I would be delighted for any of your thoughts and/or comments on the Sigma 500mm 4.5 (older non-DG version). Is it a good lens, any problenm with ghosting, flare on a digital body (e.g. 20D, 40D) with the non-DG version, etc. ? What would be the typical second hand price for this lens. All of the reviews I have looked at so far are for the newer DG version.
Thanking you in advance
Michael John
Posted by Paul Everett on January 29, 2008 at 6:41 AM
I have one (non-DG version) and can confirm its an excellent lens. I have had no problems with ghosting or flare. I have used it for three years with an EOS3 20D and 5D and it has been really exceptional, especially in terms of value for money against the big name brands. If you are looking for a second-hand one PM me as I am thinking about selling mine.
You can check out the reviews on www.fredmiranda.com.
Anyway good luck, I am pretty confident you won't be disappointed if you get one.
Paul
Posted by Andy Astbury on January 29, 2008 at 8:09 AM
Excellent lens and well worth putting in your bag.
The only lens I would say was better would be f4 Canon - though only better because of the f4 iris and also the IS which is a boon on a big 500 as it's very easy to hand hold one once you have the knack.
But optically I'd say there's no difference at all - tack sharp and great contrast (at least the one I had was - every day I wish I never sold it ).
Posted by Andy Bate on January 29, 2008 at 8:30 AM
i love mine as well, and the reduced weight compared to the others is fab, especially for an old un like me!!!!
Pin sharp lens
Posted by Paul Gibbs on January 29, 2008 at 9:47 AM
Fantastic lens IMO. Though only 1/3 stop slower than the canon/nikon's and lacking the weather sealing, its great in almost every other way.
Unlike others, I am not altogether happy with this lens`s performance on digital (I have the non-DG Sigma 500mm). There is no flare to speak of, but quite a bit of noticable ghosting (C.A.) on my example on contrasty edges - say, a white bird against a dark background. Could be my expectations are of the len`s performance are unreasonably high (doubtful), or maybe there is some variation in performance from sample to sample. Never noticed these problems when shooting the same lens with film. I would make sure you can try the lens before purchase, and check the results on contrasty images at 100% to make sure you are happy with the quality.
I would have thought the extra coating on the DG model would have corrected any such problems, but no-one seems to be able to answer that question.
I am selling my Sigma 500mm. It's the HSM APO DG model and is about 14 months old and is in mint condition c/w case and box. £1750.00
kind regards
Kevin
Posted by Gary Beers on January 29, 2008 at 12:39 PM
I have the non DG version and haven't noticed any problems with flare etc. I haven't regretted buying mine - I think the Canon 500/4 has slightly better contrast, IS and will take the 1.4 converter and a/f on a 1.6 body, but when I was buying it was more than double the price.
Posted by Paul Gibbs on January 29, 2008 at 1:19 PM
Gary if you tape the pins on the TC you can AF with the TC on.
Jeremy, i've not noticed any CA on my shots with this lens?
Thank you for such an excellent response. It looks like nearly everyone agrees that the lens is good for both quality and value. I'm going to have a look at an older version for sale here in Ireland and I'll get back you with any further news.Once again thanks I really appreicate the advice.
MJ
Posted by Jeroen Stel on January 30, 2008 at 8:14 AM
I have used this lens in the past with great pleasure and would highly recommend it!
Discussion
10 repliesI would be delighted for any of your thoughts and/or comments on the Sigma 500mm 4.5 (older non-DG version). Is it a good lens, any problenm with ghosting, flare on a digital body (e.g. 20D, 40D) with the non-DG version, etc. ? What would be the typical second hand price for this lens. All of the reviews I have looked at so far are for the newer DG version.
Thanking you in advance
Michael John
You can check out the reviews on www.fredmiranda.com.
Anyway good luck, I am pretty confident you won't be disappointed if you get one.
Paul
The only lens I would say was better would be f4 Canon - though only better because of the f4 iris and also the IS which is a boon on a big 500 as it's very easy to hand hold one once you have the knack.
But optically I'd say there's no difference at all - tack sharp and great contrast (at least the one I had was - every day I wish I never sold it
Pin sharp lens
I would have thought the extra coating on the DG model would have corrected any such problems, but no-one seems to be able to answer that question.
I am selling my Sigma 500mm. It's the HSM APO DG model and is about 14 months old and is in mint condition c/w case and box. £1750.00
kind regards
Kevin
Jeremy, i've not noticed any CA on my shots with this lens?
Thank you for such an excellent response. It looks like nearly everyone agrees that the lens is good for both quality and value. I'm going to have a look at an older version for sale here in Ireland and I'll get back you with any further news.Once again thanks I really appreicate the advice.
MJ
Greetings,
Jeroen Stel