Since I jumped into Nikon DSLR, I used the AF-S 300mmF4D (non-OS), the overpriced AF-S 80-400mm f4-5.6 II and the great AF-S 200-500mmf5.6.
Each of the above lens has it’s pros and cons.
The 300mmf4 is super great if one is just using it for still-photography, it has a relatively wide in aperture at great Low light Low ISO sitiuations. The sharpness of the lens t is great as it is a prime lens. The size and weight ratio are well balance for carrying and handheld. The greatest problem is that due to no image stabiliser on lens, for doing video works, one has to bring a tripod or monopod along. For my nature photography, most of my time is on a bicycle so bringing an extra tripod or monopod is not a preferred option.
The 80-400mm II is overpriced for its so-so performance in my own view. The sharpness wide open is bad especially at 400mm for that price. It is good only when I stopped down to f8. Could be my copy. During video , the Stabilizer helps a lot but the focusing during video, rattling sound will be heard. I personally felt this lens is not suppose to be at that price point.
The 200-500mm is a great lens. It is sharp wide open at all focal lengths. The price is almost half the Nikon 80-400mm.The image Stabilizer is one of the best and it can do a 4-5stops of counter shake.
The downside is the size and weight. Weighing almost 2kg, it is not fun carrying with me for Long walk or cycling. I end up using my bridge camera Panasonic FZ-1000 most of the time. This lens is seriously a good buy for anyone who wants a sharp lens, and able to handheld for shooting. Just have to plan for the day that not much walking or travelling with the lens. There are lots of good reviews on this lens.
Sigma in recent years has been producing some good lenses from the ART & Contemporary series etc and has many good reviews on them. I started to take notice of them and impression has improved.
The Sigma 100-400mmf5-6.3 is a lens that can really compare with Nikon 80-400mm. The sharpness , I feel is better than 80-400mm. Although at 400mm , the sigma lens aperture is at 6.3 vs Nikon 5.6, it is redundant as with Nikon 80-400mm, I will always shoot at f8 to get sharper images. To me a sharper image can do more thing later (cropped etc). With the new DSLR sensor where they can do ISO 3200-6400 without much ugly noise , i see the Sigma 100-400 f5-6.3 bigger aperture spec is not a disadvantage at all.
The size and weight for this sigma 100-400 is very attractive me, it is comparable to the mirrorless Panasonic /Leica 100-400mm and Fuji 100-400mm. I think is is smaller in size then the FujiFilm 100-400mm and the sigma 100-400mm can pair with a FF sensor vs the FUJI on a (1.5X) APS_C sensor. This lens with DSLR can be packed into any daypack or sling bag due to it’s size. You get what i mean?However in terms of the Optical Stabilizer Mode on Sigma lens, I feel it is not as good as the 200-500mm. Nevertheless, with the 2-3 times lower price than the NIkon or Canon or FUJI counterparts, it is Super value for money. Importantly it can still gets the job done for a hobbyist like me.
Here are some of the shots taken from Sigma 100-400mm with Nikon D750 (FF)
