but this one almost looks new hardly used , comes with hard leather type case , 72mm filter.
M & AF for Canon , no focus limiter , bit hard finding info about it .

Julian
 
rusty said:
Hi,
Just reading your thread and seeing if you found out any more on the lens as I just got one this week , its Sigma 400mm F5.6 APO in white/cream obviously quite a few years old but this one almost looks new hardly used , comes with hard leather type case , 72mm filter.
M & AF for Canon , no focus limiter , bit hard finding info about it .

Julian
Click to expand...

To be honest mine is for sale as its too long for what I need but if the optics are the same as mine IT will be a belter I have tried shooting aircraft with it and only managed to get about 25% of the shot when viewed on the PC and if I did manage to capture the pilot he was so clear you could touch him (I am not a tecno man) but if you ask the rest on here they could possibly transfer this into what you need but if you want long shots clear its superb If you are wanting to sit in the woods for hrs hoping to catch something rare its a superb lens but please dont try portraits at 20ft it wont work lol


Great lens Great optics Superb build JUST A FANTASTIC 400MM lens
 
Digging up and VERY old thread here but...

...just found a macro version of this for sale and wondered if it's worth a punt on my D200?

Heard they are hard to find in macro and also worth getting if you can, but also read they can cock up your camera due to some firware being needed that is no longer available?

Thanks to any input ;)
 
djaphoto said:
Digging up and VERY old thread here but...

...just found a macro version of this for sale and wondered if it's worth a punt on my D200?

Heard they are hard to find in macro and also worth getting if you can, but also read they can cock up your camera due to some firware being needed that is no longer available?

Thanks to any input ;)
Click to expand...

I have the telemacro version which works only at f/5.6 on my body. It seems reasonably sharp but I've not had much chance to test it out. When I do I'll post back here. If I don't post back I've forgotten so pm me :)
 
djaphoto said:
no no its ok, sorry think I worded that wrong lol.

I have until sunday ;)
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I've taken a few and done the 100% crops (I think, first time doing it). Sorry I used 500 iso (they were taken on tripod) When I have time I'll take it at 50 or 100 iso so any softness is attributable to the lens not noise.

Nothing particularly photogenic just now in the garden so stupid subject choices maybe!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rssmrry/sets/72157626647830368/
 
djaphoto said:
Thanks Ross, very kind of you ;)

Look good doesn't it! How much did you pay for yours by the way?
Click to expand...

Mine cost a shade over £100 I think, came boxed and with the case for it. I think the Nikon mounts go for more though (I wonder if they might retain full aperture control?)
 
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