Sigma 500mm F/4.5 EX DG HSM

[TooManyShots]

I think I am the first one here with some samples:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/3080914432_b811eecc04_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/3080914432/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/3080914626_beacd6bdb2_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/3080914626/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/3080914522_528833f869_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/3080914522/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/3081102116_49f65b9d8d_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/3081102116/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/3081102220_ec9a72e4ff_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/3081102220/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/3080692135_de4ae03c38_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/3080692135/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/3081749792_fb65c6581a_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/3081749792/)

[Ultimate CC]

samples look great...

[disdatmac]

awe, that last one is breezy!!! Such gorgeous details on all of them

[TooManyShots]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/3081617976_6c483dde55_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/3081617976/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/3080798389_2244374313_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/3080798389/)

[S.Horton]

Do you think that you can handhold the lens?

[TooManyShots]

To some degree is possible but at least you should use a monopod with good techniques. The lens comes with a strap which is hooked up at the bottom barrel, near the rear lens element. The other end is hooked up to the end of the tripod collar. You can slide the strap over your right elbow. When you pull the viewfinder to your eye, you can extend your right elbow so that your elbow is pulling the lens toward you while your left hand pushing the lens away from you. This would eliminate any front and back movement. If your rig is on a monopod, your main concern now is to reduce right and left movement.

Shooting this lens makes me feel like holding a sniper rifle.... :)

Do you think that you can handhold the lens?

[foxbat]

Great lens. The smallest and lightest of the 500 primes and very good value on the used market. Mine's the non-DG version.

male greenfinch
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/forums/naturescapes/gf1.jpg

female greenfinch
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/gf2.jpg

Baby greenfinch
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/gf1.jpg

[foxbat]

Robin
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/7_700.jpg

Golden Weaver (Kenya)
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/male-weaver-1.jpg

[foxbat]

And a couple of dunnock (hedge sparrow) shots:

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/1_700-1.jpg

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/dunnock.jpg

I know this lens is popular with the UK motorsports community so lets hope they see this thread and add some variety.

[TooManyShots]

Some sharpness test. It seems that at f7 to f9 even 100% crop shots are usable. At wide open, a bit soft but it is acceptable if you don't crop a lot.

Shots taken at f9, is0800, 1/500. Body and lens resting on the window ledge. Zero sharpness applied but up the contrast a bit.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/3089946088_902e3de283_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/3089946088/)

100% crop
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/3089946298_03fe37bccd_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/3089946298/)

[Neilyb]

Having just ordered this lens, used from a reputable dealer, anything I should bear in mind when using it? Any tips welcome.

[TooManyShots]

Too busy at work and been out shooting this lens for 1 day so far. 300 hundred shots. :) Sigma lens tends to have a warmer, natural look to them. A bit of contrast increase is needed in PP work. Shooting with a 1d body??? You still could retain AF using a 1.4x converter. Makes sure you use the Kenko converter. With Canon or Sigma converter the lens would not AF unless you have to tape up some pins. The lens comes with a UV filter pre-installed on the drop-in filter. I am considering getting a Wimberly Sidekick installed on the ballhead-monopod combo. This setup is supposed to give you more control and safety in titling and panning your lens either on a monopod or a tripod.

Having just ordered this lens, used from a reputable dealer, anything I should bear in mind when using it? Any tips welcome.

[TooManyShots]

More test........ Sorry if you find them a bit boring. I am only off on Wednesday and is cold and dark outside..... Just playing with my lens indoor before bed...

At native 500mm on a 1dmarkII. On a monopod.
iso1000. 1/500s. F8. Fill flash was used. Increased contrast but zero sharpening.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/3094615044_f765756b49_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/3094615044/)

100% crop
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/3093774105_b37f4ab12f_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/3093774105/)

At 500mm + 1.4x converter on a 1dmarkII. On a monopod.
iso1250. 1/500s. F6.3. Fill flash was used. Increased contrast but zero sharpening.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/3093773221_81962815cd_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/3093773221/)

100% crop
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/3093773477_9b22542d19_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/3093773477/)

[Neilyb]

Look sdamn good to me. I have also ordered the mafrotto 393 head, romy uses one for his 300-800 so I figured it could handle the 500.

