Lens Construction 12 elements in 9 groups Closest Focusing 4 m / 13.12 ft. Filter Attachment Size 46mm (rear) Weight 3,100g Dia. x Length (mm) 123 x 350
Content and images originally posted by Andy Bright
Reviews
shafferm's review
I have had and used both the Nikon and Canon versions, with superb results. Good clarity, no color aberations and flat field. Still have and use the Canon EOS version. Good at full aperture, better at f11. When used with a good tripod head the lens is versatile, fast and sharp. I use it with the Sidekick and BH-1 ball head as well as a dual mount that handles the 500mm with 10D and the 180 Sigma macro with the Rebel 300d at the same time. Lunar pictures made with the 500mm and 2x tleconverter are good with excelent surface detail on the lunar surface. No birds there though.
Pros
- Sharp and good auto focus mechanism
Cons
- A bit heavy
Andy Bright's review
Longest lens I have ever used, previously the longest was an old 300mm f2.8. I have this lens in Nikon mount. Relatively compact compared to the main 500mm f4 lenses around. Very smooth and silent AF operation. Can be set to AF at total range (3m-infinity), 3m-8m or 8m-infinity). Nikon version allows instant MF without having use any switches, though dependant on camera model used. Very sharp final image, no chromatic problems at all and still producing crisp images with a 1.4x teleconverter (Kenko pro) Not sure about the finish on the lens, the velvety finish may be warm to touch in the winter but attracts dirt... and god knows how it will look after removing any camo tape. Excellent value with recent price cuts, a real bargain for anyone looking for a fast (ish) long lens.
My images taken with this lens can be found here http://www.digiscoped.com/dslrphotoindex.html
And a dedicated review here http://www.digiscoped.com/Sigma500.html
Pros
- clarity of final image
- speed and silence of the AF
Cons
- not sure on the finish
- prefer hard metal or flat rubberised
RogW's review
Having previousl;y been using a 300mm f4.0 lens and teleconvertors, i decided that a larger lens would be very usefull, what made me decide on the sigma, price! and also positive reviews around the net. Having used it for several months now i can say that yes it is an excelent lens. Shard at all apetures without t/c and from around 1 stop from wide open with t/c's (both 1.4 and 1.4 nikon, tabs removed). The extra 1/3 of a stop you would gain going for nikon 500, is it worth the extra ��� well i cant say i don't still hanker after on but i am more than happy with the sigma and will not be upgrading(save for the event of large lottery win!)
Pros
- Price compared to competition
- Image quility with and without teleconvertors
Cons
- Not sure on finish
postcardcv's review
I bought this lens about 18 months ago as an upgrade from the Sigma 170-500 and love it.
The first thing that struck me when I got it was just how sharp the images were, even when shooting wide open. At f4.5 you can count the feathers, stopped down to f6.3-f8 and it's even more impressive. The AF is fast and quiet, it just snaps into focus. I often use this lens with a 1.4x tc (taped pins to retain AF), AF is still fast (difference only notices in poor light) and acurate.
The close focus of 4.5m seemed quite limiting on paper, but in real life it's not an issue. A starling sized bird will basically frame fill at this distance. It's only been on rare occassions that this has cost me a shot.
the lens hood is large and solid so offers decent protection to the front element. The foot is also large allowing firm attachment to a tripod. It is a large, fairly heavy lens, and definitely works best on a tripod.
It has two slight disadvantages over the Canon - no IS and f4.5 rather than f4, but given the difference in price I doubt I'll ever justify an upgrade. For it's price I think this lens is unbeatable value, even better if you can pick up a secondhand one.
Pros
- stunning IQ
- fast AF
Cons
- none at the price
