Conclusion
Pros
- Solid build quality and attractive design
- Good damping on focus and zoom rings
- Reasonable autofocus on E mount bodies with MC-11
- Excellent image sharpness
- Very pleasing bokeh
- Good color and contrast for a consumer zoom
- Very good control of longitudinal CA
- Very affordable
Cons
- Image stabilization is very adapter dependent
- Use of custom modes requires $50 Sigma dock
- Weak performance against flare
- No tripod collar
Reviewing a non-native lens is a unique experience. Note that for native Canon, Nikon and Sigma shooters, the OIS and autofocus performance are likely to be better than what I experienced when adapting it to a non-native mount. However, despite the use of an adapter, I found the Sigma 100-400mm to perform reasonably well for autofocus when using Sigma’s MC-11 adapter, at least on my A7 III. The older A7 II was still fine, but definitely more deliberate in focus speed. I would definitely recommend the MC-11 for use with this lens, as performance suffers with other adapters and is especially terrible when used with the Metabones adapter.
Optically, I continue to be impressed with this lens as I shoot more and more with it. Considering the dramatically lower cost compared to the native Sony option, I really wasn’t expecting great performance, but Sigma continues their recent trend of creating very good glass for very affordable prices. The lens is sharp, produces very nice bokeh and all around punches far above its low price. It’s also well constructed and feels more expensive than it is. It’s a touch slower than most 100-400mm lenses, but I’m perfectly fine trading 1/3 stop of aperture for the half pound of weight savings. In all, I’m very happy with this lens. For those who need high performance AF on Sony cameras, the Sony 100-400mm will probably be worth the extra cost, but for those who simply want a good lens for everyday long lens work, this is a very attractive offering from Sigma.
Image Samples
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