Cheers, can't wait for the delivery van.

[foxbat]

I have also ordered the mafrotto 393 head, romy uses one for his 300-800 so I figured it could handle the 500. I use the 393 with my 500 and 300-800. It's a great match for both lenses - the large foot on the big Sigmas is a perfect match for the plate on the 393.

[Neilyb]

I can't wait! Shame we only get sparrows on the balcony :|

[CyberDyneSystems]

Excellent. Silly me never posting an Archive thread?
Here's a few;

http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=yshy3k&outx=600&noresize=1

http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=yshy3l&outx=600&noresize=1

http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=y5gpro&outx=600&noresize=1

http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=yfa87z&outx=600&noresize=1

http://images.fotopic.net/?id=4506126&outx=575&oq=0&original=1&noresize=1

http://images.fotopic.net/?id=4506127&outx=600&oq=0&original=1&noresize=1






Also, my comparison/Review against the Canon f/4L IS
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=69791

[GSH]

It's not a bad lens... for a Sigma ;)

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/geoff.hubbert/Pics/Images2008/Croft%20DDMC%20Sept/DDMC%20September%2027-0127.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/geoff.hubbert/Pics/Images2008/LMES/LMES%20Silverstone-0101%20copy.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/geoff.hubbert/Pics/Images2008/RXSP/RallyX%20SP%20Sunday-1038.jpg

All on the 1DMK2N. :)

[TheHoff]

http://images.fotopic.net/?id=4506127&outx=600&oq=0&original=1&noresize=1

If it is possible for a fish to look surprised... here it is. Nice grab!

[S.Horton]

Impressive results from this lens.

[maxloxton]

very impressive shots of this lens..
i will consider this as my next buy...

[Neilyb]

A few things I have found using this lens for the first time. Its a monster compared to the compact lightweight 100-400. On a mono pod it is usable but you need good light or higher ISO as wide open it can be soft. f5.6 - f8 are good though. Here is a few from today, 50% or more crops from 5D. All shots taken at 1/250sec...so not ideal. I had a keeper rate of 1 in 20 I reckon :| Oh yeh, minimum focus of 4 meters can be a b1tch.

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/photos/442105556_nJ8EX-O.jpg

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/photos/442105567_eJMMy-O.jpg

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/photos/442128887_eS5Kg-O.jpg

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/photos/442105576_Kkq4R-O.jpg

[foxbat]

Nice shots Neil. If you know you're going to be working up close then a 12mm tube will take care of that MFD issue ;)

[Neilyb]

Nice shots Neil. If you know you're going to be working up close then a 12mm tube will take care of that MFD issue ;)

I did wonder if hat might affect IQ but haven't had chance to test really, the above were 20 mins stood in one spot. I want to get it on a tripod with min 1/500sec....but I will try the tube ;)Cheers!

[TooManyShots]

Looks sharp enough to me....:) I do wonder if I got a soft copy, the second time....:)

A few things I have found using this lens for the first time. Its a monster compared to the compact lightweight 100-400. On a mono pod it is usable but you need good light or higher ISO as wide open it can be soft. f5.6 - f8 are good though. Here is a few from today, 50% or more crops from 5D. All shots taken at 1/250sec...so not ideal. I had a keeper rate of 1 in 20 I reckon :| Oh yeh, minimum focus of 4 meters can be a b1tch.

[hooookup]

I think its time for me to sell my beloved 500 f4 L IS. This thread is making me have some remorse....
$4500

[TooManyShots]

Yeah, sure....:p

I think its time for me to sell my beloved 500 f4 L IS. This thread is making me have some remorse....
$4500

[hooookup]

Yeah, sure....:p

hahaha

[Neilyb]

I think its time for me to sell my beloved 500 f4 L IS. This thread is making me have some remorse....
$4500

We can swap if you want..... :cool:?

