Sigma 150/500

Discussion in 'Photography Talk' started by pip, Jan 9, 2016.

  1. pip

    pip Gardener

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    Good day to you all, I have seen a used 150/500 in my local camera center. I am very tempted but was wondering if anybody on the forum has got one and what are there opinions regarding performance at all levels.

    Thank you
     
  2. Scrungee

    Scrungee Well known for it

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    I think @ARMANDII has one, from 2013

     
  3. wiseowl

    wiseowl FRIENDLY ADMIN Staff Member

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    Sigma 50-500 mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM

    Hi @pip I have had the use of one a while ago and I think it was the one with the stabiliser though designated 500mm, this focal length seems overstated - 450-470mm or so feels about right. but that is only my personal view,it has the nickname of "Bigma". The 50-500 measures 3.7" x 8.6" (95mm x 218.5mm) and weighs 4.1 lb (1.8 kg),if I remember rightly it has 86mm filter threads :smile:

    This might help you decide my friend;)

    https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&r...B6ouvZEGQKXQ1FQLA&sig2=BKC9prcNfZGyIt0Tbsa8QA
     
  4. pip

    pip Gardener

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    Thanks ArmandII and Woo for your replies, seems a bargain at £399, canon lens is far too expensive although much better
     
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    • Scrungee

      Scrungee Well known for it

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      ArmandII hasn't replied yet, I quoted a 2013 post of his.

      You can get a brand new one from SRS Microsytems for £449, only £50 more than secondhand. I think it might be a one day offer and has to be purchased today, as it's not got onto Camerapricebuster yet. Is this the right one? http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/si...Jmj7RWkVlCaFHF5Yzr6kY0_3LSkfCOLqPkaAjlj8P8HAQ
       
    • pip

      pip Gardener

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      Sorry Scrungee, will have to get my eyes checked. Yes that is the lens i'm looking at
       
    • hydrogardener

      hydrogardener Total Gardener

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      I purchased the Sigma 150-600 new and it is a fantastic lens. It is heavy though and I don't hand hold it much. For use on a tripod, I added a gimbal head and that makes using it much easier.

      The photo of the Ring-Billed Gull was taken at 600mm, hand held with no image stabilization, but is still acceptable.


      RBG72.jpg

      WBNH372.jpg

      movo.jpg
       
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        Last edited: Mar 14, 2019
      • hydrogardener

        hydrogardener Total Gardener

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        Recently I added a 2X converter to use with the Sigma 150-600 mm lens. You lose a few f-stops and you can not use auto-focus or image stabilization while using it. I knew that would be the case but I am still glad I added it to my gear. The photo below is not a great photo, however, without the 2X I would not have a photo at all.

        Grackle.jpg
         
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        • hydrogardener

          hydrogardener Total Gardener

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          I added a 2X converter to the Sigma 150-600 and my images were out of focus. Auto-focus will not work when using the converter so I was manually focusing the camera. I found the camera diopter was not adjusted correctly for my eyesight. Once the diopter was adjusted for my vision the lens and converter work fine.

          setup72.jpg
           
          Last edited: Jun 8, 2019
        • Scrungee

          Scrungee Well known for it

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          Using a camera and relying on strong prescription spectacles is a right PITA. Modern cameras are computers with a lens attached and spectacle wearers deserve something better than a manual wheel for diopter adjustment of the viewfinder that requires re-adjusting everytime you take them on/off.

          Who makes camera with diopter adjustments that can be saved as presets and controlled by a function button?

          Was the 2x teleconverter reducing the lens aperture to the point where autofocus no longer functioned?
           
          Last edited: Jun 8, 2019
        • hydrogardener

          hydrogardener Total Gardener

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          The 2X I purchased simply does not work with auto-focus, they tell you that when you purchase it, you must use manual focus and stabilization will not function either. The fault is really mine as I had cataract surgery at the beginning of the year and also laser correction for astigmatism. Now, I no longer have to wear glasses at all, but just never got around to adjusting the diopter on the Nikon. I absolutely love not having to wear glasses anymore, well except to read the newspaper. Once I adjust the diopter it stays adjusted as I am not wearing glasses anymore. My adjustment is one click from null so I made the same adjustment on my other Nikon also.
           
        • Scrungee

          Scrungee Well known for it

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          To view an lcd screen I need to remove my glasses, but to see what I'm photographing I need them on, so I occasionally when trying to get a quick shot I look through the EVF and wonder why autofocus isn't working, then check I haven't inadvertently moved the focus clutch on the lens and put it into manual focus, and by time I put my glasses back on it can be too late. A diopter adjustment on/off button would be a boon, and would automatic spectacle detection be beyond the capabilities of camera manufacturers?
           
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