Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens (Sony E) Review
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Our editorial take on the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens (Sony E)
The Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS Contemporary is a landmark lens for Sony E-mount users, fundamentally changing the accessibility of super-telephoto photography. It successfully dismantles the high barrier to entry for genres like wildlife, birding, and sports by offering impressive reach and sharp optics at a fraction of the cost of first-party alternatives. This isn't just a budget lens; it's a genuinely capable photographic tool that delivers excellent performance for its price, packed into a surprisingly compact and lightweight body that makes it practical for all-day field use.
Of course, achieving this price point requires some well-managed compromises. The most significant is the variable f/5-6.3 aperture, which makes the lens best suited for good lighting conditions and can challenge autofocus systems in dimmer environments. While the AF is generally responsive and accurate for most situations, it doesn't possess the same tenacious tracking capabilities as Sony's premium G Master lenses when shooting the most demanding, fast-paced action. Build quality is solid for the Contemporary line, but it lacks the tank-like construction and extensive weather sealing of its more expensive rivals. Despite these trade-offs, the lens represents an outstanding balance of performance, portability, and price.
- Exceptional value proposition, offering super-telephoto reach at an accessible price
- Impressively sharp optical performance across the zoom range
- Relatively lightweight and compact design for easy handling and transport
- Capable and generally fast autofocus for most shooting situations
- Native design for mirrorless systems
- Slow f/5-6.3 variable aperture limits low-light performance
- Autofocus can struggle to keep up with the fastest-moving subjects compared to premium lenses
- Build and weather sealing are not as robust as more expensive options
Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.
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It is the first ultra-telephoto zoom lens designed natively for L-Mount. Additionally, Kazuto Yamaki announced two teleconverters to accompany the new lens. The SIGMA 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary will also be available for Sony E-Mount.
If you are looking for a sharp, compact tele zoom lens with this sort of range that covers full frame sensors, the Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG HSM OS Contemporary is a good choice, especially for the price.
Technically, the 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary isn’t a new lens, but in 2023 Sigma added a FUJIFILM X-mount version that immediately resulted in it being one of the longest lens options for X-mount shooters. Sigma is gradually adding more mirrorless mounts to its lens lineup and this 150-600mm-equivalent option is a great choice for wildlife shooters in the FUJIFILM eco-system.
If you’re looking for a long zoom lens, but don’t want to pay Sony prices, the Sigma is definitely worth a look. At almost a third of the price, the Sigma will allow for more photographers to get the superzoom reach that is needed for wildlife, birding, and sports photography without breaking the bank. It’s also worth looking at if you like to shoot telephoto landscapes.
With the levels of optical performance and functionalities essential for full-fledged shooting packed into a lightweight and compact body, which is a key in field photography, the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is an ultra-telephoto zoom lens that invites you to take it with you on casual outings.
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About this product
The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary lens is a versatile telephoto zoom designed for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, offering an impressive reach in a relatively compact design. It features low dispersion glass elements for clarity, a stepping motor for fast autofocus, and four stop-effective optical image stabilization for sharper handheld shooting.
Specs
- Weight
- 2.5 lb / 1135 g
- Aperture
- Maximum: f/5 to 6.3 Minimum: f/22 to 29
- Dimensions
- ø: 3.39 x L: 7.76" / ø: 86 x L: 197.2 mm
- Focus Type
- Autofocus
- Lens Mount
- Sony E
- Filter Size
- 67 mm (Front)
- Focal Length
- 100 to 400mm
- Angle Of View
- 24.4° to 6.2°
- Magnification
- 1:4.2 Macro Reproduction Ratio 0.24x Magnification
- Optical Design
- 22 Elements in 16 Groups
- Tripod Mounting
- Removable and Rotating Collar (Not Included)
- Image Stabilization
- Yes
- Aperture/Iris Blades
- 9, Rounded
- Lens Format Coverage
- Full-Frame
- Minimum Focus Distance
- 3.61' / 1.1 m
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