Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Nikon F

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Sigma 100–400mm F5–6.3 DG OS HSM Lens for Nikon F – Long-Range Precision, Fast AF, and Stabilized Telephoto Performance

The moment you lift the Sigma 100–400mm F5–6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Nikon F, you immediately feel the thrill of power, reach, and precision coming together in a surprisingly compact body—made for photographers who demand pro-level telephoto performance without the weight, bulk, or price tag of traditional super-telephoto lenses. This versatile 100–400mm zoom gives creators an extraordinary advantage in wildlife, sports, aviation, and outdoor photography, delivering crisp detail, beautiful contrast, and remarkable stabilization that makes handheld telephoto shooting not just possible, but reliably sharp. Built around a sophisticated optical formula of 21 elements in 15 groups, including four SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements, the lens sharply reduces chromatic aberration and color fringing, maintaining clarity from corner to corner even at the far end of 400mm. Its nine-blade rounded diaphragm enhances background separation, producing smooth, pleasing bokeh ideal for isolating subjects in busy environments. The lens’s internal focusing system powered by Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus performance that keeps up with fast-moving subjects, while full-time manual override gives shooters complete artistic control when they need to fine-tune focus in an instant.

Despite its extended reach, the lens remains incredibly lightweight at just 1,160 grams, with a compact length of 182.3 mm, making it a perfect long-range companion for travel or all-day field shooting. The durable construction includes a dust- and splash-resistant mount, and the use of Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) ensures consistent performance across different temperatures—crucial for outdoor photographers working in unpredictable environments. The built-in Optical Stabilizer (OS) provides highly effective image stabilization, giving users the flexibility to shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds and reducing blur caused by camera shake. With a minimum focusing distance of only 1.6 meters and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8 (0.26×), this lens even doubles as a capable close-focus telephoto for capturing fine details of flowers, textures, small animals, and distant subjects without switching gear. Its 67mm filter thread also keeps accessory costs low compared to bulkier competitors, while the dual-action zoom—allowing both push-pull and traditional twist operation—caters to different shooting styles, whether speed or precision is your priority.

Optimized for Nikon F-mount DSLRs, the lens uses an electromagnetic diaphragm for highly accurate exposure control, especially during continuous shooting. Compatibility with the Sigma USB Dock lets photographers customize autofocus behavior, update firmware, and tailor stabilizer performance, ensuring the lens evolves with your shooting preferences. Designed as part of Sigma’s Contemporary line, this model strikes a rare balance: professional-grade performance, robust build quality, exceptional mobility, and outstanding value—making it a perfect upgrade for Nikon users who want serious reach without investing in oversized, overly expensive super-telephoto alternatives. Whether you're capturing birds in flight, athletes in motion, or distant landscapes bathed in golden light, the Sigma 100–400mm F5–6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary empowers you to shoot farther, sharper, and more creatively with confidence.

Take your Nikon photography further—buy the Sigma 100–400mm today and unlock powerful telephoto performance that transforms every shot.

Product Benefits:

• Capture distant moments with clarity, giving you the power to photograph wildlife, sports, and travel scenes that once felt out of reach.
• Enjoy sharper handheld shots, thanks to built-in Optical Stabilization that reduces blur and boosts confidence in challenging light.
• Stay fast and ready for action with the Hyper Sonic Motor, delivering smooth, silent, and accurate autofocus for moving subjects.
• Create beautiful background separation, using the rounded 9-blade diaphragm to produce soft, smooth bokeh that enhances subject impact.
• Shoot comfortably for hours with a lightweight 1,160g design that reduces fatigue and makes long telephoto sessions more enjoyable.
• Keep shooting in unpredictable environments, supported by a dust- and splash-resistant mount built for outdoor reliability.
• Focus closer and capture more detail, using the 1.6m minimum focusing distance and 0.26× magnification to reveal textures and fine features.
• Adapt instantly to your shooting style, thanks to the dual push-pull or twist zoom mechanism for both speed and precision.
• Save money on accessories, with a compact 67mm filter thread that lowers the cost of protective and polarizing filters.
• Stay in control creatively, with full-time manual override for precise focusing adjustments whenever you need them.

Features:

Powerful 100–400mm Telephoto Reach for Long-Distance Control

The Sigma 100–400mm F5–6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary delivers exceptional telephoto reach, giving photographers the ability to capture distant subjects—wildlife, sports, aviation, landscapes, and action—with precision and clarity. This focal range provides incredible framing flexibility, enabling tight subject isolation without physically moving closer. Whether you are photographing a bird perched far away or an athlete at full speed on the field, the 100–400mm range empowers you to bring scenes closer with stunning detail.

