Sigma 50-500mm
 

I'm looking at getting a Bigma lens soon, and was just wondering if anyone would mind sharing their views on the lens, primarily relating to aviation photography, but any general things are also welcome. I'm mainly looking for usability issues such as long autofocus times or prohibitive weight etc, but also all the good points too!!

Thanks heaps!!

Hi Gareth: I have just bought my 50-500mm lens on Monday and went to the airport to test it out yesterday and i was absolutely loving it. It made me feel good that I finally had a substantial lens and the zoom on it (500mm) is absolutely fantastic. I am loving my decision to buy it and have to recommend it to you.

What is the lense you have now? I went from 75-300mm to 50-500mm.

Hope this helps in you decision making.

Hi Matthew - I'm also using the kit 75-300mm lens from my 450D. The thing that appeals to me is the 500mm reach, but I'm looking at taking it to Avalon in March - was the weight an issue for you yesterday?

Thanks for the post!!

Unbelievably not at all. I found it quite easy to hold it and focus and zoom according to the type of shot but alot of my shots were blurred meaning it will take time for me to learn to keep it dead still while taking a picture. Still a wonderful lens

What are the Sigma 50-500mm retailing for???

Ebay has them for around $1500-2000 (inc. postage) and according to StaticICE the cheapest NSW retail price is $1583

Anyone know of any cheaper sources?

I bought mine from Digital Camera Warehouse for $1600 and then sold it about 4-5 months later. It was ok but I'll save my biccies and get the 100-300mm f/4 next. It was too soft over 400mm and a bugger to manage when out for a whole day. Also the fact it was f/6.3 at the long end made it a little too dark. Possibly look at the 120-400mm instead? f/5.6 at the long end would be a little better.

Also the possibility of Vignetting over such a big distance .That is why i have 2 lenses only the 28-135 ISM and the 100-400 IS USM L Lens from canon.

Actually vignetting was quite significant also.

Go the canon 100-400L IS and I own a Sigma 50-500.