Sigma DG 150-500
Apr 17, 2015 08:55:36 #
Does anyone have any experience with the Sigma DG 150-500 lens? I am considering purchasing one to shoot photos of a new eagles nest I discovered while on patrol a couple of weeks ago. The nest is about two hundred yards away from where I'll be shooting.
Apr 18, 2015 09:07:06 #
wcobon wrote:
Does anyone have any experience with the Sigma DG 150-500 lens? I am considering purchasing one to shoot photos of a new eagles nest I discovered while on patrol a couple of weeks ago. The nest is about two hundred yards away from where I'll be shooting.
A camera capable of AF fine tune is an absolute MUST with this lens. I have had 2 copies of this lens. The first would not product even close to sharp images. Took it back & dealer ordered another one. The second was better but still not consistent with AF use. Sent it in to Sigma & they "fixed" the problem?? Not really! I rely on AF because of my poor eyesight. I was told that I needed to practice more. That was Bull c***. My old (over 30 yrs old) Nikon 300mm f4 lens with 1.4x TC performs 10 times better than the 150-500 so it sits in a lens case. I'm planing on getting a new 300mm prime with VR & use a 1.4x TC.Just one persons experience but I've found that a lot of people are hesitant to admit they made a bad purchase. Just my opinion, of course.
Apr 18, 2015 11:04:00 #
I agree with you as I sold my 150-500mm Sigma, in auto focus fine tuning I could never get it to tune at 500mm. I have ordered the Sigma 150-600mm sports model as this can be fine tuned on the Sigma Hub and if needed further on camera.
naturepics43 wrote:
A camera capable of AF fine tune is an absolute MU... (show quote)
Apr 18, 2015 12:07:15 #
wcobon wrote:
Does anyone have any experience with the Sigma DG 150-500 lens? I am considering purchasing one to shoot photos of a new eagles nest I discovered while on patrol a couple of weeks ago. The nest is about two hundred yards away from where I'll be shooting.
I often found my fingers on the focus ring preventing auto focus from happening. I replaced that lens with the Tamron 150-600, a much sharper lens and designed with the focus ring moved to the camera side of the zoom ring. Seems that I have a good choice. Hope you enjoy yours. Best, J. Goffe
Apr 18, 2015 14:33:52 #
My wife shoots a Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO DG OS HSM on a d5200 body
I shoot a tamron 150-600 on a d7100...
No problems with either...but don't run the lenses to the full zoom...back off a LITTLE and see if that works.
Both are fine lenses for the money.
I shoot a tamron 150-600 on a d7100...
No problems with either...but don't run the lenses to the full zoom...back off a LITTLE and see if that works.
Both are fine lenses for the money.
Osprey in flight sigma 150-500 d5200 hand held AF
Apr 18, 2015 15:55:55 #
wcobon wrote:
Does anyone have any experience with the Sigma DG 150-500 lens? I am considering purchasing one to shoot photos of a new eagles nest I discovered while on patrol a couple of weeks ago. The nest is about two hundred yards away from where I'll be shooting.
I use this lens on my Canon T2i. I cannot afford the L len$. I have found that it works fairly well in manual focus mode. I have missed a few shots trying to us auto focus. It seems to hunt a lot. It will be in focus for a nano second, then go completely out of focus. 200 yards is going to require a humongous crop. 99% of my shots on flikr were with this lens if you would like to see them. Someone with more experience & expertise could get better results perhaps.
http://www.flikr.com/ photos/skeeterdelight
Apr 18, 2015 17:16:44 #
wcobon wrote:
Does anyone have any experience with the Sigma DG 150-500 lens? I am considering purchasing one to shoot photos of a new eagles nest I discovered while on patrol a couple of weeks ago. The nest is about two hundred yards away from where I'll be shooting.
I have that lens and use it with my Canon EOS 60D. It's a great lens and I'm very satisfied with it. Still learning to use it better.
Apr 18, 2015 17:17:29 #
Apr 18, 2015 19:56:24 #
wcobon wrote:
Does anyone have any experience with the Sigma DG 150-500 lens? I am considering purchasing one to shoot photos of a new eagles nest I discovered while on patrol a couple of weeks ago. The nest is about two hundred yards away from where I'll be shooting.
I purchased it to use with my D7100 and do not have any focus issues. I just tried it out on my D810 today at a motorcycle race and it performed very well. It may not be a pro lens but it works for me.
Apr 18, 2015 21:49:08 #
I use the lens regularly for sports photography. You need to be selective where you put the focus point, but it focuses well when used carefully.
The other users are correct that it will jump around and not focus clearly at 500 unless you put the focal point on a hard edge with distinctive color then it focuses just fine.
The lens is solidly built and a real bargain now that the 150-600 sport has come out. However, if you have the money you will like the 150-600 sport better. The distance you are talking about shooting from is a little more than 500mm is intended to reach.
The other users are correct that it will jump around and not focus clearly at 500 unless you put the focal point on a hard edge with distinctive color then it focuses just fine.
The lens is solidly built and a real bargain now that the 150-600 sport has come out. However, if you have the money you will like the 150-600 sport better. The distance you are talking about shooting from is a little more than 500mm is intended to reach.
Apr 20, 2015 10:08:41 #
Thank you to everyone who took the time to answer my question. I apologize for not getting back sooner (family emergency). I think I'll take a look at the Sigma & Tamron 150-600. The price difference might be a deal breaker for me though. I like the shot of the osprey ggttc, my favorite bird of prey. Cameranut I attempted to find your photos on Flicker, but was unsuccessful. I had a hard time just signing in if that gives you any indication of how things are still going for me at the moment. BTW I'm shooting a D7000 with a carry around Nikkor 18-200 lens which is ok for what I use it for.. I do like this camera though. Thank you all again.
Bob
Bob
Apr 20, 2015 10:17:19 #
If your main use is the area around the nest, at f8 and 500mm your DOF will be around 140 feet. At f5 you have around 90 feet. You could mannualy focus and get very sharp shots of the nest and the coming and going of the hawks.
Apr 20, 2015 10:27:45 #
wcobon wrote:
Thank you to everyone who took the time to answer ... (show quote)
Here are a few more from that osprey series...sleepydrdr is my wife.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-299433-1.html
Apr 20, 2015 11:02:42 #
Thank you for the DOF info. I'm certain I'll put that to good use. I've already taken a few shots w/my 18-200 Nikkor, but as you can imagine when cropped they tended to become pixelated and not so sharp looking. Can't wait to get the bigger lens and get some really good shots.
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