Sigma 400mm 'A' MF

J-Rod · 08-25-2011, 03:30 PM

Got an older Sigma 400mm MF on flea bay. I think it may not have ever been attached to a camera. It was billed as a 'K' mount but I spotted the 'A' in the photo. I couldn't be more excited for $215 delivered. I thought I'd share with others who have LBA. Initial shots look great!

**dcmsox2004** · 08-25-2011, 03:50 PM

kudos for the smart pickup !! i bought a mint sigma 400 apo lens with case a couple years ago.... shooting at about f8 yielded some fine shots... light enough to use without a tripod... enjoy your sig400..... that extra reach is great for wildlife... also like that you can capture people who are oblivious to you.... natural expressions are priceless... dave m

**nater** · 08-26-2011, 08:12 AM

Originally posted by J-Rod

Got an older Sigma 400mm MF on flea bay. I think it may not have ever been attached to a camera. It was billed as a 'K' mount but I spotted the 'A' in the photo. I couldn't be more excited for $215 delivered. I thought I'd share with others who have LBA. Initial shots look great!

Congrats! One thing to check for is hazing between two of the elements near the front, which unfortunately is somewhat common in that particular lens. It has to do with the cement they used to attach two of the elements together, and over the years it tends to develop, looks like very faint dots as I recall. If you're lucky, the lens won't be affected or it won't be significant. Easiest way to check is shining a flashlight into the lens and looking into it. Even when there is hazing, you can still take pictures with it, but there will be some loss of contrast. Best of luck!

J-Rod · 08-26-2011, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Congrats! One thing to check for is hazing between two of the elements near the front, which unfortunately is somewhat common in that particular lens. It has to do with the cement they used to attach two of the elements together, and over the years it tends to develop, looks like very faint dots as I recall. If you're lucky, the lens won't be affected or it won't be significant. Easiest way to check is shining a flashlight into the lens and looking into it. Even when there is hazing, you can still take pictures with it, but there will be some loss of contrast. Best of luck!

Thanks nater...clear as a bell. I guess I got lucky!

J-Rod · 08-27-2011, 05:32 PM

Got a chance to get out last night. Wouldn't have this shot without the long lens. I'm sold.

Stringmike · 08-29-2011, 07:42 AM

I picked one up from a forum member a year or so ago in very nice condition and have been very pleased with it. This was about the time I sold the Sigma 120-400, so I was able to compare results. I would say that it's not as good as the best-of-the-best 400mm primes, but it is pretty good and definitely better than the 120-400 at the long end. At $215, that is very cost-effective!

Mike

08-25-2011, 03:30 PM	#1
J-Rod Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Idaho Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 102	Sigma 400mm 'A' MF Got an older Sigma 400mm MF on flea bay. I think it may not have ever been attached to a camera. It was billed as a 'K' mount but I spotted the 'A' in the photo. I couldn't be more excited for $215 delivered. I thought I'd share with others who have LBA. Initial shots look great!

08-29-2011, 07:42 AM	#6
Stringmike Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 283	I have one too! I picked one up from a forum member a year or so ago in very nice condition and have been very pleased with it. This was about the time I sold the Sigma 120-400, so I was able to compare results. I would say that it's not as good as the best-of-the-best 400mm primes, but it is pretty good and definitely better than the 120-400 at the long end. At $215, that is very cost-effective! Mike

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08-25-2011, 03:50 PM	#2
dcmsox2004 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: rhode island Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,522	kudos for the smart pickup !! i bought a mint sigma 400 apo lens with case a couple years ago.... shooting at about f8 yielded some fine shots... light enough to use without a tripod... enjoy your sig400..... that extra reach is great for wildlife... also like that you can capture people who are oblivious to you.... natural expressions are priceless... dave m

08-26-2011, 08:12 AM	#3
nater Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New England Photos: Albums Posts: 706	Originally posted by J-Rod Got an older Sigma 400mm MF on flea bay. I think it may not have ever been attached to a camera. It was billed as a 'K' mount but I spotted the 'A' in the photo. I couldn't be more excited for $215 delivered. I thought I'd share with others who have LBA. Initial shots look great! Congrats! One thing to check for is hazing between two of the elements near the front, which unfortunately is somewhat common in that particular lens. It has to do with the cement they used to attach two of the elements together, and over the years it tends to develop, looks like very faint dots as I recall. If you're lucky, the lens won't be affected or it won't be significant. Easiest way to check is shining a flashlight into the lens and looking into it. Even when there is hazing, you can still take pictures with it, but there will be some loss of contrast. Best of luck!

08-26-2011, 09:34 AM	#4
J-Rod Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Idaho Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 102 Original Poster	Quote: Congrats! One thing to check for is hazing between two of the elements near the front, which unfortunately is somewhat common in that particular lens. It has to do with the cement they used to attach two of the elements together, and over the years it tends to develop, looks like very faint dots as I recall. If you're lucky, the lens won't be affected or it won't be significant. Easiest way to check is shining a flashlight into the lens and looking into it. Even when there is hazing, you can still take pictures with it, but there will be some loss of contrast. Best of luck! Thanks nater...clear as a bell. I guess I got lucky!

08-27-2011, 05:32 PM	#5
J-Rod Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Idaho Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 102 Original Poster	Got a chance to get out last night. Wouldn't have this shot without the long lens. I'm sold.