Lightweight 1,160g Build for Comfortable All-Day Shooting

Unlike traditional super-telephoto lenses that can be bulky and fatiguing, this lens weighs only 1,160 grams, making it one of the most portable long-range zooms available. Its compact 182.3mm length allows photographers to carry it easily on hikes, sporting events, or travel days without strain. This lightweight design enhances user comfort while maintaining excellent balance on Nikon DSLRs, ensuring you can shoot handheld for extended periods without compromising stability.

Advanced Optical Design with 4 SLD Elements for Superior Image Quality

The lens features 21 elements in 15 groups, including four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements engineered to minimize chromatic aberration, color fringing, and image softness. This sophisticated optical structure ensures crisp detail, accurate color reproduction, and high contrast throughout the entire zoom range. Even at 400mm, where many telephoto lenses struggle, the Sigma delivers reliable sharpness and controlled aberration—key advantages for wildlife and sports photographers who rely on telephoto clarity.

Optical Stabilizer (OS) for Sharper Handheld Telephoto Shots

Handheld shooting at long focal lengths can introduce significant vibration, but Sigma’s Optical Stabilizer (OS) system counteracts camera shake to deliver noticeably sharper images. This stabilization system is especially valuable at 300–400mm, where even micro-movements can ruin a shot. With OS engaged, photographers can confidently use slower shutter speeds, making it easier to shoot in low light, track moving subjects, or capture spontaneous moments without a tripod.

Fast and Quiet Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) Autofocus Performance

The built-in Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) offers rapid, smooth, and near-silent autofocus operation, essential for capturing unpredictable subjects such as wildlife or sports players. The focus system responds quickly and accurately, keeping up with fast-moving scenes while maintaining minimal noise—ideal for scenarios where silence is crucial, such as nature photography. Full-time manual override allows precise focus adjustments without switching modes, giving photographers full creative control at any moment.

1.6m Close Focusing Distance with 0.26× Magnification for Detail-Rich Tele-Macro Work

With a minimum focusing distance of just 1.6 meters, this lens doubles as a close-range telephoto capable of capturing fine details from a comfortable distance. The 0.26× magnification ratio enables highly detailed imaging of flowers, textures, small animals, and distant close-up subjects without needing a dedicated macro lens. This added versatility makes the lens not only powerful for long-range scenes but also highly functional for creative detail work.

Beautiful Background Separation with a Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

To create stunning images with smooth, aesthetically pleasing background blur, the lens uses a nine-blade rounded diaphragm. This design enhances bokeh quality by producing more circular out-of-focus highlights, which helps isolate subjects and create depth in portraits, wildlife shots, and telephoto compositions. This feature adds emotional and visual impact to photographs by emphasizing the subject against a soft, dreamy backdrop.

Dual-Action Zoom: Twist or Push-Pull for Speed and Precision

The Sigma 100–400mm offers a rare advantage: both traditional twist zooming and push-pull zoom action. The twist method provides precise control, ideal for careful composition, while the push-pull action allows rapid adjustments—perfect for quickly reframing in dynamic environments such as bird-in-flight or fast sports. This dual system adapts to the shooter’s preference, making the lens more versatile and responsive than many competing telephoto zooms.

Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) Construction for Consistent Performance

Sigma’s Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) material ensures the lens maintains structural integrity and performance consistency across varying temperatures. Whether shooting in hot, humid environments or cold mountain conditions, TSC helps prevent material expansion or contraction that could affect focusing accuracy. This durability contributes to reliable operation during demanding outdoor photography sessions.

Dust- and Splash-Resistant Mount for Greater Environmental Protection

The lens mount includes a dust- and splash-resistant seal, providing added protection when shooting outdoors in unpredictable conditions. While not fully weather-sealed, this enhanced resistance safeguards the internal components from moisture, dust, and debris—critical when working in nature, on windy terrain, or in damp settings. This feature boosts the lens’s longevity and reliability for field photographers who frequently work in challenging environments.

67mm Filter Thread for Affordable, Easily Accessible Accessories

Despite its long-range capabilities, the lens maintains a modest 67mm filter size, which significantly reduces the cost of purchasing high-quality filters such as UV, CPL, or ND. Many competing telephoto zooms require large, expensive filters, but Sigma’s design keeps accessories affordable and widely compatible—an economic advantage for photographers looking to build or expand their gear without overspending.

