Sigma 150-500 or.. I would like some added range for my Nikon. I have the 2.8 Nikon 70-200mm. If I purchase the TC-20E III AF-1 teleconverter for the lens it goes to 400 mm. I can also...

rappar Loc: Kingston Ontario

I would like some added range for my Nikon. I have the 2.8 Nikon 70-200mm. If I purchase the TC-20E III AF-1 teleconverter for the lens it goes to 400 mm. I can also buy the Sigma 150-500mm lens that many here say is very good for the money. The difference here in Canada between the lens and the teleconverter is about $600. What do people here think might be the best way to go?
Thanks
Ron

brccli1 Loc: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I have the Sigma 150-500 and love it. In answer to your question, with the new lens, you get another 100 mm of reach. I found this to be very important. Using the 2x tele conv., you wind up with a lens of almost the same f-stop as the Sigma but with less reach. Additionally, the Sigma is optically stabilized which also gives you some more flexibility if you want to hand-hold the beast. Which brings me to the last statement-the Sigma is a beast to walk around with. Thankfully, my partner (bless her soul) volunteers to be a sherpa when I am using it. Whichever you choose, happy shooting.

Paul

Regis Loc: Coeur d' Alene, Idaho

rappar wrote:

I would like some added range for my Nikon. I have the 2.8 Nikon 70-200mm. If I purchase the TC-20E III AF-1 teleconverter for the lens it goes to 400 mm. I can also buy the Sigma 150-500mm lens that many here say is very good for the money. The difference here in Canada between the lens and the teleconverter is about $600. What do people here think might be the best way to go?
Thanks
Ron

I have the Sigma 150-500mm and 50-500mm lenses and I highly recommend them over a teleconverter. The 150-500mm lense is worth the extra money.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I have a 70-200 f2.8 and the 1.7 teleconverter and have been vey happy with it and I believe you will like yours with the 2. Guess it comes down to what you shoot and how much the extra reach means to you. If you need/want the extra reach everyone here says the Sigma 150-500 is an excellent lens. Good luck whichever way you go. ;)

naturepics43 Loc: Hocking Co. Ohio - USA

rappar wrote:

I would like some added range for my Nikon. I have the 2.8 Nikon 70-200mm. If I purchase the TC-20E III AF-1 teleconverter for the lens it goes to 400 mm. I can also buy the Sigma 150-500mm lens that many here say is very good for the money. The difference here in Canada between the lens and the teleconverter is about $600. What do people here think might be the best way to go?
Thanks
Ron

I have the Sigma 150-500 and find it to be a very good lens (on a bright, sunny day). Overcast days, at least for me, it has a hard time with accurate focus. I'm actually thinking of getting the Nikon 70-200 f2.8 to use on overcast days. I'm pleased with the Sigma in general but at f6.3 with my camera's (D-200 & D-90) sharp photos on a cloudy day are difficult for me. Good luck.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I like the 1.4X TC on the 70-200mm F2.8 lenses, but try to avoid the 2X on anything. The loss of 2 stops of light usually makes the lens as slow as longer, less expensive options. 70-200 F2.8 + 2X TC = 140-400mm F5.6, not exactly a light grabber) In this instance you would be much happier with the Sigma than a 2X TC on the 70-200.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

I have the Sigma 150-500 and find it does a good job. I have had Sigma lenses in the past that I wasn't happy with but this lens is a good one.

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

Many users say that the Sigma 150-500 is the 'Bees Knees', but of all lenses put up for re-sale I think it takes some beating!!!Wonder why??

crimesc324 Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

rappar wrote:

I would like some added range for my Nikon. I have the 2.8 Nikon 70-200mm. If I purchase the TC-20E III AF-1 teleconverter for the lens it goes to 400 mm. I can also buy the Sigma 150-500mm lens that many here say is very good for the money. The difference here in Canada between the lens and the teleconverter is about $600. What do people here think might be the best way to go?
Thanks
Ron

I have the Sigma 50-500 and really enjoy it

Canikon Guy Loc: Baltimore, MD

Pablo8 wrote:

Many users say that the Sigma 150-500 is the 'Bees Knees', but of all lenses put up for re-sale I think it takes some beating!!!Wonder why??

3rd party / non OEM lens is one reason.

I bought a used Sigma 150-500mm Nikon mount in mint condition with box and everything included for $650.00 from a fellow plane spotter.

OviedoPhotos

I'm using the Nikon 80-400 with a 1.4x TC with very good results. Even on a cloudy day. The lens has VR. Very careful handheld is also working.

Thankfully D800 is great at ISO 3200

Marilyng Loc: Lorain,Oh.

brccli1 wrote:

I have the Sigma 150-500 and love it. In answer t... (show quote)

Hi Paul,
I have the 150-500 & love it!!

peterg Loc: Santa Rosa, CA

I love my Sigma 150-500mm on my Nikon D4.
Samples taken from my kayak are at: http://www.gopeterg.com/Rocky-Point-Oct-2013/i-vMzw9WC .
Click the "i" (info) button for EXIF info. These pics are smaller than the originals.

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

I have the Sigma 50-500mm I also have the 70-200mm f2.8 Nikon both are fantastic lenses. In my humble opinion you'd be happier with the Sigma 150-500 when compared to the 70-200 with a 2X converter.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

rappar wrote:

I would like some added range for my Nikon. I have the 2.8 Nikon 70-200mm. If I purchase the TC-20E III AF-1 teleconverter for the lens it goes to 400 mm. I can also buy the Sigma 150-500mm lens that many here say is very good for the money. The difference here in Canada between the lens and the teleconverter is about $600. What do people here think might be the best way to go?
Thanks
Ron

I am not a big fan of either but in this case I would try the Sigma 150-500mm over a 2X TC if you can afford it. Make sure you buy the Sigma from some place you can return it to though. There are a lot of bad copies of this lens out there so you want to be able to return it if you get one. I tested two of these lenses and returned both, but was testing them against a Canon 100-400mm lens.

I don't know anything about that particular TC but with most 2X TC's you will normally lose a lot of IQ. You are normally better off with a lens than a 2X TC to get to the same reach. Not only that but if you can find a good 150-500mm lens you will gain another 100mm reach, which is always nice.

Jim D