Sigma "Bigma" 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG HSM - Description:
This ultra-zoom lens employs a seven-group zoom system, which provides a high zoom magnification of 10x. Triple-cam Rear Focusing System ensures high precision throughout the whole focus range. The new lens coating reduces flare and ghost, which is a common problem of digital cameras and also creates an optimum colour balance.
It is possible to reach 1000mm focal length by using the Sigma 2X Apo Tele Converter
By attaching the 2X APO EX Tele-Converter, this lens can be used as a 200-1000mm/F10.4-12.6 manual focus zoom lens, while maintaining a very compact size for 1000mm focal length. It is also possible to use AE (Automatic Exposure) function, when EX Tele-converters are attached.
The APO lens corrects chromatic aberrations
An apochromatic lens, which keeps color aberration to a minimum, using Special Low Dispersion (SLD) or Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass is called an APO series lens at Sigma.
This lens uses four pieces of SLD (the special low dispersion) glass for excellent correction of chromatic aberration. High optic performance is demonstrated throughout the entire zoom range.
HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor)
The HSM models (the HSM is only available for AF Canon, Nikon and Sigma Mounts) provide quiet high-speed AF function, as well as full time manual focus capability.
Easy Operation and Handling
This lens also features a Zoom Lock device to eliminate "Zoom Creep" when the lens is tilted down. When the lens is set to the 50mm focal length, it is remarkably compact and provides easy handling. The tripod mount is composed of magnesium, to minimize total weight and also it is easy to grip and carry the lens due to ergonomic design of the tripod mount.
Non-rotating front lens elements, due to rear focus mechanism make possible the use of a custom bayonet "Petal-type Hood", which prevents extraneous light from degrading the image quality. This mechanism also allows the use of circular polarizing filters, since the front barrel does not rotate during focusing or zooming.
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Author
glsammy Moderator
Registered: October 2005 Location: Nottingham Posts: 15270
Review Date: Mon 2, October, 2006
Would you recommend it? Yes |
Total Spent: £625.00| Rating: 8
Strengths:
Good quality across the range. Fast and quiet focus.
Weaknesses:
Weight.
I've had the Bigma for six months now and it's proved to be a very versatile lens. Capable of giving good image quality from Damselflies to Herons in flight.
The lens is heavy, but with the supplied strap and using the tripod support as a handle, it's not a problem when walking about.
It's quite possible to hand hold the lens, provided of course there's plenty of light, but it does take time to get used to the handling.
Using a mono-pod or tripod is always recommended if possible.
I've given it an 8 for image quality, mainly because you can get better performance if your prepared to spend more money on a top Prime lens.
The focus is accurate and fast and virtually silent. I tried the lens with 1.4X and 2X converters, but never had much success with them. Not a fault of the lens, more just that with them you loose too much light to get acceptable images. Provided your happy with the 500mm range though the lens will not disappoint.
;)
