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Nikon 80-400 Vs Sigma 100-400: Ultimate Lens Showdown

The Nikon 80-400 and Sigma 100-400 are two popular telephoto lenses. According to extensive internet research, the general consensus is that the Sigma lens is a worthy competitor to the Nikon lens.

Moreover, the Sigma lens is fully gasketed and weather sealed, unlike its older counterpart.

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Nikon 80-400 Vs Sigma 100-400: Ultimate Lens Showdown

Lens	Nikon 80-400	Sigma 100-400
Zoom Range	80mm – 400mm	100mm – 400mm
Aperture	f/4.5-5.6	f/5-6.3
Image Stabilization	Yes	Yes
Weight	1570g	1160g

Both lenses offer good optical performance, capturing sharp and clear images. However, the Nikon 80-400mm lens is built with better weather-sealing, providing enhanced durability and protection against the elements. On the other hand, the Sigma 100-400mm lens is lighter in weight, which can be advantageous for photographers who prioritize portability.

The Nikon 80-400mm lens is a reliable choice for photographers who require weather-resistant construction and are willing to invest in a lens known for its overall build quality. The Sigma 100-400mm lens, on the other hand, offers similar performance at a slightly lower price point, making it a great option for photographers on a budget.

Key Features Comparison

The Nikon 80-400 and Sigma 100-400 lenses offer key differences in features. According to online research, the Sigma lens is known for its weather sealing and is considered a strong competitor to the Tamron lens.

Key Features Comparison

Optical design and elements: Both the Nikon 80-400 and Sigma 100-400 lenses offer a high-quality optical design with multiple elements, resulting in excellent image clarity and sharpness. However, the specific lens elements and their arrangement may differ, which can affect the overall image rendering. Aperture range and bokeh quality: The aperture range of a lens determines its ability to capture light and control depth of field. Both lenses have a similar aperture range, but the specific characteristics of the bokeh, or the quality of the out-of-focus areas, may vary slightly between the lenses. Image stabilization capabilities: Image stabilization is crucial for capturing sharp images, especially when shooting handheld or in low light conditions. While both lenses offer image stabilization technology, the effectiveness and performance may vary, which can impact the overall image quality. Auto-focus speed and accuracy: Fast and accurate auto-focus is important for capturing moving subjects or achieving precise focus in various shooting scenarios. The Nikon 80-400 and Sigma 100-400 lenses utilize different auto-focus technologies, leading to variations in focus speed and accuracy. Compatibility with teleconverters: Teleconverters allow photographers to extend the focal length of their lenses, providing additional reach. Not all lenses are compatible with teleconverters, so it’s important to consider whether the Nikon 80-400 or Sigma 100-400 lens can be used with teleconverter attachments.

Handling And Build Quality

Nikon 80-400 and Sigma 100-400 are both highly regarded lenses in terms of handling and build quality. The Sigma lens, unlike its predecessor, is fully gasketed and weather sealed, making it a reliable option for various shooting conditions. Extensive internet research on the lenses reveals a general consensus on their superior build quality.

Size, weight, and portability considerations:	The Nikon 80-400 and Sigma 100-400 lenses differ slightly in terms of size and weight. The Nikon lens is slightly larger and heavier, weighing around X lbs, while the Sigma lens weighs slightly less at around X lbs. When it comes to portability, both lenses are relatively easy to carry around on a day-to-day basis.
Material and construction durability:	Both the Nikon and Sigma lenses are constructed with high-quality materials that are built to last. The Nikon lens features a robust metal construction, while the Sigma lens incorporates a mix of metal and durable plastic components. Overall, both lenses are designed to withstand regular use and provide long-lasting durability.
Weather sealing and protection:	The Nikon 80-400 lens offers weather sealing and protection, allowing photographers to shoot in various weather conditions without worrying about moisture and dust entering the lens. On the other hand, the Sigma 100-400 lens also includes weather sealing, keeping it protected from the elements and ensuring reliable performance in challenging outdoor environments.
Ergonomics and user experience:	Both the Nikon and Sigma lenses are designed with user comfort in mind. They feature smooth focusing rings and responsive zoom controls, allowing for easy adjustments while shooting. Additionally, the lenses have well-positioned buttons and switches for quick access to various settings. Overall, photographers can expect a comfortable shooting experience with either lens.

Image Quality Shootout

The Nikon 80-400 and Sigma 100-400 undergo an image quality shootout. Through extensive online research, the overall opinion favors the Sigma lens. Additionally, it is worth noting that the Sigma lens is fully weather sealed, providing improved durability compared to its predecessor.

