The SIGMA 100-400mm has long been a favorite of mine
My first experience with a SIGMA 100-400mm lens was back in 2017 when it was originally released for digital SLR cameras. I used it on both full-frame and crop sensor DSLRs back then, and from the moment it clicked into place, it was a favorite. Why? Simple. It was light and sharp, and covered a huge zoom range making it great for action sports, landscapes and wildlife.
After fifteen years shooting with DSLRs, I moved into the world of mirrorless cameras. My new SIGMA DG DN lenses worked flawlessly with my Sony camera bodies, and when the 100-400mm was redesigned specifically for mirrorless, the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary lens often found its way to the front of my camera. And for very good reason, of course. This is a high-quality lens that I have trusted on many commercial and editorial shoots around the world. It has earned a spot in my pack for delivering world class results in a small, light, affordable package.
The SIGMA 100-400mm arrives for Fujifilm X Mount
Okay, so why am I taking you on this trip down memory lane? Because SIGMA has released this beloved lens in a new mount. FUJIFILM X shooters rejoice! You too have access to one of my very favorite lenses in the SIGMA lineup. The SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary is now available for X Mount. You heard it here first, folks! Well, you probably heard it somewhere else first, but what I will give you is a first-hand experience of how this lens performs in the field under real world conditions.
Let’s get to the biggest part of the story here. FUJIFILM X Mount cameras are crop sensor, or APS-C, format. That means that when you pair your X Mount camera with the SIGMA 100-400mm you are getting the full-frame equivalent of 150-600mm! Holy smokes! This makes for an incredibly powerful outdoor photography lens in a diminutive package, weighing in at a mere 2.5 pounds and measuring just 3.4 x 7.8 inches. Pretty impressive numbers, and the build quality is outstanding as well, complete with a splash and dust-resistant mount.
Testing this lens in the field on Fujifilm cameras
Autofocus speed and accuracy is something of paramount importance to outdoor photographers. Thankfully, the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary delivers. Over the years, I have photographed everything from tiny, speedy pikas in the alpine, to skiers flying through deep powder at 25mph with ultra-accurate results and world-class hit rates. And as someone who likes to shoot into the sun quite a bit, (what can I say, I love backlight!) the lens coatings handle flare and ghosting very well.
On a recent trip to Alaska, paired with a FUJIFILM X-T5, the 100-400mm helped me capture some incredible images of brown bears, even as they charged toward me at full speed! While I normally use this lens on a Sony camera, its excellent performance was evident on the Fujifilm body as well, and it provides even longer range on the smaller sensor.
Additional features of the SIGMA 100-400mm include five stops of Optical Stabilization for both type 1 (generally handholding) and type 2 (panning) options. Normally, this lens is capable of four stops of compensation, but this version is optimized specifically for X Mount and offers an extra stop, which is extremely useful when shooting handheld at ultra-long range or in low light conditions.
The lens also features an AFL or autofocus lock button (which is also programmable), zoom lock switch, and focus limiter switch. All very handy when working in the field.
Numbers and features aside, what are FUJIFILM shooters really going to love about this lens? The image quality. It is absolutely superb. The SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary lens is wonderfully sharp and contrasty, delivering crisp, true-to-life colors that make you want to get back outside for more photo adventures. And not only is the lens light on your back, it’s very light on your wallet. All these qualities and features for less than $1000. And while I’m sure the Fujifilm equivalent is a fine lens, the savings are enough to book a trip to Yellowstone. That’s a pretty serious value proposition.
Summing up the SIGMA 100-400mm for FUJIFILM X Mount
So who exactly is this lens for? The SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary is for FUJIFILM X shooters looking for a superior, long telephoto zoom lens (150-600mm full-frame equivalent) that won’t break the bank.
Wildlife photographers, action sports shooters, air show enthusiasts and more are all going to love the power and portability of the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary lens. It has been a staple lens in my pack for years, and I’m sure X Mount users will find it to be an incredibly versatile choice as well!
