Sigma 50-500 f/4-6.3 EX RF APO

[hogdust]

I just picked up this Lens yesterday. Man that sucker is heavy. Definitely not a hand holder.

I have only played with it a bit. I plan on going out this afternoon to test it out.

[condyk]

It's a very good lens. I had one. Enjoy it. Buy a nice light monopd and you'll be amazed. Feisol carbon fibre comes recommended by me and is very well priced.

[Mitcon]

Congratulations on a fine buy, I love my Bigma (aka50-500) and I'm sure you will too once you get used to it. The weight is a bit of a shock at first but you will/do get used to it, Condyk's advice is always pretty good and a monopod helps alot. I'll throw in one thing though and that is once you master the lens give it a go handheld as it depends on the person but I use mine 90% handheld and sometimes even with a 2x Tcon.

I do prefer to use a tripod when I can but have trouble getting them up a tree (another story lol). Hope you enjoy this lens as much as I do.

[condyk]

I do prefer to use a tripod when I can but have trouble getting them up a tree (another story lol). Hope you enjoy this lens as much as I do.

:lol: :lol: You crack me up with your tree climbing exploits but the results speak for themselves ;) How about a beanbag and supporting the lens on a branch? I used a beanbag a lot in Africa with a 400mm prime, in all conditions, and they do the business.

[cfcRebel]

Ah, speaking of Bigma...... i know i know, i'll keep it short this time. :D I love mine. You will too. Get a good tripod (if u don't already have one) and u will see the true power of Bigma.

[Hellashot]

Ah, speaking of Bigma...... i know i know, i'll keep it short this time. :D I love mine. You will too. Get a good tripod (if u don't already have one) and u will see the true power of Bigma.

All you need is a monopod. I've never had to use mine on a tripod. That'd be too cumbersome and definately not a setup for moving and quick setups.

[cfcRebel]

All you need is a monopod. I've never had to use mine on a tripod. That'd be too cumbersome and definately not a setup for moving and quick setups.I don't know about yours but my tripod setup is fast enough for birds. I figure that should be fast enough for a lot of things.

[Mitcon]

I do have a bean bag Condyk, well it's just a small lens tote bag that I fill really. I don't use it as much as I should, I tend to forget about it most the time. I should try to remember to use it alot more as bean bags are helpful at times.

[Hellashot]

I don't know about yours but my tripod setup is fast enough for birds. I figure that should be fast enough for a lot of things.

You must be a lot faster than I am. I just have one leg to adjust where a tripod has 3. Plus 3 legs to move around and then frame your shot, then use your remote cable. Fine if it works for you.

[hogdust]

Well I went out for a little while this afternoon to a local Cemetery so I can test this baby out. I do have a tripod and I think it is a must unless you are sitting down. I do not have the steadiest hands.:)
I usually keep the Camera mounted on the tripod and the legs extended so I do not have to re-setup every few minutes. With this lend that sure makes for a heavy tripod. I mostly took snap to see what the pictures would look like on the computer to get an idea of the results I can expect. Nothing to creative. I am including two simple shots of my outing.

http://www.martinschon.net/MSN/Pictures/Shared/Squirrel.jpg

http://www.martinschon.net/MSN/Pictures/Shared/CRW_3464.jpg

[cfcRebel]

Well, weekend is here (almost). Bring your new lens and have fun out there. ;)

[Sajjad Yasin]

Squirrel pic is good...go get more of these critters... Also please take some handheld pics too and show us how good they can be

[hogdust]

Well Saturday and Sunday we had beautiful weather here in Toronto and of course I was busy and did not get a chance to get out. Of course today it is raining and cold. :rolleyes:

[Ferco]

so, are you guys saying that you should defiantely buy a tri/monopod to use this lense. is it that heavy. and also i guess it is good for wildlife but would a ...pod not hinder you a bit? Just wondering?

[Scottes]

A monopod is definitely a good idea just for the extra stability. I carry the 3lb 100-400 around for hours without issue, but it has IS so my tired-muscle end-of-day shots might not show so much as the Bigma, which is more than a pound heavier.

It's not a small lens. But it's also easy enough to try for a while and buy a monopod later.

[Mitcon]

I would agree, a monopod will help. A mono or tripod when you first get this lens will be a big help, I use it mostly (90%+) handheld now but it took me a while to get used to it and alot of practice. I guess it will depend on the person as we're all different, might be easier for some than others.