Lens Tryout

[Shadowman]

I had about two hours to play with the Sigma 150-500mm lens and not a BIF in sight.

At 270mm


At 300mm


At 500mm



I liked the lens, very heavy to handhold I shot these either handheld or on a monpod.

[Brownbear]

Just to say that I adore the 1st image for the moment captured and the composition. Lovely detail, too.

[Shadowman]

Just to say that I adore the 1st image for the moment captured and the composition. Lovely detail, too.

Thanks Christina.

[Shadowman]

Another at 300mm.

[Shadowman]

At 500mm.

[rpcrowe]

What was your assessment of the lens?

[wilgk]

All are striking, I would love to try this lens for surf photos, but even if I could find somewhere here to hire it from, I don't think I could hold it steady even on a monopod ... Oh well, it's not all about me

[IzzieK]

Do you think you will buy it? Not that expensive at all...

[Shadowman]

What was your assessment of the lens?

Hi Richard,

Overall a pretty good lens, even with the heaviness of the lens I was able to focus on most subjects. The lens stabilization system helped, there are two settings one for typical shooting and one for panning; I didn't get a chance to try out that feature. Minimum focusing distance is stated as 7.0 feet, I had to manually focus on a few shots as I was in close quarters for most of the two hours I had with the lens and in lowlight settings I had to bump up my ISO quite a bit. I'm still reviewing the images taken but overall the keepers outweigh the tossers. My only negative comments on the lens would be the 4 lb weight, the lens tends to creep when extended; I carried for a while attached to the monopod so I had to still support the lens to minimize the creep effect. There is a lens lock button but didn't work, I read on another forum that it takes some work to get it to work.

[Shadowman]

All are striking, I would love to try this lens for surf photos, but even if I could find somewhere here to hire it from, I don't think I could hold it steady even on a monopod ... Oh well, it's not all about me

Hi Kay,

Thanks for the comments, You'd definitely need a monopod with a swiveling head for surf photos, I felt like I was dancing with my monopod for some shots.

[Shadowman]

Do you think you will buy it? Not that expensive at all...

Hi Izzie,

I'm considering it, currently I have reach (my 70-300mm with a 2X tele-converter) but this setup is even slower than the Sigma, also I have to use LiveView to use autofocus, the Sigma would allow me to react to subjects with more speed. This is the first time I've had the opportunity to use a lens before buying and I would recommend everyone test a lens first if you have the opportunity.

[bnnrcn]

Nice series John

[Shadowman]

Nice series John

Thanks Binnur.

[Shadowman]

Calm Face at 250mm.

[IzzieK]

Awww....all these shots with that lens...you are doing it justice with all these animals looking very sharp. I like the comp of #1 and the expression of #2...I take that back...I can't play favourite. It is not the shot but the lens...I might want to consider this one and see how I go. There is a camera store near us. I might give it a try too. I am really envious...

[gregj1763]

There is a lens lock button but didn't work, I read on another forum that it takes some work to get it to work.

Hi John, I bought the same lens a few weeks ago and I am very happy with it so far. Nice and sharp but as you said quite heavy.
Regarding the lens lock, mine worked ok from day one, my only criticism would be that you can only lock it at 150mm. I believe the new 150-600mm has a lock that will engage at any focal length which would be an asset.
Overall though a great lens and certainly more convenient than using an extender as I have also been doing with my 70-200mm Sigma.
Wonderful images BTW

[Shadowman]

Awww....all these shots with that lens...you are doing it justice with all these animals looking very sharp. I like the comp of #1 and the expression of #2...I take that back...I can't play favourite. It is not the shot but the lens...I might want to consider this one and see how I go. There is a camera store near us. I might give it a try too. I am really envious...

Izzie,

Thanks for the comments. I did have fun with the lens.

[Shadowman]

Hi John, I bought the same lens a few weeks ago and I am very happy with it so far. Nice and sharp but as you said quite heavy.
Regarding the lens lock, mine worked ok from day one, my only criticism would be that you can only lock it at 150mm. I believe the new 150-600mm has a lock that will engage at any focal length which would be an asset.
Overall though a great lens and certainly more convenient than using an extender as I have also been doing with my 70-200mm Sigma.
Wonderful images BTW

Hi Greg,

Thanks for the comments and the information regarding the lock.

[Ashwin]

Why 4000 ISO..? ? picture is over exposed

[Shadowman]

Why 4000 ISO..? ? picture is over exposed

Ashwin,

I was coming from inside and didn't change ISO. Your edit is very dramatic.