Sigma 150-500mm

[Babu]

I am interested in purchasing this lens. Would like to get some feedback from any Canon users who have one.

[selaw]

I am interested in purchasing this lens. Would like to get some feedback from any Canon users who have one.

Hello & welcome to AP. I too am looking at this lens, driven more because of the $$...From what I ahve read it should be a good sports/wildlife lens. If the $$ weren't an issue I would go for one of the faster L IS series Canon lenses.

[selaw]

Woops!!! "have', sorry :o

[ricktas]

Agree with Roy. The Siggy can be a good allround lens, but it isn't fast enough to compete with the L series glass. With lenses it is really the more you pay the better quality the lens. So if your thoughts are for birding or sports, the Siggy can be a good base lens to learn from, but you will find yourself wanting more and the lens lust will start to beckon and have you looking at more pro level glass, be that from Siggy or another third party or at the Canon L series themselves.

[dulvariprestige]

I was also looking at the Sigma, but bit the bullet and went for the 100-400 canon, very happy with this lens.

[feral1]

Hi dulvariprestige and welcome to AP.

I use a Canon camera and the 150-500mm lens for my birding shots these days, I got this lens mainly due to money issues.
I have found the lens quite good for most situations for birding, I have used it for scenery shots where I have had to, as car was too far and I was chasing a few species of bird at the times.
Here is one image I had taken recently http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=53051
This is of a Redthroat near Burra SA.

Here is another taken the following day 30 to 40 ks north of Yunta in SA.
http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=53549

I had to get a fair distance from the old vehicle to enable all 3 elements I want in the frame.

These are just a couple of shots to show what it is capable of, mind you the Redthroat could do with a tad of sharpening.

I do not regret getting this lens, but would still love the L lens from Canon for the clarity they produce.

Peter

[dulvariprestige]

Thanks Feral1, but I think you meant Babu:th3:

BTW, nice shots in your links.

[rookie]

Hi Babu if there is one thing I've learnt on this forum that is don't buy a 2nd choice lens save and buy the one you really want.It will be cheaper in the long run.

[hoffy]

Geez, anyone wonder why Sigma bother making lenses, because clearly you must be a twit to buy anything that doesn't have a L and a red band on it.... ;)

OK, I am going to weigh in on this thread too, as I am thinking of getting something a little longer as well, but I seem to be in the minority as I have a budget to stick to.

My biggest concern is the F6.3 thing. From peoples experience, how quickly does it hit that mark? Peter, if you are still reading this thread, was that shot of the Redthroat at full length? Is there much cropping?

The other option I am thinking of is the Sigma 120-400, but if the 150-500 is @ F5.6 @ 400mm, I would probably go for a bit more length.

Cheers

[feral1]

Geez, anyone wonder why Sigma bother making lenses, because clearly you must be a twit to buy anything that doesn't have a L and a red band on it.... ;)

OK, I am going to weigh in on this thread too, as I am thinking of getting something a little longer as well, but I seem to be in the minority as I have a budget to stick to.

My biggest concern is the F6.3 thing. From peoples experience, how quickly does it hit that mark? Peter, if you are still reading this thread, was that shot of the Redthroat at full length? Is there much cropping?

The other option I am thinking of is the Sigma 120-400, but if the 150-500 is @ F5.6 @ 400mm, I would probably go for a bit more length.

Cheers

I shall have to look at the 400mm and see what the Fstop will sit at,,,,,,, just got the camera out and from 300mm up it sits at F6.3.

The bird was shot at 500mm and here is an image of the original file off the camera,, small amount of cropping was done.
Depening on what you want to use the lens for, I have not found the f6.3 min a problem.

Peter

[Speedway]

I have the 150-500 and love it, I usually leave it on F8 and work with the ISO. Also the OS works very well, check these (http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=53074) out, the last 2 taken at 1/50 and 1/80 sec handheld at 500mm.

[scheery]

Scheery
Hi,
I have used this lens on a Pentax K7.
I like it & although I was worried aboit being able to hand-hold it, it is possible. I like its silent autofocus. Recently sold some photos taken with it. Small aperture doesn't worry me as I find you really need about f8 for close small bird photos.

[Babu]

Thanks to all who responded to my request for opinions on the Sigma 150-500, especially Peter & Keith - I enjoyed the pics you attached.
I am quite familiar with the Canon 100-400, having captured many wonderful images with it in a wide variety of environments. However, it won't autofocus with a 1.4x unless I buy a 1D body and I want some exta reach. I intend to acquire a Canon 500mm prime in the future but, in the meantime, I need something with a bit more pull than the 100-400.
Acting on the mainly positive vibes in your responses, I bought the Sigma 150-500 yesterday. I tested it hand-held briefly in the back yard and have attached one untouched sample except for making it small enough to attach. I'm happy so far but the results will hopefully improve when I'm more used to the lens. See what you think.

