Sigma Long Lenses

Hi all,

I'm sure this sort of question comes up a lot, but I can't seem to use the search function properly. I'm off to several motorsports events this year and obviously the camera is coming to! Most of my shots from previous events (using a bridge camera) have been at 200-400mm.

I happened to be able to play with a Sigma 150-500mm which seems like a very nice piece of glass, and really liked it. However, does anybody know how it compares to the 120-400? The 50-500 is well outside of my price range and a tad bigger than I'd like. Any other lenses within this focal length folk would recommend?

I have a Tamron 70-200 f2.8 but think this may be a bit short. A teleconvertor may be an option but Tamron don't seem to support these with digital? Any advice on if they can, which to use and how they work?

Thanks in advance.
Matt

1. 50-500
2. 150-500
3. 120-400

The price tells you pretty much all you need to know and with these 3 it doesn't lie !

I have a Tamron 70-200 f2.8 which I've tried with Kenko 1.5x & 2x AF converters and with the Pentax 1.7x. It would not Auto focus with any of them even in good light. I assume it's something in the way the lens is constructed as the same converters work on other lenses with smaller max apertures.

Actually I have the 120-400 and it is as sharp as a tack. An extremely good lens and I have read comparisons that claim it is the sharpest of the 3. I have not owned the 50-500 so have no personal comment to make but I have owned the older version of the 150-500 and have to say that came nowhere near the standard of the 120-400 but the newer version is supposed to be improved..

As for prices telling you all you need to know - if you take SRS as an example - one of our favorite suppliers - the 150-500 is £599 and the 120-400 is £689 - the 120-400 is often more expensive than the 150-500.

Carl

Sorry - also meant to add - if you are on a tight budget (and who isn't these days!) - I would not rule out the Pentax 55-300 - a fantastic lens for the price - and you will see a lot of praise for that lens here and elsewhere. In terms of what you get for your money - possibly the best value lens Pentax has ever produced!

Carl

The 150-500mm is only that price in Pentax mount, it should be the same as the others (around £750) but I believe they had a large order which was defaulted on and so they are clearing them at a reduced price. (That's what I was told anyway).

Saying all that I have seen some very decent shots taken with the 120-400mm.

A few motorsport samples taken with the Sigma 150-500, from the second half of 2011...
[IMG]http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp41/simonarron/Simon%20Arron%20-%20F1/Hamilton5-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp41/simonarron/Simon%20Arron%20-%20club%20motorsport/RaweAH100M1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp41/simonarron/Simon%20Arron%20-%20F1/Schuey3-7.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp41/simonarron/Simon%20Arron%20-%20club%20motorsport/ElySlaterBetts2-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp41/simonarron/Simon%20Arron%20-%20club%20motorsport/Williamsetal1-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp41/simonarron/Simon%20Arron%20-%20F1/Trulli1-15.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp41/simonarron/Simon%20Arron%20-%20F1/Schuey4-5.jpg[/IMG]

I've used the non-os 120-400mm for over two years and most (if not all) of the bird pics on my flickr pages have been taken with it - it's capable of very sharp images given the right conditions.

I've never seen a credible side by side comparison of the three lenses at the long end, which might convince me to upgrade to the 150-500 os or to to justify the high price of the 50-500 if you don't need the facility at the short end.

But....the price for the 150-500 at the moment at SRS must make it a very good buy!

Some great shots there Simon.

Thought you were using the Sigma 100-300mm f4?

One or t'other. The 100-300 (a used purchase) has been a bit troublesome, which is why I bought the 150-500 when SRS lowered the price. I love the 100-300 when it works, but wish it would do so more consistently. For European races, it's usually a matter of which lens can most easily be taken on board without EasyJet noticing...

My 100-300mm used to work perfectly but someone on here had a problem with theirs not making contact properly on the K-5 (was apparently fine on previous bodies). Think he sent it to Sigma and they sorted it.

Its still with Sigma with my K5 awaiting a part. When I spoke to sigma they said words to the effect that the K5 autofocus drive shaft is shorter than that of the K10 (which they have) and presumably my K7 and GX20 which the lens still worked on. Should get it back in a couple of weeks. Simon, you may want to try yours on a K7 or earlier model.

It did initially work fine on my K5 until the K5 froze when shooting AFC and I had to to take the battery out.

Regards
George

Yep, same symptoms. Happened with a K-7 and K20D as well as the K-5. It has been back to Sigma and serviced elsewhere, but the problem usually returns within a few months. PMs welcome if anybody knows a tame Sigma engineer who does a good job for a fair price. I really would like to get it sorted.

Apologies for veering OT.

Anyway .. back on topic.

What about a used 50-500mm (non OS). Should be able to pick one up for a reasonable price now the new OS version is about. I had mine with the K10D and it has since been on the K20D, K-7 and now the K-5.



Cowes Powerboat Race 2011 by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr



Bournemouth Air Festival 2011 by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr



Bournemouth Air Festival 2011 by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr

Thanks all.

There are indeed some great shots there Simon! And no problems with going OT, is this just a problem with the 100-300 or have you had problems with the 150-500 as well?