Is this the famous BIGMA?

[EdinburghGary]

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/399-270A/

Is this the best 500mm for the nikon this side of 1K or is there a better model?

Gary.

 

[EdinburghGary]

Also will it work in FULL FRAME?

 

[Joe T]

Yup, thats the Bigma, and it will work on full frame.

 

[Joe T]

And yes, its the cheapest way to get 500mm without resorting to those awful mirror lenses.

A mate has one and gets excellent results.

 

[EdinburghGary]

I wonder if it can be hand held at all at 500mm? ie, for a portrait shot from the back of a hall?

 

[Joe T]

I wonder if it can be hand held at all at 500mm? ie, for a portrait shot from the back of a hall?

Hmm, handheld indoors might be tricky. f6.3 at the long end might well mean quite a slow shutter speed.

 

[mattyh]

Or a high ISO... Not really a problem on the D3 :shrug:

Do i detect another purchase coming on Gary?

 

[EdinburghGary]

Or a high ISO... Not really a problem on the D3 :shrug:

Do i detect another purchase coming on Gary?

Paid for, collecting when I get dressed!!!

 

[mattyh]

have fun

EDIT: Take it you'll be buying a new car soon, something like a 4x4 to carry all the gear around

 

[EdinburghGary]

have fun

EDIT: Take it you'll be buying a new car soon, something like a 4x4 to carry all the gear around

I already sorted that, 7 seater scenic - 6 months old I use it until my campervan arrives 1st July! Can't wait for some photo trips in it.

G.

 

[EdinburghGary]

PS - stressless (member here) is responsible for this latest purchase, he knows what buttons to push.

 

[mattyh]

I think you're legally entitled to "have words"

 

[stressless]

Dude, mate, man,
you cant blame me on this one NO way we go out for a couple of hours wih the cameras and you get on the Jazz its just in your blood.

Michael

 

[Werecow]

My bigma started to vignette slightly at some focal lengths on my 1.3 crop 1D. nothing that software cant correct though.

Welcome to the ultimate long-lens technique learning curve lens

 

[Steep]

I hope you didn't pay that price though m8? it can be had for a couple of hundred quid less.

 

[EdinburghGary]

I hope you didn't pay that price though m8? it can be had for a couple of hundred quid less.

I paid £750 for it and a pro UV filter. Still have my "return it" option, which Jessops never have a problem with...so spill the beans.

Gary.

 

[TheKrikkitWars]

And yes, its the cheapest way to get 500mm without resorting to those awful mirror lenses.

A mate has one and gets excellent results.

Can you explain why you classify reflex lenses as awful, I've seen some very fine reflex telescopes, and such and cant see why camera lenses would be any different.

 

[theory]

main reason is they are slower, but you can't change the appeture and the bokeh can be distracting and look like donuts. For the money though I think they're worth checking out.

 

[MikeeB]

Cracking lens Gary, have fun with it and post up some pics soon!

 

[digitalmaniac]

I already sorted that, 7 seater scenic - 6 months old I use it until my campervan arrives 1st July! Can't wait for some photo trips in it.

G.

What did we win the lottery or something lol

 

[Flash In The Pan]

I wonder if it can be hand held at all at 500mm? ie, for a portrait shot from the back of a hall?

In short, no. Even if the weight/size didn't preclude it's use for such a task the f/6.3 minimum aperture would.

If you don't have a decent monopod now is the time to get one - Jessops are pretty good pricewise for Manfrotto. Something like a 680B with a 234RC head would do the job nicely

 

[reddeathdrinker]

For 1000 Earth Pounds-ish, I'd be more tempted with a 2nd hand Sigma 100-300mm f/2.8 and a TC.... 440mm at f/4, or 600mm at f/5.6 sounds more tempting than 500mm at f/6.3

However, price-wise, the Bigma looks a good choice Now where's the pics with it?

 

[EdinburghGary]

Cracking lens Gary, have fun with it and post up some pics soon!

Its going back this morning, serious focus problems

Will be collecting another from Livingston

Gary.

 

[Steep]

Gary, camerapricebuster says you can buy it from purelygadgets for £636 inc del, if you really want to buy from Jessops see if they will pricematch cameras2u who are doing it for £684.80. Jessops themselves should sell it for £693.49 if you use Discount Code JESSOPS5.

Alternatevely you can try OneStop who will sell you it for £569.99 all in.

 

[Geordi69]

The LENS10 code still works for Jessops!!

 

[King of Groove]

I want one!