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

[Blues67]

Has anyone used this lense and is does it work well with the 300D. I have read of some compatablility problems with the 10D, but they were from early last year. Has the problems been resolved. Also, Prices range from $750 to over $1000. Has anyone used HotBuysElectronics.com or Sunsetcamera.com? They have it listed the cheapest, but that isnt always the cheapest. :?

[KennyG]

There never has been any compatibility issues with this lens and the 10D, 300D or even the D30 and D60. Just where does this silly information come from? I have been around Canon forums for a long time and have never seen this mentioned.

As far as the lens goes, It is big, heavy, works best on a tripod as there is no IS and is quite decent value for money.

Check all suppliers with resellerratings.com as there are some shady ones about.

I have just sold my wife's mint 50-500 for less than half of even the cheapest price on the web. Sigma does not hold its used price very well.

[robertwgross]

There never has been any compatibility issues with this lens and the 10D, 300D or even the D30 and D60. Just where does this silly information come from?

It is easy to get confused between lens compatibility of the older lenses versus the newer lenses. I was lucky that my Sigma lens was made in January of 2003, so there was no issue. If it had been a really old one, then I might not have been so lucky.

---Bob Gross---

[skiphoto]

I have used this lens extensively on my 10D and had many photos published with it in Waterski Magazines and powerboat magazines. It is very heavy, but I like that "Built like a tank" quality it has.

Thumbs Up 8)

[Blues67]

I found on two site, though they were from early 03 were compatability was an issue with the 10D. Glad to hear that isn't an issue anymore or never really was. Weight isn't a problem. I'm a contractor and carry 88lb compressors up 30ft ladders for fun and play hockey. I find its easier to steady a heavy camera than the ultralight stuff. Maybe when I hit 60 or so I'll care, but I've got 20 years to worry about that.

[sjprg]

Sigma 50-500 is a great lens. I don't take it on mountain hikes but do use it as a walkaround for daylight level ground.
Here are a few images from it. http://www.pbase.com/sjprg/ed_levine_park

[Blues67]

Thanks for the input. I've been told by a couple of people to just use a 2x teleconverter with my 75-300mm, although I gain a 100mm, I'm worried about the quality of the pics. The 2x I have for my AE1 program has a noticable impact on quality. Plus I like the excercise of lugging 30+ lb of camera gear through the woods.

[Guillermo Freige]

Forgot the 2x TC. It´s designed for long L telephoto lenses, and even used with them, quality suffers noticeably.
When used with the 75-300 the combination is pretty bad, mostly in the 300mm end. Of course you loose AF, and due to the natural softness of the zoom, the images are VERY soft!!!

[robertwgross]

I find its easier to steady a heavy camera than the ultralight stuff. Maybe when I hit 60 or so I'll care, but I've got 20 years to worry about that.

Then some of the folks here are living on borrowed time.

---Bob Gross---