Solid Crisp pics Rear focus

Heavy Awkward AF/M focus switch Slow AF

Wicked sharp. I''''ve never used an pro series lenses but this lens was very satisfing to use given the price. Crisp pics; no apparent distortion. Smooth operation. Solid build, but should be used with tripod (obviously). Good position of manual focus ring, right where the thumb rest when holding by hand. Manual focus switch seems awkardly place for quick change (a little to close to the tripod mount knob). Auto focus is little slow and seems to get lost in low light (not sure where due to camera Elan II or lens). But for price and range, awesome lens.

Tripod collar Hood Great zoom range

For this price, none

Not many people can afford the L Lenses and so we must compromise. This lense however will stay with me for a long time. I live in South Africa and have visited game parks often enough. It has proven to be great with wild life photography and easy enough to carry around. I recommend it whole heartidly!

Good results, even at 400. Very nice from 135-200. Not built like a tank but hey, it''s a lens not a hammer!

For my results with this lens and its price range, I honestly cannot find any complaints. I will use it on similar shoots with confidence.

Surprisingly good results when used with a tripod. Money makers for me are my 400 & 600mm Canon ''L'' lenses. Bought this Sigma on the recommendation from a colleague for a canoe/hiking trip through the everglades. Didn''t want to take my other 2 ''huge'' investments for a possible swim. Anyway, came back with over a dozen rolls of film from this lens alone and was able to select 5 for my portfolio, with 3 already making money for me! This is not a bad percentage for any quality lens in this crazy business. One of a manatee was particularly impressive. Great bang for the buck! However, if you want to get the most out of your nature photography, you will eventually have to spend some serious money.

Customer Service

not used

Similar Products Used:

200-400 Tamron - Did not care for.

sharp, cheap, light

slow AF

Very good deal for the money. I got my for almost 3 years and I really like it. AF is little slow especially in low light, but it`s very easy to use in manual and it`s well balanced. Great all around nature lens.

Customer Service

don`t know

Similar Products Used:

Tamron 200 - 400

Very sharp, neutral color reproduction, structural stability

Relatively slow AF

Excellent value for money

Customer Service

never tried

Similar Products Used:

Canon 100-300 USM
Tamron 28-200 AZ

Excellent range,image quality,construction and weight.Apo at the price is remarkable.Removable tripod collar is aplus.

Lens creeps a bit

I've had this lens fo 3 years and think it is a great lens for wild life photography. The wide range has come in handy for general photogrphy.I'm very pleased with the excellent resolution of this lens. All of my other lenses are nikkors and this lens is right up there with them in some cases it's better.This is a great lens for advanced amateurs.

Customer Service

No problems

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 70-210 4-5.6,and Tamron 200-400( tried in store and was not at all impreessed with contruction.

Focal length, great price for sharp optics, well finished

does not balance very well at 400 when trying to hand hold, subject to zoom creep when carrying, AF is slower than other lenses and tends to search for correct focus.

Used this lens in Spain to shoot bullfights and photos were sharp and crisp, no tripod at the ring. If you don't need the extra 100mm, I would recommend the 70-300 4-5.6 APO zoom, more versatile and 1:2 macro at a lower price!

Customer Service

Used repair service for Sigma 70-210 that I damaged and was pleased with repair and turnaround.

Similar Products Used:

100-300 Canon USM, 200-400 Tamron, 70-210 Sigma UC

very sharp lense, well
balanced. the collar helps keep the lense steady,

does not focus on auto very quickly. I use on
manual alot. A little
heavier than other lenses
in its class

I am reallly satified with this lense. I have taken some great pictures with this lense. I tried
the two tokina lenses and the 100-400 was barely
adequate while the 80-400 was versitile and sharp
only to about 300mm. The Sigma lense is sharp at
all points.

Customer Service

had loose rear cap and they gave me two of them because I had another lense 28-200.

Similar Products Used:

Tokina 80-400 atx pro
Tokina 100-400 szd

quality in extreme zoom range, rear focus allows for quick manual focus (all I have is a manual pentax) and I only have one finger on focus ring... it's very fast manually focusing, as well as allowing fine adjustments without overshooting.

it does extend quite a bit when it's at 400mm, but personally I don't have the balance problems others have.

This is the best lens I've tried and at a very affordable price, you get internal rear focus and APO glass. Have to say i don't have zoom creep problems. If I could a whole bunch of f2.8 single focal length lenses, I'd do it, but hey, I'm not rich, and this has proven to be a very high quality lens. I shoot outdoors and walk long distances, I wouldn't want to lug 3 bags around when I can take my 28-70 wide angle, my 100mm macro, and the 135-400 tele zoom. If you're looking for a single good lens,(like for travel photos) go for one of the newer 28-200 or 28-300 zooms, but if you need a quality tele lens for capturing everything from frogs to birds and beyond... this is a great choice.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

none like this, used to own a cheap 70-300 but when I saw this used at such a good price, couldn't pass it up.

Sharp at all focal lengths. Great buy for the price

Lense creep, slower AF

I love this lense. I shopped til I dropped and this one topped anything else in the price range.
Its quick enough for my needs and the slides came out sharp even at 400mm. I was suprised needless to say that I was a as pleased as I am. I expected less for the 500 bucks, but I cannot recommend this highly enough for budget minded shooters. As my wife says, "shoot with this now, you can upgrade later. When you sell some of your d*** photos."

Customer Service

Have not used it

Similar Products Used:

Tamron 200-400mm
Sigma 170-500mm
Sigma 50-500mm
Nikon 80-400VR