Sigma 135-400mm f/4.5-5.6 APO Aspherical Lens for Konica Minolta SLR Cameras

by Sigma

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005044I
• Item model number: 723-205
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 29, 2000

Product Description

Covering the most frequently used focal lengths, from mid- to long-range telephoto, this one convenient lens lets you handle an unprecedented range of subjects from landscapes to fast action sports. Sigma s advanced design incorporates a 5-group zoom system to achieve sharp, high-contrast results throughout the entire zoom range. Three SLD glass elements eliminate the secondary spectra effect normally associated with telephotos. And the rear focus system keeps the front lens from rotating, giving you easier use of polarizing filters. A convenient built-in rotary tripod mount eliminates vibration during shutter release. One year international warranty. Item Specifications: Product Description: Sigma telephoto zoom lens - 135 mm - 400 mm Weight: 2.7 lbs Length: 7 in Min Focus Range: 6.6 ft Lens System: Telephoto zoom lens Lens Aperture: F/4.5-5.6 Focus Adjustment: Automatic, manual Focal Length: 135 mm - 400 mm Mounting Type: Minolta A-type Lens Construction: 11 group(s) / 13 element(s) Filter Size: 77 mm Special Functions: Tele, zoom

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid Performer, July 12, 2004

By 

Chuck Darwin (Alameda, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sigma 135-400mm f/4.5-5.6 APO Aspherical Lens for Konica Minolta SLR Cameras (Electronics)

I got this lense primarily to cover football and baseball. For action photography, it's a solid performer and an excellent value with a couple of drawbacks.

Quality of construction (5.0 out of 5.0) Very high. Sigma EX lenses are made much more sturdily than typical consumer-grade lenses. It has a sturdy metal housing with an attractive matte black finish that resists scratching.

Sharpness (3.5) It's pretty sharp at 400mm, with just a hint of softness. Comparable to other zooms at that length. For action shots it's fine, but it was a bit disappointing when I used it to photograph waterfowl at maximum zoom. (Most serious photographers use a regular telephoto lense rather than a zoom lense for bird photography.)

Color (4.5) Colors are rich and natural. No sign of flare.

Distortion (3.5) Despite the fact that this is an APO lense, there is some distortion, slight but noticable, at the edge of the frame when you blow up the pictures to 8x10. At smaller print sizes, it is not noticable.

Autofocus (2.5) The lense's biggest drawback is its relatively slow autofocus speed. When photographing sports, I get around this problem by prefocusing on a spot in advance and using focus lock. As a result I miss unexpected developments more often than when I use my faster-focusing Minolta 85-300. On the other hand, this lense gets you a lot closer than the 85-300 and the image quality is better.

Speed (aperture) (3.0) Well, this isn't a pro lense, so you aren't going to find wide-open f-2.8 apertures, but then again, such lenses start at several thousand dollars. If you're shooting film, modern high-speed film has advanced to the point where you can get by without a really fast lense--in bright sunlight, at least. I typically shoot sports with Fujicolor Superia 400 and Fuji NPZ 800 color negative film and Fuji Provia 400 slide film. On a bright day you can shoot any of these films at f-8 with this lense and be able to use shutter speeds of 1/500 to 1/1000. On an overcast day I'll use NPZ 800 and still be able to shoot at 1/350 - 1/500 at f-8, and you can always stop down to f-6.3 if you need to get a shorter exposure. All three films are fine-grained enough to blow up to 8X10 with no problem.

On the other hand, if you're shooting digital, you are going to have to decide if the tradeoff in noise at ISO 400 is acceptable.

Ease of use (2.5) This is a big, heavy lense. It comes with a tripod collar and I recommend using it whenever possible.

Value (4.5) Comparable lenses from the Canon, Nikon and Minolta cost nearly double this lense, so the price is right.

Overall: 4.0 (price dependent) 3.0 (price independent)