Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

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Product Description

Style: Canon Digital SLR Cameras
Amazon.com Product Description
The Sigma 150-500mm ultra-telephoto zoom lens covers a telephoto range of up to 500mm, letting you bring almost any subject close for short-perspective shots. The lens employs Sigma's original Optical Stabilizer (OS) function, which gives you access to shutter speeds approximately four stops slower without blurring the image. As a result, you can capture low-light, long-distance shots such as football plays, wildlife profiles, and landscape scenes without using a tripod for each photo. In addition, the lens incorporates a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for quick, high-speed autofocusing, along with a rear focus system that guarantees optimum image quality throughout the entire zoom range. And photographers will love the three special low dispersion (SLD) glass elements, which correct for chromatic aberration, and the super multilayer lens coating, which reduces flare and ghosting. Other details include an option for full-time manual focusing, a close focusing distance of 86.6 inches, and an 86mm filter size. Compatible with optional 1.4x and 2x tele converters--which produce a 210-700mm length or 300-1000mm length respectively--the Sigma 150-500mm lens carries a one-year warranty.
Specifications

• Focal length: 150-500mm
• Maximum aperture: f/5-6.3
• Lens construction: 21 elements in 15 groups
• Angle of view: 16.4 to 5 degrees
• Number of diaphragm blades: 9
• Minimum aperture: f/22
• Minimum focusing distance: 86.6 inches
• Maximum magnification: 1:5.2
• Filter size: 86mm
• Hood type: Bayonet
• Mount: Canon
• Dimensions: 3.7 inches in diameter and 9.9 inches long
• Weight: 67.4 ounces
• Warranty: 1 year

This Sigma APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG HSM is an ultra telephoto zoom lens that allows photographers to freely explore the flexibility of a telephoto zoom lens. For sports or nature photographers who relish this flexibility the Sigma 150-500mm is unsurpassed with 25% more reach than the smaller 120-400mm, this lens is perfect for the photographer working at long distances and with subjects such as backyard birds or small wildlife. This unique lens is an excellent optical performer featuring three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements for optimum color correction and sharpness throughout the entire zoom range, rear focusing system corrects for fluctuation of aberration due to focusing and Optical Stabilization and high speed Hyper-Sonic Motor to help you take the eye-catching photographs you're meant to. Compatible with the Sigma APO Tele Converters.
Price : $1,069.00

Product Details

• Item Weight: 3.2 pounds


• Shipping Weight: 5.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)


• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.


• ASIN: B001542X6E


• Item model number: 737-101
  

Price : $1,069.00

Customer Reviews

I am thrilled to have bought this lens to mount on my Nikon D80 after having read loads of reviews on the few options available like the Sigma 50-500 or the Nikon 135-400 and 80-400. I wanted the longest possible range below $1,500 in a recognizable Brand. I narrowed my choice to the 50-500 or this one. The Optical Stabilizer and the fact that Sigma had proven itself with the 50-500 were the determining factors in my decision. So far I shot some 200 pictures of various subjects at various distances handholding the camera with the OS turned on. Half way through my shots I reverted from full manual mode to Aperture control and noticed an improvement in the sharpness and colors which tells me that I need to hone my skills with this lens. So far, I am amazed at the quality of my shots with this huge glass. I take all my pictures with a -.7 exposure compensation as I like very vivid pictures and until I develop a better feel for what the lens can do I will continue to used it with Aperture control. The Autofocus is smooth, the overall feel is quality and the pictures are phenomenal for the distance. I look forward to plenty of fun with this lens, if you go for it you won't regret it.
UPDATE: In response to the person who rated this lens three stars I would like to quote David Bush's book "Nikon D80 Digital Field Guide" where he states "most lenses produce their sharpest image approximately two stops less than wide open. For example, if you're using a zoom lens with an f/4 maximum aperture, it probably has its best resolution and least distortion at roughly f/8". I've practiced David's suggestion with my Sigma 150-500 and it works beautifully, but like everything else, it takes some time to getting used to unless you're a professional photographer then you'd know this before hand. I added a few recent pictures shown above as part of this review.
I purchased my lens from B;H and it came in Sigma's black nylon zipped box which keeps the lens practically immobile. The box was very safely packaged when it arrived.