[dulvariprestige]

You have to be happy with that, Babu where was your focus point, it's seems the wing is more in focus, but if you did focus on the head you may need to do a micro adjust.

[selaw]

That's a cracker of a test shot Babu...Lots of great posts in this thread that will help me make my own mind up in which lens to get in the near future :)

[Babu]

Ray, I noticed that you have a 1D MkIII which, correct me if I'm wrong, is a 1.3 crop factor body.
Add the 100-400mm L IS and you'd have 520mm f5.6 @10 fps. Add the 1.4x TC and you'd have 728mm f8 (centre point AF).
However, if you opted for the Sigma 150-500mm, you'd be looking at 650mm f6.3.
But then your 350D is a 1.6 crop factor (only 8 MP and slow fps for wildlife on the move) 640mm @ f5.6 with the 100-400mm Canon or 800mm f6.3 with the Sigma 150-500mm.
All these 1.6 specs look way better with the 7D (DIGIC IV) at 18 MP and 8 fps, outboard flash control and 1080p HD movies..... The 1D IV (Dual DIGIC IV) is 16 MP and 10 fps.............
So many numbers and decisions!!!
I don't know what will be the right decision for you, but I hope to win Gold Lotto or find a generous sponsor. Let us know which way you go.

[Blueywa]

I use Nikon, but Im not biased!
I was impressed with Kym's 50-500 (Bigma) and have arranged a test run with one for this weekend, but now I'm going to ask if they can do the same with the 150-500.
Cost is a factor when looking at lens of this type and I appreciate Nikkor glass being 'quality' but I can't justify the price "yet".

[feral1]

I use Nikon, but Im not biased!
I was impressed with Kym's 50-500 (Bigma) and have arranged a test run with one for this weekend, but now I'm going to ask if they can do the same with the 150-500.
Cost is a factor when looking at lens of this type and I appreciate Nikkor glass being 'quality' but I can't justify the price "yet".

Blueywa, Hi Just thought I would mention to you that as far as I know the 50-500mm siggy has no OS as the 150-500 does.

Peter

[dulvariprestige]

Blueywa, Hi Just thought I would mention to you that as far as I know the 50-500mm siggy has no OS as the 150-500 does.

Peter

Peter the new 50-500 has OS, $1758 @ gerry gibbs camera house

[selaw]

Ray, I noticed that you have a 1D MkIII which, correct me if I'm wrong, is a 1.3 crop factor body.
Add the 100-400mm L IS and you'd have 520mm f5.6 @10 fps. Add the 1.4x TC and you'd have 728mm f8 (centre point AF).
However, if you opted for the Sigma 150-500mm, you'd be looking at 650mm f6.3.
But then your 350D is a 1.6 crop factor (only 8 MP and slow fps for wildlife on the move) 640mm @ f5.6 with the 100-400mm Canon or 800mm f6.3 with the Sigma 150-500mm.
All these 1.6 specs look way better with the 7D (DIGIC IV) at 18 MP and 8 fps, outboard flash control and 1080p HD movies..... The 1D IV (Dual DIGIC IV) is 16 MP and 10 fps.............
So many numbers and decisions!!!
I don't know what will be the right decision for you, but I hope to win Gold Lotto or find a generous sponsor. Let us know which way you go.

Hi Babu

I think you are refrerring to me (Roy) here. Have just caught back up with this thread. Yep the 1D3 is 1.3 crop & 350D is 1.6 crop.

The 350D was my original starting DSLR. I have an interest in sports/photojounalsim (hense the 1D3 which I got in excellent nick for a super price) & this was to replace the 350D but I have found I am still taking at least half my shots (working on a 271/365 project) with it & kit lenses.

I am primarily thinking of the 1D3 with regards to new lenses but will experiment with the 350D no doubt. As for choice i am leaning toward the Sigma 150-500 purely for financial reasons (excellent high ISO properties of the 1D3 helps with poor light), hoping to obtain a small zoom and long telephoto prime down the track.

My technique and genre developement are of primary concern. You are right about the 7D and I was on track to buy one until the 1D3 (10fps which has paid off already http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/33711466@N06/4480512272/ ) opportunity arose. I haven't been bitten by any movie bug yet but 18mp x 1.6 crop = D700 full frame (am I wrong? Just my figuring). Hope this all makes sense. Bottom line is if you are not going to shoot in poor light then all indications is the Sigma 150-500 OS should be a very worthwhile purchase.

[Babu]

Hi Roy,
I chose the 7D as my crop factor camera as it has the Digic IV processor (not the dual Digic III in the 1D III). The 7D has 18MP and 8fps compared to 10MP and 10fps. Then there are other improvements (LCD screen, Live View, built-in controller for off-camera flashes, full HD movies, HDMI interface...)

