Sigma lenses for Canon

[robertwgross]

I have one Canon EOS film body and one D60 digital body, so I currently own three Canon AF lenses.

As I approach the purchase of a very long zoom lens for wildlife photography purposes, I notice that Canon lenses are hugely more expensive than Sigma lenses. However, I notice that at least in the basic specifications, the Sigma lens offerings give me much more for my money, as compared to Canon.

Specifically, I am after the Sigma 170-500mm AF zoom. Canon does not have anything like that for the price or for the weight (since I am on foot all of the time).

Further, as I have shopped around, I notice a huge price difference between a standard vendor (e.g. B&H) versus some of the others that advertise in the back of OP Magazine. I consider 25-35% to be huge.

Any comments? Anybody been down this road before?

---Bob Gross---

[henkbos]

Got that lens and am happy with it. You need to have a good tripod though! I forgot all that and started with (also recently bought) ballhead. Disaster and disappointment. Now I own a Wimberley Sidekick with quik release plates. Excellent material, but it will cost another $500. Shooting is much easier though, like handling a machinegun).

Good luck.

[robertwgross]

Wow. Only one kind reply to my inquiry.

Thanks anyway.

---Bob Gross---

[SteveCliff]

robertwgross wrote:
Wow. Only one kind reply to my inquiry.

Thanks anyway.

---Bob Gross---

I'd have replied if I could have helped Bob! unfortunately, I will have to sit here and only dream about a 500mm zoom ..... x 1.6 on my D60 = 800mm .... yum yum ;-)

[traveler]

While it is of course more expensive. THE Sigma lens to own IMHO is the 50-500 APO EX HSM. It has ALL the attributes you would want, superior build, best glass materials and production, Fast and silent HSM motor and the reach that would make anyone envious. I've tested this beauty and I can say without hesitation it is an amazing buy. I'd recommend Delta International for it as they offer it for $735USD last I checked. This lens is a real keeper........

[SteveCliff]

traveler wrote:
THE Sigma lens to own IMHO is the 50-500 APO EX HSM

I have been trying to decide what longer lens to buy for about 6 months now - and this is one of the shortlisted ones! I would love to see some of your results taken with this lens. Could I possibly ask you to email me a RAW or 2 for me to look at ?

[traveler]

I would suggest you visit my site at http://www.pbase.com/traveler to see in the Lens Tests gallery I have 2 shots, one each of the same object with the Canon 100-400L and a Sigma 50-500APO EX HSM. These are the only images I saved from that test. They are equally and similarly processed so it does give a very good indication just how close these lenses truly are. I hope this helps. As I said before, although it's half the price, the IS is worth it's weight in gold if you are planning on a lot of hand holding. If you can keep the shutter speeds up you CAN handhold the Sigma, but it is no small feat. Take care....

[SteveCliff]

traveler wrote:
I would suggest you visit my site at http://www.pbase.com/traveler
Thanks ... I will have a looksie.

traveler wrote:
As I said before, although it's half the price, the IS is worth it's weight in gold if you are planning on a lot of hand holding. If you can keep the shutter speeds up you CAN handhold the Sigma, but it is no small feat. Take care....
I'll would be the first to admit that my hands are not the stillest in the world ;-) However, I had presumed that I would mainly be shooting with a tripod/monopod at longer lengths anyway. How heavy is the Sigma ? Does the general rule of "1/focal-length" for shutter speed still work ok ? (E.g. 200mm = 1/200s etc.)

[traveler]

The 50-500 weighs about 5lbs, but I didn't find that to be an obstacle. Mainly if you're shooting beyond 100mm you will benefit greatly by having it on a tripod. Monopods only offer a minimal amount of stability unless you are additionally braced. I found with that lens that keeping the shutter speeds in excess of 1/200 in general was pretty much mandatory above 200mm. If you can relegate your shots to a tripod indeed it will likely meet your needs......(it's rather impressive to see a wide open shot with this lens taken at 500mm and see just how good good can be.......)

[SteveCliff]

It does all sound *very* tempting !
Jessops have it for £770 ..... non second hand though - big suprise ... NOT :)