I have closely watched the threads on the Camera Forum and I never see any comments about the 50-500mm lens. Is there a reason for this. Or is it not many people use it. If they don't use it: why? Comments please
Bob
It's a great lens, with some reservations, but I can highly recommend it for outdoor use in plenty of light. At the longer focal lengths, you really should use a tripod if at all possible (but that's true of any really long focal length lens.)
P.S. Don't actually include the quotes around the "site" in the above searches.
It's a great lens, with some reservations, but I can highly recommend it for outdoor use in plenty of light. At the longer focal lengths, you really should use a tripod if at all possible (but that's true of any really long focal length lens.)
P.S. Don't actually include the quotes around the "site" in the above searches.
Thanks for your comment. However, I just have that gut feeling that not so many people use this lens and I would really like to know the reason why,
Thanks for your comment. However, I just have that gut feeling that not so many people use this lens and I would really like to know the reason why,
You are reading into it whats not there. Its a good lens (its no canon 2.8 L prime...but it isnt the cost of a new car either) & as i have said their are quite a few people here that have it & love it.
Use the search function above with the word 'bigma'.
I seriously considered this Monster at one time in the EX DG version.
Hafta have a serious tripod to prevent camera shake.
I went with a EX DG APO OS 80-400mm f4.5 - 5.6.
It's smaller lil Brother.
The Optical Stabilization is a HUGE plus and thus far the ONLY Sigma lens to have the OS.!
I've been very happy with it's performance!
I have never had to use a Pod with mine yet.
Handheld shots down to 1/30!!
I'm not sure where you get the idea that most people don't use it. I would say that most people don't have it mostly because it's friggin huge. It's kind of a specialty lens. It gets pretty soft at over 400mm but I'd say it's quite useable other than that.
Y'all don't want to hear me, you just want to dance.
From my reading since it hit the market, this lens is actually quite popular--a evidenced by the quick assignment of the Bigma nickname. Both here and at FM I see it discussed quite a bit. Actually, there has been a recent spate of threads about budget long glass, and the Bigma is one of the top contenders among recommended options. On the whole from what I've read, the Bigma owners love their lenses.
You bet we do! Bulging Popeye muscles on the left arm notwithstanding!
hehe yep, it's a handfull, especially for a 5'2 women, but oh well, I love it. I also love my tripod
I loooooooooove my Bigma.
Dana
** Feel free to edit my photos if you see room for improvement.** Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if
no birds sang there except those that sang best. ~Henry Van Dyke
BIGMA - Very Popular lens...
...By many accounts. When I was doing my due diligence looking for a lens that would get me to 500mm for less than $1,000, the common consensus seems always to be--
Nikon 300 f/4 + TC
Bigma
Tamron 200-500 Di
Not to say the others mentioned are quite capable but the Bigma is a respectable piece of glass...
Thus far, my $535 investment has brought many, many great returns that I'm more than satisfied with... All hand held and have made gorgeous 16x20 prints... My Bigma...
You bet we do! Bulging Popeye muscles on the left arm notwithstanding!
:davidto:D:lift:D
Lens weight doesn't weigh into my decision (note my two main lenses: 24-70/2.8 walkaround & 70-200/2.8). It's the image that matters & you guys aren't making it easy for me. I keep bouncing between the Bigma, 80-400, and Tamron 200-500. I'll be stuck in analysis paralysis until I can rent each one and play with them. Each seems to be a good lens...then some flaw is brought up & gets me thinking again. :bash:splat
Lens weight doesn't weigh into my decision (note my two main lenses: 24-70/2.8 walkaround & 70-200/2.8). It's the image that matters & you guys aren't making it easy for me. I keep bouncing between the Bigma, 80-400, and Tamron 200-500. I'll be stuck in analysis paralysis until I can rent each one and play with them. Each seems to be a good lens...then some flaw is brought up & gets me thinking again. :bash:splat
Renting can be good...
For me, the tad bit more weight of my Bigma isn't much of an issue either. I've had good success with mostly hand held imaging and using my monopod to either act as a moment arm (legs retracted) or easily dropping the legs when the opportunity presents itself. On good, stable tripods, both are quite capable at the long end.