The Nikon D700 is Full Frame and costs more than a 5D II. It has only 12MP and 5fps (w/o a special battery pack, then 8fps).

[Blueywa]

Just a quick update on my test run with 150-500 Sigma; I was so impressed with it that I bought it instead of the 'Bigma' - I'll post a picture or two when I get the hang of attaching to AP.
Cheers, Ray.

[Harrier]

This lens is a real ripper, at times it is not long enough! Then what is? Of course much dearer lenses should be are better? or are they! To me it is a hobby!

I suggest you go to Fliokr and look up the sigma 150 500mm group or what ever lens you are looking at.
It is the nutt behind the butt that counts!

Pin sharp shots of nothing are just that!

Cheers John

[tim71]

G'day Scherry,

does the HSM focusing work on your K-7?

cheers,

Tim

[selaw]

Just a quick update on my test run with 150-500 Sigma; I was so impressed with it that I bought it instead of the 'Bigma' - I'll post a picture or two when I get the hang of attaching to AP.
Cheers, Ray.

Good one mate. I have been thinking of buying this lens for general purpose/wildlife use and am keen to see some of your results. At the moment my least expectant genre (landscape) has a bit of a stranglehold an me and I find myself looking at other suitable small zooms & primes...Ahh!! the turmulteous mind juggling :confused013

[OzzieTraveller]

G'day all

Harrier asks "... This lens is a real ripper, at times it is not long enough! Then what is? ..."

In my film slr days, I regularly used my 1000mm + 2x TC for wildlife pix and even then (sometimes) it wasn't long enough :(

However, from experience - over about 1000mm heat thermals bugger up sharpness lots of the time anyway :confused013

These days I stick to < 600mm and stay there :)

Regards, Phil

[RRRoger]

If in doubt, do what I did.
Take your camera to a store and put on several lens.
I tried the "Big Ma" (old version), Sigma 150-500, both 24-70s, and a 70-200.
Take some test shots.
Go home (cool down your lens lust).
Compare your pictures by zooming in with a good monitor.
Make your buying decision. Then come back or order on the Internet.

I am glad I bought the Sigma 24-70 MACRO, 70-200 HSM MACRO and the 150-500 APO HSM. These work great on my 5D2. http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Blueywa]

Sigma 150-500mm.
A resized shot of a power pole 20metres away using full 500mm.

[Blueywa]

The same pole/same lens from same spot using lens at 150mm.

[RRRoger]

Has anyone gotten good results with any teleconverter on their 150-500?
If so, which one?
And the proof is in the picture, please.

We went out to the Pinnacles a few weeks ago.
The Condors are just little guys in my pictures.
I need more reach.

[NikonNellie]

I love my Sigma 150 - 500mm. I haven't used it too much as it is a bit heavy for me to carry but I hope to start using it a lot more. I have had some great results with bird shots - very sharp. My next purchase will probably be a teleconverter to use mainly with this lens.

[Blueywa]

For anyone that doubts the capability of the Sigma 150 - 500, I took the attached shots with my D300s handheld.
I am no expert so was pleased with the result.
Cheers, Ray.

[RRRoger]

Thanks for the pictures. Huge depth of field.
What was the f stop and your other settings?

I just tried a C-AF 1.5x teleplus MC DG Kenko (not SHQ) and am very pleased with the results.
For one thing it Auto Focuses very well in average light.
I will post some pictures as soon as it cools down at the Pinnacles.

[LJG]

So far I'm happy with mine. I brought it for birding but have so far only managed to go to an airfiled as a trial run.

It can be a bitch trying to find small objects in flight at 500mm, but it will also focus on them when you do get them in the viewfinder.

I have to use auto focus because of my eyes, I have tried adjusting the viewfinder and have to go to its maximum, but it still does not deliver "in focus" images. They still come out blurry, like the rest of me it all goes to hell when you get older haha.

Now, I know these are boring but this trip was only to try it out and experiment with different settings (in manual), all are hand held.

This shot was at 150mm, F8 (which it seems happy at)

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/LJG_photo/Glider1.jpg

This one at 500mm, same settings, I'd hate to even try and guess the distance, substantial, well over 100 metres at least and heavily cropped

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/LJG_photo/glider2.jpg

Back to 150mm, taking off. I was standing around 30 metres from the strip edge, plus it was in the air, so 30 to 40 metres. It is hard to judge exactly (still cropped)

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/LJG_photo/Plane.jpg

This one was further away, again, shot at 500mm and quite a substantial distance (100mtrs?), plus I shot it at F8 with a 1250 shutter speed to try it. It froze the prop, but was reasonably good on the machine. Again, very heavily cropped

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/LJG_photo/Ultralite.jpg

I'm impressed with the reach it has and so far my only citicism with it is the physical size and weight of the thing, it is heavy (1.9kg) and quite big, a lot bigger than the 100-400 Canon.

