Gary Wolstenholme takes a look at this 3.3x super-telephoto zoom from Sigma with optical stabilisation.

Priced well; Good build quality; Optical Stabilisation; Silent focusing with full-time manual override

Prone to flare when used without the supplied lens hood; Loose zoom mechanism suffers with zoom creep; Hunts for focus in low light conditions

If you need a versatile telephoto zoom lens for your SLR, then consider

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Clear Optics; Easy To Use; Firm Mount; Strong Construction

Slightly slow focusing

Originally posted 2008-06-16 on Optyczne.pl Lenses whose focal lengths start at around 100 mm and end at 400 mm are interesting proposals for many advanced photographers. While instruments of 70-300 class, by virtue of their affordable price and still acceptable dimensions, are often chosen by...

too weak image quality at 400 mm; large weight and dimensions compared to the competition; bad work against bright light; mediocre accuracy of the focusing mechanism

The OS takes some time of getting use to anything else my wild life/surfing pictures are really great.

Price, Sharp, and Over all Performance; I bought the Canon 100-400mm F/4L but returned it after 4days when my friend recommended my this lens and never looked back

n/a

This is the best telephoto zoom lens for Canon for that money. I compare it with 100-400 and 70-200 Canon's and Sigma won at 200mm. It is sharper both of them. Colors little bit different but fine. Bokeh better on Canons 70-200 only at F2.8. But Sigma sharper and better results handhold.

Durable; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

Heavy

I have owned this lens since July 2008. I use it for Pow-Wows, nature shots, wildlife. Its a great lens, very well built....I've dropped it from about 3 feet up and it hit the sidewalk, I thought I would be picking up pieces, but afterwards it works just like new.

Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Quick Focus; Rugged; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

Heavy

A close cousin to the APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens, which has also been reviewed on the Photo Review website, Sigma's APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM lens can be used on both 'full frame' and 'APS-C-sized' DLSR cameras as well as traditional 35mm SLRs.