Image Quality Shootout

Sharpness across the zoom range

I don’t have personal experience with the Nikon 80-400 or Sigma 100-400 lens, but after conducting extensive internet research, it seems there is a general consensus on the image quality comparison between the two. Both lenses offer good sharpness across their respective zoom ranges, allowing you to capture detailed and crisp images. Users have reported that the Nikon lens performs exceptionally well in terms of sharpness, producing highly detailed photos at different focal lengths. On the other hand, the Sigma lens also receives positive feedback for its sharpness, delivering impressive results throughout the zoom range.

Chromatic aberration and lens distortions

When it comes to chromatic aberration and lens distortions, both the Nikon 80-400 and Sigma 100-400 are well-regarded. Chromatic aberration, which can cause color fringing, is minimal in both lenses, ensuring that your images have accurate and true-to-life colors. Additionally, users have reported that the lenses exhibit minimal or no noticeable distortion, allowing you to capture images without any significant warping or bending of straight lines.

Vignetting and light falloff

In terms of vignetting and light falloff, the Nikon 80-400 and Sigma 100-400 perform admirably. Vignetting, which refers to the darkening of corners and edges in an image, is well-controlled in both lenses, ensuring that your photos have even brightness from corner to corner. Light falloff, which can cause a decrease in brightness towards the edges of the image, is also minimal or non-existent, allowing you to capture well-exposed images throughout the frame.

Color rendition and contrast

Both the Nikon 80-400 and Sigma 100-400 lenses excel in terms of color rendition and contrast. Colors are rendered accurately and vividly, ensuring that your images have a natural and lifelike appearance. The lenses also provide excellent contrast, allowing you to capture images with a good level of detail and differentiation between light and dark areas. Whether you choose the Nikon or Sigma lens, you can expect impressive performance in terms of color reproduction and contrast.

Performance In Different Photography Scenarios

I don’t have the lens, but I did extensive internet research on it before buying the Tamron competitor. The general consensus is that the Sigma 100-400 performs exceptionally well in wildlife and sports photography scenarios. The lens offers a long zoom range, allowing you to capture distant subjects with ease. Its fast autofocus system ensures that you don’t miss any action shots.

When it comes to landscape and travel photography, both the Nikon 80-400 and Sigma 100-400 lenses deliver impressive results. They provide sharp and detailed images, allowing you to capture the beauty of nature and various landscapes. The wide focal range of these lenses enables you to capture wide-angle shots for expansive landscapes and zoom in for close-ups of interesting details.

For portraiture and close-up shots, the Sigma 100-400 is a great option. Its telephoto capabilities allow you to capture stunning close-up shots with beautiful bokeh. The lens produces sharp images with excellent subject isolation, resulting in professional-looking portraits. Whether you’re shooting indoors or outdoors, the lens performs admirably.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that the Sigma 100-400 lens is fully gasketed and weather sealed, providing durability and protection against dust and moisture. This feature is especially useful for outdoor photographers who frequently shoot in challenging weather conditions.

Accessory Compatibility And Extras

The Nikon 80-400 and Sigma 100-400 lenses are both highly regarded in terms of accessory compatibility and additional features. According to extensive internet research, the Sigma lens is praised for being fully gasketed and weather-sealed, unlike its predecessor.

	Nikon 80-400	Sigma 100-400
Lens Hood	Includes a lens hood for added protection against lens flare and ghosting.	Comes with a lens hood that effectively reduces stray light and unwanted glare.
Tripod Collar	Does not come with a tripod collar. However, it can be purchased separately for those who require it.	Includes a tripod collar, allowing for better balance and stability when mounted on a tripod.
Compatible Filters	Accepts 77mm filters, providing flexibility for photographers to use their preferred filters.	Supports 67mm filters, giving photographers the option to use a range of filters based on their shooting needs.
Aftermarket Support	Being a Nikon lens, it benefits from a wide range of aftermarket accessories and support available.	Sigma lenses have a strong aftermarket support, with various accessories and upgrades readily accessible.

The Nikon 80-400 and Sigma 100-400 are both versatile lenses with their own unique features. In terms of lens hood usage, the Nikon 80-400 comes with a lens hood, which adds extra protection against lens flare and ghosting. On the other hand, the Sigma 100-400 also includes a lens hood that effectively reduces stray light and unwanted glare. As for tripod collar usage, the Nikon 80-400 does not come with a tripod collar, but one can be purchased separately if needed. In contrast, the Sigma 100-400 features a tripod collar, providing better balance and stability when mounted on a tripod. When it comes to compatible filters, the Nikon 80-400 accepts 77mm filters, while the Sigma 100-400 supports 67mm filters, offering photographers the flexibility to use their preferred filters. Additionally, both lenses benefit from aftermarket support, with a range of accessories and upgrades available for both Nikon and Sigma systems.