Even though I have a tripod, I can see a monopod in my very near future haha

All I've got to do now is to get out birding to give it a real try out. That'll certainly be the acid test! If it works well birding I'll be happy. If not, I won't be haha

[Harrier]

Good comment Phil, you can always walk backwards! I think the 150 500 is about right!

I loved your quote "of all the stuff in your kitbag the Ability To See Photographically is the most
important.,

Wish we could patent that! :)

[Harrier]

Nice shots too guys, when I sort out my resizing will post some. :)

[Speedway]

Ray how do you get the 18mm and F3.5 out of a 150-500 F5-6.3 lens in your first image?

[Blueywa]

RRRoger,
Second shot was using the Sigma @170mm, f/5, 1/160sec, ISO 200, OS 'on'.

Sorry Keith,
I should have explained better.
The first was taken with Nikkor 18-70 lens; what I was trying to do was show the Difference between a relatively 'normal' lens and the Sigma 150-500.
They were both taken from the same spot and aimed at the same point in the distance.
:food04:

[ving]

got the 150-500 on a nikon... i think it works pretty good.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv203/davidwhall/DSC_8813.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv203/davidwhall/DSC_7788bb.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv203/davidwhall/DSC_7331moon.jpg

[Blueywa]

Ving,
The 1st shot reminds me of a teacher I had many years ago.
A real character.
:wd:

[Jimboshep]

I have got this lens on my EOS 50 and LOVE IT !!!!! Two of my mates have got them as well and love them. For the price a great lens.
But i was at the PMA expo here in melb at the W/E and Sigma have now got the 50-500 (Bigma) with OS. It was around the 2k mark and it may will be worth having a look at.

A lot of people say buy the L series, i have taken 1000's of aircraft images with this lens. And sold a few as well, donated heaps to Aviation Museums and RAAF Squadrons and they did not give a **** that i used a sigma lens on a canon body. So get what you can afford.
Good Luck.

[RRRoger]

It is heating up. So, it may be awhile before we get back to the Pinnacles.

Today we took a walk along the Rec Trail in Monterey.
This is what I got hand held with my 5D2, Sigma 150-500 and C-AF 1.5x teleplus MC DG Kenko (not SHQ).
The AF worked but was a little slow.
The first is the back of my wife crossing the street at 439mm x1.5 re-sized to 800x533 and saved at 85% otherwise untouched

The second is a group of animals migrating down the trail. They were shot at 247x1.5 and f8

[bricat]

And don't they look happy. Reminds me of when I was a cub leader. cheers Brian Oh and the shots are clear as well

[RRRoger]

We went to Carmel by the Sea today.
This is what I got with the 5D2, Sigma 150-500 and C-AF 1.5x teleplus MC DG Kenko (not SHQ).
500mm X 1.5 at f/8 from at least 500 yards away with a monopod.

[Tannin]

^ No point posting a tiny reduction like that, Roger, you need to post a representative crop to show anything in this context.

[RRRoger]

Ok, but you can not post a full size image on a forum.
This image has been cropped and resized to the max 1024x1024, then saved at only 79% to get under the 250kb file size limit.
At any rate, the best you can expect is a comparison with other web images.

[Harrier]

I had better show you what I am talking about how this lens does produce good resulits

Black Shoulderd Kite havig a good stretch. Nikon D80 slight assistance from a very small branch of a tree. Albany,Western Australia.

[aayling]

Hi,
I've recently bought myself a Sigma 150-500 and man I am pretty happy with it for the price. There is no way I can currently afford the Canon L lens so it was either this or nothing for a couple of years (which is way to painful) so I decided to go with it.

I am very happy so far with the bird shots I've been able to pick up with it :)

[Zac]

I have the Bigma 50-500, when I was looking around the reviews suggested this was sharper than Sigmas other 500mm zooms. It does take some fabulous images :)

[Cage]

Harrier, the Black Shouldered Kite is a special shot. A real keeper.

Was that with the 150-500? I've read mixed reports on it, and was thinking of going with the 100-300 f/4 with a 1.4 TC.

Kevin

[rick75]

What is everyones take on going for a shorter faster glass and using a TC, I was looking at a 200mm f2.8 and using a 2x TC, what sort of results can you expect with this, over say a 80-400mm f4.5-5.6
Cheers

[RRRoger]

Depends on the glass.
Using the old Nikkor 70-200 + and old TC2.0, my results are not be as good as the shorter, lighter 80-400.
The newest Nikkor combo is supposed to be quite a bit better and should be for the cost.

Hopefully an upgraded 80-400 will be out this year, one that is compatible with the new Nikkor TC 2x.