From the sigma website "Focusing and zooming do not change the lens' overall length, ensuring it's easy of use either handheld or on a tripod.
http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/lenses/telezoom/300-800mm.htm
Well it only weighs 13lb without the camera
In their dreams! I can only just lift it onto my tripod
I tried hand holding my Sigmonster early on, but the lens is just too long. The center of gravity is so far out that my supporting arm is nearer to horizontal, with very little capacity for vertical load. I've hand held the nearly as heavy 600 f4 IS and 400 2.8 IS, and I can shoot these big Canon primes for several seconds at a time. But I can't do it with the Sigmonster. Perhaps it can be done by a taller, stronger guy (I'm 2 hairs shy of 1.74 m in height).
He's gonna throw his back out!:-O
I don't think it's you. I'm 6' and I curl with 45lb dumbells in the gym. A lens like this doesn't just add weight, it also adds and awkwardness factor because of it's shape as mentioned before. Trying to balance it is the real problem. I've hand held some big lenses before but when they get this large the center of gravity gets you more than the weight.
Is that the guy who killed the three evil giants and two mad dragons barehanded on a single afternoon last week?
Perv!
:-OHey, photography's not my only hobby you know! 8-P
Although the two do overlap a bit.
Seriously though, you'd have to be some kinda weirdo to blow £20,000 on one lens like he says he would if he had the money (mind you he's probably got quite a few nice lenses already). But just think of the kit list you could put together with a wod of cash like that.
