Review 3 of 61
Price Paid:
$1180.00
from Jessops Summary: I've used this lens for a year and half now, and I'm happy with it.
I started out cheap, with a comparable Sigma, and upgraded after a week.
It's proved good for wildlife and motorsport, though limited by the f5.6 maximum aperture at 400mm.
Like most zoom lenses it's better stopped down from wide open, particularly on the 1D series bodies which show up the fall-off in the corners not so evident on the 20D with its 1.6 crop factor.
I'd recommend it for the 1.6 crop factor bodies (20D, 30D, XTi etc).
Purchase price was £1180 Strengths: Good IS.
Surprisingly lightweight.
Easy to handhold at 400mm with IS.
Weaknesses: Push-pull design, external zoom changes length of lens.
Therefore not as water resistant as the 70-200 L IS 2.8.
Mode switches (IS, AF etc) are easily knocked when taking it out of a camera bag.
You need to get into the habit of checking them every time you use the lens.
Seems soft at 400mm/f5.6 but good at f/9.
Some vignetting evident wide open, improves at f/8.
Not usable with the 2x TC, no AF and manual focus is very sensitive, viewfinder is rather dark with the f/11 maximum aperture with the TC on.
Bear in mind I wear glasses and younger users may find manual focus acceptable. Similar Products Used: Sigma 80-400 DG EX IS (about £300 cheaper)
Sigma has twist zoom, not push pull, but still changes length of lens.
Sigma proved slower AF on 20D, and many flares at night from diaphragm blades on car headlights at le Mans 24h.
Sigma IS wandered all over the place when lens braced instead of hand held.
Nevertheless the Sigma was quite capable with stationary or slower moving subjects. Customer Service: Jessops took the Sigma back no questions asked, and sold me the more expensive Canon lens with no re-stocking fee. Excellent !
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