Sigma 50-500mm

chrisvann

chrisvann

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Hi All, Im looking for a new lens with a longer focal length. I the moment I have a Canon f4 70-200 USM lens but im thinking of going for the Sigma 50-500mm. I want to start wildlife photography, something Ive never done before. Could some one who's used one please give me some feedback. Thanks
 
At 500mm having Sigmas 'OS' (their version of Image stabiliser) would be a real hand. They make a 150-500 which would pair nicely with your 70-200 in terms of focal length. The image stabiliser on that lens is kick ass.
 
It would be the newer one mike, I'd need the stabilisation.
 
I saw the 150-500 but not sure, I was hoping the 50-500 would suit all. I might hire one first.
 
I have recently brought the 50-500os. One main reason being was the 50mm at the wider end. It is proving to be a great piece of kit. Very pleased how versatile the lens is as well, having a very good close focus. I am using mine on a Canon 30d, af is very good, and you have a really nice to use mf ring too if you should need it. Zooming is very smooth and even at 500mm I do find it well balanced. The os seems to works very well.

It is a heavy beast and does take some getting used to. I used it on a tripod mostly but now I am managing it hand held fairly well.

If you have a look at my flickr, there are pics taken with it. Link is in my signature

:thumbs:
 
chrisvann said:
I saw the 150-500 but not sure, I was hoping the 50-500 would suit all. I might hire one first.
Click to expand...

Anything inbetween the 70-150 range would be better on your 70-200 tbh though. I guess the 50-500 would remove the need for the 70-200 all together, but not quite match it in IQ and AF speed.

Don't get me wrong the 50-500 is a great lens, it just would be trying to cover focal lengths which the 70-200 you currently own would be better at.
 
Thanks for this guys. To be honest I'm wanting to shoot some Red Kites and my Canon lens just won't reach far enough and so the 150-500 would be perfect. However my Canon 70-200 is mainly used for junior football and is perfect. I'm also thinking when the kids pitches get bigger the 50-500 would be the one for me. Hire before I buy I think. Thanks again.
 
The 50-500 I have seem others say has better image quality. It's about 200g heavier and slightly wider but not as long. So the difference carrying the two lenses is not going to be that great.
Your idea of hiring one to try out is good.
 
Yes but I'm told I would loose the autofocus. As I want to shoot Red Kits I'd need the autofocus.
 
It is a good lens...

Just don't expect very sharp shots between 300-500mm.

For me it's good for street photography and large wildlife but the IQ won't match your canon...

I'd sell your current lens and buy a canon 70-200mm f2.8 & a 2x if you could stretch to it.
 
I used the Sigma 150-500 for three years mostly for birds and it was a great lens, good IQ and range. The new 50-500 OS version is reputed to be a tad sharper. This is from the 150-500

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Img_5951c.jpg
 
Thanks Guys, these images are great and the kind of shot I'm hoping to get. As Red Kites hover in circles above I think this lens is going to be perfect.
 
chrisvann said:
If I added the x2 would I loose the auto focus ?
Click to expand...

You wouldn't loose auto focus on a f2.8 lens it will just be a f5.6 auto focus. Another lens to consider is the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 os. that would give you great low light capabilities for the sport and up to 600mm with a 2x converter for any wildlife shots. Just depends on your budget.
 
I own the 150-500 however i have not used the 50-500.

The 150-500, i feel is a brilliant. The OS work great, IQ isnt as good as my 70-200 2.8 but still very good. Focus is accurate although people say this can be hit & miss on individual lenses. The combination of cost/weight (i have walked 20miles with it before)/length of this lens i feel is a winner. It's perfect for carry around on walks looking out for wildlife.

here is an examples of clarity (only cropped - no post editing & hand held.)

7007569960_2b0aa92a86_b.jpg
 
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