Price And Value Analysis

When comparing the Nikon 80-400 and the Sigma 100-400 lenses, it’s essential to consider the initial investment and price comparison. Both lenses fall into a similar price range, with the Sigma lens typically being slightly more affordable. However, the Nikon lens might offer better overall value due to its reputation for superior build quality and image sharpness. Another aspect to consider is the resale value and market demand for these lenses. Nikon lenses tend to hold their value better over time, making them a smart investment for photographers who may want to upgrade in the future. Additionally, Nikon lenses generally have a larger market demand, making it easier to find a buyer if you decide to sell. Finally, it’s important to evaluate the cost versus performance of these lenses. While the Sigma lens may have a lower price point, it’s crucial to analyze whether it delivers the desired image quality and performance for your specific needs. The Nikon lens, with its reputation and features, may offer a better overall performance despite the slightly higher cost.

User Reviews And Testimonials

Professional photographers’ insights: While I don’t personally own the Nikon 80-400 or Sigma 100-400 lenses, I conducted thorough research online before purchasing the Tamron alternative. From what I gathered, the general consensus is that the Sigma lens performs exceptionally well in terms of image quality, sharpness, and autofocus capabilities. Many professional photographers praise its versatility and optical performance, especially when shooting wildlife or sports. Amateur photographers’ experiences: In my search for user reviews, I also came across various accounts from amateur photographers who have used either the Nikon or Sigma lens. They highlight the Sigma lens as a more affordable option without compromising on image quality. Some mentioned that the lens can provide stunning results, even for those with limited technical expertise. Common praises and complaints: One common praise for both lenses is their gasketed and weather-sealed construction, ensuring reliable performance in various shooting conditions. However, there were occasional complaints about the autofocus accuracy of the Nikon lens, whereas the Sigma received fewer negative reviews in this aspect.

Final Verdict

Summary of strengths and weaknesses:

Nikon 80-400: The Nikon 80-400 lens offers excellent image quality and a longer focal length range. It performs well in terms of sharpness and autofocus speed. However, it is heavier and more expensive compared to the Sigma lens. Sigma 100-400: The Sigma 100-400 lens provides good image quality and a slightly wider aperture. It is lighter and more affordable than the Nikon lens. However, it may have a slightly slower autofocus and lacks the weather sealing of the Nikon lens.

Recommendations based on user needs:

If you prioritize image quality and can afford the higher price and additional weight, the Nikon 80-400 lens is a great choice for capturing distant subjects and achieving sharper images. For those on a tighter budget or looking for a lighter lens for travel or handheld shooting, the Sigma 100-400 lens provides a good balance between quality and affordability.

Insights on making the right lens choice:

When deciding between the Nikon 80-400 and Sigma 100-400 lenses, it is essential to consider your specific needs and budget. Both lenses offer their strengths and weaknesses, so it’s crucial to prioritize what matters most to you. Assess factors such as image quality, focal length range, weight, autofocus performance, and weather sealing. Additionally, read reviews and compare sample images to gauge the lens’s suitability for your shooting requirements. By thoroughly evaluating your preferences and requirements, you can make an informed decision and choose the lens that best fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions For Nikon 80-400 Vs Sigma 100-400

What Is The 80 400mm Lens Used For?

The 80-400mm lens is used for capturing distant subjects from a long range. It is versatile for various photography genres such as wildlife, sports, and astrophotography. The lens provides sharpness, image stabilization, and weather sealing for outdoor shooting.

Does The Sigma 100 400 Have Image Stabilization?

Yes, the SIGMA 100 400 lens does have image stabilization. Additionally, it is fully gasketed and weather sealed, unlike the older versions.

Does Nikon Have A 100-400mm Lens?

No, Nikon does not currently have a 100-400mm lens in their product lineup. However, there are other brands like Sigma and Tamron that offer similar lenses that can be compatible with Nikon cameras. These lenses may also be weather sealed for added protection.

Is The Nikon 80 400 Weather Sealed?

Yes, the Nikon 80 400 lens is weather sealed and fully gasketed for protection against moisture and dust.

Conclusion

After thorough internet research and comparing the Nikon 80-400 and Sigma 100-400 lenses, it is evident that the Sigma offers several advantages. Not only does it provide excellent image quality and superior autofocus performance, but it is also fully weather sealed, making it a more reliable option.

If you are looking for a versatile telephoto zoom lens, the Sigma 100-400 proves to be a worthy contender.