Sigma APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM - Bigmos

I used to use the Bigmos handheld for about 8 months. Up to about 400mm, it was good. At 500mm half the time the OS didn't seem to work perfectly. Then I (and Sigma) figured out that it does work properly, it's just that sometimes the amplitude of my arm shake at 500mm is more than what the OS is able to overcome
Anyway, I tested my Bigmos on a makeshift monopod (my tripod with the legs unfolded), and it worked like a charm. So I invested in a cheap but decent monopod, a Manfrotto 7.. something (the "Digi" model), forgot it's model number, and a 234RC head. It was about 65 bucks. Light and relatively stable. Makes my Bigmos a lot more stable, I can recommend it to anyone looking for an inexpensive but decent monopod.

By the way, here are some pictures from the last couple days. Cropped and PP'd as usual, except for the first, that's just resized.

this is my first post. thanks for a great site.
how do i resize a photo to post here?

Thanks to ALL whom contributed information in regards to various makes & models of tripod set-ups & monopods for use with this lens.

I might just go the cheap route with the below 2 items unless someone can suggest an alternative for still bird & wildlife shots.

http://www.amazon.com …/ref=cm_cr_pr_p​roduct_top

http://www.amazon.com …ics&qid=1269091​405&sr=8-1

Regards,

david lee c wrote in post #9833350
this is my first post. thanks for a great site.
how do i resize a photo to post here?

David, welcome, all your answers should be found here---->> https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=290249

Joshua and Gabe: NICE DUCKS!

amyandmark3 wrote in post #9831456
Charles, do you keep the OS on when you use a monopod?

Clay, did you buy directly from Amazon? Or is it coming from another retailer that also uses Amazon? I only ask because Amazon is always fast when they have what I'm buying, but if it's coming from another retailer (like 17th St, B&H, Adorama, etc...) then Amazon has nothing to do with the shipping time.

Silverfox, I think the Bogen Manfrotto 055xprob is a very nice set of legs. It's medium weight (not light for sure), but very stable. Looks like full retail is $180, and I bet you can beat that if you shop around. The head is more tricky, depends if you want an Arca Swiss compatible head or just a regular head with a quick release plate. I like the AS compatible heads much better, but they will cost more. For the more economical regular heads with QR plates, I personally like the Bogen Manfrotto 488rc2 or 488rc4. There is a newer model now, the 498 series, but I've never used it (I assume it's as nice or nicer than the 488 though as that is what it replaced). I think those heads go in the $90 range without QR plates or $120 with the QR plates (I suggest going with the QR plate models, it's much easier to quickly remove your camera if necessary). Hope this helps a little.

The one I ordered said in stock and shipped from Amazon. I ordered it to get the no interest for 12 months deal. It said they had 4 left in stock.
Clay

Bummer Clay, that is pretty slow. Was it the free shipping option? I don't use Amazon often, but I seem to remember something about that being pretty slow, so I don't use the free option unless I don't care how long something takes to get to me.

amyandmark3 wrote in post #9834779
Bummer Clay, that is pretty slow. Was it the free shipping option? I don't use Amazon often, but I seem to remember something about that being pretty slow, so I don't use the free option unless I don't care how long something takes to get to me.

Yes I did order the free shipping option. I should have paid a little to get it faster. Oh well, live and learn. I just didn't want to miss out on the arrival of the yellow headed blackbirds this year. And, I spottted a montain bluebird while scouting for the blackbirds. Would have been a sweet shot with the 500mm reach.
Clay

Silverfox1 wrote in post #9834524
I might just go the cheap route with the below 2 items unless someone can suggest an alternative for still bird & wildlife shots.

Have a look at the Manfrotto 393 head. I use mine on a tripod rather than a monopod and it works very well. It is a popular alternative to a Gimbal head. I saw at least 4 other people with this head at a nature reserve recently including someone with the Canon 500mm F4 L

http://www.amazon.com …oto&qid=1269102​260&sr=1-1

I don't use it like in the photo but with the lens attachment at the bottom.

david lee c wrote in post #9833350
this is my first post. thanks for a great site.
how do i resize a photo to post here?

welcome!!

These were shot hand held using my 40D. I've only had this lens about a month, but have been having a lot of fun with it.

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Taken with 7d, exif intact for both:

1. Dark Eyed Junco
2. Downy Woodpecker

Took the Bigmos to the zoo again this past friday. Eagle portrait shot through a fence, hand held 500mm at f8 .

I am curious on what camera bags all of you are using to haul this monster around. I am currently looking at a lowe pro sling bag.

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amyandmark3 wrote in post #9840138
Taken with 7d, exif intact for both:

1. Dark Eyed Junco
2. Downy Woodpecker

Nice sharp shots Mark. Did you have to do any micro adjusting? Just got a shipping notice and mine will be here Friday.
Clay

wolverinesr1 wrote in post #9841382
Took the Bigmos to the zoo again this past friday. Eagle portrait shot through a fence, hand held 500mm at f8 .

I am curious on what camera bags all of you are using to haul this monster around. I am currently looking at a lowe pro sling bag.

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Nice shot! When I bag it, I have a tamrac expedition 7 that will hold it..I just have to leave some other stuff out. Not an easy bag to go day-trippin' with either. If I have this, I usually only 1 other lens and I'll use a runner's sling-bag or something to that effect....or just bring it by itself and sling the Sigma case around my shoulder.