Today I went to my very first training camp. I thought it would be a good time to test out my new Bigmos (Sigma 150-500 OS). So I loaded up my gear and went out into the humid heat of Spartanburg, SC.
I arrived and setup shop around the 10 yard line of one of the fields, right next to the fence keeping spectators away from the players. I placed my Bigmos on my monopod and attached my 40D. I switched to my 30D after my 40D went haywire. I had no aperture or shutter speed values visible in either the VF or top LCD. Turns out the camera magically had moved off of M and into ADEP <sigh>. Here are my impressions from the day. All images have EXIF embedded and the entire gallery is here
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AF
This is probably one of the biggest unknowns of the lens for real world use. It hasn't really been out long enough for any extensive testing. And even after today I can't say for sure how it performs, but I was quite impressed with it today. It isn't blazingly fast, but it is reasonably fast. Using AI Servo it kept up with the players just fine. And when someone on the sidelines came into view it snapped right to them. 
When going back to the player or the next subject the AF seemed to lock on in decent time. No where near my 85 1.8, but that is to be expected. This lens should do fine for my typical youth sports subjects and birds/wildlife. Here is Steve Smith going up to grab a pass.
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OS
With the lens on my monopod I set the OS to mode 1. Now, I think the OS is without a doubt, absolutely amazing. But there is a catch. This is probably nothing new to those with IS/OS lenses, but this is my first OS lens (my wife uses the 28-135, not me). The OS takes a bit to "get settled". Once it is settled it simply rocks! But I have a few shots where I know I took a shot without the OS settling down and they seem blurry or soft. Other shots where I was tracking a player or had settled on a static player waiting for the right shot are tack sharp. Steve Smith signs an autograph.
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IQ
Other than the obvious OOF shots due to user error and the slightly blurry/soft shots from the OS not settling the IQ of the shots is rather good. For a sub $1000 zoom with this kind of reach I am impressed. I haven't had any decent light to shoot in yet and the shots today showed me that with good light the IQ is very good. Is it L super tele good? Well no, but I only spent 1/7 of the cash for a 500mm lens. And the images are not 1/7 of the quality, they are more like 5/7 IMO. The bokeh is very nice! Smooth transitions, not hard edges are at work here. One of the pro photogs and his big white glass <sigh>.
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The Rest
The zoom ring is still a little stiff, but is loosening nicely. The tripod foot works pretty well, but it tends to stick a little when the camera is in portrait mode. I like to leave my collar a little lose so I can adjust for crooked horizons. The slight stick is a little bothersome, but not a big deal. Overall I was pleased with today's outing. There is no way I would have been able to get the shots I got today with my 70-200 plus TC.
Mushin Muhammad keeps his eye on the ball. This was about 100 yards away and is a pretty good crop.
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Jake Delhomme takes a snap from center.
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Rookie Jonathan Stewart cathes a pass over the middle.
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Julius Peppers enjoying the day.
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