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Sigma 150-500, would you ?
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Feb 23, 2016 06:55:07   #
Carlo Loc: Maryland, NW.Chesapeake Bay
 
Magaliaman wrote:
I have an opportunity to pick up a Sigma 150-500 Lens for my D800. Although I'd plan to use it for BIF, the reality is its mostly a bad case of GAS. I was initially looking at the Sigma 150-600, I know someone selling the 150-500 for $400.00.

Is it worth it? Advice from anyone that might have this lens would be appreciated.

Thanks


I got he Sigma 150-500 last summer and have really enjoyed the results I have gotten with it... mostly shooting wildlife, moon, and sports. Great Value and Performance for your money. 8-)

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Feb 23, 2016 07:15:34   #
rxrose Loc: North Florida
 
billnikon wrote:
The NIKON 200-500 will do a great job for you. Otherwise, you MIGHT have a YUGO part for your BMW.


I agree. I have this lens and a D750. It is not sharp at 500mm even on tripod and mirror up. It will take nice shots in good light but if you have other nice lenses (70-200 mm 2.8, for example) you will be disappointed.

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Feb 23, 2016 08:02:38   #
ggttc Loc: TN
 
I ahve the Sig 150-500 and at that price you cant go wrong...its a good sharp lens.

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Feb 23, 2016 08:30:25   #
Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX
 
I too had a 150-500 and loved it and yes, a little soft at 500. I bought it from KEH for $625 a couple of years ago and sold it for $500 in great shape recently when I got the Sigma 150-600C, which really is pretty sharp at 600. I'd jump on $400 for that lens in good shape. I bought mine used to see if I could grow into it, if I could use it hand-held (yes I could, the OS is pretty good) and how it might work out on a monopod. I used a pistol grip head on a monopod when birds and other subject will sit still, but was able to pan on bigger birds in flight hand-held. The best of both worlds. You won't be disappointed, if somebody else hasn't snagged it at that price already. Good luck!

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Feb 23, 2016 10:21:14   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
Magaliaman wrote:
I have an opportunity to pick up a Sigma 150-500 Lens for my D800. Although I'd plan to use it for BIF, the reality is its mostly a bad case of GAS. I was initially looking at the Sigma 150-600, I know someone selling the 150-500 for $400.00.

Is it worth it? Advice from anyone that might have this lens would be appreciated.

Thanks


No, it is not as good as the Nikkor 200-500, or the Sigma or Tamron 15-600. the 200-500 is noticeably better than the Sigma and Tamron, and only slightly more expensive, making it the best value.

The last thing I think you want to do is save $700 and be unhappy with your purchase. If you can justify the extra cost - the Sigma or Tamron are good, and for a little more the Nikon is even better.

The 150-500 will not make the D800 look good. I had one when I first got a D200, then kept it through a D300s, D700 and D3S - sold it almost immediately when I got my first D800.

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Feb 23, 2016 11:43:20   #
speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho
 
Magaliaman wrote:
I have an opportunity to pick up a Sigma 150-500 Lens for my D800. Although I'd plan to use it for BIF, the reality is its mostly a bad case of GAS. I was initially looking at the Sigma 150-600, I know someone selling the 150-500 for $400.00.

Is it worth it? Advice from anyone that might have this lens would be appreciated.

Thanks

If it is a decent lens, $400 bucks "aint" bad (I used to have the 50-500 an that one was just a piece of shit, not worth 5 bucks), I hope the 150-500 is a better lens.

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Feb 23, 2016 12:28:00   #
Collie lover Loc: St. Louis, MO
 
Magaliaman wrote:
I have an opportunity to pick up a Sigma 150-500 Lens for my D800. Although I'd plan to use it for BIF, the reality is its mostly a bad case of GAS. I was initially looking at the Sigma 150-600, I know someone selling the 150-500 for $400.00.

Is it worth it? Advice from anyone that might have this lens would be appreciated.

Thanks


Yes, it's worth it. I have the 150-600 and it's great.

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Feb 23, 2016 12:34:02   #
stan0301 Loc: Colorado
 
You would really need to spend as much or more on the tripod you plan to put it on
Stan

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Feb 23, 2016 13:45:12   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
Magaliaman wrote:
It is the Optical Stabilized Lens, so I guess its the last Version. I couldn't find any reference to a Non OS version.

