Sigma 150-500

[glamy]

It is pretty cheap and gets some good reviews. The opinion of members of this forum using this lens would be appreciated.
Gerard

[aim54x]

I have never used one....but I am sure someone here has, and many others will have opinons...so BUMP!!

[gstark]

Hi Gerard,

I think that it's cheap for a good reason, and I note that it's cheap, rather than inexpensive. I have yet to see an image from one of these that I would consider to be truly sharp and of acceptable contrast.

Sorry to those who like this lens: the results I've seen from these lenses repeatedly fail to impress me.

[glamy]

Hi Gerard,

I think that it's cheap for a good reason, and I note that it's cheap, rather than inexpensive. I have yet to see an image from one of these that I would consider to be truly sharp and of acceptable contrast.

Sorry to those who like this lens: the results I've seen from these lenses repeatedly fail to impress me.

I would say it seems good value. $8000.00 for a 200-400 , $2000.00 for a 80-400 .... At the moment I'd rather spend the money on a new camera (I have not made the plunge yet...). Reviews are really mixed but I would not expect a 200-400 result at 15% of the price. It is just to have a zoom to go on the trip, maybe to sell it after that.

[radar]

Gerard,

It is just to have a zoom to go on the trip, maybe to sell it after that.

The Nikon 70-300 VR is actually a pretty good lens. I have seen lots of good reviews on this one. Not sure how much reach you need. $925 from ECS. If still in good working order when you come back, I'll buy it from you for $400

cheers,

André

[aim54x]

Gerard,

It is just to have a zoom to go on the trip, maybe to sell it after that.

The Nikon 70-300 VR is actually a pretty good lens. I have seen lots of good reviews on this one. Not sure how much reach you need. $925 from ECS. If still in good working order when you come back, I'll buy it from you for $400

cheers,

André

I have used the 70-300VR a few times and really like this lens!

[glamy]

Gerard,

It is just to have a zoom to go on the trip, maybe to sell it after that.

The Nikon 70-300 VR is actually a pretty good lens. I have seen lots of good reviews on this one. Not sure how much reach you need. $925 from ECS. If still in good working order when you come back, I'll buy it from you for $400

cheers,

André

Hi Andre, Cameron,
I sold the 70-200+1.7TC because of the lack of reach, so the 70-300 would be too short.I took a few quick shots today in front of ECS.
Here is a 100% crop from the Sigma at 230mm f8.
Here is one at 500 at normal size.

[gstark]

Gerard,

Did you compare this lens with any others there? Maybe make some comparison images? I'd love to see equivalent (or close to) images shot with the 80-400.

If this lens is maybe just a nudge more than the lightweight paperweight (the old Nikon 70-300), then maybe. Or if you consider the money spent, rather than an investment.

In the first of these images, where was your point of focus? While the crop you posted suggests that perhaps it may have been the chimney or chimney pot, but I'm wondering if it may have actually been a little further back: the tiles seem to me to be a tad sharper.

[glamy]

HI Gary,
In the crop the focus was on the tiles. I put the chimney bit for the fringing (or lack of it). I got noimages from other lenses to compare to... but pricewise I can
This lens is a little soft wide open but OK at f8 /500mm. At $1250.00 I reckon this is good value for something with this reach. This is not a great lens but it is very usable. I think I'll get one.