Sigma 500mm f4.5 - Nikon help.

Rhodes Family · #1 (**permalink**) 13-11-2010, 05:45 PM

Hi everyone!

I’m thinking of saving up for the Sigma 500mm f4.5 for my Nikon D90 for some bird photography. Of course like many, one would love to own a true Nikon 500mm f4 lens, but I can’t justify (let alone save up for) the extra 2 grand!

Anyway, I have done my research (albeit briefly) and I have found that there seems to be a problem with the AF on cameras, most noticeably Canon, when tele-converter is placed onto the lens. Could someone place explain the compromise in order to keep the AF funtion working on a D90....

• People are using Kenko TC’s, not their own brand...does this apply for a Nikon TC? I am thinking about getting either a 1.4x or 1.5x to make it a 700mm f6.3 or 750mm f6.3.

• Do I need to “tape the pins” on the TC if the above applies?

Cheers, Alex

rogpow · #2 (**permalink**) 13-11-2010, 10:06 PM

Hi Alex,

The Nikon tcs will not physically fit the Sigma lens. It's not just a case of taping pins - there is a metal lug on the Nikon tcs that prevent them mating with the lens. Apart from a few exceptions, the Nikon tcs will only fit on the fast Nikon pro primes e.g. 200 f2, 300 f2.8, 400 f2.8, 500 f4, 600 f4.
If you Google the subject you will find articles showing you how to grind off the lug.

if you're feeling brave or foolhardy.

Don't have any experience of the Sigma 500 with a D90, I use mine with a D2X. I found that the Sigma 1.4x would mate with the lens but I never got it to autofocus very successfully.
The Kenko 1.4x will also fit the lens and will autofocus without the need to tape the pins. I find it a bit sluggish at times in less than ideal light, but it does convey correct exif data and the quality is very good, and it's the combo I use if I need the extra length.

Cheers,
Rog

Rhodes Family · #3 (**permalink**) 15-11-2010, 06:33 AM

Thanks Rog,

Hmm.. I don't see myself doing a little impromptu DIY on a £200 TC anytime soon! Maybe it’s just best to save up? (or cut short with the Nikon 300mm f2.8?)

Regards,
Alex

shagbat · #4 (**permalink**) 15-11-2010, 08:41 AM

Have you considered the Sigma 50-500 os?
Just got one and am delighted with it.
Big and heavy, but they all are.

momji1971 · #5 (**permalink**) 15-11-2010, 11:49 PM

Shagbat, whilst the bigma os is a good lens, for bird photography you really need the light hance the F4.5. To get the very best from the sigma lenses you really have to stop them down.

So you have the prime at 5.6/6.3 and the bigma at F8. Thats a lot of light lost even before you look at adding a tc.

Primes whilst lacking in versatility do generally have better IQ unless you look at the nikon 200-400 etc.

For birding, 500mm would be a minimum in this country. As a general wildlife lens I'm sure from what I've heard, the bigma os is great.

Think its horses for courses.

regards.
Stu.

shagbat · #6 (**permalink**) 16-11-2010, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momji1971

Shagbat, whilst the bigma os is a good lens, for bird photography you really need the light hance the F4.5. To get the very best from the sigma lenses you really have to stop them down.

So you have the prime at 5.6/6.3 and the bigma at F8. Thats a lot of light lost even before you look at adding a tc.

Primes whilst lacking in versatility do generally have better IQ unless you look at the nikon 200-400 etc.

For birding, 500mm would be a minimum in this country. As a general wildlife lens I'm sure from what I've heard, the bigma os is great.

Think its horses for courses.

regards.

Stu.

I totally agree with everything you say Stu.

I would add that on a D300, this is nearer 700mm (eqiv.) so that partially
evens thing a bit, as I try not to use any zoom with a converter.
Cost is another factor and that is what determined my choice.
I did a lot of research before my purchase and I am delighted so far.

If however, you lovely people wanna club together to get me a 500 Nikkor
prime, it would be most graciously accepted.

Have to admit I am relatively new to this type of photography, so I am speaking with limited (but MY) experience, though I am eager to learn much more.

To be a total nuisance Stu, can you suggest a good tripod and head for this 2kg lump of glass.

Thanks and regards,

S

shagbat · #7 (**permalink**) 16-11-2010, 12:51 PM

Sorry Stu, missed the bit about the OS, can be worth a sensible 2 1/2 stops.
Not the be all and end all. So far, my early trials have shown that is seems
better to keep OS on, even with a monopod, at sub 1/160 speeds.

Cheers,

s

momji1971 · #8 (**permalink**) 16-11-2010, 05:21 PM

Hi Shagbat,

no nuisance at all, thats what the forums for

I can only give you my experience. But, after having gone through about 5 tripods I would urge you to save and get the best tripod you think you can, and then get the next one up, especially for 500-700mm equiv. focal lengths.

I saved and eventually ended up with an Endura made Gitzo copy.

Would also add to this a Manfrotto head. The gimbal type. Weight starts to become an issue on long walks but the results are worth it.

Could have payed for it with the money saved from not buying the 5 lesser tripods!

regards.
Stu.

shagbat · #9 (**permalink**) 17-11-2010, 07:16 AM

Many thanks for your help Stu.
The gimbal, would have been the subject of my next query.
I've never even seen one!
Might dive over to Gt Amwell (Herts and Essex WT) to see how others cope.
So far, I have only wasted £35 on a crappy plastic Jessops thing, mind you, that was not purchased with this lens in mind.

Best regards,

s

wizzo · #10 (**permalink**) 17-11-2010, 11:13 AM

Also Shagbat, have a look at Arena Tripods at London Camera Exchange. Very sturdy and good value for money. Ok, you won't get any wolf whistles whilst carrying one, but if you're on a tight budget, these pods are great. Personally, I've got a carbon Giotto, for my camera and lumpy lens combo, and I've never regretted forking out the near £300 for the pod and Manfrotto head. The Arena, I keep for my spotting scope (which is fairly hefty!) and it keeps it rock steady. Hope this is of some help - Wizzo