To see product details, add this item to your cart.
Ships from: 42nd Street Photo Sold by: 42nd Street Photo
To see product details, add this item to your cart.
Ships from: Replay Tech Sold by: Replay Tech
Other Sellers on Amazon
62% positive over last 12 months
- 2 VIDEOS
Image Unavailable
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM SLD Ultra Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital DSLR Camera
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Sigma |
Focal Length Description | 50-500 millimeters |
Lens Type | Telephoto |
Compatible Mountings | Nikon F (FX) |
Camera Lens Description | 4 |
About this item
- Designed for use with full frame digital SLR cameras; 3 Years Warranty
- 10x high zoom ration ultra telephoto zoom lens
- Offers Sigma's OS System allowing handheld photography even in low-light situation
- HSM ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus,3 year warranty
- Four SLD glass elements provide optimum color correction & sharpness throughout the entire zoom rangeSpecifications
Top rated similar items
- Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD Large Aperture Standard Zoom Lens for Sigma Digital DSLR CameraAmazon's Choicein SLR Camera LensesFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Tomorrow, Mar 14Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
- Sigma 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM for Canon Digital SLR CamerasFREE ShippingGet it Mar 19 - 22Only 4 left in stock - order soon.
- Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens for Canon SLR CameraFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Mar 18Only 2 left in stock - order soon.
- Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Nikon F (321955)FREE ShippingGet it Mar 19 - 22Only 2 left in stock - order soon.
- Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Contemporary DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Canon$9.87 shippingOnly 1 left in stock - order soon.
- Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras with 2pcs SanDisk 128GB SD Cards & Altura Photo Complete Accessory and Travel BundleFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Mar 18Only 6 left in stock - order soon.
Important information
Legal Disclaimer
The UPC for this model is 0085126736552 It is not the Ultra model which includes OS- Optical Stabilization- please check this before placing orders.Compatible with Select Nikon full-frame DSLR cameras and digital cameras with an APS-C-size image sensor
To report an issue with this product or seller, click here.
Top Brand: Sigma
From the manufacturer
50-500mm F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM
Powerful Distance
Sigma’s APO 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM is an advanced optical design of this 10x power high-performance zoom lens that covers the standard-to-super-telephoto range, now with the added advantage of Sigma’s own Optical Stabilization which offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. Sigma is the only one to offer OS for Sony and Pentax mount where the image is stabilized in the viewfinder if chosen.
For many photographers, having an “all-in-one” lens is an absolute dream. Especially for nature photographers, the idea of a lens suitable for landscape photography at the short end of the zoom range, while still having enough reach for wildlife is a great option. Add to that, the ability to close focus on small objects in the field such as flowers and it’s the perfect backpackers’ lens. Four SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide optimum color correction & sharpness throughout the entire zoom range and Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and assures high image quality throughout the entire zoom range. With no need to change lenses, there is less chance of dirt or moisture entering the camera and fouling the imaging sensor.
The filter size of this lens is diameter 95mm and the lens is supplied with a step down ring enabling digital cameras with an APS-c size image sensor to use an diameter 86mm filter.
*It is not possible to use a Polarizing filter with the step down ring. If you attach a Polarizing filter, you may not be able to remove it from the lens again.
Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 104.4x219 mm/4.1x8.6 in
Weight: 1970g / 69.5oz.
About Sigma
Since 1961, and with the recent introduction of Sigma Global Vision, we have worked toward one single, simple goal: To hold ourselves to the highest standard of design & manufacturing of imaging products. Photography is all we do. And it’s all we’ve done. So you can rest assured that it’s something we know extensively and care deeply about. You have a vision. We’ve made it our mission.
