Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM is a Variable aperture Auto Focus (AF)
Super Telephoto Zoom lens with Optical Image stabilization and 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with
F(FX) Mount cameras.
What type of photography is the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM lens good for?
The type of photography that you are planning to use the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:
Reasons to Buy Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM Lens
Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.
| Optical Image Stabilization |
| Autofocus |
| Distance Scale |
| Hood supplied |
| Tripod Collar |
| Full-time Manual Focusing |
| Covers Full-Frame Sensor |
| 9 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh |
| 400mm reach great for Wildlife Photography |
Report a correction
Buy Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM from Amazon or B&H PHOTO
| No Weather Sealing |
| Lens Extents while zooming |
| Slow Aperture at Wide end |
| Slow Aperture at Tele end |
| Variable Aperture |
| Heavy |
| Pricey |
Lens Mount
Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM is compatible with cameras that have a Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.
Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM is also available in Canon EF and Sigma SA mounts.
Size, Weight and Filter Thread
Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM has a maximum diameter of 92mm and total length of 203mm when not extended. It weighs 1640g / 57.8 oz.
Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM has a filter thread of 77mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM:
Focal Range
Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM has a focal range of 120-400mm and 3.3X zoom ratio. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 180 - 600mm.
Optical Image Stabilization
The Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM features an optical image stabilization system which helps to reduce the blur that occurs due to shaking during hand-held shooting.
Tripod Collar
With a total length of 203mm and a weight of 1640g, the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM is a large lens. Fortunately, it comes with a tripod collar which you can use to attach the lens directly to a tripod or monopod instead of attaching the camera. This connection helps to better balance the lens/kit combination.
Zoom Method
Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM features Rotary (extending) zoom method where the length of the lens changes as you zoom in or out. This makes it possible to design the lens with a smaller minimum length ( generally when it is zoomed out) compared to internal zoom lenses. The disadvantages of this design are being harder to seal against dust and moisture, weight balance shifting while zooming and zoom creep in certain lenses.
Maximum Magnification Ratio
Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.24x and has a minimum focusing distance of 1.5m.
Below are the 3 Super Telephoto Zoom type Nikon F mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:
Aperture
Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM is a variable aperture lens with a max aperture of f4.5 and a minimum aperture of f22 at 120mm, and a max aperture of f5.6 and minimum aperture of f28 at 400mm .
| Focal Length |
Max Aperture |
Min Aperture |
|
120mm
|
F4.5 |
F22 |
|
400mm
|
F5.6 |
F28 |
Optical Formula
Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM's optical formula consists of 21 elements in 15 groups . Special elements used in this design is 3 SLD glass elements.
Lens Hood
Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM comes with a removable lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos.
Popular Comparisons of Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM
Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM amongst Camera Decision readers.
Top Alternatives of Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM Lens
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.