Sigma 500mm f4.5 APO EX DGlens for nikon

Cordless47 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010, 05:06 PM

Hello
I have been offered a Sigma 500mm f4.5 APO EX DG lens at a good price but wanted some reviews from anyone on the forum who has this lens or used this lens, I will be using it with a D300s and a D3.

Regards

DaveC

rogpow · #2 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010, 06:02 PM

Hi Davec,

Go for it, if it's a good price.

I've had one for about 6 years, using it as a freelance extreme sports photographer on a D2X. It's been good enough to get published in magazines and books many times.

Fast focussing and sharp enough wide open. Works nicely on a gimbal head.

Only problem I had with it is the rear section of the barrell behind the rotating filter mount worked a little bit loose. A friend of mine who's a freelance wildlife photographer (and has also had a lot of work published with one) also had this problem. Sigma sorted it out for £39 - very efficient service. Apart from that it's worked faultlessly, and mine's been well punished working from beaches, clifftops etc.

Cheers,
Rog

Cordless47 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010, 07:04 PM

Rog
Thanks for that review, I normally try to stick with Nikon gear but the price of the nikon 500mm f4 is a bit out of my league. I currently have 300mm f2.8 but for small birds it is not really long enough, I will take on board what you have said, have you tried any of the TC's with it all.

Regards

DaveC

rogpow · #4 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cordless47

have you tried any of the TC's with it all.

Hi Dave,

The Nikon tcs won't physically fit the 500 without surgery, the Sigma 1.4x fits but I seem to remember you'll only get manual focus. The Kenko 1.4x fits and will autofocus (most of the time) and provides correct exif data. I occasionally use the Kenko but usually if I need more focal length I switch to the 800mm 5.6 (as long as I don't have to carry it too far

)

Cheers,
Rog

Cordless47 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-11-2010, 07:17 PM

Thanks for your feedback, very helpful, still have not fully made up my mind. It is all about getting as much zoom as possible and I have nikon TC's which will not be of any use with this lens but if I get a nikon long lens then I will be able to use them so lot's of pro's and con's to work out, but again thanks for feedback.

Regards

DaveC

momji1971 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-11-2010, 06:36 PM

Hi there,

I bought one just before the price hike after roger gave me the same advice!

I use mine with a kenko dg pro x converter and it AF's no problem. A 'cheap' way into 500 primes for sure. With the right long lens technique and light direction this lens is SHARP! Most of my shots on here are taken with that lens.

Last look a scruffy nikon 500 non vr is on sale for over £3,000 so if you do have a good price and can't afford the Nikon you won't be disappointed.

Had mine now for two years and am now at a cross roads. Do I stick with Nikon and go 500 vr or ditch the brand and jump to Canon who's long lenses work better with converters

Good luck.
Stu.

Cordless47 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-11-2010, 04:17 PM

Thanks for the update Stu I think that I am now beginning to move to a Nikon 200-400mm lens which seems to fit in quite well with what I want from my next lens. In the past I have moved from Canon - Nikon - Canon and now back to Nikon and that is where I will stay now, I just seem to be happier with what comes out of the camera, it might just be an age thing and just as a final point I had the canon 500mm lens took it to south africa and was pleased with the results.

Regards

DaveC