Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Sigma 50-500mm APO DG Telephoto Lens Review and Photo


The Sigma 50-500mm lens is my weapon of choice when I'm going to spend all day shooting wildlife.

A Pentax K10D is the camera body I use but, you can get this lens for a Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Sony or Olympus cameras as well.

Ideal for wildlife photographers who don't want to carry a bag full of lenses, it is also a favorite of those who shoot sporting events and air shows.

Nicknamed the Bigma, this baby is heavy. Without a camera attached, it's just a tad over 4 pounds (1.86Kgs). It's not something you want hanging around your neck unless you're someone like Arnold, that Terminator guy.

A sturdy tripod or monopod is recommended, not only to steady the camera but, to keep from breaking your back, as well. New, these lenses are selling for $1300-$1500 depending on camera model.

Used, I've seen them go for under $800 probably because people broke their backs not knowing how to handle them.

The Sigma 50-500mm works best in bright light because you won't get the wide aperture settings required for low light shooting, especially at the long end of its zoom. But, a prime lens for any of the major cameras (f/2.8) that reaches out to 500mm will cost a few thousand dollars more.

Auto focus is fast, smooth and quiet. Occassionally, white and grey skies will confuse the Auto focus but, that happens with almost any lens when you're tracking a bird in flight.

Some wildlife photographers claim the Sigma 50-500mm requires a tripod at focal lengths over 300mm. I agree, use a tripod when you can but, when you can't, use your Burst Mode and take the shot.

The photo below was taken, handheld, at 500mm with the Sigma 50-500mm APO DG.

My rating for the Sigma 50-500mm APO DG Telephoto Lens: Five Stars.



GET YOUR SIGMA 50-500MM LENS FOR CANON, NIKON, SIGMA, SONY OR PENTAX CAMERAS WHERE I BUY MY CAMERA SUPPLIES, ANY REPUTABLE DEALER !







4 comments:

Unknown said...

I've got the 150-500 OS. Love it.

RyukyuMike said...

Henry,
Just can't beat a 500mm reach when you want to grab some wildlife. Now, I want the capability to reach 1000mm. The birds got wise to me and just fly farther away!

Unknown said...

Beautiful shot Mike.

Not sure I would want to haul that baby around :)

RyukyuMike said...

LadyE,
Hah, you'd look fantastic wearing one of these. Just think of all the monkeys and tigers you could catch with one!