I've left the settings on the lens as they came out of the box. I've also left the in-camera SR switched on as well, perhaps that's why my shots, up to now, have come out at f6.3 but no problem with the images! I might leave them as they are. I've used it at 400mm and, to my inexpert eye, it seems fine.

I'm still debating with myself about buying a tripod or monopod to go with it, but then I don't think I would have got the ringed plover shot.

Cheers,

Howard

I knew there was a reason I kept away from Chester at night It's strange how many people quote that at me when they learn that I'm Welsh.

Iechyd Da.

Cheers,

Howard

Hi Alistair,

I took the plunge about 2 weeks ago and bought the 150-500 and as has been mentioned it is heavy, however if you're a young fellow you should cope hand held, I am contemplating buying a monopod or tripod for it. Also as Davex has said it can struggle a bit at 500mm, I have just posted an image in the gallery which I took yesterday at 500mm in bright sunlight.

Good luck with it and show us your images and let us have any tips you pick up.

Regards,

Howard

You took the words out of my mouth. It was in fact an early 70th birthday present. I'll be interested to hear how you get on John.

I definitely hope so. Any suggestions and advice most welcome. The wood pigeon was the only model willing to stay still for more than a few seconds this morning.

Thanks all for your comments so far.

Cheers,

Howard

Hi John, nice to hear from you. You OK?

What I think is great is the fast AF so much faster than the 55-300.

What monopod did you buy? As I type this it has begun to rain, so much for my plan to sit in the garden this afternoon while the good lady is out shopping.

Ah well!!!

Cheers,

Howard

And bought a Sigma 150-500mm from SRS. Wonderful service as always, bought 16:30 Wednesday, delivered 10:15 today.

Here are my first attempts, handheld

[IMG]http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j311/Tinywales/Testof500mm/wood_pigeon_500_w.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j311/Tinywales/Testof500mm/wood_pigeon_500_3_w.jpg[/IMG]

and the ubiquitous robin

[IMG]http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j311/Tinywales/Testof500mm/robin_500_w.jpg[/IMG]

All taken through a window, levels adjusting and a bit of sharpening with the pigeon and cropping with the robin.

First impressions -

1. heavy - I need to find a gym or alternatively buy a tripod

2. brilliant in good light

3. initially very pleased.

4. need to improve my technique with it.

Cheers,


Howard

Lovely bird, great shots.

I'd love a 150-500 and I'm trying to persuade myself to buy one but I can't go that last step and ringing SRS. Should I???? How would it be with a K10D?

Cheers,

Howard

Phew, I'm glad other people have had this problem as I thought it was me not holding the camera level. I've had this problem since I first got the camera and have not bothered to return it, too late now as it's out of guarantee - as I said I thought it was me. I end up using the straightening tool in PSE most times.

Thanks for the information.

Cheers,

Howard

Like this shot, John. If I'd have you were there I would have joined you. I've got several shots of it going over here. A great aeroplane.

Cheers,

Howard

Hi John, as the other John so rightly says - it is a car and I've wondered ever since how it got up there. Again as your namesake says it's a long time no see.

Thanks Cliff for your comments, yes it was the 55-300 I had on the camera. By the way I did notice your little mistake and I was going to correct it but I thought it wasn't a nice thing to do in public.

Enjoyed myself and our chat.

Cheers,

Howard