[Neilyb]

Some crops from today. Zero sharpening or saturation, screen grabs from DPP. USed the tripod today ;)

329306

With Kenko 1.4 TC (pro DG 300)

329307

Amazingly I find IQ same or better with the TC....is that possible?

[foxbat]

Here's some 100% crops under controlled conditions that I did after first receiving the lens. It's too hard to deduce anything from 100% crops of birds except that your long lens technique is very good ;)

At f/4.5 there is some loss of contrast and softening at the pixel level but only 2/3 of a stop down at f/5.6 the lens is already at its maximum and beats my venerable and very sharp Canon 400 f/5.6L. I should have tested f/5.0 as I know it produces great shots there too (the baby greenfinch shot is at f/5.0 and made a great print).

Neil, your luck with the TC is better than mine - perhaps due to better light levels than I usually have to make do with.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/tests/500-crops.jpg

[Neilyb]

Maybe, to be honest I find wide open a bit soft but down to 6.3 or so very nice...with or without TC! I would not mind testing a canon 2xTC.

Heres a another shot.

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/photos/443552871_zK9dt-XL.jpg

[CountryBoy]

Ok , you all have my attention !!!
I been trying to decide on a birding lens, and really i had forgotten about this one.
New, I would go with the Canon 500mm, only about $900 difference. But B&H has a rebate and the difference is about $1371. Tempting, but i'm not ready to buy.

I'll have to keep an eye out for an used one !
Keep the photo's coming !!

[Neilyb]

Dude, I got mine used. Bought in the UK as the pound is weak against the Euro, so I got a bargain....was ready to re-sell and make a profit....but I might keep it ;) If Sigma stick an OS on this it will be a canon slayer!

[CountryBoy]

Dude, I got mine used. Bought in the UK as the pound is weak against the Euro, so I got a bargain....was ready to re-sell and make a profit....but I might keep it ;) If Sigma stick an OS on this it will be a canon slayer!

OS would be a plus . But I use a tripod or monopd most of the time, so it's not a deal breaker to me. It will be a few months before I can do anything. But i'll start looking at prices for used ones.

[TooManyShots]

Really nice shot....it matches the 500L IQ. :)

Maybe, to be honest I find wide open a bit soft but down to 6.3 or so very nice...with or without TC! I would not mind testing a canon 2xTC.

Heres a another shot.

[foxbat]

OS would be a plus . But I use a tripod or monopd most of the time, so it's not a deal breaker to me. It will be a few months before I can do anything. But i'll start looking at prices for used ones.In the US you're looking at about $2500 used but they don't come up very often.

[Neilyb]

I bought mine from MPB in the UK, they come up so rarely I was amazed that it came up at the 1700pound price....the other bonus is that is looks unused, even the tripod foot is markless!

[CountryBoy]

In the US you're looking at about $2500 used but they don't come up very often.

If I can find one at that price, this will be my next lens :D.

I'm not in a rush, I can wait !

[Neilyb]

500mm plus 1.4 TC

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/photos/443530627_u5X6W-O.jpg

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/photos/443189351_fv86p-O.jpg

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/photos/443518264_W7chF-XL.jpg

[GSH]

Those are damned impressive with a 1.4x TC attached. I'm assuming Manual Focus or is it a non-reporting Convertor?

If we get some sunshine this week i might have to give that set-up a go.

[Neilyb]

Kenko DG 300 pro. Pins taped ;) but f4.5 plus a stop is workable on 5D right?

[GSH]

Kenko DG 300 pro. Pins taped ;) but f4.5 plus a stop is workable on 5D right?

I've no idea about the 5D but the Sigma 500 will not AF with a 1.4x attached on any Canon body apart from the original 1D iirc. No-one knows why and Sigma have never answered the question. I've tried my Sigma 1.4x on my MK2N and it doesn't AF.

There's a Tamron 1.4x which does not report the aperture back to the camera that will work, but that's the only one, including Sigma's own.

I'll have to break out the tape and play around :)

[TooManyShots]

I did use a Kenko 1.4x DG Pro version. It could AF because the converter is a non-reporting one. On a 1dmarkII.

