The new Sigma 150-500mm lens (1 Viewer)

Andy Benson · Aug 5, 2009

I have owned the 150-500 for a year now ad thought I would throw in my two peneth for what its worth. Firstly I would point out that I'm not a photographer, rather a birder who carries a camera! I use the lens with a 30D. My whole set up is, like most, dictated by funds, I was saving for the 100-400 canon but it was always a couple of hundred quid away! I would say that if you're after nigel blake-esque (et al) results then this is not the piece of kit to do it. However, if you're after a fairly versitial, relatively affordable lens which you do not intend to print poster size pics, then its definately worth a look. A few of the better results are posted along with spur of the moment record shots.

Henry B · Aug 5, 2009

Andy , I,m also a birder with a camera , but would just like to get a few shots a bit steadier than present.The 150-500 looks to be the answer and it,s in my price range after I sell the bigma.

ajfossey · Aug 5, 2009

My partner & I have been using the 150-500 Sigma lens since the middle of June having bought the Canon 50D on the same day for our initial foray into bird photography (away from digiscoping). Very pleased with the results, but already want more!

BarryH · Dec 26, 2009

Does anyone use the big Sigma on a monopod?

I just wondered which was the better OS setting, the manual says to turn the OS to off when on a tripod, but the monopod is not really the same I guess.

Option1 · Jan 2, 2010

In this case, the monopod really is the same as a tripod - you're using it to support and stabilise the lens/camera combo. I think the issue is to do with the gyroscopic vibrations of the OS encountering the rigidity of the supporting tri/monopod. I've seen it give some weird bokeh and sometimes some images with movement that's been created by the vibrations.

Having said that, I've often used my 80-400 lens with the OS on without any problem, although most commonly in just the panning mode (2?) rather than the full mode (1?). So the best thing is to try both ways and see what works for you.

Neil

Dylan999 · Jan 7, 2010

Compatability Question

Hirundapus said:
For anyone interested, a gallery of test bird photos from the new image-stabilised Sigma 150-500mm lens appears on the Birding World website, www.birdingworld.co.uk

I've just bought the very same lens to go with my Canon EOS 500D.

I don't suppose you know it it's compatible with a Canon x2 Convertor do you?

Option1 · Jan 7, 2010

Option1 said:
In this case, the monopod really is the same as a tripod - you're using it to support and stabilise the lens/camera combo. I think the issue is to do with the gyroscopic vibrations of the OS encountering the rigidity of the supporting tri/monopod. I've seen it give some weird bokeh and sometimes some images with movement that's been created by the vibrations.

Having said that, I've often used my 80-400 lens with the OS on without any problem, although most commonly in just the panning mode (2?) rather than the full mode (1?). So the best thing is to try both ways and see what works for you.

Neil

And just to prove that I really am an idiot - I'll retract what I said in my first paragraph. As I've said, I've often used the OS turned on when using the monopod with good results, however, I did some shots the other day on my tripod with the OS on and the pics were terrible. So I was wrong, in this case a monopod and a tripod are not the same thing.

Sorry for anyone who was led astray by my stupidity.

Neil

BarryH · Jan 7, 2010

Hi Neil,

I've been doing a few comparison tests with the monopod too and more or less got the same results.

I used both the "0" and the "1" settings on the OS for similar shots. Most of the time the "0" setting was better but not always. Nothing is simple.

I've come to the conclusion that when I take a special shot, if it's at all possible and I have the time, I'll try on both settings but use the "0" one first.

black kite 1964 · Jan 7, 2010

Raptor Reveller said:
I have owned the 150-500 for a year now ad thought I would throw in my two peneth for what its worth. Firstly I would point out that I'm not a photographer, rather a birder who carries a camera! I use the lens with a 30D. My whole set up is, like most, dictated by funds, I was saving for the 100-400 canon but it was always a couple of hundred quid away! I would say that if you're after nigel blake-esque (et al) results then this is not the piece of kit to do it. However, if you're after a fairly versitial, relatively affordable lens which you do not intend to print poster size pics, then its definately worth a look. A few of the better results are posted along with spur of the moment record shots.

I agree that its paid for itself - Pallid Harrier is beyond question!!:cat::cat:

Iceberg slim · Jan 27, 2010

Just some info if you need it ,just spoke to sigma uk,asking about serial numbers and how old the lens may be,if you have like me a lens with 8 digits,its of the very newest models,so alleviates the worries of the early probs encountered.very helpful by the way on which camera i use some settings etc.

GYRob · Mar 28, 2010

thought id post a shot i took today as i was aked about the lens the other day this time on my 7d 150/500 at 500mm -1/1000 f8 iso 400 about 1 third of the frame .
Rob.

The new Sigma 150-500mm lens (1 Viewer)

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