Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM First Shots

Sventekoz

I picked this up yesterday, mainly because a friend of mine who is high-up in athletics got me a VIP pass to the meet in Perth last night. I've been privileged enough to attend in the past, and I knew it would be good to have a lens with some reach.

It's going to take some getting used to, though. Firstly, it weighs nearly 2kg, so it takes some lugging around. Secondly, the zoom mechanism works in the opposite way to my Nikon lenses, so I found myself turning it the 'wrong' way a lot last night. The OS is stunning. Much better than my Nikon 18-200 VRI lens.

All of these were hand-held, without me leaning on anything. While some of them aren't the best, if you take into account that I was a long way from the subject in most cases, under artificial lighting (that failed once during the evening), I think it did a darn good job. I'm sure the results will improve as I use a better technique. Thanks for looking.

1. 1/160s, f6, ISO 3200, 240mm


2. 1/100s, f6.3, ISO 3200, 500mm


3. 1/40s, f6.3, ISO 3200, 420mm


4. 1/80s, f6.3, ISO 3200, 290mm


5. 1/100s, f5.6, ISO 3200, 140mm


6. 1/125s, f6, ISO 3200, 210mm

MntnKarie

THe one of the pole vaulting is an amazing capture! Great that you were able to have the VIP
pass to shoot. The color is pretty good considering the artificial light. I think they were pretty impressive
for your first use. Those big zooms are like boat anchors and after a while you can get the arm shakes.
I use a manfrotto 560 video monopod that really helps with stability. Might sharpen up things a bit
and you can usually get away with using a monopod in crowds or when you need to be more mobile.

The 560 (or the 562b) have the fold up mini feet for added stability I usually stand on one of the feet (keeps the pod from
slipping) and maneuver the pod as the base clicks into place. Try it at a shop with your gear. Not everyone likes this model, but
I mount a Canon 7D with the 100-400L on it. It hasn't collapsed yet I use it for high elevation hiking when I can't take a tripod.

THanks for sharing and good luck with the new lens.

Sventekoz

Thanks Karie. I do have a monopod, but I just forgot to take it that night. You're right - it makes a big difference.

Icebear

Good shots. BUT if I were shooting with a D7000 and that lens, I'd go ahead and crank the ISO to 6400 in those conditions.

Sventekoz

Yes, I think you're right. My only issue was that 3200 was looking a little worse for wear in some of those, but next time I'll have to try it.

Icebear

Are you shooting JPEG or NEF. If NEF, how are you processing your images. IMO Nikon's in camera JPEG processing is crap at high ISO under stadium lights. I shoot at ISO 6400 with my D300 and D700, but if I shoot JPEG I'm usually disappointed.

Sventekoz

I'm shooting NEF, and using Topaz Denoise for the noise reduction.

Icebear

Go fer ISO 6400. Under lights, you really need the extra speed with that lens.

Sventekoz

Thanks John - I'll certainly give it a go next time.