500mm f4.5 APO EX

I'm truly late to the party with this oldie but goodie. After many years of lust I finally nabbed a used copy one year ago. Mine is a pre-DG. After spending seven years shooting with a Sigma 150-500 OS, this lens surprised me immediately with both how much heavier that much glass is, and how freaking sharp it is, even wide open...even wide open with a cheap 2x TC!

The lens is not light weight, but certainly is by 500mm prime standards. And even though hand holding can be taxing over time, I find no issues doing BIF with this lens.

Bokeh is decent wide open, certainly nicer than my 150-500, although not as smooth as my Canon 70-200 1:4. Once you cinch the aperture to 5.6 there is a funny look to grass and branches. But I can live with this. It just forces me to be more selective with setting up my shots.

I wonder how long it will be before it is discontinued and replaced by a lighter version with OS. Time will tell.

I use this lens and the 300mm f2.8 for birding. With the K-5 Pentax i find it a good set up. The 500 is superb for me. Light weight and compact. Sharp enought for birding for sure. I decided in this in the Pentax mount because i travel alot. And wanted screw focus all mechanical. I am not sorry. The lens is built like a tank. I keep it in a rubber rain coat 100% of the time. I don't even remember what it looks like actually. IS on the Pentax is great!!! Hand holding is a pleasure with this lens. Not for long but do able.
Highly recommended by me anyway.

Note: I do not see a review of the 300mm f2.8 Sigma prime. I would like to add the prime is reguarded by me to be superior to the 120-300mm zoom. Combined with a IS which Pentax and Sony have, really makes these lenses shine like I have never seen. I bought both of these lenses new for Pentax just for the IS in camera. In my opinion canon and nikon users are really missing out on these two lenses. With no IS.

All pics with the 300mm f2.8 and 500mm f4.5 are here. If you are interested in some real life pics.

www.flickr.com/photos/avianphotos/

Purchased six months ago, secondhand, I was using this on my Nikon D70. It was an upgrade from a Tamron 200-500 (itself a great lens for the price).

It was only after upgraging to a Nikon D300 that I have realised just how good this Sigma is! AF is fast and images are sharp.

Although best on a tripod, this lens is quite usable resting on the window ledge in a hide or used on a monopod - unlike some 500mm lenses.

the lens hood is large and solid so offers decent protection to the front element. The foot is also large alloing firm attachment to a tripod. It is a large, fairly heavy lens, and definitely works best on a tripod.

For anyone wanting a good quality prime lens for birding, this is the one to buy - unless you win the lottery or have a very well-paid job, an understanding wife and can afford a Nikon or Canon prime!