Hypothetical BIGMA Update: "OS" Added

[LightRules]

Let's hypothetically say Sigma updates the popular BIGMA and adds a 2nd generation OS unit to it, making it a 50-500mm f4-6.3 EX DG OS HSM. This newer generation Sigma OS is good for up to 4 stops (similar to the new Canon 70-200 f4 L IS USM soon to be released) and is smoother (not jumpy) than the one in the 80-400 OS, and can be used on a tripod (without needing to turn OS off). Let's also say that the new Bigma OS adds 8 ounces (1/2 lb.) to the current weight. Everything else physically/cosmetically remains the same. And finally, let's assume that the new Bigma OS is slightly sharper than its non-OS sibling at 500mm f6.3 (say it's at least the equal of a good copy of the Canon 1-4IS at 400mm f5.6).

B&H currently has the beloved Canon 100-400IS for $1400 and the current Bigma non-OS for $1000 (albeit out of stock). The new BIGMA OS sells at B&H for $1400.

How many of you would sell your current wildlife zoom (e.g., 1-4IS, Bigma, 80-400OS, Tamron 2-5) for this new Bigma OS? How many of you would not care one bit for it? If you were looking to purchase a zoom in this range, now which would it be? And how would it affect the POTN Wildlife Poll?

Let the discussion begin... :rolleyes:

[Anders Östberg]

I'll take my 100-400 over any ficticious or real Sigma. :p

[condyk]

I'd take the Bigma for safari shooting over the 100-400mm IS L now, let alone in fiction-land. I've had both and liked the IQ of both. I just prefer the handling of the Bigma and the added length. The OS would be a real bonus. I suspect many 'non-brand fixated' shooters would shift over.

Owners of the 100-400mm IS L wouldn't like it because the bottom would drop out of the used L market. There would be all kinds of 'disinformation' propogated and minority interest features sold as essential. The red ring mafia would go into brand protection overdrive. I would enjoy it :-)

[crn3371]

Right now my longest lens is the 70-200 f4. The 100-400 is on my short list of telezoom upgrades. If Sigma introduced a stabilized bigma it would certainly cause me to rethink, and I'm sure it would contribute to a lot more "what lens" threads.

[Anders Östberg]

Well, as fStopJojo didn't mention any AF improvements and almost all the Sigmas I've tried has worked poorly for me I'm skipping this new lens too. :)

[LightRules]

Well, as fStopJojo didn't mention any AF improvements and almost all the Sigmas I've tried has worked poorly for me I'm skipping this new lens too. :)

Well Anders, I suppose we should put "new" in quotes ;) As for AF issues, I never had a problem with the Bigma and AF.

[Lord_Malone]

Le bigma take TC no?

[slacker]

I would consider selling my 100-400, but not until I had a chance to get my paws on the Sigma and was happy with the build and image results.

[Broncosaurus]

Le bigma take TC no?

Si, at least my fictional bigma is f/4 so a 1.4 TC works fine.

[cfcRebel]

Hmmmm.....tempted. It's good to have OS and all that, but ......... but my current bigma and 20D have a great marriage.:lol:
If i had to start all over again, i'll definitely get the dreamy Bigma. Who can resist the extra focal length + HSM + OS(4 stops, wow) combo for only US$1400?:)

[steved110]

The red ring mafia would go into brand protection overdrive. I would enjoy it :-)


:lol: :lol: :lol:

[blonde]

assuming similar IQ, i can see myself making the switch. the extra reach would be more than welcome AND it is black!!!!!! (did i mention how much i hate white lenses?)

[Jim G]

Hmm, I'd be tempted... The Bigma is already on my upgrades list, mostly because I don't want to pay the $1000 AU more for the Canon equivalent which has less range but IS :p

So yeah, add OS to the Bigma and I'd definitely be interested...

[calicokat]

It might force Canon to release a 100-400L with an updated four stops of IS.

[varanus]

till it was tested im not sure anyone in there right mind can answer that if it was as good as the 100-400 and had extra length then i think its a no brainer but if sigma did this canon would update the 100-400 in response IMO

[CyberDyneSystems]

A 500mm lens with OS/IS for $1,400.00

It will sell like hotcakes,. Bigma owners world wide would dump there non OS versions by the thousands, (used prices would plummet) etc etc etc.

Seriously, a 500mm image stabilzed lens at an affordable price would be a huge breakthrough for wildlife shooters.

Personally, I would not give up the 100-400mm for it, as the 100-400mm remains my "light weight" option, but I'm not the target audience. Big Prime owners allready have a way to get to 500mm with IS that works well. The Bigma customer does not yet. (unless they buy it in a Minolta Mount ;) )

Here's a few more guaranteed sales dynamo's for Sigma; http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=138564

[Billginthekeys]

Si, at least my fictional bigma is f/4 so a 1.4 TC works fine.
F4 huh, perhaps yours is the ficticious gigantima model.

[mysubaruimp]

In a heartbeat.

[CyberDyneSystems]

@ f/4 500mm weighs in at 8 pounds in a prime, the zoom, would be more of course,. and at f/4 it will cost about $5,000.00 or more.

Bigma will "fit" Sigma T-Cons, but won't AF.