Lknack Loc: NOCO

OK folks, a couple of you mentioned you were interested the results of my very amateur tests.
I purchased the Sigma 100-400C FF lens and the MC-11 adapter, new from Sigma in NY, 14 months ago, and downloaded the latest firmware, as of last week.
I purchased the Sony 70-350 APS-C lens from a fellow UHH’er last week (in new condition).
All photos were shot in sunny conditions in Northern Colorado in my back yard.
I judged them side-by-side on my 2 monitors according to my old eyes.
My grading scale was “0-10” 10 being the best of the two. I’m not posting any of the photos because I’m not going to argue about the findings---I don’t care what anyone thinks, it comes down to which lens I’m going to keep.
Photos were shot with a Sony a6000, using the small spot AF (and a couple manual focuses).
“SS” was set at 1/1500, “A” was auto and ISO was Auto/1600 max.
Targets were a downloaded “Sharpness/Contrast” scale, the nails in my cedar fence, a couple birds on the feeder and some small flowers.
Range was mostly about 50-75 feet to infinity and down to the closest they would focus.
1—Sharpness Sony 10 --- Sigma 10
2—Color Sony 10 --- Sigma 9
3—Contrast Sony 10 --- Sigma 8
4—Closeup Sony 8 --- Sigma 10
5—Weight Sony 10 --- Sigma 5
6—Basic Usability Sony 10 --- Sigma 6
7—Controls Sony 7 --- Sigma 10
8—Auto Focus Speed Sony 10 --- Sigma 8

I’m happy with the Sigma—It’s sharp. It may take a little more work/time to get there than the Sony.
I’m keeping the Sony 90% because of the weight---I old and it’s easier for me to handle, even though those extra 50mm make a difference (I didn’t think 350-400 would be that different).
Hope you find this of some use.

Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

No photos included. Was that your intention?

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

He said he didn't care what we think of the test images and that he was just going to tell us his personal findings. Fine with me. I don't have any of that equipment.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Very apples to oranges comparison.
Weight etc. of a heavy duty FF lens vs a consumer APSC lens.

melueth Loc: Central Florida

Thank you Lknack. I really appreciate the time and detail you put into this comparison. Yes, they are very different lenses, but close enough to justify my decision to go with the Sony 70-350 over the larger Sigma. Loving this lens!

ML

repleo Loc: Boston

Good work, but including prices (including adaptor) in the comparison list would have been useful.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

Try Clear Image Zoom for 700mm crop. Works well but be sure that the focus is correct.
You have to be shooting in JPG though.
Thanks for sharing your work!

gouldopfl

Was the Sigma a ART lens? The ART series should be the lens compared. What are aperture of each lens?

jeffhendy Loc: El Dorado Hills, CA

I have the Sony 70-350 on my A6600, and love it!
I have hardly used my Sigma 150-600 since I bought the Sony lens, mostly because of weight and focussing speed.
Much of the advantage of the APS-C format is the smaller size of the lens.
Especially when you're old!

Boris77

Good for you not posting photos to argue about!
My interpretation of your results is in your conclusion, weight makes a big difference to us old folks.
However, since photography has been my only optional cost factor since retirement, I have acquired both kinds of lenses. For years I used the light weight ones for many active hours of shooting and walking. Now I find there are no festivals, no hikes - my shooting is in my yard, or hopping out of my car for a few shots. It is good to have a wide choice of equipment!
Boris