Sigma

[tcsnapper]

Hi All
Want to get a birding lens and am going to get a Sigma 150-500. Going to get one S/H. On Fleabay you get a few without OS, they tend to go a little cheaper than the same lens but with OS. I obviously have to get a Tripod to go with the lens, would it still be worth it if I got the 'with' OS (does any of that makes sense?). With a Tripod, would it make much difference if the lens was without the OS!!
Appreciate your help/advice
tel

 

[squishy]

What camera body is it for?
Sigma has never made the 150-500 without OS, except in mounts that have in body stabilisation. You might be looking at the 50-500 or 170-500?

 

[artyman]

I would go with an OS lens, the 150-500 being cheaper than the relatively new 50-500 OS. A great lens for birding had mine for three years before upgrading.

 

[tcsnapper]

Adam....sorry, it is for a D90
Ken......What did you up grade to???
tks guys
tel

 

[artyman]

I've now got another Sigma,the 120-300 f2.8 OS which I use with a 2X which gives me 600mm @ f5.6 so a little faster and a tad longer, albeit a lot heavier If I was short on funds though I wouldn't hesitate to get another 150-500, so really it depends on your budget, cheapest 150-500, next the 50-500 OS, then 120-300, then mega money for Canon's long offerings though whether the possible marginal increase in IQ is matched by the huge cost increase of those is debateable.

 

[ynot]

Terry, the 150-500mm is great. The OS works really well, so well I'm yet to use it with a tripod. 98% of my recent bird pictures were taken with it, all handheld.

 

[tcsnapper]

Ken.....Thanks for all your help/advice. Appreciate it. Think I know what way to go now!!
tel

ynot...Thanks for your advice......you must have arms like girders!!! Does it auto focus ok??

tel

 

[Talon]

......you must have arms like girders!!! Does it auto focus ok??

The lens its self is (only) about 1.7kg so just over 2.3kg with a body and the weight it pretty well balanced towards the body end of the lens.

As long as you aren't holding it in front of you for long sessions it very usable handheld, the OS works a treat. The Auto focus also works well in good light but starts to struggle a bit once the light degrades.

I carry mine on my hip while out walking using a Blackrapid strap and its more than manageable. Only problem is it would, from my experience, appear to be the worlds most efficient bird & wildlife scarer. If it's out and accessible there isn't a living creature with in 5 miles, as soon as it goes back in the bag the little buggers are everywhere!!

 

[tcsnapper]

Think the Sigma 150-500 is the way I'm going to go!!
Thank you all for your help. Can't wait to spend the money now!!
tel

 

[artyman]

Look forward to seeing some shots

 

[tcsnapper]

Ken....give me a bit of time though!!!!

 

[modchild]

Have a look at www.panamoz.com as their's have just dropped under £600 for a new one. Here's the link http://panamoz.com/index.php/hot-de...m-for-canon-digital-and-film-slr-cameras.html to it. I bought one at the start of the year and I have to say it really is an excellent lens for birds. I bought it mainly for airshows with my 5D2, but I've had it on my 7D a few times as well and got some bird photos while testing it out.

 

[tcsnapper]

Cheers for the link Stuart.
tel

 

[ynot]

Ken.....Thanks for all your help/advice. Appreciate it. Think I know what way to go now!!
tel

ynot...Thanks for your advice......you must have arms like girders!!! Does it auto focus ok??

tel

I wish i did! Although heavey as said above its not too bad. The auto focus is fine, normally pretty quick too.

That link above for a new one seems a bargain!