Would This Lens Meet my Needs and is it a Good Deal or: I am looking for a lens that won't break the bank for landscape and wildlife photography. I ran across a used (purchased May...

Rexene Loc: Michigan

I am looking for a lens that won't break the bank for landscape and wildlife photography. I ran across a used (purchased May 2012) Sigma 150-500mm F/5.0-6.3 APO HSM DG OS Lens For Nikon for $850.00. Would this lens meet my needs and is this a good deal? If not, what would you suggest? Would I be better off purchasing a new Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for $999.00? What would be a good lens for a trip to Hawaii next month? I use a Nikon D7000 camera.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

That is a very nice lens. Sold new in May for $939 so I would try to negotiate a better price. It is sharper and longer range than the 120-400mm model.

ahzwizerd2 Loc: Willowbrook, ca

Man that's Ok and all
I have used a 18-105 And my photos look great but a 55-300 work well so save some money about $300

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Rexene wrote:

I am looking for a lens that won't break the bank for landscape and wildlife photography. I ran across a used (purchased May 2012) Sigma 150-500mm F/5.0-6.3 APO HSM DG OS Lens For Nikon for $850.00. Would this lens meet my needs and is this a good deal? If not, what would you suggest? Would I be better off purchasing a new Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for $999.00? What would be a good lens for a trip to Hawaii next month? I use a Nikon D7000 camera.

I have no experience with either but I have read in several places that the 50-500mm is a better sharper lens.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I have a Sigma 150-500mm I bought for for wildlife and I am happy with it, though because it's a heavy lens I usually use it with a monopod or a tripod.
For landscape you might want to consider a wide angle lens to capture the breadth of the scenery. I use a Nikkor 10-24mm for landscapes.

Rexene Loc: Michigan

Mac wrote:

I have a Sigma 150-500mm I bought for for wildlife and I am happy with it, though because it's a heavy lens I usually use it with a monopod or a tripod.
For landscape you might want to consider a wide angle lens to capture the breadth of the scenery. I use a Nikkor 10-24mm for landscapes.

Thanks for your reply, Mac. So, for landscape; i.e., mountains, etc. you get the distance needed with your 10-24mm?

Rexene Loc: Michigan

ahzwizerd2 wrote:

Man that's Ok and all
I have used a 18-105 And my photos look great but a 55-300 work well so save some money about $300

Ahzwizerd2, Thanks for your reply. With the 55-300mm lens, do you get the distance needed for wildlife, birds, etc.?

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Rexene wrote:

Mac wrote:

I have a Sigma 150-500mm I bought for for wildlife and I am happy with it, though because it's a heavy lens I usually use it with a monopod or a tripod.
For landscape you might want to consider a wide angle lens to capture the breadth of the scenery. I use a Nikkor 10-24mm for landscapes.

Thanks for your reply, Mac. So, for landscape; i.e., mountains, etc. you get the distance needed with your 10-24mm?

Rexene
If you stop down your aperture to f16 or f22, that will give you enough DoF that everything will be in focus.

Check this out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JL8Qdxz5XA

I hope this helps.

Rexene Loc: Michigan

Mac wrote:

quote=Rexene quote=Mac I have a Sigma 150-500mm ... (show quote)

Thanks again, Mac! I watched several videos from BH Photo and he really explains things well! I subscribed to his podcasts on my iPad!

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Hi Rexene. I just rented the Sigma. My longest lens is the Nikon 300 2.8. You want to talk about carrying round a rock.:) But the pictures are awesome . I am going to get one as soon as I gather up a few more pennies.:)
Erv

Wanda Krack Loc: Tennessee, USA

It all depends on what you want to take pictures of. The long Sigma lens is great for wildlife at a distance, but it wouldn't be a landscape lens. For that, I would suggest a wider angle (bottom something like 18mm or 24mm or even up to 50mm), with a zoom to at least 200mm. (what some people refer to as a 'walk-around' lens. I Have the 150-500mm lens, and it is heavy and large, but it does a good job with animals and objects at a distance. However, it does require a lot of light.

CamObs Loc: South America (Texas)

Been going to Hawaii every year since 1974 and have never needed anything longer than a 200mm. Mostly use a normal and wide angle. Unless you are going to a surfer event, those are about it.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

People always tout wide angle lenses as being "landscape" lenses. In actuality, landscape images can be taken with any number of focal length settings.The wider angle lenses are good for sweeping vistas, but not all landscape images are that. I'd carry a wide angle zoom, but also another zoom with a greater range like a 70-200mm

PaulB Loc: Alabama

Why don't you consider the Sigma 18-250 mm lens? It will do it all for you. It will not break the bank either. A great, versatile, "walk around" lens!

Robeng Loc: California

Hi Rexene,

The Sigma 150mm-500mm is a very nice lens for the money. I purchased mine earlier this year with the rebate For around $900.00. Really nice lens for shooting wildlife. My girlfriend used it last weekend at the zoo and loved it.
I would try and negotiate a better price on the used one, if the seller won't work a deal check the prices at B&H or Adorama.