Electromagnetic Diaphragm for Precise Exposure Control on Nikon F Cameras

For Nikon users, the lens incorporates an electromagnetic diaphragm that enhances exposure accuracy, especially during high-speed continuous shooting. This system ensures more consistent aperture control compared to older mechanical Nikon F lenses, resulting in better exposure uniformity across bursts—ideal for action photography, wildlife, and any scenario requiring fast frame sequences.

Compatibility with Sigma USB Dock for Customizable Performance

Photographers who want complete control over lens behavior can use the Sigma USB Dock, allowing them to update firmware, fine-tune autofocus performance, customize OS settings, and optimize the lens for different shooting styles. This adaptability ensures the lens remains future-ready and tailored to the user’s preferences, setting it apart from non-programmable alternatives.

• Wildlife Photography – Capture distant animals, birds, and nature scenes with sharp detail without disturbing subjects.
• Bird Photography (Birding) – Long reach and fast AF make it ideal for tracking birds in flight or perched at a distance.
• Sports & Action Photography – Freeze athletes, motorsports, and fast-paced moments from the sidelines with confidence.
• Aviation Photography – Perfect for photographing aircraft in motion or at long-range distances during airshows.
• Outdoor Events & Performances – Zoom in on performers, speakers, and crowd interactions without moving closer.
• Landscape Compression Shots – Create dramatic, compressed perspectives and layered scenery using long focal lengths.
• Travel Photography – Lightweight telephoto reach allows capturing distant landmarks or wildlife without heavy gear.
• Close-Up Telephoto Detail Shots – Use the 1.6m minimum focus distance to photograph textures, flowers, and small subjects at 0.26× magnification.
• Nature Observation & Documentation – Ideal for field researchers or hobbyists capturing behavior from safe distances.
• Portraits with Background Compression – Produce flattering subject isolation and compressed backgrounds for unique telephoto portraits.
• Street & Candid Photography at a Distance – Shoot natural moments discreetly without entering the scene.
• Sports Journalism & Documentary Work – Long-range versatility supports storytelling where proximity is limited.

Pros

• Excellent 100–400mm reach suitable for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects
• Lightweight and compact for a super-telephoto zoom
• Optical Stabilizer delivers sharp handheld results
• Fast and quiet HSM autofocus with full-time manual override
• Strong optical performance with 4 SLD elements for reduced aberrations
• Smooth, pleasing bokeh thanks to the rounded 9-blade diaphragm
• Affordable 67mm filter size keeps accessory costs low
• Close-focusing capability with 0.26× magnification for detailed shots
• Dual-action zoom (twist or push-pull) adds versatility
• USB Dock compatibility for customizable performance tuning

Cons

• Not fully weather-sealed beyond the mount area
• No tripod collar support, limiting tripod-based stability
• Maximum aperture of f/5–6.3 may require more light compared to faster lenses
• Autofocus may slow in very low-light conditions
• Extending zoom design is more exposed to dust compared to internal zoom lenses

• Telephoto plus macro functionality - With a minimum shooting distance of 160cm and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8, this lens can shoot either from a distance or up close.
• Designed to minimize flare and ghosting - SIGMA’s Super Multi-Layer Coating helps further reduce flare and ghosting and provides sharp, high-contrast images even in backlit conditions.
• Rounded diaphragm - The 9-blade rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur in the out-of-focus areas of the image.
• Smoother AF operation - The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures high speed and quiet AF. The updated algorithm enables smoother AF operation.
• High-precision, rugged brass bayonet mount - The brass mount combines high precision with rugged construction. Its treated surfaces and enhanced strength contribute to the exceptional durability of the lens.
• Mount with Dust and Splash Resistant Structure - The lens mount incorporates rubber sealing to protect the mount from dust and water drops. *Except for the SIGMA mount.
• All-new optical stabilizer (OS) unit with an exclusive algorithm - Featuring a newly developed gyroscopic sensor and a new and exclusive algorithm, the all-new OS unit provides a powerful stabilization effect. An acceleration sensor detects camera shake in any direction—horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. This technology allows the OS to stabilize the image very effectively, regardless of whether the camera is being held in a horizontal or vertical orientation.
• Push/pull zoom mechanism incorporated - For quick control of the angle of view, the zoom ring incorporates a push/pull mechanism in addition to the regular twist mechanism. The exclusive lens hood has also been designed to accommodate push/pull zooming and overall lens maneuverability. By making it possible to adjust the angle of view instantly, this lens gives photographers an even better chance of getting that crucial shot.
• Exclusive low-dispersion glass - Most chromatic aberration can be removed by combining a high-refractivity convex lens element with a low-refractivity concave element. Yet residual chromatic aberration known as “secondary spectrum” may still remain. To minimize this secondary spectrum, which can be a serious issue with conventional lenses, SIGMA lenses feature up to three types of exclusive low-dispersion glass offering superior performance: ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion), SLD (Special Low Dispersion) and FLD (“F” Low Dispersion). In particular, FLD glass offers ultra-low dispersion in combination with high transmittance and the anomalous dispersion characteristics of fluorite.

