The one and only Bigma...

NickCantle · #1 (**permalink**) 22-12-2007, 09:24 AM

Right lads and lasses, thought it best to inform you that the Bigma is all go for me, I've now got to raise sufficient funds

But with all the hints I've been dropping, might not take too many months. Anyway, just curious to know it's flexibility, for example; Is it any good for the odd landscape or the odd portrait as well as birds and insects...Apologies for the 'dumb' questions but it's all new territory for me!

All help and comments gratefully received!

Nick

ron1863 · #2 (**permalink**) 22-12-2007, 11:09 AM

Hi, does this review answer your question?

Sigma 50-500mm review

NickCantle · #3 (**permalink**) 22-12-2007, 11:18 AM

It does Ron, many thanks indeed. It's been safely read and bookmarked for further future reference

Nick

cybershot · #4 (**permalink**) 22-12-2007, 11:53 AM

Ebay (ex-Hong Kong) or Digitalrev.com** look to be good bets but beware any import duty/taxes that may be added to advertised prices. I have bought lenses from ebay without paying import charges, but it probably depends on cost.

Good luck

David

** £590.20 (incl shipping and import costs)

P.S. Hope this prompts further advice on best buys and purchasing tips for you.

Tormentil · #5 (**permalink**) 22-12-2007, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickCantle

Right lads and lasses, thought it best to inform you that the Bigma is all go for me.........Is it any good for the odd landscape or the odd portrait as well as birds and insect

Yes it is ok for landscapes. Here's a couple taken at the 50mm end.

This one is actually 2/3 separate shots, stitched together.

pressld2 · #6 (**permalink**) 22-12-2007, 01:19 PM

I like to use something between 75 and 125mm for portraits and it's got that range covered so should be good.

Dave P.

NickCantle · #7 (**permalink**) 23-12-2007, 08:16 PM

Thank you so much for the information you've provided guys. Thanks for confirmation of the versatility of this thing! Thanks for the price find David, i'll send the link to my Mum as a 'Joke'

Nick

Ollie · #8 (**permalink**) 23-12-2007, 08:58 PM

It's certainly a decent lens for Dragonflies Nick, this was taken with the Bigma.
Roger

NickCantle · #9 (**permalink**) 23-12-2007, 09:33 PM

Cracking picture Rog, did Sigma put you up to it?

Cheers

Nick

glsammy · #10 (**permalink**) 24-12-2007, 12:28 AM

It's the flexibility of the lens that makes it so useful. As Rogers excellent shot shows, it's fine for Dragonflies and Darters. I have had some good Damselfly shots, but I'd rather trust the 150mm for those.
I've even used it for Portrait shots, for which it performed very well. You don't have to be too close to your subject, which can help for a more relaxed pose.
About the only thing it's not too good at is macro shots!

NickCantle · #11 (**permalink**) 24-12-2007, 12:31 AM

But that's what my 105mm is for!

NickCantle · #12 (**permalink**) 26-12-2007, 07:21 PM

I just read that it's minimum aperture f22

Is that right?

NickCantle · #13 (**permalink**) 26-12-2007, 07:52 PM

Ok, I see how it works now

It's maximum f number, but the aperture is minimum... I see

glsammy · #14 (**permalink**) 26-12-2007, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickCantle

Ok, I see how it works now

It's maximum f number, but the aperture is minimum... I see

Yep, you have to think back to front..What's little is large..Anything to make life nice and easy!

NickCantle · #15 (**permalink**) 26-12-2007, 08:08 PM

Of course! I've managed £450 so far. Not bad

baggy2508 · #16 (**permalink**) 29-12-2007, 06:03 PM

Hi, I`ve found the Bigma to be an excellent lens but I do have to use mine on a tripod as it is so heavy, that may be old age though.
Regards baggy2508

NickCantle · #17 (**permalink**) 30-12-2007, 11:38 PM

YOu may have read in places that I was considering purchasing the Canon IS100-400mm but it's just too much for me. Obviously it's a pricy lens but I think that it's more of a lens for a professional. I spoke to my mother regarding finances for the Bigma and she thinks to get the 50-500mm and keep it for how long I intend to use it for and then when I feel the need to upgrade, trade it in as a part exchange. That way, I can look forward to both the Bigma and the Canon. Still got a way to go before I can get the Biggy though!

