Made my choice for Superzoom!

GraphyFotozGraphyFotoz Registered Users Posts: 2,267 Major grins
edited September 4, 2006 in Cameras
Well I made a $50 down payment on a Sigma 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 EX DG APO with OS. $550 Balance due.

I searched and searched for something within my budget and I can tell you I was about to have a migrane! :rolleyes
Every darn lens I found had some drawback or another.
Pretty much like finding a camera body!

Really liked a BIGMA but this was the closest thing I could find and for birds and the like this should do me fine I THINK! :scratch
This is still a big bulky lens but anything around this focal length was a monster....esp in my price range.

Being on a budget and such whatdya think?

Pic of it....

232031791_d0c518c01a_o.jpg232031793_aeeadec28c.jpg?v=0
Canon 60D | Nikon Cooloix P7700
Manfrotto Mono | Bag- LowePro Slingshot 100AW

http://www.graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/

Comments

  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,703 moderator
    edited September 3, 2006
    I think that is a very good choice, Graphy!!thumb.gif
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • GraphyFotozGraphyFotoz Registered Users Posts: 2,267 Major grins
    edited September 3, 2006
    pathfinder wrote:
    I think that is a very good choice, Graphy!!thumb.gif

    SERIOUSLY? headscratch.gif

    Don't hose me dude! rolleyes1.gif

    No I thought it was about the best I could do in the price range.
    Lens MSRP is $1300 and B&H is $1000...so....ne_nau.gif
    Canon 60D | Nikon Cooloix P7700
    Manfrotto Mono | Bag- LowePro Slingshot 100AW

    http://www.graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,703 moderator
    edited September 3, 2006
    No hosing, Jose`

    A review of your lens, Graphy

    http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/sigma_80400_4556os/index.htm
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • GraphyFotozGraphyFotoz Registered Users Posts: 2,267 Major grins
    edited September 3, 2006
    pathfinder wrote:
    No hosing, Jose`

    A review of your lens, Graphy

    http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/sigma_80400_4556os/index.htm

    I see! thumb.gif
    Thanx for that info....missed that review but looks pretty good to me!
    Guess I'll shutt muh mouf and be happy! rolleyes1.gif
    Canon 60D | Nikon Cooloix P7700
    Manfrotto Mono | Bag- LowePro Slingshot 100AW

    http://www.graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/
  • SwartzySwartzy Registered Users Posts: 3,293 Major grins
    edited September 3, 2006
    No more buyer's remorse....
    I think you did really really well. Great choice. Looks like a small bazooka though...heh, those poor birdies don't have a chance. Nice find.
    Swartzy:
    NAPP Member | Canon Shooter
    Weddings/Portraits and anything else that catches my eye.
    www.daveswartz.com
    Model Mayhem site http://www.modelmayhem.com/686552
  • GraphyFotozGraphyFotoz Registered Users Posts: 2,267 Major grins
    edited September 3, 2006
    Swartzy wrote:
    I think you did really really well. Great choice. Looks like a small bazooka though...heh, those poor birdies don't have a chance. Nice find.

    Thanx!
    When poking into this focal range it's hard to find anything less than a MONSTER from what I have found.rolleyes1.gif

    Ya work with what you can fit into the budget.
    Hopefully I can get some super pics and not spook the lil buggers!
    300mm wasn't doing it for me and the OS should be a help.
    Canon 60D | Nikon Cooloix P7700
    Manfrotto Mono | Bag- LowePro Slingshot 100AW

    http://www.graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/
  • BeachBillBeachBill Registered Users Posts: 1,311 Major grins
    edited September 4, 2006
    GraphyFotoz wrote:
    Well I made a $50 down payment on a Sigma 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 EX DG APO with OS. $550 Balance due.

    Where did you find it for so cheap? Used?
    Bill Gerrard Photography - Facebook - Interview - SmugRoom: Useful Tools for SmugMug
  • GraphyFotozGraphyFotoz Registered Users Posts: 2,267 Major grins
    edited September 4, 2006
    BeachBill wrote:
    Where did you find it for so cheap? Used?

    Sent ya email on it.
    Not proper to post a competive forum such as that here.
    Don't want to cut into DG Forsale forum...I'm sure you understand.

    Detracts from DG as I'm sure the Moderators would agree. ne_nau.gif
    Canon 60D | Nikon Cooloix P7700
    Manfrotto Mono | Bag- LowePro Slingshot 100AW

    http://www.graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/
  • Scott_QuierScott_Quier Registered Users Posts: 6,524 Major grins
    edited September 4, 2006
    I have one on my 20D. Have had it for 6 - 8 months (I can't remember) and have found only a few things that detract:
    • Focus is very slow compared to other lenses. My brother has the Canon 100-400L - I lust after that lens!
    • At 400, it's not quite as sharp as the 100-400L (did I mention I lust after that lens?)
    • At relatively short distance, zoomed out, I have found that it sometimes focuses is front of the subject, even though the focus indicator is highlighted. This may be a characteristic of my copy - YMMV (I hope it does, actually).
    Aside from that, this is a nice lens and I enjoy using it. Hope you do as well.
    Scott
    My Photos
    Thoughts on photographing a wedding, How to post a picture, AF Microadjustments?, Light Scoop
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  • davevdavev Registered Users Posts: 3,118 Major grins
    edited September 4, 2006
    For $600 I don't think you can go wrong.

    I've had that lens (less the DG) for almost 2 years.
    I have taken a lot of good shots with it. It can be used for birds in flight,
    but you have to be smart about it. It works better if the bird is flying across
    in front of you instead of coming right at you. The focus just can't keep up
    when they're coming at you.

    I have pics from this lens on a 300D here: http://www.pbase.com/davev/sigma

    Enjoy your new lens.
    dave.

    Basking in the shadows of yesterday's triumphs'.
  • GraphyFotozGraphyFotoz Registered Users Posts: 2,267 Major grins
    edited September 4, 2006
    davev wrote:
    For $600 I don't think you can go wrong.

    I've had that lens (less the DG) for almost 2 years.
    I have taken a lot of good shots with it. It can be used for birds in flight,
    but you have to be smart about it. It works better if the bird is flying across
    in front of you instead of coming right at you. The focus just can't keep up
    when they're coming at you.

    I have pics from this lens on a 300D here: http://www.pbase.com/davev/sigma

    Enjoy your new lens.

    Checked em out nice shots!thumb.gif
    I can't wait to get mine now!:uhoh
    Canon 60D | Nikon Cooloix P7700
    Manfrotto Mono | Bag- LowePro Slingshot 100AW

    http://www.graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/
  • GraphyFotozGraphyFotoz Registered Users Posts: 2,267 Major grins
    edited September 4, 2006
    Just wanna thank you guys for all the info on my new toy! thumb.gif

    I know it's not a Canon 100-400mm L USM IS but it didn't fit my budget.:uhoh
    I'm sure this Sigy will do the job for me.
    Scott and Dave you both have this lens so it can't be THAT bad! :D
    Dave I hafta say I hope I get as good of shots as you have!
    It'll be a bit big but I'll have the reach to get shots of my bird buddies.
    Canon 60D | Nikon Cooloix P7700
    Manfrotto Mono | Bag- LowePro Slingshot 100AW

    http://www.graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/
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