The 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM Autofocus Zoom Lens from Sigma is a telephoto zoom lens for use with Pentax DSLR cameras. The lens features built-in Optical Stabilization (OS) for sharper photos, and a Hyper-Sonic Focus Motor (HSM) for quick and quiet autofocus.
Its optical formula is highlighted by three Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements, which serve to correct color and preserve sharpness throughout the entire 3.3x zoom range of the lens. Its rear focusing system corrects for aberration fluctuations caused by focusing.
The lens, which is only eight inches in length and weights a mere 3.9 pounds, ships with a lens hood, a removable tripod collar, front and rear caps, and a carrying case. It can be used with Sigma APO teleconverters for those times when you require a longer focal length. While it is not a true macro lens, its innate close focusing capability makes it a great use for capturing smaller objects including flowers -- without having to change to a dedicated macro lens.
Because most Pentax cameras feature in-body image stabilization, the lens provides you with the option of disabling the in-lens stabilization during use -- giving you the flexibility to use the image stabilization of your choice: in-body or in-lens. Owners of legacy bodies that do not have stabilization will find this option especially useful. Of course, you can disable the stabilization feature in both the lens and the body for those times when it is appropriate to do so, such as when you are using a tripod.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 120 - 400 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4.5 - 5.6 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Pentax K |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Pentax Digital (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 20.4° - 6.2° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 4.92' (1.50 m) |
| Magnification | 0.23x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:4.2 |
| Groups/Elements | 15/21 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 77 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.6 x 8.0" (9.14 x 20.32 cm) |
| Weight | 3.86 lb (1.75 kg) |
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Comments about Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM Autofocus Zoom Lens (Pentax Mount):
I am very happy with this lens. I have seen little in the way of chromatic, pincushion, or barrel distortion. With the FF design of this lense, the 1.5 crop factor on my K5 eliminates vignetting as a practical consideration. In TaV Mode (Shutter and Appeture Priority) I can shoot quite well handheld in the daytime, with sun or clouds, dispite the considerable weight of this lens. I have set the shutter speed as high as 1/400 and not overtaxed the K5's auto ISO range.I don't hike long distances with it, so the weight has not been much of an issue for me. I get sharp images, good colors, and I can shoot many interesting subjects without having to enter private property. If money is an object, and you don't mind the weight, it's a great lens.
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Comments about Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM Autofocus Zoom Lens (Pentax Mount):
Sigma previously had a similar lens, not OS, no HSM, and it was a versatile, good, sharp lens. This one is definitely much better. Imagine taking sharp bird pictures hand-held! You can do it with this lens, with pretty good success rate. You can also carry this lens in your existing bag. I use a Thinktank urban disguise 50, and this lens does fit inside nicely and it does not cramp out space for other stuff. I can still carry my usual assortment of lenses and a flash. Portability is a big issue for me. And this lens takes 77mm filters, which is also a plus. I was thinking about getting the newer Bigma, for the greater reach. I did not because it is a bigger, heavier lens, and needed bigger filters. As photographers like to say, walking a few steps can make up for focal length. Well, one can, at least some of the time, when it is not too dangerous :-) This is a keeper lens for me.
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Comments about Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM Autofocus Zoom Lens (Pentax Mount):
I use this lens for wildlife photography and am impressed with the quality of photos. SO much more sharper and clearer.
Only drawback is the weight. Kinda heavy to haul around all day.
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Comments about Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM Autofocus Zoom Lens (Pentax Mount):
Nature photographer using for wildlife, other nature photos that I cannot get close enough to get a good shot. Images so far have been sharp, clear and right on the money.
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Comments about Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM Autofocus Zoom Lens (Pentax Mount):
Not as sharp wide open and at 400MM. At F8 & above, excellent results; very good to good results as you approach 400MM at wider aperatures. Requires religious attention to technique to ensure sharp photos.
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Comments about Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM Autofocus Zoom Lens (Pentax Mount):
Since I own several other Sigma lenses, I knew the quality would be first-rate. What surprised me was the terrific image quality at 400mm. Also, with the OS I can actually hand-hold this lens for most of my daytime shooting.
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