- High powered ultra-telephoto zoom lens
- Optical stabilization compensates for camera shake
- Carrying case, lens hood, front & rear caps
Compare with similar items
This Item Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM SLD Ultra Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital DSLR Camera | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | $1,599.99$1,599.99 | $229.00$229.00 | -8% $2,496.95$2,496.95 List: $2,699.95 | $249.95$249.95 | -21% $865.00$865.00 List: $1,089.00 | $999.00$999.00 |
Delivery | Get it Mar 19 - 22 | Get it Mar 20 - 22 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 18 | Get it Mar 21 - 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 18 | Get it Mar 19 - 22 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Auto focus | 4.5 | — | 4.7 | — | 4.6 | — |
Picture quality | 4.4 | — | 4.3 | — | 4.7 | — |
Sold By | 42nd Street Photo | U.S.Refurbs | Amazon.com | Willoughby's Established 1898 | Pro Deals! | 42nd Street Photo |
lens type | Telephoto | Macro | Telephoto | Telephoto | Telephoto | Telephoto |
compatible mountings | Nikon F (FX) | Nikon F | Nikon Z | — | Nikon F | Nikon F (FX) |
lens design | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Fixed Zoom | Zoom |
focus type | Ring-type ultrasonic | Auto Focus | Auto Focus, Manual Focus | Auto Focus | Auto Focus | Ring-type ultrasonic |
minimum focal length | 50 millimeters | 70 millimeters | 100 millimeters | 70 millimeters | 150 millimeters | 120 millimeters |
max focal length | 500 millimeters | 300 millimeters | 400 millimeters | 300 millimeters | 600 millimeters | 400 millimeters |
fixed focal length | 500 millimeters | 300 millimeters | 400 millimeters | 300 millimeters | 600 millimeters | 400 millimeters |
model name | 738306 | 5A9306-cr | NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S | 508306 | 745306 | — |
max aperture | — | 4 f stop | 4.5 f stop | — | 5 f stop | 5.6 f stop |
What's in the box
Videos
Videos for this product
2:51
Click to play video
Sigma 50-500mm Lens
Merchant Video
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Product Dimensions | 8.62 x 4.09 x 4.09 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 4.34 pounds |
ASIN | B003A6H2Y8 |
Item model number | 738306 |
Customer Reviews |
3.9 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #486 in Digital Camera Accessory Kits |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | March 3, 2010 |
Manufacturer | Sigma Corporation of America |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product Description
Sigmas APO 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM is an advanced optical design of this 10x power high-performance zoom lens that covers the standard-to-super-telephoto range, now with the added advantage of Sigmas own Optical Stabilization which offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. Sigma is the only one to offer OS for Sony and Pentax mount where the image is stabilized in the viewfinder if chosen. For many photographers, having an "all-in-one" lens is an absolute dream. Especially for nature photographers, the idea of a lens suitable for landscape photography at the short end of the zoom range, while still having enough reach for wildlife is a great option. Add to that, the ability to close focus on small objects in the field such as flowers and its the perfect backpackers lens. Four SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide optimum color correction & sharpness throughout the entire zoom range and super Multi-Layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting and assures high image quality throughout the entire zoom range. With no need to change lenses, there is less chance of dirt or moisture entering the camera and fouling the imaging sensor.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the image quality, quality and value of the camera lenses. They mention that it works hard to give great pictures, it's well built and worth the price. Customers are also happy with sharpness. However, some customers complain about the weight. Customers also have different opinions on autofocus, contrast, and ease of use.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the image quality of the camera lens. They say it works hard to give them great pictures, it's an extremely capable lens, and it does well the job for which it was purchased. They also mention that it works well under good lighting conditions, and is a great lens for those needing the magnification and needing to be able to carry it around. Some mention that the OS on the lens works very well, and that it is able get good photos hand held.
"...I'm extremely satisfied with this lens. It does well the job for which it was purchased: close up shots of stuff that's far, far away or sometimes..." Read more
"...The Sigma costs a fraction of the L and it's performance was pretty damned good and it had some nice features, e.g. Macro focusing, that the Canon..." Read more
"...Image quality is not even close to Nikon.OS is good, when it works. Really drifts at long focal lengths...." Read more
"...hte lens despite the negatives- it's a very versatile lens with a massive range, especially on a crop sernsor camera like the canon 7d- the long end..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the lens. They mention that it takes quality photos, is well-built, and produces extremely high-quality images. Customers also appreciate the lens's stability and impressive focal length range. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...-Camera/lens can stay up if rested vertically on the hood. Very stable due to the crazy diameter of the hood petals and their flatness...." Read more
"...--excellent for nature photography-Takes some pretty awesome moon shots with pretty good detail..." Read more
"...I tried it hand-held though and at full 500mm it holds really well. I could probably get good shots from a gently rocking boat...." Read more
"...And it's sturdy. I dropped this lens so hard, I smashed the filter into the mount, covering the front element with shards of glass...." Read more
Customers like the value of the camera lenses. They mention that it is a great buy and worth the price.
