Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM

Subject: Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM 2008-11-19, 08:53

Has anyone any experience of this relatively new lens from Sigma? Because it doesn't have the Sigma 'EX' tag does this mean it's not a 'professional' lens? Is it only any good in good light conditions, particulary at full reach? And, like the Canon 100-400mm lens, do images start getting soft at maximum reach?

Guest

Michael, I have one of these for Nikon fit, It seems a very useful lens but incredibly heavy. Unfortunately since I bought the beast I haven't had many opportunities to use it in anger. I shall post some of my efforts with it in a wee while.

DV

A few examples from my Scampton Families day

Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM DSC_0618

Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM DSC_0618

Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM DSC_0481

Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM DSC_0449

Conditions were not ideal... and they haven't been since really...

Moderator Location : In a layby

Michael I used to have the Bigma, which was heavy but you get used to it. The main problem was shooting with it in low light and I would think this will be the same. However theres plenty of samples/opinions here http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=514846 Its also a good site for looking at sample shots on other lenses 8)

Subject: Re: Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM 2008-11-19, 12:04

Thanks very much Vader34 and Graham.

Vader34: were your shots from Scampton taken at maximum reach (500mm)?

The website you've directed me to Graham is useful - interesting comparisons with the Canon 100-400mm! It seems to me the Sigma comes off slightly better, particularly at around f/8.0, but this would mean that for consistency you'd need good light. I'll probably go deeper into the website you recommended to check out other examples.

PS The shot of the two Hunters low over the runaway brings back fond memories of a beautiful aeroplane...

Guest

I think the take off run of the hunters certainly was at full reach and I think the underside shots were too.

It's damned heavy that is one thing I know for certain lol...

I have to say the Hunters were the absolute stars of the day for me

DV

Moderator Location : Between Coventry and Leicester

Sigama do a new 120-400mm zoom that is rumoured to be ok.
comes with an OS system also.
if your looking for a good allrounder on a Budget, then the Sigma 50-500mm is hard to beat for price and the range you get.

Subject: Re: Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM 2008-11-20, 11:33

i have the sigma 150-500 dg os lens on my canon as well.

it is very heavy which you get used to but won't want to follow a full display with it.

i haven't had a chance to use on aircraft yet but here is a naughty shot of a motorbike to show its qualities.

sorry mods for the off topic photo for illustration only, please remove if you're not happy with it. and please don't give me a yellow card for it.

Geoff

Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM IMG_9329

Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM IMG_9329

Subject: Re: Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM 2008-11-20, 12:08

Geoff - thanks for posting an example - even if it isn't aviation related! It looks OK, even though it appears to have been taken in less than perfect light. Have you done any post processing and/or sharpening? And was it taken at 500mm?

Guest

Quote :: Its either my eyes, but the Scampton pics look soft to me.

It more than probably is soft, I received the Lens (from warehouse express) the day before Scampton and it was a good excuse to go and have a "meeting with a customer" and try it out! The light was poor too (I've got a bag full of excuses and I'm not affraid to use them!) That and TBH I'm not the best photographer in the world just some one who enjoys trying lol :joker:

As for the Bike pic! wowser! Loving it and I think mr James will be ok with it somehow lol!

DV

Subject: Re: Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM 2008-11-20, 14:44

Hi Michael, straight from the camera, no PP at all.

was taken at 500mm at F8 and yes was a grey day at Donington moto GP practise.

The main thing i found was that you have to give stabiliser a little time to "lock on" and pan very smoothly.

But generally very pleased with it.

i do have some civvy stuff shot flying overhead but i daren't post them, posting the bike was taking my life in my hands Opps

If anyone wants to have a go with my lens let me know.

Geoff

Subject: Re: Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM 2008-11-20, 15:31

Geoff, I've taken the liberty of running your shot through Photoshop CS3 (though the colours may not be 100% accurate as I wasn't there!). I've also reduced the size slightly to visually reduce the usual JPEG degradation;

Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM IMG_9329

I like the result, so thanks. If the lens can produce this quality in poor light then I'm sure it will perform well in good light! I think it proves your point, so all I need to do now is decide between this lens and the Canon 400mm f/5.6 prime!?

Admin Location : Birmingham B17

Hello all

The large Sigma lenses are generally very good in fair weather conditions.

I have the 50-500 Bigma lense as it is generally known.I have used the lense alot this year with various results.And have come to alot of conclusions,which i will note here.

1.Up to 400mm the focus is good with a good depth of field.
2.Using a Nikon body set to Priority setting will give good results even hand held.
3.Yes the lense is heavy weighing over 4Lb But combined with a tripod i find works well at for example Fairford from the 27 end.
4.What i would say is if you have the readies to hand.I would go for Sigmas new range of F2.8 Lenses with VR.
5.I would also recommend looking at www.ephotozine.com or co.uk i never remember which.This site has a great wealth of facts and figures to help.

Jim Maher