Bigma Questions

[KevNJ]

Im intersted in the Sigma 50-500m.

I see B&H has two versions. Can someone help me out with understanding the differences, & which to go with, for my 20d.

Also anyone have any Moon shots using it ? Ive seen plenty of other photos with it but no moon shots.

Thanks!

[formula4speed]

One version is DG, the other is not. DG is a coating Sigma uses for digital cameras, although the original also gets great reviews. You can save yourself some cash by ordering from sigma4less.com rather than BH as well. As for moon shots, can't help you there.

[KevNJ]

So I your saying to go with this one ? http://sigma4less.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=1542d052956fb37/shopdata/0020_Lenses/0040_Zoom/0050_Tele+Zoom/product_details.shopscript?article=0570_Sigma%2B50-500mm%2Bf%3D26slash%3D3B4-6%3D252E3%2BEX%2BAPO%2BDG%2BHSM%2Bfor%2BCanon%2BAF %2B%3D28SG50500F4DCA%3D29
?

[scott stokes]

I am also looking at this lens.if i under stand sigma web site the dg is better for digital but will work on film,and the dc lens are for digital only.

[condyk]

The original Bigma is a simply awesome value lens. Quality is as good as the 100-400mm L IS, tho' shame it doesn't have IS!! The replacement, from a thread I read a few weeks back on a birding site (those guys are very fussy!!) seems to be even better. I would have no hesitation in getting either, but would only get the older version if there was a decent discount over the DG.

[KevNJ]

The original Bigma is a simply awesome value lens. Quality is as good as the 100-400mm L IS, tho' shame it doesn't have IS!! The replacement, from a thread I read a few weeks back on a birding site (those guys are very fussy!!) seems to be even better. I would have no hesitation in getting either, but would only get the older version if there was a decent discount over the DG.

So the link I posted above is the one I should go with ?

[condyk]

Yes ... and remember to get the Canon fit one :p

Do you have a decent tripod and decent head? If you buy a Bigma then it will pay big dividends giving it decent support. A beanbag is good too for when you are carrying it around: there's usually a wall, post, branch you can rest it on to get a stable platform. You can hand shoot it if you up the shutter speed to 1/800 -/+. Mine used to like f8.0 too, so play around with the options until you find what gets the best shots. You need to get used to this lens. If you take time then you will be well rewarded. Once you've had 500mm it's hard to go shorter :) and it looks like you'll have 1000mm with the TCon

[Hellashot]

Hand shoot the Bigma? maybe for a shot or 2. It weighs a ton - hence the name. I use mine on a monopod. I'm able to use it well under 1/500 with it on there.

[KevNJ]

:) and it looks like you'll have 1000mm with the TCon

Ill be ordering the 1.4x II Canon TC shortly as well. :lol:

Thanks for the pointers. Been shopping for a new tripod. I live about 60-70 minutes from B&H so I was thinking of take a ride into the city to really see what I want as far as that goes.

[scott stokes]

condyk what tripod and head combo would you recomend for the bigma(around $200-$250)thanks. scott

[condyk]

Scott, I dunno as I never used mine with a tripod which is why I know to recommend using one now :lol:

However, I did get a good number of nice handheld shots believe it or not. I also used it a lot with a 'Pod' Beanbag, which I still use with my 100-300mm f4, and I find much easier in a bird hide than using my monopod or, I imagine, a tripod.

However, after lots of dithering and 'I don't want a tripod' thoughts I finally bought a Feisol Carbon Fibre jobbie with a Manfrotto 488 ballhead (with the RC2 quick release plate). You can't get them both within your budget ... maybe if you add a bit extra!! Check out www.feisol.com - or look here for the model I got:

http://www.eastgear.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=395

They do seem to be well liked by owners, though they're new to the market. Holds 7KG's. I'm sure are lots of other options from the common brands but I wanted light, stable, flexible use, great build ... and something a bit different!

[scott stokes]

Thanks condyk for the info. I want to also thank every one here i have learned alot from all of you. thanks scott

[GTogs]

There are lots of good tripod - head combinations out there. Mine, the Bogan 3021B Pro with the 488 head does everything I want it too and is rock solid, but it is not light! I don't do much hiking with it, so that isn't usually a problem.