To Sigma or not to Sigma (1 Viewer)

Grasshopper98 · May 26, 2012

Hi, I am new here and only just getting into wildlife photography. I only have an 18-105 on my Nikon D90 at the mo and have been looking for a decent lens to help me get started. After a bit of research I think that The Sigma 150-500 or 50-500 might be the way forward but thought I would ask a bit of advice from those in the know? Any help would be great, Thanks.

Chalky W · May 26, 2012

Sigma all the way.......I haven't got either of the lenses you mention but my 300-800mm is sigma as well as my macro (150mm) and I can't fault them at all. The optics on my sigmas are first class and the price compared to Nikon is a no brainer....unless I win the lottery.

I'm sure you won't be dissapointed and I'm sure others will tell you the same about the 50/150-500's.

njlarsen · May 26, 2012

Grasshopper98, welcome to Birdforum!

Niels

AndrewA · May 27, 2012

Hi
I use the Sigma 150-500 mm and do quite like it. There can be some QA/QC issues with the lens getting quite a mixed review amongst owners/users.
The lens is quite heavy but I still use mine exclusively handheld. The AF is fast and very quiet and the optical stabilisation works very well.
I find it performs best around f8.0 and center sharpness is very good. Edge sharpness does drop off which becomes quite noticeable in shots of say waders here the head of the bird in the center of the frame is very nice and sharp but the feet can look soft. Its not awful but is noticeable.
The lens lacks a focus limit switch which I find frustrating at times especially for birds in flight where it can sometimes seem like ages before it snaps into focus. Once locked on though it tracks well.
The lens in my opinion offers very good value for money especially with the 500mm long end option. I shoot with Canon and also have the 100-400. The 100-400 is a better lens in many respects but costs probably 500 pounds more. Depending on budget I would however certainly recommend the 150-500. I use mine an awul lot.
Andrew

AndrewA · May 27, 2012

Here's a few random pictures was taken with the 150-500 + Sigma 1.4 TC on a Canon 1D Mark 4.
Andrew

AndrewA · May 27, 2012

These were taken using a 7D and just the 150-500 without the TC.

Grasshopper98 · May 27, 2012

Thank you for all your replys. Andrew, your shots are great, if I can capture any half as good I will be pleased. I Think for my budget a second hand 150-500 is the way forward to get me started. I'm hoping I can pick one up for £500 or just under as you can now pick them up new for just over £600 online. If anyone hears of a good one that someone is not using I would be very interested. Thanks again.

AndrewA · May 27, 2012

Hi Grasshopper98

Keep your eyes on the classified adds of this forum as they regularly turn up there for sale. Good luck.
Andrew

Hor Kee · May 27, 2012

AndrewA said:
Hi Grasshopper98

Keep your eyes on the classified adds of this forum as they regularly turn up there for sale. Good luck.
Andrew

Here's one http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=230846

Grasshopper98 · May 29, 2012

Thank you Hor Kee,

That lens was perfect and I tought the chap had accepted an offer yesterday only to send me a message when I was sending payment to say he was selling to someone else. I am quite disappointed as I really wanted to get started with my wildlife photography. If anyone else knows of any good ones, please let me know. Thanks again

SteveClifton · May 29, 2012

Grasshopper98 said:
Thank you Hor Kee,

That lens was perfect and I tought the chap had accepted an offer yesterday only to send me a message when I was sending payment to say he was selling to someone else. I am quite disappointed as I really wanted to get started with my wildlife photography. If anyone else knows of any good ones, please let me know. Thanks again

2 Nikon fits here:

http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/search/Sigma%20150-500?keyword=Sigma+150-500&search_submit=SEARCH+PRODUCTS&used=on

mdb2 · May 30, 2012

AndrewA said:
Hi
I use the Sigma 150-500 mm and do quite like it. There can be some QA/QC issues with the lens getting quite a mixed review amongst owners/users.
The lens is quite heavy but I still use mine exclusively handheld. The AF is fast and very quiet and the optical stabilisation works very well.
I find it performs best around f8.0 and center sharpness is very good. Edge sharpness does drop off which becomes quite noticeable in shots of say waders here the head of the bird in the center of the frame is very nice and sharp but the feet can look soft. Its not awful but is noticeable.
The lens lacks a focus limit switch which I find frustrating at times especially for birds in flight where it can sometimes seem like ages before it snaps into focus. Once locked on though it tracks well.
The lens in my opinion offers very good value for money especially with the 500mm long end option. I shoot with Canon and also have the 100-400. The 100-400 is a better lens in many respects but costs probably 500 pounds more. Depending on budget I would however certainly recommend the 150-500. I use mine an awul lot.
Andrew

hi I have the 150-500 and endorse the above remarks. And to add that you need good light and manual focus when using the converter on a 7D or your Nikon. Best wishes. Mike

Grasshopper98 · May 31, 2012

Mike,

Thanks for your reply. I have now decided that this is the lens I am going for. Still looking so if yours is gathering dust, let me know.

To Sigma or not to Sigma (1 Viewer)

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