Sigma 150 - 500 noise (1 Viewer)

[kayjay200]

I have the above lens and I am very happy with the results. The one thing I am not too sure about is the noise. Not digital noise but the noise the IS makes when it is on. Its a type of chattering and is far louder than the auto focus. Can any of you who have this lens confirm this is normal or should I look at returning it before it grinds to a halt. All the other lens I have with IS are Canon and very quite
Thanks

 

[Fowl Mouth]

Kayjay, it's normal for the Sigma. Apparently the Canon "IS" is a bit quieter. Not sure about the Nikon "VR". It took me by surprise the first time I used the 150-500, but I soon got used to it. FWIW I've stopped using OS while tripod mounted because it slows down the lock-on process by a half second, or so. It sure is a godsend when hand held near dusk or dawn, though.

 

[kayjay200]

Kayjay, it's normal for the Sigma. Apparently the Canon "IS" is a bit quieter. Not sure about the Nikon "VR". It took me by surprise the first time I used the 150-500, but I soon got used to it. FWIW I've stopped using OS while tripod mounted because it slows down the lock-on process by a half second, or so. It sure is a godsend when hand held near dusk or dawn, though.

Thanks for that, I thought it was normal, but just wanted some re assuarance. Yes I found out about the tripod stuff as well. Thanks again

 

[malc1]

For Fowl Mouth, the OS should never be used when the lens is on a tripod according to sigma. I don't know why but it applies to all lenses with anti shake gizmos.

 

[Fowl Mouth]

For Fowl Mouth, the OS should never be used when the lens is on a tripod according to sigma. I don't know why but it applies to all lenses with anti shake gizmos.

Thanks Malc1. It is true that it isn't recommended to use OS (or IS, or VR, etc...) while tripod mounted. I will retort, though, that despite what Sigma says, it actually works fine on a tripod by reducing virtually any residual shake, making the recommendation a curiosity to me (and many others, from what I have read elsewhere). My point is that if you have a tripod and can use proper long lens technique, you don't need to use the OS, and can speed up auto focus lock on time. Your observation might be valid, though. I could be missing something?

 

[eastwood]

I think this is a bit strange too. I used my Canon 300 f2.8 IS (and my Sigma 150-500 OS) on tripod with IS on (mode 1) and can't see anything wrong with the image.
I won't bother it UNLESS with IS on when tripod mounted will cause damage to the IS mechanism. Perhaps the company should clarify it.

 

[Markulous]

I can confirm that the Sigma 150-500mm OS has a noisy OS as mine is as well. Get better stabilisation (extra stop) than with Canon 100-400mm IS so I'm happy!

IIRC the whole tripod thing relates to older IS/OS/VR when the effect of holding it steady on a tripod actually sets up some very slight movement - if anyone remembers those gyroscope things, spinning and placing on finger and no movement but placing on a table there'd be slight vibration and movement (so no, doesn't damage anything).

Personally, I tend to support my gear on a tripod rather than clamp it (keeping the adjustment relatively loose) and use the OS to remove the slight tremor from my hand - let's me get down to 1/10 @ 500mm

 

[LeeDavis]

Is-os

I was photographing a kingfisher today and someone had the OS lens and yes it was far louder that my 500 IS lens or 100-400. This seems to be the norm with the lenses. Regards the IS/ OS on tripods it is ture that the companys state IS/OS should be turned off when on a tripod, however i have had my lenses for over 4 years now and never switched the IS off even on a tripod and never had any issues. The lenses system works on movement, so when you press the shutter halfway the IS kicks in at that time even on a tripod there would be small movement for the lens to work off. Wind and me holding the camera to take the should all causes shake of the camera.

the only time i would not use the IS is if i was in a studio with no wind and had a cable relise.