Sigma 120-400mm

[zaxl]

Hi there,
Anyone using the Sigma 120-400mm f4.5-5.6 AF APO DG OS HSM ? The price is great, what's the catch ?? Thanks !

 

[DarkShadow]

I am using it on a Pentax K-3 and getting pretty good results from it. This lens has been out for a while along with the 150-500. prices should drop with the recent release of the 150-600.The only Catch I see is not paying for the Canon,Nikon or Pentax name.

 

[zaxl]

Thank you DarkShadow !

 

[DarkShadow]

Welcome!

 

[BillM]

For another $90 you can get their new 150-600 and being one of their newer lenses I'm thinking the build quality will be better.

 

[beagle100]

Hi there,
Anyone using the Sigma 120-400mm f4.5-5.6 AF APO DG OS HSM ? The price is great, what's the catch ?? Thanks !

the "catch" is that newer telephoto lens are much better (sharper) and cost about the same

 

[DarkShadow]

Really,I like to buy the new 150 600 sigma for $650.00 what I paid for the 120-400 mint used but even a new 120-400 is a couple hundred cheaper then the new sigma 150-600 C.The 150-500 is better optically and around the same price as the 120-400 but build quality is no better.

Since I had the 150-500 Canon mount and now the 120-400 for Pentax, I can tell you the build quality is the same,optically not that far apart or the price.

If budget is no concern, then by all means do get the newest 150-600 for a little over a grand or the art version for two grand.

 

[BillM]

The only word of caution on the more expensive model is the weight, a 6.25 lb lens is not an easy carry for most people. Even the "cheaper" of the two weighs in at over 4 lbs. So if weight is a concern ...

 

[DarkShadow]

The best investment I made to compensate weight was a Black rapid sling strap plus the tripod collar use for holding by the hip when I am walking around. Neck strap was a killer but the sling I can go all day and I am not no spring chicken.LOL I am so ready for 6 pounds of glass but apparently Pentax is to small for sigma to build the 150-600 AFAIK.

 

[goooner]

@ DS, are the pentax mounts cheaper for the lack of IS in the lenses? I would imagine the lenses to be quite a bit lighter as well, as the Pentax has in body stabilization.

 

[DarkShadow]

Nope! I have OS in lens so its the same as any other mount.I keep in body OS off and only turn it on with the kit lens that has no
Sigma 120-400 F/4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM.

 

[DarkShadow]

Zaxl I attacted some shots from the 120-400

1.IMGP2167 by David Kammerer, on Flickr
2.Sparrow by David Kammerer, on Flickr
3.IMGP2729 by David Kammerer, on Flickr