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

Discussion

1 replies

Posted by Andre Brassard on June 11, 2008 at 11:57 AM

I find this new lens very attractive especially since it has the OS & HSM system. Which should make it good for handheld and tracking birds in flight.
So has anybody had any experience with it yet along with your thoughts?

Posted by Michael Twaddell on June 11, 2008 at 2:17 PM

Hi Andre, I have the 50-500, and find it to be a reasonably sharp lens with nice contrast. You certainly can't beat it for the money. So, from the reviews that I have read on the 150-500, it is supposed to be a bit sharper than my copy. Keep in mind that these lenses are physically long, which makes them hard to handhold. I also have a bit of a problem with auto focus in less than ideal lighting. I have in body IS, so I can't comment on that. The HSM motor is very fast and quiet. Some people complain that these lenses need to be stopped down to be sharp at all, and I don't find that to be true. I use a tripod with mine, and it is sharp. Yes, it is sharpest at f8, I have tested it, but it is still plenty sharp at f6.3. It just takes a couple more clicks in USM, that's all! For the money, these lenses can't be beat, IMO!