Jim Bob

Nope. Nope. Nope. As "Grady Wilson" might say. Bad advice regarding OS.

RSQRD Loc: SW Florida

The latest issue of N-Photo differs with your opinion re; 200-500mm Nikon citing the 150-600mm Sigma a better product, which I agree with & am a 50 year Nikon user.

Jim Bob

Whose opinion? You might consider using the quote reply function. In any event, the Sigma is a great lens. I think the Nikon 200-500 is a little sharper overall (several reviewers make this assertion). But the slight advantage in image quality is more than offset by the increased cost and shorter reach when compared to the Sigma. Just my 2 cents. To each his/her own.

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

I am using a D500 with the sport model and it seems to be working just fine.

dragonswing Loc: Pa

I recently got the Nikon 7200 and have been contemplating the sigma 150-600 lens. How do you calibrate a lens to the camera? I'd also appreciate info on the USB dock. Did a search, the info states you plug it into the lens itself. I assume this occurs when the lens is off the camera? Have never heard of this before.

UXOEOD

Interesting argument. However, might a logical compromise be reached. If the tripod in question is a multi-thousand, 2/3 of a ton, rock steady tripod I fully agree with both you and Mr Wilson. I suspect Mr Wilson is a professional photographer or as a minimum works for an photography related business, and as such has access to "top of the line" photography equipment and accessories.

But, I assume that a photographer like myself who shall we say due to financial reasons, must be frugal with our lens, camera, and accessories, might have saved money not only by purchasing an "cheap" Sigma Contemporary lens, but also on buying less expensive tripods. Cheaper, light weight tripods are reputed to not being rock steady, expecially when holding a heavy weight lens. In an effort to "defeat" the movement allowed into the system by a cheap, light weight tripod I have found that with the lens in question, I have been keeping the OS on. I have found, that with my lighter lens, Canon 10-18, 18-55, and 55-250, the rule of thumb saying tripod and NO OS is correct, even with my cheap light weight tripod. However, the the Sigma 150-600 "monster" lens I do leave the OS on.

I made the assumption that the OP, having decided to go frugal on lenses, has also gone frugal on tripods. I know that when I assume it makes ..... I assure you, I was an .... long before this assumption. I would like to hear your opinion on this Jim Bob.

Jim Bob

There are at least two ways: 1)you can use the camera's built-in micro adjustment feature or)2; you can use the dock. The lens is removed from the camera and attached to the dock in option 2. However, to be candid, I have never needed to micro adjust this lens on the D7200. You can view my photo "In One Ear And Out The Other" in the gallery as an example of how sharp this lens can be.

Jim Bob

I will only say I make no assumptions about what equipment a poster can afford or has in his/her quiver. I respond based on the facts they present. I wish others would do the same.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

I have the Sport model which allows individual programming of the auto focus, close focus distanced and vibration control. If the Contemporary model has the same features learn how to use them and you will see noticeable improvement.

Jim Bob

You simply can not guarantee that the person..."will see a noticeable improvement." Geesus.

Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier

I personally took my lens and camera body to my local camera store and had them do it for me. The fee was a nominal $25.00. I had it done again after my lens was sent in for a new focus motor and tune-up, and my new local camera shop (I moved) did it free.
The camera body can set adjustments for the lens. The miracle of modern cameras! I am not sure how the Sigma dock adjusts the lens, but it is my understanding that it can make adjustments also.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

You must have the dock and micro focus adjust ( at least checking) for maximum performance. Try removing "protective" filter if you have one.

teleice

Everything I have read suggests that the Sports version is slightly sharper. I have the contemporary version and a Nikon 200-500, and find the latter to be definitely the better of the two.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

It always helps, too, to purchase from a source that has a 30 day return policy, satisfaction guaranteed. That way you never get stuck with an expensive piece of gear that you're not happy with.