I've no idea about the 5D but the Sigma 500 will not AF with a 1.4x attached on any Canon body apart from the original 1D iirc. No-one knows why and Sigma have never answered the question. I've tried my Sigma 1.4x on my MK2N and it doesn't AF.

There's a Tamron 1.4x which does not report the aperture back to the camera that will work, but that's the only one, including Sigma's own.

I'll have to break out the tape and play around :)

[Neilyb]

Well, I only suffer hunting in bad light the rest of the time the taped trick works a treat!

[Neilyb]

This was taken in less than perfect light, almost dark, 1/125 sec at f7.1 with 1.4 TC attached. Luckily I got one shot where he did not move! ISO 800...

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/photos/445637816_MpzRy-O.jpg

[foxbat]

Very nice shot of the fox (I like the eye contact) especially considering that you were right out there at 700mm with only 1/125 to work with.

[Neilyb]

Could probably get this shot in the UK with 17m.... :| but here in Europe foxes are pretty seldom. I work with guys who have lived on the outskirts of Munich for 25years and never seen one, people who hike in the mountains and forests....I guess you gotta freeze your a**e off in a hide for a few hours ;) Cheers.

[foxbat]

Here's a couple of shots from this morning in very dull, low contrast conditions. 450D + tripod. 1/100s, ISO 800, f/5.0. HTP on.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/21_700.jpg

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/22_700.jpg

[Neilyb]

I read this lens has 9 apperture blades, makes for great BOKEH!

[Neilyb]

500 + 1.4TC, 5D, slight crop. Original RAW was damn sharp...I am so happy with this bargain lens.

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/photos/452965880_MwgBL-XL.jpg

[TooManyShots]

Nice capture of the Brown breast nuthatch...:)


500 + 1.4TC, 5D, slight crop. Original RAW was damn sharp...I am so happy with this bargain lens.

[Neilyb]

Nice capture of the Brown breast nuthatch...:)
You want more.... ;)

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/photos/453087368_t5Nmd-X2.jpg

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/photos/452939239_DZFqk-XL.jpg

[rupek]

Anyone got any more samples?

[That_Fox]

I've got a few samples from my non-DG version.

http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs31/i/2008/202/3/a/Cubs_at_play_by_GKmon_DORU_fanatic.jpg

http://fc07.deviantart.com/fs39/f/2008/340/9/e/9ed65c3d231ba1dc83fc2fa58c1872f7.jpg

http://fc76.deviantart.com/fs39/f/2008/344/0/b/0be379a1e38cfaee4caa545ee150b822.jpg

[Neilyb]

plus 1.4TC

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/photos/445655808_N5gJA-O.jpg

[Neilyb]

A couple from the weekend taken with 1DsmkII at 700mm.

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/photos/482996195_ovzzD-X2.jpg

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/photos/482996144_4zStP-X2.jpg

[Neilyb]

Primes dont zoom out :|
http://neilburton.smugmug.com/photos/482996186_5qdLu-O.jpg

[foxbat]

More great shots Neil - that's a crested tit, right? Really like that one.

[Neilyb]

More great shots Neil - that's a crested tit, right? Really like that one.

Yes, little buggers dont stay still very long either! ;)

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/photos/482996110_YcaNC-XL.jpg

[tekkie]

some shots from my older non DG version which I just got

after only having this lens for 1 day I am already in love with it :)

these are about 50% crops taken with a 40D, ISO 400, F5.6

http://www.tekkiesphoto.com/photos/496414859_RoiPa-X2.jpg

http://www.tekkiesphoto.com/photos/496502485_DVnNY-X2.jpg

http://www.tekkiesphoto.com/photos/496415026_UDfnA-X2.jpg

http://www.tekkiesphoto.com/photos/495752851_3juHu-X2.jpg

[GMCPhotographics]

Does the Sigma 500mm take a teleconverter well? How does it effect it's IQ?

[GSH]

Does the Sigma 500mm take a teleconverter well? How does it effect it's IQ?

I suggest you go back & read posts 41 to 45 in this thread..

