I got the 50-500mm! any tips and tricks? :)

[Zoundz]

Well, when I was in Cork this morning, I managed to find the 50-500mm Sigma for 699 euro - to my ecstasy! So thank you for answering all my questions on previous threads, I know this wasn't exactly what I'd decided on, but for the price I didn't think I could go far wrong! So... any tips and tricks or pointers on how to get the best of it? (it's rather heavy isn't it?! though I'm sure in time I'll get used to using it handheld )

thank you!

xx

[glsammy]

I suggest you try F8 as your minimum setting. Wide open I find the images a bit too soft for my liking.

Make sure you fit and use the carry strap provided with the lens, the camera one isn't strong enough and makes it unbalanced. With the Sigma strap you'll find the camera will hang upside down, making the tripod support a convenient handle.

I've been out today with mine for the first time in a couple of months and I must admit I enjoyed using it again. The camera performs faster on the continuous setting, but I think there may be a problem with my Canon 300mm that's restricting its auto focus performance. I'll soon see as it's just gone for repair.

The lens does take some learning, some get the hang of it straight away, I know I didn't. I recommend you use at least a monopod for the majority of your shots, That's what I use anyway. Hand holding is fine for birds in flight but you may struggle to hand hold for normals shots, unless it's a very bright day.

Good luck with it, I'll look forward to seeing some shots from you.

[DavyG]

Everything Graham says will see you right.

Enjoy your Bigma, it's a very good lens when handled properly.

Dave

[LoveT]

Originally Posted by DavyG

Enjoy your Bigma, it's a very good lens when handled properly.

Dave

I'll go along with that too - from someone who doesn't know how to handle hers very well !

Enjoy your lens - it is a good one!

Thea

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by DavyG

Everything Graham says will see you right.

Enjoy your Bigma, it's a very good lens when handled properly.

Dave

Thanks for that Dave!

As I said, I've been using it today, and I must admit I really enjoyed using it again. In fact, I'm beginning to think I just may prefer it to my 300mm..
I know the 300mm is technically the better lens, but there's something about the Bigma images I just seem to like..I can't put my finger on it, but when I'm preparing them the Bigma images seem to be easier to get to look good.
It's almost as if the 300mm images are TOO sharp! This may sound daft,I and I may have completely lost it, it's just a feeling I'm getting at the moment.
I'll have to wait until I get the 300mm back so I can see how I feel then.

[Rookie47]

I have a bigma and i wish i could take photos like glsammy

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by glsammy

It's almost as if the 300mm images are TOO sharp!

Oh come on!

This may sound daft,

It certainly does!

I've never heard of a lens being too sharp!

Jim

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

Oh come on!



It certainly does!

I've never heard of a lens being too sharp!

Jim

I'm only saying what I'm seeing.. What I didn't say was how bad my eye sight is! I said I'd probably lost it!
The problem is I've got a downer on the 300mm at the moment. No doubt I'll recover my mind in due course!
A top of the range professional series lens and the lens hood has failed, and this lens has been treated with kid gloves. On top of that the auto focus slows down the continuous shooting rate on the camera,something that shouldn't happen but it does on mine. Putting the Bigma back on and the camera performs so much better. Now that can't be right!

[Hobjob]

And from a non Bigma telephoto user - practice, practice and more practice.

[PMG]

Originally Posted by glsammy

Thanks for that Dave!

As I said, I've been using it today, and I must admit I really enjoyed using it again. In fact, I'm beginning to think I just may prefer it to my 300mm..
I know the 300mm is technically the better lens, but there's something about the Bigma images I just seem to like..I can't put my finger on it, but when I'm preparing them the Bigma images seem to be easier to get to look good.
It's almost as if the 300mm images are TOO sharp! This may sound daft,I and I may have completely lost it, it's just a feeling I'm getting at the moment.
I'll have to wait until I get the 300mm back so I can see how I feel then.

Wot??!!! You are losing it - but never mind I still love you

Pauline

I wish I could get out with any of mine - fingers crossed for this weekend.....