sigma 50-500 0r 150-500

S

smithy1

Suspended / Banned
Messages
41
Edit My Images
No
hi there if wanting a lager zoom lens for Motorsports and wildlife photography it with a sony A57 so its Sigma 150-500mm f/5.0-6.3 APO HSM DG OS orSigma EX 50-500mm F4-6.3 Apo many thanks
 
I just logged on to ask the very same question!

I think the 50-500 is newer and a few hundred more!

I think that also they are designed for full frame so the focal length is longer on a crop.

Looking forward to seeing others responses
 
The old non-os 50-500 predates the 150-500 I think. Both are good lenses, but with the 50-500 you gain a stop at the short end of the zoom range, and of course the ability to go from this:


Flying Legends by Harry Measures, on Flickr

to this:


Sea Fury.. by Harry Measures, on Flickr

at the twist of a zoom ring!

Both are good lenses TBH but the 50-500 invariably is more expensive, with the new OS version retailing at around £1000.
 
This question comes up so often.

Couple of examples from the 150-500mm I've taken.

Sure someone will post others soon.

Can't see why you'd need the 50-150 range, 99% of my shots with this lens are at 500mm. I have other lenses that can do that focal length, do you? If not maybe the 50-500mm is a better idea?


White Breasted Nuthatch by ACW#, on Flickr


Eastern Bluebird by ACW#, on Flickr


Mule Deer / Elk feeding by ACW#, on Flickr


BTCC by ACW#, on Flickr

and something small, not the Sigmas strong point but anyway...


Golden Orb Spider by ACW#, on Flickr
 
The new version of the 50-500 has OS whereas the original didn't. It is supposedly a tad sharper than the 150-500, but does cost more. However the 150-500 is a darn good lens I had mine for a few years with no complaints and would happily buy another.
 
artyman said:
The new version of the 50-500 has OS whereas the original didn't. It is supposedly a tad sharper than the 150-500, but does cost more. However the 150-500 is a darn good lens I had mine for a few years with no complaints and would happily buy another.
Click to expand...

What Ken, no BTC shot in a 150-500 thread ;) ?
 
No, how about a bird :D

Img_3420.jpg
 
ACW said:
Can't see why you'd need the 50-150 range
Click to expand...

For things like this, absolutely no chance with a 150-500mm



From 150mm onwards though I would doubt there is very much in it at all ... just depends on your requirements I suppose. Personally if I had the 150-500mm I would have to carry 2 lenses but with the 50-500mm I just take the one.

Also the 50-500mm focuses a lot closer than its smaller brother.
 
Last edited:
Some really great pictures, I think you have a point about the short end of the lens, I guess if you are buying a big heavy lens like this you are looking for reach.

I think for me my mind is made up on the 150-500 as that is what I was planning on buying when I discovered the 50-500 and it's a few hundred cheaper which will go towards my uwa I am after.
 
Mike.P said:
For things like this, absolutely no chance with a 150-500mm
Click to expand...

I said if he's already got that range covered!

I agree if you've only got a kit lens, then the 50-500 covers a more useful focal range.

But if you've got a 50mm, 70-200 etc then it becomes less useful, especially if you normally use two bodies.

All depends on the OPs needs and wants I guess.
 
I'm having the same dilemma..I think the 50-500 would be the way forward for me otherwise i'd miss 50-150 range as I currently have a 70-300VR..

The issue I have is of course financial. Oh, and getting it passed SWMBO
 
I had the 150-500 and changed to the 50-500 for the extra at the short end. It's been more than useful on trips like our recent one to Svalbard where I used the lens pretty much as a 'walkabout' on the ship and on landings. Without the extra I would have been pretty limited in what I could do.
 
I've got a 150-500 OS and it's a fantastic lens. I had a Canon 100-400 IS at the same time but only 1 body to use them on, so after a lot of comparing I kept the Sigma and sold the Canon. I use the Sigma on both a 5D3 and now a 70D that I acquired recently.

This is from the 5D3 and the lens was at 500mm and wide open at f6.3, 1/1600sec and ISO200. It's a jpeg SOOC with no other processing.

9244665079_048b58fdda_b.jpg
[/url][/IMG]

I would of liked to have a 50-500 OS and was in two minds to get one but went for the Canon 100-400 IS L instead and I do regret not getting the 50-500 OS now but I can't afford one at the moment. If I could get a decent price for my 150-500 and only have to put a few hundred pounds towards a 50-500 OS it would be a very nice christmas present.
 
Great replys guys, sorry for hijacking the ops thread.

I always get confused with focal lengths am I right in assuming that this lens is designed for FF so the focal length is greater on a crop?

I.E my 50mm Dx prime will be different field of view to the 50mm end of the sigma?
 
AFAIK all the Focal Lengths of lenses are listed for a 35mm full frame (I'm sure someone will be along to say if it's different) even if they aren't able to go on a full frame camera. You get the same length on a crop body, you just get a smaller field of view which makes it look closer when viewed.

In other words, a 500mm on a crop would have the same field of view as an 800mm lens on a Canon crop and 750mm on a Nikon (I think they are 1.5x crops but I'm not 100% sure).
 
Last edited:
Another 150-500 vote here as its superb, not the best plane example but a fair crop and the detail is still there albiet a dull day!



and a more vibrant example, the detail is fantastic for the money it costs, wide open if I remember correctly here on this happy chappy



in saying that as above, I wish I had spent a little more and got the 50-500 for the extra on the short end
 
Last edited:
modchild said:
AFAIK all the Focal Lengths of lenses are listed for a 35mm full frame (I'm sure someone will be along to say if it's different) even if they aren't able to go on a full frame camera. You get the same length on a crop body, you just get a smaller field of view which makes it look closer when viewed.

In other words, a 500mm on a crop would have the same field of view as an 800mm lens on a Canon crop and 750mm on a Nikon (I think they are 1.5x crops but I'm not 100% sure).
Click to expand...

Thank you for clearing that up, it always confuses me!

Both lens look very interesting, the quality looks very good!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top