Songbirds - testing the Sigma 150 500

[coastalconn]

Overall the Sigma seemed pretty good at F8. I was shocked how light it is compared to the Sigma 120-300 F2.8. Guess I haven't shot a consumer super zoom in a long time. Overall I thought the sharpness was acceptable. Af speed was pretty good and it seemed to lock on pretty well. Couldn't find any cool raptors so I shot some songbirds... Comments welcome..

1
Tufted Titmouse Testing Sigma 150-500 by krisinct, on Flickr

2

White Crowned Sparrow Testing Sigma 150-500 by krisinct, on Flickr

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Cardinal Testing Sigma 150-500 by krisinct, on Flickr

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House Sparrow Testing Sigma 150-500 by krisinct, on Flickr

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Junco Testing Sigma 150-500 by krisinct, on Flickr

 

[matthewo]

I had one. seemed pretty good for the price. after a while of shooting AF was not very reliable. you need to have a good deal of light for it, and it was sharper at 350-400mm and got a little soft at 500.

but like you know im sure, most of these lenses are just fine and acceptable when used correctly.

it is kind of hard to explain why images from a 500mm f4vr don't look 8x better, even though the lens is 8x more expensive. but then again that's just the law of diminishing returns. I guess I look at it this way. I use the lens about everyday, and if im going through all the trouble and taking the time to go out and shoot wildlife I want to have the best possible equipment(within reason).

 

[sm4him]

Oh no! Now that we have the exact same lens, it will be woefully evident that you are just lightyears BETTER than I am!
:lmao:

 

[shefjr]

Oh no! Now that we have the exact same lens, it will be woefully evident that you are just lightyears BETTER than I am!
:lmao:

I was thinking the same thing about you Sharon! lol!
I've had mine longer than both of you and well… I've even had mine sent in with the camera for perfect fine tuning and still don't care for the quality of the photos. LOL! :banghead:

Kris you have proven to me that it's just me and my inability to capture anything of quality. LOL! UGH!

 

[MSnowy]

Nice pictures. Real good lens for the price. f8 was the sharpest I got with this lens also.

 

[rhodeislandhntr]

Awesome pics, this is what i am looking to capture.

 

[hopdaddy]

The photos look great to me Mr.K. I also think that is the best lens one can buy in that price range .

 

[KmH]

No doubt. The Sigma 150-500 mm is one of, if not the best lens values on the market in that focal length range.

F/2.8 means bigger glass elements, and glass is heavy.

 

[manicmike]

Looks like you got a good copy.

 

[sm4him]

Oh no! Now that we have the exact same lens, it will be woefully evident that you are just lightyears BETTER than I am!
:lmao:

I was thinking the same thing about you Sharon! lol!
I've had mine longer than both of you and well… I've even had mine sent in with the camera for perfect fine tuning and still don't care for the quality of the photos. LOL! :banghead:

Kris you have proven to me that it's just me and my inability to capture anything of quality. LOL! UGH!

Looks like you got a good copy.

Hey yeah, THAT's the ticket, Shef! Kris just got a better copy of the lens than we have! :lmao:

 

[WesternGuy]

Kris, great shots on your test. I might have to go and check out this lens at my local store. :mrgreen:

I am just curious about how close you have to get for such sharp images and how much of a crop/processing do you do for the final image?

WesternGuy

 

[coastalconn]

Kris, great shots on your test. I might have to go and check out this lens at my local store. :mrgreen:

I am just curious about how close you have to get for such sharp images and how much of a crop/processing do you do for the final image?

WesternGuy

As with all lenses, the more you fill the frame, the better off you are. I think these were all between 10-40 feet roughly, I can go back and look at exif. I sure wish LR5 didn't strip distance... I did standard highlights/shadows... WB and some sharpening. The 120-300 requires less sharpening with the 2x even wide open, but I expected that..

 

[baturn]

Yup, those are great, and proof absolute that it's technique not equipment that separates you and some of the other better bird photographers from us wannabes.

 

[SashaT]

Very nice!!!

 

[Radical]

awsome pics