"...issue, I will stay with my Canon 70-300mm, which is very sharp, inexpensive, light, and okay for wildlife...." Read more
"...other 3rd party lens which was a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 (non-vc) great lens for the money...." Read more
"...I think it's well worth the money." Read more
"The Sigma Bigma is a great lens. The price is not trivial, but well without reason and cheaper than any comparable considering the level of..." Read more
Customers like the sharpness of the lens. They mention that the AF is very precise and spot on, and it gets very crisp, clean shots. Customers are also impressed with the handheld shots, saying that they are sharp as a tack at 50 yards.
"...All of the shots taken with this lens are sharp and vivid. I'm extremely satisfied with this lens...." Read more
"...Positives:--massive reach--massive versatilty--very sharp for an ultra telephoto lens..." Read more
"...have similar issue, I will stay with my Canon 70-300mm, which is very sharp, inexpensive, light, and okay for wildlife...." Read more
"...Both Lenses were adequately sharp, but I would have to agree with others who have commented, I really think that the 50-500 is the slightly sharper..." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the autofocus of the camera lenses. Some mention that it is very versatile, has a fast focus, and is good for close-up shots. However, others say that it's heavy when using, and some photos had soft focus at 500mm.
"...Sharp as a tack.-Focuses accurately (if slowly). Every shot that the camera indicated was accurately focused was indeed...." Read more
"...The manual focus override works well on this lens. I can b difficult in low light/low contest if there's not enough contrast for the focusing system...." Read more
"...I found that the teleconverter doesn't allow me to use autofocus... that doesn't really concern me much, but in playing around I've realized that..." Read more
"...--fairly close focussing- good for close-up shots{Weaknesses:--Heavy when using all day handheld..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the contrast of the camera lens. Some mention that the color and contrast has been very good, while others say that it lacked contrast and had a ton of chromatic aberration. However, some say that the lens is decent on a bright summer day and in a dark auditorium, taking pictures from the lens.
"...All of the shots taken with this lens are sharp and vivid. I'm extremely satisfied with this lens...." Read more
"...--takes nice portraits with nice color, contrast and sharpness staight out of camera- although a little boost in photoshop really helps- not much is..." Read more
"...It tends to have less contrast and crispness. It's not a bad lens. But the difference between the old discontinued lens and this one is huge...." Read more
"...Teamed with my D7000, Color and contrast has also been very good...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of use of the camera lens. Some mention that the focus is very sharp, it is easy to use, and flexible, while others say that the autofocus didn't work right, constantly hunting to lock, and the mirror lock-up problem was broken. The controls all work well and integrate properly with their Sony SLT-77, while some say that they lost all autofocus and their D7000 locked-up. They also mention that it is difficult to unlock if the lens has any downward angle, and that they cannot lock the lens to prevent drifting when it is in full open.
"...It is relatively heavy but easily manageable. Today I spent the day shooting an AVP tournament at Hermosa Beach and it was fine...." Read more
"...Started out with an occasional mirror lock up. A recycle of the camera on-off switch would remedy the problem, for a while...." Read more
"...The lens is fast and simple to use. I’ve found it really fast going from 50-500, and back down. Close ups are simple and beautiful...." Read more
"...So if it is faced toward the ground when you try to unlock it the lock will catch and you have to tilt the lens upwards to unlock...." Read more
Customers are not happy with the weight of the camera lenses. They say it is quite heavy and can cause fatigue if hand.
"...This is not a negative, it is a fact of this lens.-Heavy. Yeah. It gets old balancing a nearly 5lb lens...." Read more
"...Weaknesses:--Heavy when using all day handheld..." Read more
"...Maybe I am already used to the 70-200mm, this lens is not as heavy as I expected, maybe just a little heavier, and certainly handheldable...." Read more
"...It's very big. Did I say that it's big? Oh, by the way, it's very heavy too!..." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Used with Canon 7D.
Pros:
-Fully usable at every focal length from 50-500.
-Very effective Optical Stabilization (OS)--the lens can be easily handheld for shots at 1/30s. It kicks in very quickly and works extremely quietly. Not silent, but no one farther than a foot from you will hear it.
-Smooth action to extend focal length and to focus.
-Very close focusing: under 2 feet at the minimum.
-Works as a macro: magnification is 1:3.1 which is plenty for getting gorgeous closeups of flowers or eyes or whatever your fancy. Sharp as a tack.
