Sigma 150-500

I'm looking for a longer lens for birds/wildlife. I have about $800 tops to spend for it, is the Sigma a good by at about $700-800?

I really enjoyed using mine on my safari trip earlier this year and came away with lots of shots that I was happy with. The focus was spot on all trip and the image stabilization worked very well. Nice build quality and comes with a great carrying case. It worked great as a wildlife lens for me and the focal range and reach made it extremely versatile. I have not used it for birds in flight much, so I can't speak to it from perspective; however, it seemed to focus quickly in general use.

Here's a link to a few of my albums from Masai Mara, which I shot entirely with the Sigma 150-500 and my 60D:

• http://jpeacott.smugmu​g.com/Travel/Masai-Mara-Kenya/
  
• http://jpeacott.smugmu​g.com/Travel/Masai-Mara-2/
  
• http://jpeacott.smugmu​g.com …asai-Mara-Kenya-Part-III/
  

An excellent lens, offers the best bang for buck in the telephoto stakes in my opinion.

WhidbeyHiker wrote in post #17213172
I'm looking for a longer lens for birds/wildlife. I have about $800 tops to spend for it, is the Sigma a good by at about $700-800?

Yes, it is.

artyman wrote in post #17213689
An excellent lens, offers the best bang for buck in the telephoto stakes in my opinion.

Personally, I'd say the Tamzooka is a better value (on a quality per dollar basis), but only by a little. They're both excellent in that category, though.

Thanks for the advice. I will probably go with the Sigma because of available funds.

I miss my Sigma 150-500. If/when I can afford to buy the new Sigma 150-600S, I don't think I'll miss my Tamron 150-600...

- DAA

It is a good deal, it is a good lens (I like mine). (But) If you can wait and save a little, I'd go the Tamron 150-600 or wait and see what the new one from Sigma is like.

it's a good one, and capable of good shots...for the money($800) you really can't do any better...

Thanks everyone. Ordered. Thanks Hokies for the offer but I really wanted to get the drops and spills protection with it. Also grabbed a B&W UV filter to serve as a protector, not meaning to start a pro or con UV filter conversation.

WhidbeyHiker wrote in post #17215878
Thanks everyone. Ordered. Thanks Hokies for the offer but I really wanted to get the drops and spills protection with it. Also grabbed a B&W UV filter to serve as a protector, not meaning to start a pro or con UV filter conversation.

Enjoy your new lens! It's the best bang for the buck in my opinion and delivers great photos

So I have decided to purchase this lens and not wait on the 150-600. Does it match up to the EF or EFS type depth on the attachment end of the lens. Since I see some folks are using TC can I assume that it matches the EF depth? What brand and model TC's are being used with this lens? I'll be using a Canon 50D.

I wouldn't bother with a TC...the mount is EF though

Thanks for that. Curious. Why not use a TC?

Jay B wrote in post #17216599
So I have decided to purchase this lens and not wait on the 150-600. Does it match up to the EF or EFS type depth on the attachment end of the lens. Since I see some folks are using TC can I assume that it matches the EF depth? What brand and model TC's are being used with this lens? I'll be using a Canon 50D.

You won't have auto focus on your 50D with a tc.
I have used my Kenko 1.4 on may 1Diii, results were quite good but af is very slow.
Here are some shots taken with 1Diii Sigma 150-500 and Kenko 1.4 tc.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/kTR4​17

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/kpYG​FG

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/kBdd​jB