john-f

[john-f]

This is my first time using this forum so hi to you all.
If I could ask for some help on lens choice. My idea is to use a Sigma 70-200 2.8 zoom and a Sigma 2x converter to give a greater range but have read some good reviews in this forum for the Sigma 80-400 and 50-500 can anyone help me out. I have seen the 70-200 at less than £600 but the 50-500 just a few pounds more.Although I have yet to find the 80-400 at an affordable price. Hope some help is out there.
Thanks

[kshotton45]

Hi, there's a thread on this forum about the 50-500.
You'll get one for just over £500 on ebay.
Grahams the man for 50-500mm - he hand holds it with cracking results.

Keith.

[john-f]

Thanks for that Keith have looked at grahams shots they are good also checked out others threads on that part of the forum where the 50-500 has been used images look sharp but you still have that 6.3 aperture at the 500 end.

[David Hyde]

Hi John and welcome,
I have the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 and a cracking lens it is too. I use a 1.4x Sigma teleconverter with it. I have doubts about the 2x, some people find they are O.K. but there is a large consensus which says there is a noticeable loss of sharpness. Certainly there is a negligible loss with the 1.4x.
The 1.4x with the 70-200mm F2.8 gives you a very useable, auto-focus £280mm f4 lens at a very reasonable price. If you want to go beyond this look for a separate 400mm or 500mm lens were the 1.4x will come in handy.
In my Gallery the recent photo of Black-Tailed Godwit was taken with the Sigma 70-200mm zoom and the photo of the Scarce Chaser dragonfly was taken with the Sigma 180mm macro with the Sigma 1.4x teleconverter. I hope you agree both images are nice and sharp.
Hope this helps. Good luck,
David

[john-f]

Thanks for your help with this subject
I have checked out your shot and your standered is very high
I see what you mean about the 70-200 it is sharp I see you used the sigma 180mm Macro I myself have the 150mm version and it's good
I have also been on Flickr.com checking out some shots taken with these lenses and some are really good so it's not an easy decision.
The only thing is I have gone and ordered the 2x converter to use at the moment on my 150 macro but I'll give it a good test run.
Just been out getting some nice late evening flower shots the lighting was great although they were my neighbour flowers
Thanks again and keep up the good work

[john-f]

Sorry David forgot to thank you by name

Thanks David

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by john-f

Thanks for that Keith have looked at grahams shots they are good also checked out others threads on that part of the forum where the 50-500 has been used images look sharp but you still have that 6.3 aperture at the 500 end.

I've never been in a situation where the F6.3 has caused me much concern. I'm not pretending I wouldn't love to have an F2.8 500mm lens!

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by glsammy

I've never been in a situation where the F6.3 has caused me much concern. I'm not pretending I wouldn't love to have an F2.8 500mm lens!

do they do an f2.8 500mm - i thought they were f4 - and you wouldnt love it once you'd felt the weight of one of those

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by eeyore

do they do an f2.8 500mm - i thought they were f4 - and you wouldnt love it once you'd felt the weight of one of those

I didn't say they did one, just that I'd love one! Small details like they don't exist is neither here or there in my world.

What about this one? Sigma APO 200 - 500 mm F2.8 lens. Mind you, it's only just been announced I think, I'm not sure if it really exists yet in the real world. Can you imagine what that would cost or weigh?

[john-f]

You guys sure get carried away although your comments have been of some help.
Now I just need someone to give me their opinion on the quality and use of the Sigma 80-400 at the moment the 70-200 2.8 and 2x converter are getting the blood pumping.
And as the 2x converter came today I'm off to try it on my Sigma 150 macro.

Cheers john-f