Affordable Zoom: A Review of the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens

A good supertelephoto lens is often quite expensive, but thankfully, in the last few years, we have seen a large influx of third-party options that offer long reach at significantly more affordable prices. This excellent video takes a look at one such lens, the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary.

Coming to you from Stefano Ianiro Wildlife, this great video review takes a look at the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary lens. The 100-400mm f/5-6.3 comes with a wide variety of features, including: 

  • One F Low Dispersion (FLD) element and four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements for reduced chromatic aberrations and increased clarity
  • Optical image stabilization with up to four stops of compensation
  • Integrated stepping motor for quiet autofocus 
  • AFL button with function customization
  • Rounded 9-blade diaphragm for smoother bokeh 
  • 0.24x maimum magnification
  • Brass bayonet with rubber sealing for dust- and splash-resistance

Altogether, if you are looking for a relatively lightweight and portable supertelephoto zoom that will not break the bank, the 100-400mm f/5-6.3 looks to be a very viable option for a variety of applications. Check out the video above for Ianiro's full thoughts. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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5 Comments

I bought one when it first hit the market. Thankfully, Sigma has the dock. It was to the point that I was considering selling it until the first firmware update hit. It pretty much fixed the 'hunting focus' problem mine had. I did have to do a little bit of micro adjustment at 400mm, but since, it's been a very good lens.

microadjustment? are you having the DSLR version?

Yes...Canon.

This however is DN version, specifically made for mirrorless. I am pretty sure you don't need Sigma dock to upgrade firmware.
It's an ok lens, but I'm disappointed with it. I photograph motorsport and bought it for longer reach over 135mm GM.
I prefer the GM and will use it for everything unless I need 300-400mm and even then, I'll rethink.

The dock would be good to have because any upgrades to the lens would be available. I could see how it would be a disappointment with the f6.3 at 400mm. Tough on the late evening or early morning ISO numbers.