sigma 150x500
Mar 31, 2014 07:23:16 #
COLANN
Loc: Pahiatua Tararua New Zealand
G/day all from Aus, can those of you that own, or have owned the 150x500 sigma lens, tell me do you think of it ,is it ok for bird photography, on my canon 600d, I am still using the kit lens 55x250, its alright, but apart from not having enough reach, it is rather slow to focus in A/F. is the sigma a faster lens,? I know it wont be real fast , but would be happy with anything a bit faster, the price I can get the 150x500 here in AUS, is not to bad, I realize it wont be as good as the very much more expensive Canon lenses, but they are well and truly out of my price bracket, thank you for any help, Colin
Mar 31, 2014 08:38:12 #
Its not the sharpest lens but it does a great job overall. Auto focus is quick and pretty accurate.
Mar 31, 2014 09:44:05 #
COLANN wrote:
G/day all from Aus, can those of you that own, or ... (show quote)
The Sigma will AF faster than your Canon kit lens, as well as have the reach you are wanting to get closer. Fine tune the focus to the camera you are using if your camera offers that function. If not, order the lens direct from Sigma and send them your body, they will tune the lens focus to your body exactly and you will have a very sharp, very long telephoto lens to be proud of.
Good luck.
Mar 31, 2014 17:42:46 #
COLANN
Loc: Pahiatua Tararua New Zealand
Thanks for your reply, I thought it would be faster, but was not sure, and thanks for the tip to buy from Sigma and to send them my camera so as they can Tune it in with the lens, would not have thought of that, Colin
Mar 31, 2014 17:57:44 #
COLANN wrote:
Thanks for your reply, I thought it would be faster, but was not sure, and thanks for the tip to buy from Sigma and to send them my camera so as they can Tune it in with the lens, would not have thought of that, Colin
Hi Colin, I have had this lens since Christmas and am quite enjoying it. I have my 6d set to single point focus and find that it focuses quite quickly (as long as the point is on the target, lol).
The lens is sharp I think that any sharpness lacking in my pictures is from my techniques not the equipment as they do look like they are getting better. For the money I think it is very good.
Mar 31, 2014 18:39:42 #
COLANN
Loc: Pahiatua Tararua New Zealand
Happy Sailor, well there isn't much wrong with that photo, I would be chuffed if it was mine, thanks for your input, I think I would enjoy having the extra reach more than anything, as out here you can not always get that close to your subject, and to also have a quicker A/F would really help, Cheers Colin,
Apr 1, 2014 06:18:38 #
I have had one since last summer (northern hemisphere) and am very satisfied although it is relatively heavy. It can be used handheld but I would recommend using a sturdy tripod for longer photo sessions.
Apr 1, 2014 06:28:16 #
The 150-500 is actually a good value. Decent image quality, fast focusing especially considering it is only F6.3 max at the long end. I think the 50-500 might be a little sharper.
For best results, both lenses should not be zoomed out to the max, and you should stop down at least to F8 - you will be extremely pleased with the results. Using a good tripod and head will triple the number of keepers.
For best results, both lenses should not be zoomed out to the max, and you should stop down at least to F8 - you will be extremely pleased with the results. Using a good tripod and head will triple the number of keepers.
Apr 1, 2014 06:52:34 #
COLANN
Loc: Pahiatua Tararua New Zealand
Thanks for your reply, I have had quite a few replies to my question, and all have been very positive, sounds like a good lens, maybe not the best, but one that is in my price bracket, and a big improvement to my 55x250 canon kit lens, cheers Colin,
Apr 1, 2014 06:55:58 #
COLANN
Loc: Pahiatua Tararua New Zealand
Thanks for your posative reply, all replies i have recieved have been good, and from peoples who are using the lens at this moment, The Hog is realy good for advice, love the site, cheers Colin
Apr 1, 2014 06:59:45 #
I've had the Big Sig for several years ...it's a good lens but it needs a lot of light. Take MT's advice and get it calibrated. 90% of the time I use mine on a heavy tripod with a gimbal head. You may want to look at the Tamron 150-600 they just came out and are getting rave reviews. Good luck and have fun.......BTW would you guys find that lost plane we are getting tired of hearing about it 24/7.
Apr 1, 2014 07:55:00 #
COLANN wrote:
G/day all from Aus, can those of you that own, or ... (show quote)
It is a good lens, it's what I use for most of my bird shots.
Apr 1, 2014 08:19:27 #
MT Shooter wrote:
The Sigma will AF faster than your Canon kit they will tune the lens focus to your body exactly and you will have a very sharp, very long telephoto lens to be proud of.
Good luck.
Good luck.
I have a D7100 and the 50-500. It's soft at the end. Can my camera fine tune, or do you think Sigma will fine tune mine?
Thanks
Apr 1, 2014 08:22:40 #
Naps wrote:
I have a D7100 and the 50-500. It's soft at the end. Can my camera fine tune, or do you think Sigma will fine tune mine?
Thanks
Thanks
You can fine tune any AF lens with your body. Your manual will detail the steps to do so.
Apr 1, 2014 08:31:26 #
Naps wrote:
I have a D7100 and the 50-500. It's soft at the end. Can my camera fine tune, or do you think Sigma will fine tune mine?
Thanks
Thanks
Even with fine tuning, it will still be a bit soft. That's just the way that lens is. Fine tuning cannot add sharpness that isn't there to begin with. On a Nikon the problem with fine tuning, especially a zoom lens, is that you optimize for your most often used focal length and working distance, which often includes a tradeoff at other focal lengths and working distances. Canon at least gives you two options.
Another approach is to bring the lens and camera to a shop with an optical bench, and they will mate the lens to the body. It might give you better results, but it won't be magic.
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