Sigma 150-500

[Morph]

Just took delivery of this lens and on 1st go on a Canon 50d it seems the image stabliser is noisey and the autofocus a little clunky is that normal or do I have to send it back ?

[Gaza]

Hi Morph

Hard to say. I have this lens on a 50D and yes, I can hear the OS operating and Yes they can shunt a bit when auto focusing sometimes.
But How noisy, is noisy ? and how much shunting ? What were the conditions?
I have had Canon lens shunt.

When i first got this lens, I was very disappointed with it, and the photo's that it produced. But i persevered with it.
Now i get the quality that i want. I like this lens a lot and wouldnt be without it. It has become my walkabout lens.

This lens takes a bit of getting used too.

[Morph]

OS is a kind of low motor noise, and auto focus kinda clunks to a stop. Took a few pics out the back this afternoon in good light about 5 degrees a couple are a bit fuzzy but some are spot on. Not had a lot of time to play with it really, but I found that OS didn't operate in Program AE mode, but that could be me not setting it up correctly.

[Gaza]

Hi Morph

I can hear the OS operating when i hold the camera to my eye, to take a photo. It is a low humming / buzzing sound. Sounds about right to me.

The clunk stop. Yes that is right. Depends on what your were focusing on previously ( length wise ) But i agree that they can stop with a clunk.

As I say. They take a bit of getting used too. But once you have mastered it. You will be pleasantly surprised.

The OS should work on any mode. Just checked my one, to make sure.

[Geoff F]

I find that lens is sharpest in the F8 - F14 bracket and even with OS you still need a decent shutter speed, say 1/200 minimum. For anything slower I recommend a tripod with cable release and, if possible, mirror lock up.

Best with OS turned off when using a tripod, unless you are getting wind rock or other vibration. I have taken acceptable photos handheld at 500 mm but I recommend always using a strong tripod at that length.

Autofocus is a bit slow and needs good light but this is normal with a big lens, unless you have an unlimited budget!

I've had a quick check and OS does work with Program AE; but my advice is never ever use that setting with this lens. It is too automated and will give disappointing results. In fact my recommendation would be never use that setting with any lens!

The best setting for any quality lens, particularly a big lens in difficult conditions, is Av and choose a suitable aperture, but beware of too low a shutter speed. Adjust your ISO to give a suitable shutter speed. The only exception is fast moving subjects where Tv can be better, but also keep an eye on the aperture size.

If you aren't familiar with using Av you will have a bit of learning to do; but I guarantee it will be worth it in the end.

[DrNickBurton]

Originally Posted by Morph

Just took delivery of this lens and on 1st go on a Canon 50d it seems the image stabliser is noisey and the autofocus a little clunky is that normal or do I have to send it back ?

Don't worry, that is normal with this lens. It has the loudest stabiliser whirring I've seen.

[Morph]

Thank you everyone for your very imformative and quick responses, I can now go play and try it out without worrying. Thanks once again.