My biggest concern (looking back at posts when that lens first came out), was people seems to be "wishy-washy" about the sharpness. I'll take a few test shots with it, and if its remotely sharp, it sounds like it might be a bargain.


This lens comes from a time when Sigma's quality control was suspect - so it would behuve you to check it out very thoroughly and return if it does not meet your expectations. Optimally you should do a micro focus adjustment before passing judgement on the lens.

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Feb 23, 2016 16:38:45   #
bwana Loc: Bergen, Alberta, Canada
 
Magaliaman wrote:
I have an opportunity to pick up a Sigma 150-500 Lens for my D800. Although I'd plan to use it for BIF, the reality is its mostly a bad case of GAS. I was initially looking at the Sigma 150-600, I know someone selling the 150-500 for $400.00.

Is it worth it? Advice from anyone that might have this lens would be appreciated.

Thanks


I have the Canon mount version of this this lens and like. As has been previously stated, focus gets softer as the focal length increases. However, this might be me as opposed to the lens itself.

I also use the lens with a Kenko 1.4x teleconverter; this combo works very well for me. Pushing the lens to 600-700mm gives that little extra reach...

bwa

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Feb 23, 2016 22:40:07   #
Magaliaman Loc: Magalia, CA
 
Well I got the lens this evening, and paid a LOT less than asking price ($100) The lens looks like brand new, focus seems sharp and accurate. There is a problem though, and I'm hoping it wont cost an arm & a leg to get repaired. The aperture does not "snap back" to wide open. Aperture works when you move the lever on the back, but seems like the spring is broke, or just came off. I can shoot wide open with it, but I'd sort of like to get it repaired.

Any suggestions for this type of repair? Rick Riggens Maybe? Sigma directly? I don't know if I made a mistake or not. I guess worst case scenario I can turn it into a table lamp. lol

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Feb 24, 2016 00:02:52   #
Toby
 
dirtpusher wrote:
would have already done it. thought my 750 i gave for mine was a deal. so if you wanna see the craters on the moon, it'll do it. nicely. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:


I only use mine for shooting soccer. It is excellent as I can stand at midfield and cover the entire field. Like the lens and your price is very good if not grey market or damaged

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Feb 24, 2016 03:13:10   #
Macronaut Loc: Redondo Beach,Ca.
 
Gene51 wrote:
No, it is not as good as the Nikkor 200-500, or the Sigma or Tamron 15-600. the 200-500 is noticeably better than the Sigma and Tamron, and only slightly more expensive, making it the best value.
I believe a better comparison would be, the Tamron and Contemporary are more closely matched or the Nikon and Sport being more direct contenders. Also, the Sport can be had for $100 more than a like new refurb directly from Sigma...$1,500 shipped.

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Feb 24, 2016 05:59:36   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
Magaliaman wrote:
Well I got the lens this evening, and paid a LOT less than asking price ($100) The lens looks like brand new, focus seems sharp and accurate. There is a problem though, and I'm hoping it wont cost an arm & a leg to get repaired. The aperture does not "snap back" to wide open. Aperture works when you move the lever on the back, but seems like the spring is broke, or just came off. I can shoot wide open with it, but I'd sort of like to get it repaired.

Any suggestions for this type of repair? Rick Riggens Maybe? Sigma directly? I don't know if I made a mistake or not. I guess worst case scenario I can turn it into a table lamp. lol
Well I got the lens this evening, and paid a LOT l... (show quote)


Table lamp sounds about right.

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Feb 24, 2016 14:40:54   #
Tom Kelley Loc: Roanoke, Virginia
 
Magaliaman wrote:
I have an opportunity to pick up a Sigma 150-500 Lens for my D800. Although I'd plan to use it for BIF, the reality is its mostly a bad case of GAS. I was initially looking at the Sigma 150-600, I know someone selling the 150-500 for $400.00.

Is it worth it? Advice from anyone that might have this lens would be appreciated.

Thanks


No Brainer, had it, loved it! got the 150-600 c now and also love it.

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