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800mm f5.6 APO EX - BirdForum Opus

Revision as of 15:27, 23 April 2007 by BirdDB (talk | contribs) (New page: thumb|200px|right|800mm f5.6 APO EX Lens Construction 13 elements in 10groups Closest Focusing 7 m / 22.96 ft. Filter Attachment Size 46mm (rear) Weight...)
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800mm f5.6 APO EX

Lens Construction 13 elements in 10groups Closest Focusing 7 m / 22.96 ft. Filter Attachment Size 46mm (rear) Weight 4,740g Dia. x Length (mm) 156.5 x 520

Content and images originally posted by Andy Bright

Reviews

nigelblake's review

I owned one of these prior to getting my 600mm IS Canon, It looks like a real workhorse of a lens that will get the goods, sadly I all to often had images that did not quite make the grade unless the light was really good. The main reason for this, I feel, is that it is just too powerful. Wide open the image will crack into focus in the viewfinder, but the resulting images are slightly soft, maybe not such an issue when you can sharpen digital results, but sharp to start with is the way to go, this lens cannot do it consistantly. Even on a sturdy tripod results were hit and miss, used on a beanbag it performed much better. Maybe when Sigma have a workable image stabilizing system to overcome the camera shake issue that you will get with this lens, the next generation will be a cheaper good alterative to the more expensive Canon and Nikon alternatives, at the moment though it does not quite make the grade. Close focus is at 7+ metres, not that close at all, for small birds you will still need to get closer than that to get frame filling images, so the use of an extension tube is neccessary, at the cost of not being able to focus to infinity, more chances of missed opportunities. Its OK if you are on a tight(ish) budget, but Sigma's other shorter lenses (around 500mm) are a better bet for bird images.

Pros

  • High magnification

Cons

  • unwieldy and poorly balanced

Kishan's review

Poor man's product only for poor results. Strictly avoidable..

Pros

  • price
  • only option btn 600 to 1200

Cons

  • cant get sharp images
  • AF doesnt work with telecoverter
  • Hard to use MF
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