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Sigma APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM
Tech Specs

21 Elements in 15 Groups
Angle of View 16.4 - 5 degrees
Number of Diaphragm Blades 9 Blades
Minimum Aperture F22
Minimum Focusing Distance 220cm/86.6 in.
Maximum Magnification 1:5.2
Filter Size Diameter 86mm
Filter Size Bayonet-type Hood
Dimensions Diameter 94.7mm X Length 252mm
3.7 in. X 9.9 in.
Weight 1910g / 67.4 oz.
Corresponding AF Mounts SIGMA, CANON, NIKON, SONY/MINOLTA, PENTAX


*If the camera body does not support HSM motor, AF will not work.
*OS function is not available for Sony/Minolta or Pentax cameras.
*The angle of view depends upon the camera being used.


Discuss and post your samples here





Ok, fellas.

The time has come. I have finally managed to put together a few shots and write something about this truly unique lens. Will keep updating this thread as more shots come in and as new shooting techniques are discovered.

First Impressions

Alright, the very first thing you notice is the size of the box. It’s fairly bulky. And once you take the lens out, reverse the hood and zoom out you realise you’ve got quite a monster! What a piece indeed. Gorgeous. I know it’s a compact zoom compared to the monster primes but it really is something to behold at almost 2kgs of weight. Love it. I expected it to be a little heavier but it actually feels quite nice in your hand (mine that is). For about 8-9 mins at least. . Comes with a strap, a bag with the EX logo (very handy), plastic cover bag, user manual, warranty card, lens cap (front and back) and a lens hood. Quite a package indeed.

Body and Construction

The lens has the standard Sigma matt black finish and as already mentioned comes with its own black padded bag with an EX logo on it. Although not an EX lens itself, as far as I understand Sigma are now putting the EX logo on constant aperture glass only, hence it is of little relevance. I’ve read in many reviews that in terms of built quality it matches up to its cousin - the 50-500 EX ‘Bigma’. I have no problems with the finish and the lens feels quite well made all things considered. The zoom ring is a little tight for my liking and perhaps not at the best spot, but you get used to it eventually. Quite enjoy the tripod collar, feels sturdy. Oh yeah, also comes with an 86mm filter so start saving now if you want to put something in front.

The OS works quite well and has 2 modes – horizontal + vertical movement detection and horizontal only – for panning shots, etc. Sigma claim you can gain 4 stops of shutter so it really comes in quite handy at slower shutters. Makes an audible noise when working and takes on average of about 1 second to get going. Also consumes extra from your battery so make sure to pack spare juice if you plan to be using it extensively.

Image Quality

When I first put on the lens all my shots were blurry and virtually unusable. Needless to say I started panicking assuming I got one of ‘those’. After doing a fair bit of research I adjusted my settings – higher ISO and fast shutter, etc. and started ending up with ‘something’ in focus out of every 8-10 shots. Glimmer of hope. Then came the monopod (a must for this lens, I believe) and things gradually improved. You can get handheld ‘keepers’ with a fast shutter although it can become a little tiresome after 20-30 mins. This baby weighs quite a lot. To sum up - shooting with such long glass takes some getting used to and I’m still learning every time I go out. Quite a challenge but also very rewarding when you get a good shot.

Image quality is fairly good at 500mm and improves as you go shorter. Furthermore most samples below are at wide open so if you stop down a few (f8-f11) things generally tend to get a little sharper. The AF is quite fast and generally quiet – HSM after all.

Samples

As already mentioned almost all samples were taken at wide open f6.3@500mm, ISO 200 and some were cropped quite heavily. Most were taken with a monopod, with OS ‘off’ unless specified otherwise.

The first few samples aim to indicate the zoom range, both are taken from just about the same position.


Handheld, 150mm - 1/1600 - f5



Handheld, 500mm - 1/1250 - f6.3




Next are a couple of birds, although heavily cropped all taken on a monopod, 500mm - 1/1600 - f6.3













Some more general photos, all on a monopod, bright light, 1/1600 - 500mm - f6.3 - ISO 200 unless otherwise specified.











@300mm - 1/2000 - f6



@450mm



@500mm



100% crop




@450mm - 1/2000 - f6.3



@300mm - 1/2000 - f6.3



@380mm



100% crop



@500mm



100% crop



@150mm - 1/800 - f5



@300mm - 1/2000 - f6.3






Conclusion

Overall I’m very satisfied with my purchase. You really get a lot for your buck in every sense of the word. Nikon’s ‘equivalent’ is almost twice the price, has shorter range and is apparently a little slow to AF. The other option was Tamron’s 200-500 or the actual ‘Bigma’. I went for the 150-500 eventually mainly due to its appealing price and the OS of course. Don’t forget this is no pro-glass but it only costs a fraction of the monster primes while the Image Quality is quite good for a +/- $1000 super telephoto zoom. It’s a keeper for me, most definitely.

I’m hopefully going on a little safari later this year so will give it a proper run in the wild. Can’t wait. In the meanwhile I’ll keep posting all new shots in this thread, i.e. birds, sports, etc.

If you are thinking about one, don’t forget to add a monopod. And start going to gym.

It has finally arrived !!
And it is HUUUUGE.
Looks fairly decent made, also comes with a bag.
Will post a few sample shots as soon as the rain stops...

(09-29-2009 09:17 PM)ArcspacE Wrote: [ -> ]It has finally arrived !!
And it is HUUUUGE.
Looks fairly decent made, also comes with a bag.
Will post a few sample shots as soon as the rain stops...

Don't forget photos of the lens itself! Looking forward to the review!

Hey fellas,

I have posted a little review above. Will add pics of the actual lens later on.
All samples are straight jpegs from the camera - no adjustment. Some are cropped.
Will keep posting more pics as they come.



Hope you find it informative.

Arc

thanks for the review and sample pics Arc.

the pic seems a bit soft at 500mm wide open.
but consider the price i think the quality is pretty decent?