Sigma 150-500 lens

[mervyn robb]

Was put through a link to this website to read reviews of the sigma 150-500 lens with OS. What would be the latest opinions about this lens please

[Geoff F]

If you search around the photo sections you will find quite a few references to this lens.

Some people prefer the older and well trusted 'Bigma' which has a greater zoom range (downwards) but lacks image stabilisation (OS). If you ever want to handhold a lens of this size the OS does a good job.

Overall I am happy with this lens, both handheld and on a tripod.

Not just for long distance birds, but also useful for closer range subjects which require a bit of zoom.


Taken in July with this lens, on a tripod, at around 8 ft. Afterwards I managed to sneak close enough to switch to my Sigma 180 macro lens but preferred these photos.

Not cheap or lightweight but I think it is a good comprimise on both accounts and would recommend it. Do search around for the best deal though as you can save £200 approx by some careful shopping. But if money is unlimited Canon/Nikon etc have some really superb lenses . . .

ps. There is some comparison between the Sigma 150-500 and the 50-500 here Best lens - Sigma 150-500mm OS or 50-500MM and a few other comments about the lens in that area of old postings.

[mervyn robb]

Thanks Geoff. Yes I have a Nikon D300 and try to stick with nIkon glass. However, Nikon do nothing affordable of this length. I have a nikon 300f4 and 1.4TC. Longer primes are out of the question
Thanks

[alisonthompson]

Hi there

Here's a thread in which many of us chipped in with experiences of the lens.

sigma 150-500 or 50-500

Ali

[Richard G.]

Don't have much to add to what I've said on previous threads.

The OS definitely works and helps when handholding or off tripod, which most of the time, I am. Handholding a 500mm lens is still a hit and miss affair though.

It's a bit soft generally, sharpens up OK is PP, but you wouldn't want to be cropping too much for prints.

I've found mine to be sharpest at f/9 (noticeably better than f/8, which is a bit strange), not ideal for shutter speed, but often required for DoF at this focal length anyway.

Here's an example of an f/9 handheld shot @ 500mm to give you an idea of sharpness and DoF.

[wrogers]

the problem is that the 500mm end, as richard G pointed out, can be very soft.
the solution a 500 mm prime is the preferred choice (although I cannot afford one, well I have 1/4 of the money!!)

somebody on the forum has a 300mm F/2.8 plus 2x TC and gets great shots, and an older 300mm f/2.8 may fit your price range.

overall though the sigma seems to have won many fans, but I am going to try to change mine to the legendary canon 400mm f5.6 L.. unfortunately you don't have this option, but my ramblings have probably told you that it will never be a s sharp as your 300mm F/4 prime lens.

other than sharpness this lens does very well, with good contrast and colours.

If you could save up, and get a better lens in a few months, then I would wait.

just my $0.02

[RobinP]

Just taken delivery of my Sigma 150-500 (Nikon mount with HSM motor) and boy is it heavy! I've never used a lens this big before so will take some getting used too, I'll post a few shots once I've got the hang of it!

Anybody recommend a good monopod?

[Ukwildlifeo]

Originally Posted by RobinP

Just taken delivery of my Sigma 150-500 (Nikon mount with HSM motor) and boy is it heavy! I've never used a lens this big before so will take some getting used too, I'll post a few shots once I've got the hang of it!

Anybody recommend a good monopod?

Ive used the mafrotto 679B which was great but had a major fault: it left itself at oxford services

So when I had to buy another I got the 680B beacuse it had an extra section so it would collapse down a bit shorter (I needed to take it on the train at the time). Ive had an issue with the top clip squeeking as i lock it (I think the plastic is rubbing) which is annoying when youve just snuck up on a rabbit! But Ive got a dodgy one and its fine other wise.

The manfrotto 234RC is a decent solid head for the 150-500mm too

[mervyn robb]

Also took delivery this week of my 150-500 Sigma. It is big!! Had to send my D300 to nikon for checking so cant try it out yet except with my D40

[Geoff F]

I have used the 150-500 with a monopod, but I always end up going back to a tripod, especially with these heavier lenses.

But admittedly a monopod can allow you to move quicker with action shots.

Leave OS on for a monopod but I prefer to turn it off on a really steady tripod.