Sigma 120-400 any experience /advice?

[BroganC]

Hi All,Enjoy wildlife photography so upgraded to a 7D a while ago.Problem is my sigma 70-300 F4-5.6 is just too slow AF wise ands seems wasted on the 7D.Budget is a bit tight so was considering the Sigma 120-400 with HSM. Does anyone have experience with this lensand would it be a big step up ove my current lens in terms of AF speed and quality.ThanksBrogan

[SimonDP]

Yes, its a considerable step up, but just remember theres another few steps up the ladder after that lens, like the 100-400L, the 120-300/2.8 with a 1.4x TC, the 400/5.6L (loose versatality of zoom) and the big guns. But starting at double the price of the 120-400, you decide what your budget will allow. A good choice for the budding amateur and enthusiast alike, but learn to live with the limitations (faster AF than your 70-300 but still a little slower than the more serious lenses, and a tendency to hunt a little and not always achieve first time accurate aaf lock in lower light levels.

[Grant Atkinson]

Hi Brogan
I have used that lens in a Nikon mount, on a D7000 on several occasions and I must admit I was impressed with its AF speed and image quality...very acceptable results given the price and moderate max aperture. Agree with Simon that in low light the AF not quite as fast as some more expensive lenses, but I would think it would be a solid upgrade in all respects from your current lens.
cheers
Grant

[BroganC]

Thanks Grant & Simon, appreciate the real world feedback.

Brogan

[LeonardF]

Hi Brogan

Have a look at the reviews on www.photozone.de on the Sigma 120-400 as well as the Canon 100-400L

[J-D]

Make sure you get the new OS version, it is better than the canon 100-400 in some respects.

[BroganC]

Thanks JD & Leonard

[MARLEEN]

Just purchased the Sigma 120 to 400 with my Nikon D7000 and so far I am very happy with the results.