A few reasons I opted for the Bigma over the Tamron are --
Reported faster AF w/its HSM
10X range for an 'all-in'one' focal range without changing lens
Reported edge in IQ on the longer end
Greater availability of used units which results in a bit lower used price
Dana
** Feel free to edit my photos if you see room for improvement.** Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if
no birds sang there except those that sang best. ~Henry Van Dyke
This is from an early test of the BigMa (non DG), handheld.
Model - Canon EOS-1D Mark II
DateTime - 2007:08:01 20:28:46
ExposureTime - 1/6400 seconds
FNumber - 5.60
ExposureProgram - Aperture priority
ISOSpeedRatings - 1250
ExposureBiasValue - 0
MaxApertureValue - F 5.66
MeteringMode - Multi-segment
Flash - Not fired, compulsory flash mode
FocalLength - 500 mm
(Note that the lens reports f5.6 at 500mm, which I find curious. It should be f6.3. I suppose it is a photographic miracle? )
This is a moderate crop and reduced for the web, extensive and careful PS sharpening and Curves and noise reduction (Neat Image). The original image lacked contrast.
Subsequent tests of inanimate objects and a tripod indicate that at 500mm, f8 is the sweet spot. This is a lens that demands a lot of light.
Renting can be good...
For me, the tad bit more weight of my Bigma isn't much of an issue either. I've had good success with mostly hand held imaging and using my monopod to either act as a moment arm (legs retracted) or easily dropping the legs when the opportunity presents itself. On good, stable tripods, both are quite capable at the long end.
A few reasons I opted for the Bigma over the Tamron are --
Reported faster AF w/its HSM
10X range for an 'all-in'one' focal range without changing lens
Reported edge in IQ on the longer end
Greater availability of used units which results in a bit lower used price
They're comparable in reported ratings for
Wide Open/Stopped Down/Long Wide/Long Stopped Down
61/80/57/75 -- Bigma
80/89/61/72 -- Tamron
In the end, they're both perceived as good quality lenses with happy owners and good producers of images...
I've read those. I could swear I saw a photozone review of the Bigma, but can't find it now...or was I imagining things? I'm building an Excel sheet to summarize the numbers--just missing them for the Bigma now.
I've read those. I could swear I saw a photozone review of the Bigma, but can't find it now...or was I imagining things? I'm building an Excel sheet to summarize the numbers--just missing them for the Bigma now.
Its curious that Photozone doesn't have a Bigma review considering the numbers and its popularity. The reviews they have available are listed at-- http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/index.html
I've read those. I could swear I saw a photozone review of the Bigma, but can't find it now...or was I imagining things? I'm building an Excel sheet to summarize the numbers--just missing them for the Bigma now.
There was a question about this on DPR this week and Klaus from photozone did respond (can't remember what he said though).
Looks like he wasn't happy with the results, so took it down. :cry That one stat he quoted--1550 LW/PH @ 400mm--though he didn't say center/edge or what aperture is lower than anything the others have. Hopefully he's working on a new review.
Its curious that Photozone doesn't have a Bigma review considering the numbers and its popularity. The reviews they have available are listed at-- http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/index.html
Cool. I've read most of those, but there's some new ones.
Oh, and AHA! I remembered there's web archive sites, so I found & searched a while on WabackMachine, and there's 6 archived copies of it. So I have what I'm looking for, and now know to take those numbers with a grain of salt. BTW, the last one is found here if anyone else is looking.
Cool. I've read most of those, but there's some new ones.
Oh, and AHA! I remembered there's web archive sites, so I found & searched a while on WabackMachine, and there's 6 archived copies of it. So I have what I'm looking for, and now know to take those numbers with a grain of salt. BTW, the last one is found here if anyone else is looking.
As to Klaus, I believe he relies on donated gear for testing which limits the availability. Another potentially significant intangible he points out is that testing may not be cross-system comparable due to differences in sensors etc. For my $535, my Nikon mount Bigma gives me more than enough value.