-Focuses accurately (if slowly). Every shot that the camera indicated was accurately focused was indeed. The errors were either due to the user (me) or subject error (some critters move quickly).
My Canon 70-300 and 70-200 both needed constant fiddling with Micro Adjustment to get the focus right. I sold the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras but am going to keep the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras for the fact that it's still a 2.8 and built like a tank.
-Balanced and easily removed/attached tripod collar. When the camera (Canon 7D) is mounted the lens and camera can easily stand on this foot. No fear of tipping over.
-Camera/lens can stay up if rested vertically on the hood. Very stable due to the crazy diameter of the hood petals and their flatness. Makes it easy to park on a table or ground without worrying about scratching anything except the hood.
-Instant manual focus override. It works.
Neutrals:
-Slow to focus. Yes, at 500mm it's not a very fast focusing lens, but consider the amount of glass and the $1600 price tag. Sometimes it hunts and gets nothing, but if there's enough light it usually focuses pretty well. Using different focusing modes helps. It's not an action lens, for sure. Depending on the subject and the focusing mode I can get focus in under 1/10s. Light and focal length play a role. The important thing is that it's an obvious condition and can easily be accounted for. When it focuses it's always spot on so you can trust your results.
-6.3 is slow. Forget about using this lens when the light's gone. Or bring your own lights. But this is obvious. The lens has a max aperture of 6.3 at longer focal lengths. This is not a negative, it is a fact of this lens.
-Heavy. Yeah. It gets old balancing a nearly 5lb lens. Bring a monopod if you'll be shooting all day. A tripod is good for this lens, but given the weight and focal length you'd need a very, very sturdy one (ideally with a Gimbal head) or you'll just get vibration since it's supported at only one point.
Negatives:
-Weather Sealing. I know it's not in the price range of an L series lens, but most people spending $1600 would spend a few bucks more to have the lens sealed up. Or at least with a rubber boot between the camera and the lens. I'm curious how much extra cost and weight some weather sealing would add to this lens. Given that it's the ONLY 50-500 lens I'd be willing to pay significantly more for weather sealing.
I"m going to add some sample shots to help illustrate the quality of the lens and what it's capable of.
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2011
Used with Canon 7D.
Pros:
-Fully usable at every focal length from 50-500.
-Very effective Optical Stabilization (OS)--the lens can be easily handheld for shots at 1/30s. It kicks in very quickly and works extremely quietly. Not silent, but no one farther than a foot from you will hear it.
-Smooth action to extend focal length and to focus.
-Very close focusing: under 2 feet at the minimum.
-Works as a macro: magnification is 1:3.1 which is plenty for getting gorgeous closeups of flowers or eyes or whatever your fancy. Sharp as a tack.
-Focuses accurately (if slowly). Every shot that the camera indicated was accurately focused was indeed. The errors were either due to the user (me) or subject error (some critters move quickly).
My Canon 70-300 and 70-200 both needed constant fiddling with Micro Adjustment to get the focus right. I sold the [[ASIN:B0007Y794O Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras]] but am going to keep the [[ASIN:B0033PRWSW Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras]] for the fact that it's still a 2.8 and built like a tank.
-Balanced and easily removed/attached tripod collar. When the camera (Canon 7D) is mounted the lens and camera can easily stand on this foot. No fear of tipping over.
-Camera/lens can stay up if rested vertically on the hood. Very stable due to the crazy diameter of the hood petals and their flatness. Makes it easy to park on a table or ground without worrying about scratching anything except the hood.
-Instant manual focus override. It works.
Neutrals:
-Slow to focus. Yes, at 500mm it's not a very fast focusing lens, but consider the amount of glass and the $1600 price tag. Sometimes it hunts and gets nothing, but if there's enough light it usually focuses pretty well. Using different focusing modes helps. It's not an action lens, for sure. Depending on the subject and the focusing mode I can get focus in under 1/10s. Light and focal length play a role. The important thing is that it's an obvious condition and can easily be accounted for. When it focuses it's always spot on so you can trust your results.
-6.3 is slow. Forget about using this lens when the light's gone. Or bring your own lights. But this is obvious. The lens has a max aperture of 6.3 at longer focal lengths. This is not a negative, it is a fact of this lens.
