Test Shots Sigma 500 4.5 EX APO HSM

[scottbergerphoto]

I took my new Sigma 500mm 4.5 EX APO HSM out for a spin this weekend with my 10D and tripod. It's well made and weighs about 7 lbs. The viewfinder is very bright and autofocus is quick and smooth. The color is accurate and the detail is sharp. Here are a few examples:

http://www.pbase.com/image/24555235.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/24555236.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/24555233.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/24555232.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/24555234.jpg

It's going to take some time to get used to using a lens this long and heavy. Hand held is definitely out of the question.
Scott

[IanD]

Scott,
Sweet images. Any PS processing?
Ian

[scottbergerphoto]

IanD wrote:
Scott,
Sweet images. Any PS processing?
Ian
Thanks Ian,
I shoot Raw, Adobe RGB, convert in BreezeBrowser, edit in Photoshop Elements 2.0:
1.Cropped
2.Levels adjust
3.Color adjust
4. Make selection around subject, USM of selected area.
Scott

[defordphoto]

Very nice! Photo #1 is my fave. I'm impressed.

[scottbergerphoto]

RFMSports wrote:
Very nice! Photo #1 is my fave. I'm impressed.
Thanks Jim. Shooting moving objects with this lens is definitely an acquired skill. I was struggling today to lock focus and move while tethered to a tripod. I'm considering a Wembley. Any experience with one?
Scott

[defordphoto]

Nope. I haven't really shopped for a decent tripod yet. My tripod that I have is like 30 years old and I'd not take it outside the house with this camera atached to it. I do have some other huge tripod that is actually for a small pro video setup and that would hold everything I have, but it's not pretty. Currently the Meade telescope is attached to it.

I do have a couple of tripods on my B&H wish list though. :)

[CyberDyneSystems]

Scott,
Fantastic first shots! Looks like you have gotten the hang of things pretty quickly. :)

The head makes all the difference with these beasts. What are you using now? I am surprised by how well I am able to get along with my Manfrotto pistol grip ball head.. it is no Wimberly,. but it is a lot better than the "standard" ball head I tried...

As far as Wimberly goes,. I am not ready to spend $450.00 on one,..

But I have read a few reviews of this particualr Manfrotto head;
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=126663&is=REG

Word is it is very nearly as good as a Wimberly for only $160.00

Check out this thread at FM
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/60269/0
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/viewtopic_archives.php?TopicID=58052&page=2

Kurt Jones is a rather well known Surf/Sports photog and he has recomneded this head to me very highly.

[scottbergerphoto]

CyberDyneSystems wrote:
Scott,
Fantastic first shots! Looks like you have gotten the hang of things pretty quickly. :)

The head makes all the difference with these beasts. What are you using now? I am surprised by how well I am able to get along with my Manfrotto pistol grip ball head.. it is no Wimberly,. but it is a lot better than the "standard" ball head I tried...

As far as Wimberly goes,. I am not ready to spend $450.00 on one,..

But I have read a few reviews of this particualr Manfrotto head;
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=126663&is=REG

Word is it is very nearly as good as a Wimberly for only $160.00

Check out this thread at FM
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/60269/0
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/viewtopic_archives.php?TopicID=58052&page=2

Kurt Jones is a rather well known Surf/Sports photog and he has recomneded this head to me very highly.
Thanks for the comments and links CDS. I am currently using a Gitzo Reporter Mountaineer G1228 Tripod and an Acratech Ultimate Ballhead by www.Acratech.net .
Regards,
Scott

[CyberDyneSystems]

Oh yeah,.. that AcraTech is a sweet ball head, one of the best, and much heavier duty then the little one I tried...

I ordered that Manfrotto Gimble mount today from B&H... I'll let you know if it is as nice as it looks.

[Tom W]

All I can say is WOW! Great images, sharp as a tack.

[scottbergerphoto]

CyberDyneSystems wrote:
Oh yeah,.. that AcraTech is a sweet ball head, one of the best, and much heavier duty then the little one I tried...

I ordered that Manfrotto Gimble mount today from B&H... I'll let you know if it is as nice as it looks.
I look forward to your review of the Bogen Gimbal type head. Before the Acratech ballhead I was using a Gitzo G1276M. I felt that I didn't have enough control over the camera movement with it.
Scott