40 D + Sigma 120-400

[greg mit]

Hi everyone, Im new to DSLR and would like your opinion, as a walk about camera and lens would the 40d and Sigma 120-400 apo hsm be a good choice for general birding/wildlife, not to heavy?. Also your honest opinion on the quality of photos from this lens. I can not afford anything like a L or Prime. Will this setup even work hand held or would I be better off with the Cannon 70-300 is usm. Hope to post some photos once I get some gear.
Thanks.
Greg.

[HokkaidoStu]

Check out this thread (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=126174).

I've never used that lens. I was thinking about it last spring (or the 150-500) but decided against it and got a secondhand Canon 100-400L instead..

I'd imagine the Sigma can be used handheld though it does seem rather heavy. I've seen some nice shots with it on the net but both the 150-500 and 120-400 seem to be attracting somewhat negative reviews. Not many Canon users on birdforum seem to be using them.

Like I say I personally wouldn't get either of those Sigma lenses but perhaps you shouldn't listen to me, you might want to look on some of the other photography forums and get some info straight from the horse's mouth so to speak.

[Matt_RTH]

If you're talking about the Sigma 135-400 it just isn't sharp wide open. Had one and unloaded it. F8-F11 is quite good. The Canon L 100-400 or 400mm prime will be sharp wide open. I'd say save for the best you can get.

[Roy C]

If you're talking about the Sigma 135-400 it just isn't sharp wide open. Had one and unloaded it. F8-F11 is quite good. The Canon L 100-400 or 400mm prime will be sharp wide open. I'd say save for the best you can get.
The OP would be talking about the new(ish) Sigma 120-400 OS lens and not the old 135-400 I guess.

[avan]

I have try it with the 40D, my souvenir are: a bit less luminous than the Canon 100-400 and a bit less sharp also at 400mm wide open. For the price it was not bad at all, but I remember thinkink of buying the Canon instead. Go to the store with YOUR body and a card and try both lens if possible outside the store. Capture both picture with similar subject and compare at home quietly.

[Matt_RTH]

Roy, thanks for the clarification. Based on the review link on the Sigma site, that appears much more promising than the older one. I'm surprised they don't have MTF charts on it (that I could see).

[GYRob]

one from the other day mk3 sigma 150 /500 1/320 f6.3 iso 400 hand held PPd .small crop.
its not an L but not bad for the price
Rob.

[avan]

You'r right! nice picture, micro contrast are very good also