-Heavy. Yeah. It gets old balancing a nearly 5lb lens. Bring a monopod if you'll be shooting all day. A tripod is good for this lens, but given the weight and focal length you'd need a very, very sturdy one (ideally with a Gimbal head) or you'll just get vibration since it's supported at only one point.
Negatives:
-Weather Sealing. I know it's not in the price range of an L series lens, but most people spending $1600 would spend a few bucks more to have the lens sealed up. Or at least with a rubber boot between the camera and the lens. I'm curious how much extra cost and weight some weather sealing would add to this lens. Given that it's the ONLY 50-500 lens I'd be willing to pay significantly more for weather sealing.
I"m going to add some sample shots to help illustrate the quality of the lens and what it's capable of.
I shoot almost every day, just for the joy of doing it. My primary interest being photography, I'm also a camera collector. Mostly of things I would have liked to have owned in their day. Leica screw mounts are my favorites from early to late. I have an extraordinary IIIg, in the first 25 ever made that from all we can tell was never actually used, i.e. a showroom piece. It needed a CLA.
To stipulate, I was a working pro for 11 years, doing news, advertising illustration and anything else I could sell. I've owned and worked with sub 35mm to 8x10. I loved the work, the reasons I left were complex.Before that I worked as an apprentice for four years in an old school portrait house. But I've worked with and own all manner of lenses. In my earliest days we still worked with Big Berthas, 5x7 Graflex SLRS with VERY Long lenses or the Baby Berthas which were 4x5 Graflex SLRs with much the same lenses mounted. i.e. there was no specific lens. But imagine a Graflex, hood and all, with 2,000 or 3,000 mm lens. My preferred cameras of the period were Nikon Fs and compatible lenses. For the most part I was Nikon-Nikon. Then it was Olympus OMs - I was no longer in the trade, but they suited me.
Now it's Canon, no dig on Nikon or Olympus, which won me over after my working Nikons were stolen.
The Bigma is a great lens. There is no directly comparable L lens and just as well, It would be a very tough call if faced with that call. I might have scraped around to buy one. But price is a factor in any even. But quality matters to me. I've owned a first rate Canon D0 70-300, a great lens, which costs a fair chunk. It was out of action for a few weeks and I bought a Sigma 70-300 substitute until the damage could be repaired. The Sigma costs a fraction of the L and it's performance was pretty damned good and it had some nice features, e.g. Macro focusing, that the Canon didn't have.
Now they come with this monster. My primary camera now is a Canon 5D Mark II and the full frame is brutal on lenses. I sometimes see reviews from users who cite vignetting on cropped sensor cameras from a lens that in my experience doesn't vignette much on the full frame at full frame wide open, but most primes vignette a bit wide open. This Sigma is a significantly different lens than the previous Sigma lens of the same zoom range, i.e. 50-500.
For one thing the filter size has increased substantially which seems to reflect not random desire, but n overall improvement of the optics. It might seem that going 50-500 is a real stretch given the weight of this monster, 4.5 pounds, which should be double strapped or bagged for carry with the 5D2. It's not. There's nothing more frustrating than have a prime 500mm mounted and suddenly you need a quick shot of something close, not wide, but normal; the Bigma covers it.
This is not a lens you want to wear routinely for 10x zoom, as we sometimes do with the consumer-prosumer cameras. That weight will wear on you. I'm now pushing 70, severely arthritic and easily fatigued. I have to balance not just how I carry, but what I carry. Yet, I so love full frame. I finally stopped carrying film cameras on travel, both from added weight and the vastly improved quality of digital. For me in most circumstances it's superior.
Some have mentioned monopods as a minimum requirement. There are alternatives, i.e. similar to movie mounts. I don't disagree with the monopod and use mine carbon fiber lightweight when I can. This is where the f 6.3 maximum aperture comes into play at longer focal lengths. At nominal 500 mm, Bob Atkins says it's very close to an honest 500mm and while that changes as you move to shorter focusing distances so the focal length is less.
The combination of very long focal length, weight, etc., make controlling shake or camera movement critical. This is one of my highest areas of praise. Working from a sitting position or similar, using my chest to brace elbows, I've managed crisp pictures at 1/5th or less wide open. Not what I'd recommend trying for a money shot, but it wasn't a fluke. I've done a lot of sharp images at speeds of under 1/30th of a second. I was always good at long hand=helds, but age doesn't help as a rule, so I'm reasonably convinced that it's a good system.
