Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS | C review

Sigma’s ‘light bazooka’ has been reinvented for Sony E and Leica L-mount mirrorless cameras

Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS
(Image: © Future)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Back in 2017, Sigma launched a new breed of ultra-telephoto zoom for Canon and Nikon DSLRs, shoehorning a powerful 100-400mm range into a relatively compact, lightweight build. The next-generation ‘DN’ version for mirrorless cameras is revamped and refined, delivering better all-round performance, handling and image quality. The only downside is that, at this stage so soon after launch, the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS is about $150/£250 pricier than the older DSLR-mount edition.

Pros

  • +

    Powerful telephoto zoom range

  • +

    Relatively compact and lightweight

  • +

    Good handling and overall performance

Cons

  • -

    Fairly narrow aperture rating at long zoom settings

  • -

    USB Dock and teleconverters unavailable for Sony mount version

  • -

    Pricier than the older edition for Canon and Nikon DSLRs

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There’s nothing new about telephoto zooms with a range of around 80-400mm or 100-400mm, but they tend to be quite large and heavy. Canon and Nikon’s current offerings for their DSLR cameras weigh in at 1,640g and 1,570g respectively, and they’re both very pricey to boot. Back in 2017, Sigma launched its ‘light bazooka’ 100-400mm which, although having a narrower f/6.3 aperture rating at the long end of the zoom range, is only about two-thirds of the weight and less than half the price. Sigma has now brought out a similar lens for mirrorless cameras, available in Sony E and Leica L mount options. Tipping the scales at 1,140g (Sony) or 1,135g (L-mount), the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary keeps the weight off but boasts a redesigned optical path, a new autofocus system and a customizable AF-Lock button.

Specifications

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.