Nick

PMG · #18 (**permalink**) 31-12-2007, 07:43 AM

Way to go Nick

I don't think you will part with it very easily - in fact I doubt you will part with it at all

We've got the 100-400 partly cos of weight restraints and my pack now weighs around 25 to 30lbs......... and thats the extreme limit for me. Funnily enough cos of the way packs are made with the compartments, once its strapped securely to my back I don't notice the weight and I can go all day with it - and that from someone who has back and hip damage from a road accident nearly 20 years ago..........

I rarely hand-hold for pics (unless I'm trying for a flight shot) and use the tripod most of the time as I want my pics pin sharp cos even at 400 most birds still manage to bit a 'bit too far away'!! Which means you may need to crop to get a decent looking shot and if you need to crop the image must be crisp to begin with..........

We've been 'quiet' with finances for 12 months ......... now we're going to have a little spend too

A friend is selling their 400 f2.8 in favour of the 500 so we've stuck our hands out (after sticking them in our pockets first!!)
I doubt I will manage this beast - it would mean a new and larger pack for me which isn't poss - I'm at my carrying limit - tho for certain venues where its only a short walk, or for hide work I might manage it (if I can wrest it out of hubbys hands

) It will come into its own tho for our hebridean hols - but again it will most likely be a struggle getting it off the better half

Pauline

NickCantle · #19 (**permalink**) 31-12-2007, 10:41 AM

Well I'm glad about that Pauline, seems you've made your choice

The deal is, and yes, there's a deal

You've got to tell me how good it is

I'm looking forward to the Canon 100-400mm but I think the Biggie has the edge on it for my needs. Even the 70mm extra will come in handy. I just can't wait to be contributing with some nice bird shots!

Nick

PMG · #20 (**permalink**) 31-12-2007, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickCantle

Well I'm glad about that Pauline, seems you've made your choice

The deal is, and yes, there's a deal

You've got to tell me how good it is

I'm looking forward to the Canon 100-400mm but I think the Biggie has the edge on it for my needs. Even the 70mm extra will come in handy. I just can't wait to be contributing with some nice bird shots!

Nick

Oh the biggie is definitely the way to go and if money were no object I'd have one as well......... but ............anyway don't hold your breath as I still can only upload to this site once in a blue moon - the rest of the time it refuses (I haven't decided what if anything I want to do about this particular prob yet - its going to mean a trip back to the dealers and I just don;t want to........) and the other prob is prizing it out of hubbys hands (I will most likely have to hit him from behind with the 100-400 and then change lenses while he's zonked out...........

heh! heh! heh!

)

Pauline

Ollie · #21 (**permalink**) 31-12-2007, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PMG

Way to go Nick

I don't think you will part with it very easily - in fact I doubt you will part with it at all Pauline

I'm sure Pauline is right Nick. I have the Bigma and the Canon 400mm f5.6L USM lens. Although I use the Canon for much of my bird photography I still would not part with my Bigma. It's such a versatile lens. I use it most in summer time when the dragonflies are about. I'm an early riser and in summer I will often concentrate on birds until it gets warm enough for the dragons to start showing then switch to them. I would always choose the Bigma over the Canon for this type of day as the Bigma is so much more flexible than my Canon. This of course also saves having to carry two lenses and swap lenses in the field which I don't like doing.

That's not to say the Canon can't take decent dragonfly shots it can but I often find I'm having to back off or move in a bit with the Canon as there is no zoom. If you get too close with the Bigma no need to actually back off yourself just zoom out a touch without moving and youve cracked it before the dragon has flown away.

I realise you were actually thinking of getting the Canon 100/400mm IS lens but again as has previously been said it's more expensive than a Bigma with slightly shorter focal length.

Hope you soon get the funds together Nick
Roger