Sigma 50-500mm lens

[LoveT]

Well, I've got a new toy! I'm now the proud owner of a Sigma 50 - 500mm lens in 4/3 fit, and boy is it heavy (or am I really weak )

I got it after work Thursday, and I've been itching to have a go with it since, but of course the weather has decided to take an immediate turn for the worst !

I couldn't wait any longer, so despite the appalling lighting conditions today, took some shots with the lens.

Here's a couple of my efforts (cropped a little):





I would appreciate any constructive comments you have - I need to learn!

Thanks

Thea

[The Woodman]

I'm sure you can see the reflection of the lens in the blackbirds eye!

[DavyG]

Congrats Thea, I'm sure you'll enjoy your new lens.

I've had the same lens for a few months now and although I've only used it a few times, I'm very pleased with the results.

I find it best to keep it at F8 or above at 500mm to get good results.

I'm looking forward to some decent weather so I can try the 50-500 and the ZD EC-14 TC together.

Dave

[naturelover]

Looks good to me well done.

[John D]

Hi Thea - Nice images, you must be pleased.
The 50-500mm on a 4/3 camera (is it an Olympus) should be a very good combination for bird photography due to the 4/3 camera having a crop factor of 2.
I did have an Olympus but it was before Sigma introduced the 50-500mm lens. I couldn't wait so I changed to Canon since there was a greater choice of lenses available.
I look forward to seeing more of your bird images.
John D

[glsammy]

You've made a wise choice Thea. Once you get used to the weight, I'm sure you'll grow to love the lens.

Make sure your using the strap that comes with the lens. Don't use the camera strap, it's not strong enough to take the extra weight. Using the supplied strap helps with the weight, as the lens hangs upside down and you can use the tripod support as a handle, taking the weight from your neck.

Your first couple of shots are fine. Just wait until the sun shines then you'll really have some fun.

[LoveT]

Thanks everyone for your very kind comments .

Yes JohnD, I'm using it on an E3, which I've had since December, so I'm still finding out all about using that as well (glutton for punishment me!).

Dave, I've got one of those teleconverters too, so when I'm feeling brave enough (and the weather's good enough ) I'll have a go with it too.

Graham - thanks for the tip about the strap. I hadn't thought of that, so I'm off to put the beefier strap on my camera right now! Having said that, I hope to use it with tripod or monopod as often as possible - even so, I would still use the strap around my neck (just in case).

Thea

[denn]

could somebody tell me the size of filter needed for the 50-500,
thanks.
denn

[LoveT]

Originally Posted by denn

could somebody tell me the size of filter needed for the 50-500,
thanks.
denn

Yep - 86mm

Thea

[Fourwings]

Considering you had bad light conditions these first two images are fine Thea.
I can honestly say that my first efforts with my Bigma were no way near as good as yours!
Its got fantastic quality accross the focal range but if you can use it at 400mm or below the results are awesome, a little tip though, dont take the F stop any lower than f.9 when using it at full zoom.
Keep practicing as much as possible, it does take a little getting used to but as Graham said when the sun is shining the results from this lens can be absolutely stunning, these are just a couple of my recent Bigma images taken in good sunlight.