I do not like tripods...always hand carry. I am I interested in the sigma 150-500 zoom. The new 600 zoom has to have a tripod. Canon 400zoom is too heavy for me.
I've read, that these are great lenses, but rather fragile... Has anyone had a problem... Or opinions on this lens? Would you buy new or used? I always buy used, but if this not a durable lens, would you buy a lens 4 yrs old? I'm interested in a particular seller's lens, so quick repies would be appreciated.
Or do you know if there is a better lightweight zoom or is sigma going to update this lens...water resistance, etc.? I have Canon's75-300 plus 1.5 kenko, but want more reach with L lens quality..and, of course, now that my husband is retired, saving money is always good. But value in the long run is most important to me. Thanks
Hi Lucy,
The Sigma 150-500 is a good lens, I have used it some in the past. However the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary is a better lens because of more focal length and I find it to be sharper shot wide open than my Sigma 150-500. I almost always hand hold when using this lens. The 150-600 contemporary version is 4.3 pounds compared to the Sigma 150-500 which weighs about 3.9 pounds, so there is not much difference. I imagine you are hearing or thinking about the weather proofed Sigma 150-600 Sport version which is quite a bit heavier weighing in at about 6 pounds. I would buy either the Sigma 150-600 C or the 150-500 new because as you said the question about durability (although I haven't had any problems with mine). In my opinion in the long run it would be worth it for you to buy a new Sigma 150-600 contemporary for the reasons listed above.
Posted by John Tobias on July 15, 2016 at 10:00 PM
I had the 150-500 and now have the 150-600. Which is by far the better lens IMHO. However, I do use either a tripod or monopod with this lens. Mostly the monopod, not so much from the weight of the lens but due to my arthritis which makes hand holding any long lens difficult. I have had no problem with either lens as far as durability. I did not like the IQ when using the Kenko telextender 1.4.
More reach with "L" quality is not going to happen with either Sigma lens. If you can't handle the weight, compromise on quality is the only solution. With lenses you truly do get what you pay for. That said, from what I understand the quality of these lenses is acceptable for most shooters so go with what works best for you and not worry over the rest. If you buy from Hunt's Photo you can return within 30 days so perhaps get one, try it, examine the images and then decide. Best of luck.
Discussion
4 repliesI've read, that these are great lenses, but rather fragile... Has anyone had a problem... Or opinions on this lens? Would you buy new or used? I always buy used, but if this not a durable lens, would you buy a lens 4 yrs old? I'm interested in a particular seller's lens, so quick repies would be appreciated.
Or do you know if there is a better lightweight zoom or is sigma going to update this lens...water resistance, etc.? I have Canon's75-300 plus 1.5 kenko, but want more reach with L lens quality..and, of course, now that my husband is retired, saving money is always good. But value in the long run is most important to me. Thanks
The Sigma 150-500 is a good lens, I have used it some in the past. However the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary is a better lens because of more focal length and I find it to be sharper shot wide open than my Sigma 150-500. I almost always hand hold when using this lens. The 150-600 contemporary version is 4.3 pounds compared to the Sigma 150-500 which weighs about 3.9 pounds, so there is not much difference. I imagine you are hearing or thinking about the weather proofed Sigma 150-600 Sport version which is quite a bit heavier weighing in at about 6 pounds. I would buy either the Sigma 150-600 C or the 150-500 new because as you said the question about durability (although I haven't had any problems with mine). In my opinion in the long run it would be worth it for you to buy a new Sigma 150-600 contemporary for the reasons listed above.
Max