Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary
Announced February 21, 2017
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary provides a sharp, compact, and budget-friendly telephoto solution for nature and wildlife photographers. Although it lacks a tripod collar and features a slower maximum aperture that struggles in low light, the lens delivers impressive image quality at a compelling price point.
Weighted from 21 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent image sharpness and optical performance
- Compact and lightweight design
- Solid build quality
- Effective autofocus and image stabilization
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Lack of an included tripod collar
- Inconsistent autofocus accuracy and speed
- Mediocre image stabilization efficiency
- Slow maximum aperture and poor low-light performance
- Susceptibility to flare and contrast loss
- Launch price $799 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 100-400mm f/5-6.3
- Mount & coverage Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus 1.6 m (0.26x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor HSM
- Weight & size 160g (5.6 oz) · 86.4 x 182.3 mm (3.40 x 7.18 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 21 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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If you like small and light, have a limited budget, and need the reach of a 400mm telephoto zoom, the new Sigma is your best choice: it is the cheapest, smallest and lightest modern zoom reaching 400mm that is sharp and has only minor color aberrations.
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Considering its price tag and versatility, the Sigma does a good job in terms of resolution albeit it has, of course, some issues.
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The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 HSM DG OS Contemporary marks an important release for wildlife and nature photographers looking for a budget-friendly option that gets them to the 400mm focal length.
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The AF accuracy could be slightly improved and a tripod ring would be nice to at least optionally have available, but otherwise, the 100-400 C gives you a useful range of focal lengths in a relatively small and light, nicely-designed, full-featured package.
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If you are on a budget and don’t need the absolute best AF system, I think the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary should jump to the top of your list.
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[A]nyone wishing to do wildlife photography on a lower budget will get very good results with this pleasing Sigma lens, so it comes recommended.
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I have to say once again Sigma surprised me quite nicely. Despite being a bit slower aperture-wise and, by default, weaker than the new lenses from Canon/Nikon when it comes to apertures and vignetting, it didn’t have any problems to win a resolution duel with them.
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The Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG HSM OS Contemporary retails for $799 US which makes it a very attractive proposition for shooters looking for a sharp, compact tele zoom with a lot of reach.
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Performance is sound, giving excellent sharpness and lovely bokeh at an excellent price.
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The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM brings the 100-400mm focal range to a much wider audience without sacrificing image quality, and, despite a few glitches in performance and specification, is therefore a deserved winner of our Highly Recommended award...
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Yeah, it's F5, but it's a 100-400mm. If you're shooting birds, if you're at the zoo, if you're shooting sports outdoors and you just want to have a lens that's affordable or affordable is relative at $949, you can't go wrong with this for the Sony E-mount cameras.
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The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a solid option for anyone in the market for an affordable, lightweight telephoto lens.
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Considering the dramatically lower cost compared to the native Sony option, I really wasn’t expecting great performance, but Sigma continues their recent trend of creating very good glass for very affordable prices.
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There is always a reason to buy one lens over another even if they are close in performance, but If price, size, and weight are important or high on your list then this is definitely the lens for you.
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It's not a fast lens, so it's not ideal for low light shooting when you need a faster shutter speed, but overall I can see this as being my go-to telephoto zoom going forward, unless I want to go really really light.
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At the end of the day if you are looking to step into the zoom-telephoto world and don’t want to buy a lens which will break your back or your wallet, but still get very good image quality the Sigma 100-400mm is one of the first lenses that you should consider.
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[W]hat’s the bottom line on the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens? First of all, the sharpness is outstanding. Even at its widest aperture, the sharpness is exceptional with very little edge softening.
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It's a trade-off again I'm willing to make because I get more shots than I miss when I'm able to go cruising around down the woods, travel light, and have a nice sharp good image quality solution right there.
- Photo Feaver 39/50
I'm actually going to be giving it a silver award for price because it is just so good value for money, and definitely recommended.
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Considering that this Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary can deliver results on par with the best out there, it would be an amazing investment for anyone who needs a lens with a far reach for nature and wildlife photography.
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Excellent sharpness and image quality in a compact and lightweight telephoto lens.
