Advice please

daveyuk · 26-01-2006, 09:16

I'm thinking of buying the Sigma 80 - 400 lens mainly for when I'm off at motorsport events and for the fact that it has the advantage of OS. I would be most interested in your views and comments on this lens and/or any other recommendations that you might have.

Many thanks in advance

**stepheno** · 26-01-2006, 09:26

Funnily enough I have been looking at that lens. It's a shame it's the only Sigma with OS and it's not exactly cheap. I seem to remember reading that it's a bit picky which cams it works with. I usually go to Fred Miranda for reviews. For that sort of money I think I'd be looking at Canon.

regards

**Sonsey** · 26-01-2006, 17:26

I havn't used one myself, but I did do extensive research on the net to find out it's qualities.

The lens it allways gets compaired to is the Canon 100-400L IS, and it seems it get's very close to it in most areas except one, focusing speed.

Due to a lack of HSM (why?

) the Sigma 80-400 is slow to focus, so if you intend to shoot things that move pretty quickly you might end up missing a few shots, but the only way to know if this will be an issue for you is to try and get a quick play with one before you buy. I'd really advise phoning round camera shops in your area to see if anyone has one.

Joe T · 26-01-2006, 17:39

I decided the reputation for slow focus meant that this lens wasnt suitable for motorsport. Its also slightly slow in terms of aperture. OS is of limited use for panning shots too.

For similar money I'd say you would be much better off with the Sigma 100-300 f4. That was the lens I was going to get until I decided to go for its big brother - the Sigma 120-200 2.8.

26-01-2006, 09:16	#1 (permalink)
daveyuk Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berkshire Posts: 1,150	Advice please I'm thinking of buying the Sigma 80 - 400 lens mainly for when I'm off at motorsport events and for the fact that it has the advantage of OS. I would be most interested in your views and comments on this lens and/or any other recommendations that you might have. Many thanks in advance

26-01-2006, 17:26	#3 (permalink)
Sonsey Pixalo Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: N. Ireland Posts: 7,242	I havn't used one myself, but I did do extensive research on the net to find out it's qualities. The lens it allways gets compaired to is the Canon 100-400L IS, and it seems it get's very close to it in most areas except one, focusing speed. Due to a lack of HSM (why? ) the Sigma 80-400 is slow to focus, so if you intend to shoot things that move pretty quickly you might end up missing a few shots, but the only way to know if this will be an issue for you is to try and get a quick play with one before you buy. I'd really advise phoning round camera shops in your area to see if anyone has one. __________________ Regards, Iain.

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26-01-2006, 09:26	#2 (permalink)
stepheno Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6,622	Funnily enough I have been looking at that lens. It's a shame it's the only Sigma with OS and it's not exactly cheap. I seem to remember reading that it's a bit picky which cams it works with. I usually go to Fred Miranda for reviews. For that sort of money I think I'd be looking at Canon. regards

26-01-2006, 17:39	#4 (permalink)
Joe T Forum Regular Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Amersham, Bucks Posts: 978	I decided the reputation for slow focus meant that this lens wasnt suitable for motorsport. Its also slightly slow in terms of aperture. OS is of limited use for panning shots too. For similar money I'd say you would be much better off with the Sigma 100-300 f4. That was the lens I was going to get until I decided to go for its big brother - the Sigma 120-200 2.8.