• Mount: Nikon F (FX full-frame compatible; works on DX with 1.5x crop)
• Lens Type: Telephoto zoom lens
• Focal Length: 100–400mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/5–6.3
• Minimum Aperture: f/22
• Lens Construction: 21 elements in 15 groups
• Special Elements: 4 SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements
• Coating: Super Multi-Layer Coating
• Angle of View (Full-Frame): 24.4° – 6.2°
• Diaphragm Blades: 9, rounded
• Autofocus System: Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) with full-time manual override
• Focusing Type: Internal focusing
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 1.6m / 160cm / 63 inches
• Maximum Magnification Ratio: 0.26× (1:3.8)
• Image Stabilization: Optical Stabilizer (OS)
• OS Modes: Mode 1 (general), Mode 2 (panning)
• Zoom Mechanism: Twist zoom and push/pull zoom capability
• Filter Size: 67mm
• Dimensions: 86.4mm diameter × 182.3mm length
• Weight: 1,160g / 40.9 oz
• Build Material: Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) with metal components
• Weather Resistance: Dust- and splash-resistant mount
• Tripod Collar: Not included (no tripod collar support on the lens body)
• Accessories Included: Lens hood (LH770-04), front cap (LCF-67mm III), rear cap (LCR II for Nikon F)
• Aperture Control: Electromagnetic diaphragm for Nikon
• Compatibility: Sigma USB Dock for customization and firmware updates
• Formats Supported: Full-frame (DG) and APS-C (DX)

• Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Nikon F
• Sigma Rear Lens Cap
• Sigma Lens Cap
• Sigma Lens Hood
• Limited 1-Year Warranty
• Limited 3-Year U.S.A. Warranty Extension

Is the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM compatible with all Nikon F-mount cameras?

Yes, the lens is fully compatible with Nikon F-mount full-frame (FX) and APS-C (DX) DSLR cameras. It features an electromagnetic diaphragm, so some older Nikon bodies may require firmware updates to ensure full functionality.

Does the lens have image stabilization?

Yes, it includes Sigma’s Optical Stabilizer (OS), which helps reduce camera shake and delivers sharper handheld images, especially at longer focal lengths like 300–400mm.

Is this lens good for wildlife and bird photography?

Absolutely. The 100–400mm focal range, fast HSM autofocus, Optical Stabilizer, and lightweight design make it ideal for capturing wildlife, birds in flight, and distant subjects with clarity and precision.

Can this lens be used for close-up or macro-style photography?

While not a true macro lens, it offers a close focusing distance of 1.6 meters and a maximum magnification of 0.26×, allowing users to capture detailed close-up shots of flowers, textures, and small subjects from a comfortable distance.

Is the Sigma 100-400mm weather sealed?

The lens is not fully weather sealed, but it does include a dust- and splash-resistant mount, offering added protection when shooting outdoors in light rain or dusty environments.

Does the lens support tripod collars?

No, this particular model does not support a tripod collar. It is designed to be handheld due to its lightweight and balanced form factor.

Can I customize the autofocus or update the firmware?

Yes, the lens is compatible with the Sigma USB Dock, which allows photographers to adjust AF settings, customize stabilization behavior, and install firmware updates for enhanced performance.

Does the front element rotate when focusing?

No, the lens features an internal focusing system, which ensures the front element stays fixed—ideal for using polarizers, ND filters, or other directional filters.

What types of photography is this lens best suited for?

This lens excels in wildlife, birding, sports, aviation, outdoor events, travel photography, and distant detail work. Its long reach and stabilization make it highly versatile in dynamic shooting environments.

Is this lens suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Sigma 100-400mm is user-friendly, lightweight, and capable of delivering high image quality without requiring advanced technical knowledge, making it an excellent telephoto option for beginners and enthusiasts alike.