[Neilyb]

Yes read my other posts. The 500 f4.5 should give a 500 f6.3 which works on 1D bodies...but it does not always, Sigma have made no attempt to make it work. But with the pins taped it works really well on 1D and 5D bodies. 2xTC however is a load of c**p, no contrast, no sharpness, no AF.

[tekkie]

I have the tamron sp pro 1.4 & 2 TC, neither of them will AF on the 1D MKII without the tape trick which is strange

with the tape trick it works no problem, even the 2x does AF

I have been using it with the 1.4 and the images are pretty darn sharp, I have only used the 2x a couple times quickly and the sharpness suffers for sure, I just ordered a 2nd 1.4 to stack with the other one to see if that works better

[CyberDyneSystems]

re- Sigma 500mm and t-cons and AF

From the T-Con Sticky FAQ;
*NOTE, due to repeated reports and manufacturers statements of problems with AF
on 1D MkII bodies with the 500mm & 300-800mm with a 1.4X t-con, the list states MF only
However in my original tests with a 1D 4.5MP, the 500mm & 1.4X did AF
At this time we are not sure of what other lenses may be affected.
I'd be wary of the 800mm f/5.6 prime on a 1D MkII

And more detail from the discussion thread;
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1055384#post1055384

It is a problem, not only with the 500mm, but also both Sigma 800mm lenses.

[foxbat]

Spring is here and so at last is some decent light. I set up a perch this morning and was rewarded with some coal tit and blue tit shots. After Sigma replaced the worn out focus motor on my non-DG 500 it's now extremely fast and works well with the accurate focusing algorithms in the 1 series. These are all with the 1DMk2 at ISO 400, f/6.3.

Coal Tit #1:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/sigma%20500/6_700.jpg

Coal Tit #2:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/sigma%20500/7_700.jpg

Blue Tit #1:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/sigma%20500/25_700.jpg

Blue Tit #2:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/sigma%20500/26_700.jpg

[kloodee]

Spring is here and so at last is some decent light. I set up a perch this morning and was rewarded with some coal tit and blue tit shots. After Sigma replaced the worn out focus motor on my non-DG 500 it's now extremely fast and works well with the accurate focusing algorithms in the 1 series. These are all with the 1DMk2 at ISO 400, f/6.3.

Coal Tit #1:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/sigma%20500/6_700.jpg

Coal Tit #2:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/sigma%20500/7_700.jpg

Blue Tit #1:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/sigma%20500/25_700.jpg

Blue Tit #2:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/sigma%20500/26_700.jpg


amazing shots my friend, i'm really considering such lens, im sureprized that the 1d mark 2 is pretty noisy @ iso 400 compared to the latest sensors(7d, and 1d mark 4)

[foxbat]

Two more from last weekend. Again, both with the 1DMk2 and both at ISO 400, f/6.3.

Robin:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/sigma%20500/robin1.jpg

Blue Tit:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/sigma%20500/bt1.jpg

[vastre1]

Some from Easter weekends Formula 3/GT meeting at Oulton Park using Sigma 500 and 1d Mark iii


http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww190/vastre1/Uploads/image_002.jpg

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww190/vastre1/Uploads/image_001.jpg

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww190/vastre1/Uploads/image_003.jpg

[Anto Modded]

Nice motorsport shots, did you use a monopod and what settings......no exif attached

[vastre1]

Thanks, Yes monopod used.. ISO100 shutter around 250/320th and aperture varies f/5.6 to f/8
Cheers

[foxbat]

Not much action in this thread of late, so here's another contribution from me, a red-whiskered bulbul in Mauritius. This 500 is a faithful addition to my travel kit, fitting neatly as it does up the center of my Lowepro mini-trekker classic with enough space around the sides for two cameras and a couple of smaller lenses. I've never had any problems travelling by air with this kit.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/foxbat_gb/Birds/rwbb.jpg
1DMk2, 1/60s, ISO 400.

[greeneee]

If you use a Kenko DG 300 PRO with this lens and a nikon d5000 would it auto focus?
Thanks