Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

The Contemporary model is supposed to rival the Tamron. I'd expect similar pricing. As to the pricing of the two Sigs; I'm sure in Sigma's mind,it makes business sense to release the more expensive unit first. Then you have dummies like me clamoring for it. LOL! Thanks.

Pinenuts Loc: Genoa, NV

Here is what I found on the subject:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/News/News-Post.aspx?News=11539

Sorry, but I don't know how to convert this to a URL

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

you're not the ONLY dummy around ! count me in!!

tamalero Loc: Mexico

I hope we do not have to wait much. Id love to see how it fares (the sigma contemporary vs the Tamron)


as for Tamron problems, It seems that any model from May to current date.. had their firmwares fixed for the hunting and locking AF issue.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

It NEVER ends,....does it Jer?

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

No worries. But you didn't upload the image so we could download it for a closer look. To me that is either an Oop's, or it could be deliberate to avoid a closer look. :twisted:

At the risk of being crude, and forgive me Don, I will once again upload a 600mm shot from my Tamron for comparison.
In all honesty, I think I stumbled on my copies "sweet spot". 12-15' distance, tripod mounted, and a lucid moment of steadyness on my part. Or damned good luck.
Instead, just a link. You choose to look. http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-245438-1.html#4126826
Referance: Mouse adrift. Probably my best to date.

How sharp is sharp? Magnified enough, anything gets weird looking. In the late 1990's I used a program called PictureIt that would add fill in pixels to a picture to make up for the missing pixels due to the available equipment and sensors of the day. It was to compensate for the pixelation of the technology available.
How about is it sharp at a magnification for normal viewing? If it is, good enough. Most people aren't printing out billboards. If you are, maybe you wouldn't mind moving over to the Billboard section?

Facts is: Don just got his Brand New Sigzilla. It is taking great pictures, but I expect he and the lens to get even better as they settle in together. Initially it is producing very impressive results.
Is it the end-all, be-all of reachable lenses for the masses? Possibly so. But maybe not.
But for me, the difference between a Tamron, and the Sigzilla, got me two more lenses for my budget. YMMV

I applaud Don for his patience and his outlay to bring this newest contender of cannon sized lenses to UHH.
I'm not here to criticize another's shots. I'm here to marvel and learn, with some salt and pepper cajoling added. :twisted:
Well done, Don! Keep them coming! It's only going to get better. :-D

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

It is not sharp at 600 mm when compared to others. It drops off considerably from 400 to 600. You might think it is great and you might like it but that does not mean in the world of photography that it measures with others. Post all the images you want on the forums, a 2x3 images can not reveal sharpness. Comparisons are made in print, large print where sharpness really matters along with vignetting, distortion, etc.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

I'm in that line too, Don.
But I can't pull back a bullet that's been fired.
Enjoy! And I look forward to your future posts with the Monster Lens. ;) :lol: :thumbup:

user1437

Thank you I have been tossing back and forth is there good enough reason to get one I looked at Tamron then Sigma. I like birds of prey in flight i have my 400 Sigma and I am very satisfied but there are times if I just had that little extra reach. Thank you.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

Ever thought about just a good multiplier?
With something like that, you could have two lenses out of your 400. ;)

lightcatcher Loc: Farmington, NM (4 corners)

Looks like the AF focused on the wires, flag pole would be back about another 30 ft +- and the house another 20 ft beyond that. I would be very happy with that lens. Wish it was lower price than 2k.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Me too.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

and here I go.....

I had a Tamron on order, that was actually delivered and mounted on my D4s. Within the first five minutes, it failed! Stopped focusing completely! Was sent back to Tamron, and, after another month, the dealer has not received another copy. I did have to opportunity to have a demo version out for a few minutes. I felt the shots at the long end were not as sharp as they could be. That was the same thing that I felt about the one I almost bought. Normally, I stick with oem glass, but if the oem doesn't make what I want, I may go elsewhere.

In the meantime, Sigma announced its Sports version. After reading about it, I ordered it. If it is anywhere as good as it is supposed to be, I will be happy. I had one in my hand at Photo Plus in NYC on thursday and was impressed. From my discussion with the Sigma folks, I am not expecting the same fiasco with delivery as the Tamron version. We shall see, I guess. Given the respect I have for the OP and for MT, I am excited to get one of these in my hands!

For the record, and for the price, I wouldn't expect this to be as good as an oem 600. For the price, it will give me zoomability and 600 at a lower cost. If it does that I will be happy. Thats my $.02!!

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Here's one I just did on a tripod to experiment, for the first time. I used spot metering, f6.5, 1/200, zoomed out to 600mm. My single focus point was where the eye bolt would intersect that big vertical crack in the top of the pole. Distance is about 75 feet. I'd say it's awfully close. I think a few wires were moving in the wind. Still a bit windy here. The marks on the pole are pretty pronounced. The second is the point on the bottom of the porch light. Same basic setup. SS may be a bit different. Probably 200 feet. OOops I didn't save them....Sorry

Phone pole


Porch light.

redrocktom Loc: Sedona

As usual Gene, you are a wealth of information and education. Thanks again.