VERY URGENT ! Bigma or New Bigma ?

[Rob612]

Ok folk, now I really need a quick help, since I only have until mid next week to make a choice.

I ordered at my local shop the Bigma. It came out that actually the "normal" and well know 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX RF HSM is going to have a successor: APO 50-500 mm F4-6.3 EX DG HSM .

Talking with the guy - that talke to the Sigma rep, it seems that the DG versions are somewhat optimized for digital, mantaining the same performances of the old series.

The only thing I've found on the net is the press release of Sigma (pasted below) and something more technical, but not too much here:

http://www.shutterbug.com/news/042504sigma2/

Now I have two choices: either I'll take the "normal" Bigma (it will be here in a week or so) or I wait for the DG (will take about a month). But I have to call the guy and tell him what to do before he moves the order.

Now I'm in trouble. I know for sure that the "old" model is very good (this forum helped me alot on this) but the digitally optimized (I will never get back to fil anyway) really tickles me.

All this said, I know that this type of stuff here in Italy is usually available later than in the US. So the questions are these:

1) Anybody has or has tried the DG ?? If so what you think about it ?

2) Even not having tried the DG, what would you do ? go with the standard or get the DG ?

Thanks for the help !


Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the ten DG EX telephoto lenses. Recently, the demand for digitally optimized lenses increases rapidly as digital single lens reflex camera increases its market share. Sigma Corporation has started production of wide-angle lens DG series in 2000 and the number of DG series reached to thirteen models as of February 14, 2005. This time ten new EX telephoto lenses including three single focus telephoto lenses (APO 300mm F2.8 EX, APO 500mm F4.5 EX APO 800mm F5.6 EX) will be introduced to market as DG lens series, which demonstrates high performance with digital single, lens reflex cameras.Sigma DG Lens Line-up

APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG HSM
APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM
APO 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG OS
APO 100-300mm F4 EX DG HSM
APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM
APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX DG HSM
APO 300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM
APO 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM
APO 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM

[tim]

F6.3 is awfully slow, F4 isn't the fastest either. It's probably not what you want to hear, but i'd pass on both. If I had to buy one i'd get the new version.

[txhptroop]

My vote is for you to wait for the new model. Then share your photos with us so we can decide which we prefer. Actually they should be very similar. Good luck.

[Rob612]

F6.3 is awfully slow, F4 isn't the fastest either. It's probably not what you want to hear, but i'd pass on both. If I had to buy one i'd get the new version.

I see your point, but budget considerations have to be done here. Plus, everybody seems really satisfied with the Bigma. Sure is not a 100-400 L, but the price of that lens here is absolutely crazy.

One vote for the DG, anyway :D

[Cadwell]

Many people believe that the only difference between "DG" and "non-DG" Sigmas is that the "DG" versions have a label which says "DG" stuck on them...

Sigma have been rather vague about it, and they occasionally mumble rather unconvincingly about "coatings".

If I were you, I'd try and negotiate a discount on the old lens (on the grounds that it's about to be superceded) and take that.

[Rob612]

My vote is for you to wait for the new model. Then share your photos with us so we can decide which we prefer. Actually they should be very similar. Good luck.

Wrote the vote down (I added a poll... :))

But I believe that in while there will be nothing to choose from, the DG is going just to replace the EX.

[condyk]

The Bigma is an outstanding lens, as you know already from images you may have seen. I doubt you'll be disappointed if you buy the DG or the current version. Why not buy a SH example as that will reduce any depreciation on the older lens?

Whatever you choose, in good light you will love it. I don't think there is a better price/performance lens out there, other than the 50mm II. As to 'speed' there is nothing that comes close qulaity and range wise for anything like the money ... otherwise we'd all buy it :p The 100-300mm F4 Sigma and ext., which I have on the way, is the only realistic option ... but then I also know that is being DG'd soon as well.

[pcasciola]

The Bigma has produced a lot of really nice shots posted here on the forums, and is an excellent choice if you don't want to spend $1400+ on a 100-400L. It's a great way to start out and maybe upgrade to a 100-400L down the road. For outdoor shots, f/4 - f/6.3 is really not that much of a concern a lot of the time. Not all lenses have to be f/2.8 to produce good shots.

Like Cadwell said, Sigma has never really said exactly what is different about all the new DG lenses from the non-DG versions of the same lenses. However, every DG lens they sell says "Super Multi Coating reduces flare and ghosting that tends to occur when using digital SLR cameras", so there's a good chance that is the only difference.

I went through this about two months ago when I wanted to get the Sigma 70-200/2.8. I decided I would only buy the current "non-DG" if I could get a deal on a used one, only from a resale perspective. I figure once the DG comes out, everyone will start calling the non-DG the "older version" even though optically it is probably identical aside from the settings.

Bottom line is, if you don't plan on selling an upgrading any time in the near future, I don't think you'll be missing much aside from maybe a little more flare, but you might lose another $100 or so on it if you decide to sell it down the road compared to the DG version.