Visit MPB Visit MPB Visit MPB

Sigma 150-500, OS or Non OS

Pjwebbs
Posted 09/07/2013 - 08:30 Link
So I have been craving extra reach lately, and have settled on this lens. I have an opportunity to get one now and was wondering if there is a massive difference in IQ between the non IS and IS version, basically can I save a few pennies getting the non IS and using the in body SR of my K5ii?

Paul.
Pentax K5ii / Tammy 17-50 / Pentax-F 50 1.7 / Siggy 70-300 / Siggy 150-500 / and my favourite Pentax-A 70-210.
johnriley
Posted 09/07/2013 - 08:32 Link
In body SR is highly effective, so I'd save the cash.
Best regards, John
CIBarker
Posted 09/07/2013 - 08:44 Link
I have the OS version and my preference in set up is using lens stabilisation rather than camera and to have no filter attached to the front, I'm finding in use this is producing better results to my eye, nothing scientific of course but a preference nevertheless.
If I had the same choice as you I'd be concious that I couldn't validate the lens performance in the different settings if I bought the non OS version and i've taken a shot with camera OS that i'm not 100% happy with, I'd be wondering if it would have been better spending the extra few pennies and having the lens OS.
This is one of those lenses that you can go out with one day and get a lot of good shots and only a few not so good, and then take it to the same place photographing the same things on a different day and get a lot of shots that are not so good.
It's like the lens has a personality almost, and for that reason and for when it can produce great results it is my favourite lens,
I'd say spend the few pennies more get the OS version and I'm sure you'll absolutely love it.
Best regards
Chris
Blythman
Posted 09/07/2013 - 08:47 Link
Get the OS version. There is a specific OS setting for panning. Nothing similar in body
Alan


PPG
Flickr
RAB
Posted 09/07/2013 - 10:19 Link
I have the OS version and I find having the image stabilised in the view-finder strangely reassuring.

Also, as Blythman says, it has the panning setting which I've used to some effect.

B.
"He's not the Messiah, ..."
geordie01
Posted 09/07/2013 - 10:20 Link
OS version better to have it and not need than need it and not have it if you get my drift.
Pjwebbs
Posted 09/07/2013 - 17:14 Link
Is it a £200 positive though?
Pentax K5ii / Tammy 17-50 / Pentax-F 50 1.7 / Siggy 70-300 / Siggy 150-500 / and my favourite Pentax-A 70-210.
Edited by Pjwebbs: 09/07/2013 - 17:14
Blythman
Posted 09/07/2013 - 17:33 Link
Pjwebbs wrote:
Is it a £200 positive though?

If its going to get regular use it is.

But then again you can probably try the non OS version and sell it on with little or no loss if its £200 cheaper
Alan


PPG
Flickr
Algernon
Posted 09/07/2013 - 18:11 Link
You used to hear people complaining about the old version
being soft. I've never heard any complaints about the OS
version.... possibly the optics had to be changed slightly
to accommodate the shake reduction.

I would say the OS is worth the extra... on a 500mm lens it's
great seeing it stop wobbling in the viewfinder.

Works well with a Jessops 1.7TC giving about 800mm

'
Half Man... Half Pentax ... Half Cucumber

Pentax K-1 + K-5 and some other stuff

Algi
Edited by Algernon: 09/07/2013 - 18:12
davidstorm
Posted 09/07/2013 - 18:41 Link
I have the non-OS version and it's not at all soft, in fact it's very sharp; I don't think there's any difference optically between the two lenses AFAIK.

I can understand the benefits mentioned above by Blythman and others with regard to the in lens stabilisation being preferable, but whether or not it's worth the extra £200 would be down to personal preference and I can't offer any opinion on this as I haven't used the OS version.

If Alan (Blythman's) shots are anything to go by it looks like the OS works a treat, but I suspect this is more due to Alan's technique and expertise with a camera!

Regards
David
Flickr

Nicola's Apartments, Kassiopi, Corfu

Some cameras, some lenses, some bits 'n' bobs
Pjwebbs
Posted 11/07/2013 - 18:12 Link
Thanks guys, went for the OS version in the end. Managed to get a slightly used one for £500. Can't wait to use it!
Pentax K5ii / Tammy 17-50 / Pentax-F 50 1.7 / Siggy 70-300 / Siggy 150-500 / and my favourite Pentax-A 70-210.

Add Comment

To leave a comment - Log in to Pentax User or create a new account.