Sigma 500mm F4.5 users?

[Tobyh]

Hi all,

Is there anyone here that owns and uses one of these that would be happy to give their impressions and that I could check out a few pictures from. Especially interested in knowing what you upgraded from and how much difference you consider it made to image quality etc.

Thanks in advance!

TobyH

[rogpow]

Hi Toby,

I've owned one for about 6 years. Got it when I started specializing in surf photography and needed something longer than the 300mm 2.8 I was using for general sport freelancing. Although its a third stop slower than the Nikon version its also a helluva lot cheaper and lighter and I've never had a problem with quality of the images. I usually shoot wide open and have had dozens of shots published in magazines and books, so it can't be too bad.
Only criticism I have is that the lens hood could be longer, especially for my type of work with lots of spray around.

Don't forget you might also need a bigger camera bag and sturdier tripod legs/head.

PM me if you want any more info.

Cheers,
Rog

[momji1971]

Hi Toby,

Rog gave me the same advice to the same question about twelve months ago. I bought one and don't regret it for one moment.

I started on the same path as rog, Nikon 300mm 2.8 but wanted the extra reach for my bird images.

Have a look at my Gallery shots most of which have been shot using this lens and d300.

Again agree with rog about the lens hood. Although I made a longer petal type hood from 1mm plastic which I'm gonna test this weekend! (I have access to a cad cutter! )

Regards.
Stu.

[rogpow]

Hi Stu,

Glad (and relieved ) to hear you're pleased with the lens. You're certainly getting some great shots with it. Especially love the gannets. Excellent!

Cheers,
Rog

[Tobyh]

Excellent, thanks guys. I'm on the verge but as it's quite alot of money I like to try and make sure.

Stu - I checked your Gallery, some lovely pics in there, inspires me more


TobyH

[momji1971]

Thanks chaps!

You can try and look for a second hand one, but be careful and check the lens over really well before you buy!

Fingers crossed for you, its lighter than the nikon/canon 500mm as well as being cheaper too!


Rog, never regretted buying it. Thanks for your advice!

cheers.
Stu.

[wildlifesnapper]

Hi

nice lens, used one for a few years. Just don't skimp on the tripod and head!

neil

[NicolaB]

This one is definitely my dream lens....maybe one day if I keep on saving!!

I've got to make do with my Bigma for now, unless I get a lottery win.

[Vectisbirder]

Originally Posted by NicolaB

This one is definitely my dream lens....maybe one day if I keep on saving!!

I've got to make do with my Bigma for now, unless I get a lottery win.

Likewise. I have the Canon 400mm f5.6 but feel I'd like more reach as well as a faster lens. I'd actually like the Canon 500mm f4, but seeing as the Sigma must be just as good and, more importantly, a lot cheaper than the Canon it's one I'm looking at saving for.
I've heard that 500mm might not offer a massive amount more over the 400mm, although looking at various comparisons on the web does indicate that it would be an advantage, plus at f4 (or 4.5 in the Sigma's case) it would take a 1.4x t.c. better and AF where the 400mm wouldn't as effectively without taping the pins.

[rogpow]

plus at f4 (or 4.5 in the Sigma's case) it would take a 1.4x t.c. better and AF where the 400mm wouldn't as effectively without taping the pins.

I don't know the situation with Canon bodies, but with Nikon the 500 f4.5 will not autofocus with most converters - as it needs a combined aperture of f5.6 or faster and f4.5 x 1.4 comes out at f6.3
I believe it might work with a Kenko, but not with a Sigma or Nikon converter.
If it does work, it will probably be a lot slower. I found the 300 f2.8 can be quite sluggish to autofocus with a converter attached.

Rog

P.S. As we're both on the I.W., PM me if you want to have a look at a 500 in the flesh