Sigma 150-600 question: I recently purchased the Contemporary version of Sigma's 150-600 lens and am not really happy with the results. I've seen posted photos on the forum that were...

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

I recently purchased the Contemporary version of Sigma's 150-600 lens and am not really happy with the results. I've seen posted photos on the forum that were taken handheld and I can't even manage to equal those for sharpness while using a tripod and a remote. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. (Sorry, I'm away from home and can't post any samples just yet)
I'm using the lens on my D7000 and don't have the USB dock. Would that help?

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

The dock will give you updates to the lens.
I updated my lens and have found it helped.
I am using a D610.

Get the dock.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Keldon wrote:

I recently purchased the Contemporary version of Sigma's 150-600 lens and am not really happy with the results. I've seen posted photos on the forum that were taken handheld and I can't even manage to equal those for sharpness while using a tripod and a remote. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. (Sorry, I'm away from home and can't post any samples just yet)
I'm using the lens on my D7000 and don't have the USB dock. Would that help?

Post images when you get back. What tripod and head are you using?

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Info on shutter speed, F stop and ISO would be helpful. Possible issue might be you had Image Stabilization on when the unit was on a tripod. That can effect focus.

Jim Bob

Keldon wrote:

I recently purchased the Contemporary version of Sigma's 150-600 lens and am not really happy with the results. I've seen posted photos on the forum that were taken handheld and I can't even manage to equal those for sharpness while using a tripod and a remote. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. (Sorry, I'm away from home and can't post any samples just yet)
I'm using the lens on my D7000 and don't have the USB dock. Would that help?

You must compare apples to apples. On the D7200 that lens performs exceptionally well both on and off (with image stabilization engaged) a tripod. Without viewing images I could offer only speculation and conjecture.

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

It's a Manfrotto with a tri-axial head. I don't have the model # with me right now.

Gene51 wrote:

Post images when you get back. What tripod and head are you using?

UXOEOD

Insure the OS is "on", regardless if on or off tripod. At 600mm ridiculously small movement is magnified to "motion blur", kick the ISO as high as you are willing, then up it again, no need to close it beyond f8, and shot at as fast a shutter speed as you can.

I have the same lens, learning it, and loving it.

Good luck!

By the way, on a cropped sensor, the old rule of thumb of 1/focal length for the slowest safe shutter speed need to be 1/(equivalent focal length).

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

Thanks for the adivice. I'll try your sugestions.

UXOEOD wrote:

Insure the OS is "on", regardless if on ... (show quote)

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

Thank you. I think I will get the dock. Did you find it helped with the OS at all?

traveler90712 wrote:

The dock will give you updates to the lens.
I updated my lens and have found it helped.
I am using a D610.

Get the dock.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

Keldon wrote:

Thank you. I think I will get the dock. Did you find it helped with the OS at all?

Yes!

sholland98 Loc: Benbrook, Texas

Mine is on a D750 and tack sharp. Also have the 1.4 extender. Rarely use tripod. Do have dock. I've learned that shutter priority and fast as you can live with, re: ISO, works best.

mmatus

I am a Nature photographer, I do a lot of birding, plus other captured. I too recently bought a Sigma 150-600 lens. C. I have the Canon 7D Mark ll. i also have been studying the moon for many years. I have always hand held My setting recently are Mode TV, ISO 3200, F/6.3, 1/1600 Focal 562mm.This has worked for me.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Keldon wrote:

I recently purchased the Contemporary version of Sigma's 150-600 lens and am not really happy with the results. I've seen posted photos on the forum that were taken handheld and I can't even manage to equal those for sharpness while using a tripod and a remote. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. (Sorry, I'm away from home and can't post any samples just yet)
I'm using the lens on my D7000 and don't have the USB dock. Would that help?

SELL, SELL, and SELL, then BUY, BUY, BUY the Nikon 200-500 f5.6 and you will be MUCH, MUCH, MUCH happier.

Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier

You may also need to calibrate the lens to the camera.

Revet Loc: Fairview Park, Ohio

I use that lens on a d7100 and it exceeded my expectations for sharpness and image stabilization. I do have the dock and have got the latest firmware installed.