Sigma 135-400 and 175-500???

[thompo]

Hello folks

Any opionions on these lenses?

i need something big for a 40d for surfing and wildlife shots, but on the cheap.
Found a few of the above lenses for quite cheap, i know you usually get what you pay for but are these worth a try?

Other options are used sigma 300mm f4 or 400mm 5.6, im guessing these should be faster and sharper than the zooms?
Only problem though is they are older stuff for film and early digital bodies, so apparently they dont work properly with the newer range of Dslr's anyone know what the limited functionality is?

Also my eye on a few other M42 and other manufacturer mounts that can be adapted but cant find much info on them.

Any other recommendations for a sub £300 half decent lens?

 

[Sheep]

I have the 175-500 for my Nikon, got it as i needed a longer reach than my 70-300 was giving me. Only used it a few times so far but looking like a good purchase

 

[Eric Mc]

Not had chance to play with a 175-500 I do however have a 135-400 that I use on my 30D and I must say for the price I payed I'm very happy with it

A couple of images taken with it can be found here
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=32191&highlight=fly+boys

 

[Les McLean]

I had a 175-500 for a while, and found it pretty soft, and the focusing speed was poor, it also suffered from 'zoom creep', perhaps I had a poor copy I don't know?

I used mine on a Canon 10D, and because it was an older model, I had to send it away to sigma to be re-chipped, so it would be worth checking with Sigma to see if you need it chipping, if you can get the serial number of the lens prior to purchasing, and give Sigma UK a ring, they will be able to tell you if it works or not, or needs re-chipping.

 

[thompo]

ah cheers for that ill give them bell maybe then about re-chipping the older primes

and nice pics with 135-400 could well be an option