I have not done exhaustive tests of the lengths at different focal lens and f/stops. I will say this. Canon specs call for a lens that is faster than f/5.6 to make its autofocusing work. been surprised the auto-focus works as well as it does, which is 90 percent of the time which surprises me given that it works even at f 6.3 most of the time including times when i have trouble seeing what it's focusing on.
I was born and raised a manual focus man who appreciates the auto-focus systems. But I try not to pretend it answers for everything. People who claim one camera system or another is superior on focusing miss something. The further up the ladder you move on pro or semi-pro cameras, the more you're supposed to know. As the "Digital Journalist" said, Auto-Focus is a wonderful crutch, but every user needs to know how to focus the thing.
The manual focus override works well on this lens. I can b difficult in low light/low contest if there's not enough contrast for the focusing system. I can only that no one should plan a money shot in a place they haven't checked out and considered why interrupts focusing sensors. With this lens, when you need selective focus, you really want to ride heard on focus.
One other note, because there are some very good posts on this lens. Having working with a top quality 500mm prime, I don't think this lens will produced the same quality image as an equivalent prime. FWIW, None of my expensive Canon L's really ensure up to the primes at the same focal length. Don't mistake me. The 24-70 and 24-105 and the rest are great lenses. Just that s a rule, a prime is different to the discerning eye.
Butto finish this off, I'm very impressed by the low light contrast of the lens. I've shot images of Dandelions and flowers of ornamental grass, wide open,where this lens makes a higher contrast image (int he right way) that allows you to see just how finely focused and high definition this lens is capable of.
At thispoint, for this focal length soon, there's not a better one on the market with this much verstatility. If the relatively slow F/Stop bothers you, remember this, for from 4.5 to F/2.8 would probably cos at least twice this weight.
If you're a birder, especially if you're using a high MP 1.6 crop of real quality, e.g. the 7D, this is a really important lens. Especially if you can sit on your deck or porch or whatever. You shouldn't plan on using this lens with a non-Sigma extender. That's not unusual. I have some lens that work fine with non-oem extenders. But there are canon lenses that really don't do well with non-OEM brands. Also, if you're lucky and have enough light, it will probably auto-focus with the 1.4x, but almost certainly not the 2.0x.
Lastly, there are two Sigma 50-500mm lenses. The old one doesn't measure up to the new lens. It tends to have less contrast and crispness. It's not a bad lens. But the difference between the old discontinued lens and this one is huge. I've used the old one and wouldn't buy it. This one, I bought and I own. I could have sent it back. I did send back a prime lens of another make in this area of focal length.
Took about 50 photos before it failed completely. Started out with an occasional mirror lock up. A recycle of the camera on-off switch would remedy the problem, for a while. Towards the end I would get mirror lock up and then the status LED on top of the camera would read a flashing Error. I removed the lens and saw the mirror was stuck half open. Even recycling the camera on-off switch, removing and replacing the battery and changing to a Nikon lens wouldn't fix it. I thought it had killed my Camera. Too scary!
Auto focus can't compare to Nikon's.
Image quality is not even close to Nikon.
OS is good, when it works. Really drifts at long focal lengths.
Is difficult to install on the camera compared to my Nikon lenses.
Return to sender, I want my money back.
If they can work these bugs out, I might consider giving it a second try.
Top reviews from other countries
pesa mucho. monopie es casi imprescindible
Reviewed in Japan on January 18, 2024
Actualización:
A 4 meses de usar este lente, puedo decir que es un lente versatil, se trata de un 50-500mm, y en ése rango de distancia focal, pasa desde el lente estandar, el retrato, el telefoto y el ultra telefoto. Es un objetivo pesado, sus casi dos kilos te obligan a ponerlo en un tripode para usarlo con mayor libertad, aunque el estabilizador óptico (OS) es muy útil y te permite tomar a mano alzada muchas fotografías que sin el simplemente no se podría. Tiene un autofoco rápido y silencioso. Este modelo viene equipado para poderse adaptar a un teleconvertidor 1.2x o 2x, que lo convierte en hasta un 100-1000mm, y aunque el teleconvertidor te hará perder algo de luz y resolución (en ojos de expertos) así como el autofoco, las imágenes que captas siguen teniendo buena resolución. No hay duda que se trata de una muy buena creación de SIGMA, un verdadero multiusos.