Views on Sigma 135 - 400 please

[FungiJohn]

Hello all, I'm looking at a couple of lenses for the Nikon D80. I already own the sigma 105.

Having read several reviews on the Sigma 17 - 70 I'm satisfied it will do what I need it for but I'm unsure about the 135 - 400. Does anyone have this? or have any views. I have considered the 50 -500 Bigma but its weight / tripod requirements are real negative issues in relation to how I would use it ... i.e. To have a longer lens when I occasionally need it!

Any advice is really appreciated.

John

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by FungiJohn

Hello all, I'm looking at a couple of lenses for the Nikon D80. I already own the sigma 105.

Having read several reviews on the Sigma 17 - 70 I'm satisfied it will do what I need it for but I'm unsure about the 135 - 400. Does anyone have this? or have any views. I have considered the 50 -500 Bigma but its weight / tripod requirements are real negative issues in relation to how I would use it ... i.e. To have a longer lens when I occasionally need it!

Any advice is really appreciated.

John

i used to have a 135-400 on my pentax and it was a decent bit of kit optically it was fine, the focussing was a bit slow / noisy but only by comparison with the bigma and other lenses with hsm motors. Its not a bat bit of kit for the money - although when I went to canon I opted for the little bigma for the extra 100mm reach , but if you dont need it then the 135-400 could be a good choice - i think that mifsuds in brixham currently have a secondhand one in nikon fit , mint and circa 250 notes- i could be wrong tho as it was several weeks ago that i last viewed their website , might be worth checking out tho

[FungiJohn]

Cheers me dears. I forgot about the little Bigma!

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by FungiJohn

Cheers me dears. I forgot about the little Bigma!

just remember that it will have the same support and length issues as its big brother - it is only little in terms of price

[Chris_Johnstone]

I've been looking into those lenses too. It was more a case of the bigma or the little bigma.

Christmas notes and a slice of my student loan to squander in the sales (if any). Should probably take the misus out for dinner as well, she'd probably back the investment on a full stomach

Weight and so on ain't an issue for me. Price however... In terms of focus speed and max aperture, are the biggie and the little biggie that much different? I've been shooting with a 300mil up until now and I'm certain the extra reach will benefit me.

Chris

[FungiJohn]

Yes, its not easy. I've almost (I think!) settled on the 135-400 but really need to see what this lens can do. Have we any pictures in the Gallery taken with this lens? I do appreciate most will have taken the Bigma route and for obvious advantages.

For those that know me ..... this is not for fungi ... The Olympus C8080 will still be my main fungi camera .... I just fancy a little variation

[paulthomas]

There's a review of the 135-400 here. . You might also want to consider the only slightly heavier 100-300/F4, adding a teleconverter when you need that extra bit of reach.

[FungiJohn]

Many thanks Paul, much appreciated.

[glsammy]

On the same site there's a review of the Bigma. here. Makes for interesting comparison.

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by glsammy

On the same site there's a review of the Bigma. here. Makes for interesting comparison.

Cheers Graham .... funny how the Bigma keeps popping up Even my wife has suggested I get it! .... or was that the replacement washing machine I keep thinking about the comment Roger's wife made when he was deciding on a lens .... Don't moan to me in 6 months time you bought the wrong one!

Help, I'm sinking fast .... Shall I toss a coin