New Lens

[Digifrog]

Hey ho

So I've gone and momentarily financially crippled myself.

I've gone and forked out for a Sigma 50-500mm f/4.0-6.3 EX DG APO HSM mostly due to the fact that I found a very good deal. The thing is I have been hearing mixed reviews about this item, both on the net and from persons. You only get what you pay for I guess, but I was wondeing if anyone else here has this lens and if they are happy with it? Should have asked before temporarily bankrupting myself, but hey! Life's too short and you can't take your money with you eh.

Thanks in advance.

Scott

[big bill]

Hello Scott I dont have the 50-500 but do have the 170-500 mm lens and I am extremely happy with it I shoot alot of birds weith it have the camera on Aperture priority and the lens at f8 and have had no problems here are some shots taken with it



so you can see for yourself its ok there are quite a few users on here with thew lens and no complaints from them so far .
Get out and use it you will soon get used to it remember to use a tripod though as its quite heavy

[Digifrog]

Thanks Bill

Yes those look great. I particularly like the White Wagtail. I can't wait to get hold of it but I only have a cheap tripod. I hope it will be enough.

Scott

[NickCantle]

Good choice Scott mate. I've had mine a couple of months and although I've not got the best out of it yet, I've had a few nice shots. Not only stunning for birds, but great for dragonflies.

Here's a Dragonfly shot with the Bigma,



Here's some birds;





(might need to click this one to increase the sharpness)

You've made a good choice, and I do love mine. Hope you have fun and I hope to see some stunners from it soon, no pressure

Nick

[Digifrog]

Hi Nick

Thanks a lot for the reassurance. Those shots are great too. The Blue Tit is gorgeous and the Chaser is stunning.

I haven't recieved the lens yet, (I only placed the order yesterday) but can't wait to get to grips with it. As for getting some decent images up, that will be a treat, but as I've never used a lens this big before, it might take a little while, especially as I'm a little self critical

At least now I know what to aim for

Scott

[Ollie]

It's a fine all round lens and the best long range zoom you will get for your money without a doubt.

As Nick said it's good for dragonflies, butterflies and largish insects. Best used for these at 400mm or under. Just look at some of the older photos in my WAB Gallery to give you an idea what it's capable of.

Fair enough I use a Canon 400 prime for most of my bird photography but I would not be without the 50-500 as it's such a versatile lens when needed.

You won't be disappointed
Roger

[Jon]

Scott
the best advice I can give you is keep the lens still. Plain and simple as that. Use a bean bag or tripod whenever possible and go for the fastest shutter speed practicable.
I don't know how good the lens is at full aperture, ineveitably it will perform better when closed down a little, but do practice at full aperture this will let you dtermine how fast or slow a shutter speed you are able to get away with.
Shots at full aperture will give goosd results, you may just need to do a little more in Photoshop. It wouldn't be f5.6 if it wasn't designed to be used at f5.6. Ok f8 will be better optically, but a better blurred shot isn't better than a sharp shot, if you get my drift.
Oh and get a decent tripod if you tend to use one as opposed to working from a wooden hide. Manfrotto are fgood value. I am quite surpised I found my 055CLB adequate so far.
Jon

[DavyG]

Hi Scott,

I think you'll find you've made a good buy, many people on theis forum use the Bigma and some produce excellent results, take a look at some of glsammy's images.

Jon gives some very good advice and, like him, I use a Manfrotto 055 tripod, it was a good investment, although I do tend to use my Manfrotto monopod more often.

Here are a couple of images I've taken with the Bigma recently:





Dave

[whis4ey]

Some great pics there
My best lens is a Canon 70/300 which I find is terrific except that it just doesn't quite get close enough
What sort of price would one pay for the Sigma?

[DavyG]

Originally Posted by whis4ey

Some great pics there
My best lens is a Canon 70/300 which I find is terrific except that it just doesn't quite get close enough
What sort of price would one pay for the Sigma?

Retail, the Bigma in Canon fit would be £700 - £750.

You can find them for less on a well known online auction site, buy with care though.

Dave