I have decided to sell my Sigma 150-500mm as I now mostly use the DA*300 +1.4x TC. Optically there is little to choose between the two combinations with the Sigma probably having the edge on focusing speed. But now with my dodgy knees I am preferring the compacter and slightly lighter set up of the 300mm.
The lens is in excellent all round condition with no marks on the lens at all. There are only very light marks if at all on the body. The plastic lens hood has a few light scuff marks and scratches. There is slight wear off of the black paint on the lock/unlock switch. It was purchased from SRS in July 2013 which they kindly provided me with after an earlier model had been with Sigma for repair they decided to give me a brand new one. It has hardly been used in the last year for the above reason. It comes with SRS receipt, original box and carry case.
I haven't noticed the softness that some have at the long end, even wide open and feel it is the only viable option to get 500mm for wildlife for those (as I was!) on a restricted budget under £500.
The price is £425 and includes Royal Mail 1pm next day insured delivery.
Thanks, Dave

I don't see any real bargains with them these days. They can pretty much find the going rate for stuff on the Bay or elsewhere. e.g - I doubt I would get £105 on here for my near mint DAL 55-300mm. Was harder for them a few years back and they could miss something but everything is checked now.
Dave

To be honest if anything ungentlemanly happened to me (and I'm not suggesting it did here) I would politely name the person and post the evidence. On eBay it's called feedback and prevents a lot of problems!

I'm so sorry I can't match your rudeness and arrogance and superior wildlife photography skills. Why you are responding to something I haven't said like that I have no idea. I can get birds in flight, fantastic bird shots with a K3 and a DA*300 (Did you go through my Flickr photostream or gallery here?) It's not what you get it's what you miss through poor initial locking and subsequent tracking. That's all. People don't tend to publish the shots they missed! It's a fact, not a problem, so accept it.
Dave
P.S Top shot of a Nuthatch on a peanut feeder by the way.

.... well I go out with Neil P just to make sure I'm not alone.

Mike, at the risk of getting banned, have you tried a 7D MkII yet? I'd be interested in a noise comparison to the K3, although A lot of people have a hang up about the amount of noise in the K3 files, compared to anything else (APSC, except maybe the Samsung NX1) with 20+ Mp they are by far the best, K3 wipes it's bottom with 7D files but your awkward Mike and you want some of them in focus as well, theres always one...[/quote]I wish! My K3 must be a poor one. I've just been standing side by side with my friend taking pictures of a relatively distant (35m) Barn Owl in quite low light. Mine was K3+300mm DA* +1.4x TC - his was 7Dii and mk2 100-400ED and his s hots were as clear as you like at ISO 1200 compared to mine at ISO 800 which looked quite muddy in comparison. Came as a surprise to me to be honest, from what I'd read.
Dave

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I've had both - the Tamron was my first telephoto for wildlife. The 55-300 is sharper and less purple fringing for sure. As above - if you went for the DAL you lose little in reality as the plastic mount is very strong and a replica hood is a £2-3 and the price will only be about £100 second hand. The only advantage I would say with the Tamron is the 2:1 macro is excellent.

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I should have said speed of AF and tracking ability, apologies.

I am predominantly a wildlife and mainly bird photographer. I love my K3 and the image quality is exceptional. But as I have said time and time again and I've never seen it disputed by a serious Pentax wildlife shooter it cannot compete with the opposition for speed of focusing and tracking with it's telephoto lenses. It has improved and it is possible to get some shots with the right techniques and settings and a lot of effort. But, and it's a big but, I have literally stood next to my friend and used his Canon for virtually the same shots and the focus seems instant in comparison.
I am as ever, prepared to listen to alternate views from serious bird photographers but not those taking shots of gigs at night or aeroplanes!
Dave

Whilst it is an accurate review and he states the sales staff are not on commission I doubt they would criticise something they were selling, although he does have a bit of a dig at Canikon and also emphasises the value for money aspect, which most reviewers ignore when they compare it to a Canon costing twice as much!
It does concern me though that in a balanced review there is no mention of AF performance at all, which as we know is the one area that has aspects which lag behind the competition.
Dave