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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Sigma 120-400/4,5-5,6 vs Canon 100-400 (1 Viewer)

I did use a Sigma 50-500 (DG version) for about a year. I would have to say it is a very good lens. At 500mm (which is really more like ~460mm) it probably needs to be stopped down to f/8, especially if the subject is far away (e.g. more than 25-30 yards away).

In the end, I switched to EF 400mm f/5.6L (prime) since the Bigma was somewhat difficult to use hand-held and the 400mm L prime had much faster AF for tracking BIF.

For tripod/monopod use, the Bigma can be an excellent lens when there is enough light to stop down to f/8.

Here are some Bigma samples:

http://www.pbase.com/macshark/image/57854249

http://www.pbase.com/macshark/image/55832845

http://www.pbase.com/macshark/image/56028177

http://www.pbase.com/macshark/image/115112383

http://www.pbase.com/macshark/image/58171462

Note that these are from my early "birding" days so both the technique and pp are sub-par compared to some of the excellent content you see from other members of this site.
 
Last edited:
I have the Canon 100-400 and have no problems whatsoever. As with everything though, after a while you wish you had got something better so the best advice is get the best you can afford and if possible, ask for a demo with your camera and both lenses.
 
dont make excuses for your earlier photos macshark I am new to the bird photography and personally think there super shots, inclusive of the background. mike
 
I use both the BigmOS 150-500 and the Canon 100-400 and prefer the BigmOS (better stabiliser, if somewhat loud, and as good IQ), even with the 1.4x TC added!
 
macshark said:
I did use a Sigma 50-500 (DG version) for about a year. I would have to say it is a very good lens. At 500mm (which is really more like ~460mm) it probably needs to be stopped down to f/8, especially if the subject is far away (e.g. more than 25-30 yards away).

In the end, I switched to EF 400mm f/5.6L (prime) since the Bigma was somewhat difficult to use hand-held and the 400mm L prime had much faster AF for tracking BIF.

For tripod/monopod use, the Bigma can be an excellent lens when there is enough light to stop down to f/8.

Here are some Bigma samples:

http://www.pbase.com/macshark/image/57854249

http://www.pbase.com/macshark/image/55832845

http://www.pbase.com/macshark/image/56028177

http://www.pbase.com/macshark/image/115112383

http://www.pbase.com/macshark/image/58171462

Note that these are from my early "birding" days so both the technique and pp are sub-par compared to some of the excellent content you see from other members of this site.
Click to expand...

Some cracking images there from the sigma. Impressive.

Regards
Mike
 
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