Essentially, the Sigma 150-500 OS is an indirect answer to the Canon 100-400mm F4 IS L lens. The problem with most comparisons is that the Canon F4 costs significantly more.
The direct point is that the Canon does perform marginally better in every aspect. The Sigma clearly wins in cost-performance ratio but that also varies based on your intended use and preferences. The main difference is the 70%+ price in the lenses.
The Sigma 150-500 is NOT a substitute for a low-light high speed use telephoto lens such as F2.8 lenses. However, the 2.8 lenses are an apples to oranges comparison - comparing a 400mm 2.8 that costs several times more ($6500) and suited to a different purpose. The Sigma lens is suited more towards daytime wildlife as opposed to sports events in varying conditions or poor lighting in any situation.
The 150-500 has shortcomings compared to the more expensive lenses - which is typically the case for any brand. I still highly recommend the lens ; have enjoyed 600+ pictures within 7 days of owning it. The lens is excellent for wildlife, a great "out-of-box" experience with accessories, and will serve most a long time.
+ Optics are outstanding considering the market price.
+ Less than $1000 USD as of this writing
+ 500mm without use of a teleconverter
- Not as sharp compared to the 50-500 Sigma but the 50-500 lacks OS/IS
+ Light build quality considering lens class
- Durability trade-off for lower weight. Sealing not optimal, housing uses plastic.
+ Aesthetics. Rubberized/tactile feel with a sleek dark gray body.
- Aesthetics/durability. Coating on body prone to marks/scratches.
- Stiff zoom ring takes effort to operate.
+ Durable OEM lens hood included
+ Solid OEM hard lens case included (in fact it is shipped in the case)
+ OEM Tripod collar included
+ Excellent industry warranty (3 years USA)
+ HSM motor quick but not the fastest.
- Seeks a bit for focus in less-than-optimal light a bit earlier than the Canon equivalents.
- Autofocus a bit more finicky than lens-class equivalents.
- OS certainly does not reach the claimed 4 stop benefit
+ OS obtains a clear 2 stop advantage
- Noisy OS
- Image appears to shake a bit in viewfinder w/ OS operating
A final note: Most lenses (except prime non-zoom lenses) are a bit soft at the widest aperture (f/5) - this Sigma included. I certainly do not dock a non-prime lens for this as others have.
Updated 10-13-2009
I pushed several hundred more pictures through the lens and I am still satisfied. I will note a few observations including those not associated with the lens performance.
The Sigma feels a bit loose on my 450D/XSi when mounted. This is pronounced when adjusting the zoom ring which is rather stiff. Research indicates this is normal due to manufacturing tolerances, especially concerning the lens release/lock pin on the body mount. This issue varies depending on the camera body and lens - thus not a Sigma issue per say. An associate w/ the Canon 100-400 F/4 L IS lens reports similar behavior on his camera body (40D) but not on other camera bodies. I can't fault Sigma for this issue and I doubt everyone experiences this.
I mentioned a stiff zoom ring but I wasn't concerned with this initially. I thought the same about my Canon 24-70 F/2.8 L lens when I first received it. However, the stiff zoom ring coupled with the slight camera body shift seems to amplify the annoyance. Buyers should be very aware of the stiff zoom ring which I had not originally mentioned.
86mm filters are rather expensive. Tiffen offers a $30 UV filter solution but my experience is that Tiffen are poor quality products. Admittedly, I'm using one for the moment but have not noticed any reflections/aberrations. An 86mm Hoya UV filter runs almost $100 which I will purchase at a later date. I would not recommend a polarizer due to the loss of light.
I have gone through several camera bags - swapping and storing the lens in the field is a task. I am currently using the Lowepro Flipside 300 but that tends to be a snug fit w/ body attached. I will likely purchase a Lowepro Stealth Reporter D400 AW to carry my flash, 24-70 L lens, Sigma, and other necessities. The lens measures almost 9.5 inches in length.