Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 OS

The newest Sigma telephoto zoom with 4 stop Optical Stabilization (that’s 1.5 stops faster than the Canon 100-400 if accurate). It also has a very close near focusing distance of 60 inches, making it effective as a ‘pseudomacro’ lens, and USM type motor for fast autofocusing.

Thanksgiving Sale: We have 3 copies for part of our Thanksgiving sale. Neither is nearly old enough or used enough to sell yet, but we’re discontinuing the line because we have so much trouble with new copies not working. These have all been inspected by us and are working and functioning properly. In 9+/10 condition – perfect glass and mechanicals, no barrel scratches, rented perhaps twice at most.

Roger’s very early take: I’m whelmed with it. Not overwhelmed, not underwhelmed. Obviously I haven’t gotten it out in the field to try some wildlife shooting so this is a very quick first impression. First, its well built and feels solid. It’s not as heavy as the “Bigma”, not quite. It autofocuses very quickly and seems about as accurate as the Canon 100-400 in that regard. The Optical Stabilization system is excellent and handholding at borderline shutter speeds is no problem. The images are good – no chromatic aberration, decently sharp, but my initial impression is that it’s not as good as the Canon 100-400, but pretty close.

Canon 40D owners Sigma has stated that the OS should be turned “Off” when attaching the lens to a 40D, then turned “On”. If not, an electrical issue may slow the maximum frame per second rate.*

For Sale: We’ve had such problems getting good copies of this lens that we’re going to discontinue this line and sell our stock. The good news for you: the ones we have passed our inspection which only half of the lenses we received did (the others have been returned). And they’re nearly new, none have been rented more than twice and we’re selling them at $725.

High Risk Lens: The Sigma 120-400 lens has a higher failure rate than most lenses in our lineup.

• How high? We haven’t got firm figures, but 4 of our first 9 copies had problems, which is a lot.
• Why? We can’t be sure. Sigma lenses as a rule have more problems than other brands. The larger Sigma zooms seem to have more issues than other Sigma lenses, possibly because of the weight of the glass elements and shock damage in shipping.
• What’s the point? We’re letting you know on the front end make sure you order this lens in time to check it out before you leave for vacation or schedule your big shoot. We can send a replacement if it has a problem, but we can’t send a replacement Friday night to get to you you Saturday morning.
• Type of problem: Front and backfocus, zoom mechanism failure, IS failure.
  Note: We were a little hesitant to place a ‘high risk lens’ notice on a lens this early, but Sigma quality control has quite obviously deteriorated lately. We’ve caught most of the issues with our internal quality control. But if we’re seeing this many issues here, it’s inevitable there will be some in the field.