D90 and sigma 150-500 (1 Viewer)

[squidge]

Hi, I've ordered one of these lenses so I'm looking for opinions on people who have used this combo or the lens. I've been reading plenty of reviews and opinions on different websites about this lens.

A lot of the opinions and reviews seem to suggest it gives soft pics out at 500 however a lot of these opinions are from people who have never used the lens. So what do people who have actually used the lens think especially out at 500.

Cheers,

Ger.

 

[RJM]

Set aperture to F8 and it will be razor sharp at all focal lengths.

 

[Musoman]

No problems if you have a good copy. Most problems are down to user error

Disable OS if using a tripod. F8 is sharpest as said, and it likes light

 

[squidge]

Thanks for the replies, F8 seems to be the default setting for when its out to 500mm. I currently use a tamron 70-300 and the pics I get are very soft, so I was looking for a birding lens with a bit more reach and gives sharper images. From user reviews it seems to be the next step up in bird photography.

Cheers,

Ger.

 

[DJ ODonnell]

Ger,
I've been using the Sigma with both a D40x and D3100 over the past 3 years. Yes, stopping it down to f8 at 500 mm sharpens the image. I have shot over 13,000 images with the lens and it has proven to be consistent and durable. I take the lens on hikes of 4 - 10 miles in dusty conditions. After 10,000 shots, the optical stabilizer went bad, but I had it repaired and it works like new again. Examples of the results can be found on my Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/18276798@N07/
DJ

 

[squidge]

Cheers DJ, I hope I get the same quality of pics as you get out of the lens.:t:

Ger.

 

[AndrewA]

I've used it on a 7D and 1D Mrk 4 and am happy with the results at 500mm (at f8) it is soft I find at apertures less than this. It's quick focusing and the OS is very good. My only complaint is it lacks a focus limit switch.

The first 7 pictures in this gallery were all taken using the 150-500

http://andrewa.zenfolio.com/p890500213

Andrew

 

[eastwood]

Yep, the sweet spot of mine is f8, and I use it at 500mm end most of the time.

 

[squidge]

Excellent pics Eastwood. The lens arrived today and everything seems to be in working order. Not feeling the best so wont be bringing it out to test it out. Took a few pics looking out through a window and they look sharp enough. I'll give a better review when I get the chance to bring it out.

Ger.

 

[eastwood]

Congratulations, Ger!
Waiting to see your great work!

 

[RMWD]

Hi, I've ordered one of these lenses so I'm looking for opinions on people who have used this combo or the lens. I've been reading plenty of reviews and opinions on different websites about this lens.

A lot of the opinions and reviews seem to suggest it gives soft pics out at 500 however a lot of these opinions are from people who have never used the lens. So what do people who have actually used the lens think especially out at 500.

Cheers,

Ger.

Great starter birding kit. Where I started. Sharp at F8. Have fun.

 

[stevo]

Hers a shot out of my gallery taken with this lens. http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/230070/ppuser/1166

& yes set at f8 this lens is sharp.

Steve.