One aspect I'm aware of is that there apparently is a bit of difference between the Canon and Nikon mount Bigma versions which would also account for some possible differences in IQ... The Nikon mount does not lend itself to this tweak...:cry
Of course, don't forget the FM reviews. I put up a review on the Bigma there fairly recently, but just be aware that FM reviews are often made by people with minimal photographic experience
That's why I just look at them to corroborate photozone, photodo, et. al.'s reviews. I'll put more weight on the reviews there of the more knowledgeable memebers (being there since '03, I have some idea of who's someone to listen to there).
Comments
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=+%2Bsite%3Awww.dgrin.com+%2Bbigma&btnG=Search
Here are the results for Google and the terms: +"site:www.dgrin.com" +sigma +"50-500"
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=+%2Bsite%3Awww.dgrin.com+%2Bsigma+%2B%2250-500%22&btnG=Search
It's a great lens, with some reservations, but I can highly recommend it for outdoor use in plenty of light. At the longer focal lengths, you really should use a tripod if at all possible (but that's true of any really long focal length lens.)
P.S. Don't actually include the quotes around the "site" in the above searches.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Thanks for your comment. However, I just have that gut feeling that not so many people use this lens and I would really like to know the reason why,
Use the search function above with the word 'bigma'.
Hafta have a serious tripod to prevent camera shake.
I went with a EX DG APO OS 80-400mm f4.5 - 5.6.
It's smaller lil Brother.
The Optical Stabilization is a HUGE plus and thus far the ONLY Sigma lens to have the OS.!
I've been very happy with it's performance!
I have never had to use a Pod with mine yet.
Handheld shots down to 1/30!!
Few Samples taken with my 10D I had.
Manfrotto Mono | Bag- LowePro Slingshot 100AW
http://www.graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/
Also check that forum too.
Bugs
Spiders
Flowers
I'm not sure where you get the idea that most people don't use it.
http://photos.mikelanestudios.com/
[cough]%$#[cough]
Come on mate, its us your talking to...they never stop bloody talking about it...because its a great lens !!!!!!
http://www.chrislaudermilkphoto.com/
You bet we do! Bulging Popeye muscles on the left arm notwithstanding!
Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est.
I loooooooooove my Bigma.
** Feel free to edit my photos if you see room for improvement.**
Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if
no birds sang there except those that sang best.
~Henry Van Dyke
Dunno I think my pics speak pretty loud for my 80-400mm!
Manfrotto Mono | Bag- LowePro Slingshot 100AW
http://www.graphyfotoz.smugmug.com/
...By many accounts. When I was doing my due diligence looking for a lens that would get me to 500mm for less than $1,000, the common consensus seems always to be--
- Nikon 300 f/4 + TC
- Bigma
- Tamron 200-500 Di
Not to say the others mentioned are quite capable but the Bigma is a respectable piece of glass...Thus far, my $535 investment has brought many, many great returns that I'm more than satisfied with... All hand held and have made gorgeous 16x20 prints...
Apple Valley, CA
D50-BIGMA-70-300VRII-35f2D-18-70DX-FZ30
My SmugMug Image Galleries
My Nikonian Image Galleries
It just appeared to me that the OP didn't actually continue reading his earlier thread.
Bugs
Spiders
Flowers
Lens weight doesn't weigh into my decision (note my two main lenses: 24-70/2.8 walkaround & 70-200/2.8). It's the image that matters & you guys aren't making it easy for me. I keep bouncing between the Bigma, 80-400, and Tamron 200-500. I'll be stuck in analysis paralysis until I can rent each one and play with them. Each seems to be a good lens...then some flaw is brought up & gets me thinking again. :bash:splat
http://www.chrislaudermilkphoto.com/
Renting can be good...
For me, the tad bit more weight of my Bigma isn't much of an issue either. I've had good success with mostly hand held imaging and using my monopod to either act as a moment arm (legs retracted) or easily dropping the legs when the opportunity presents itself. On good, stable tripods, both are quite capable at the long end.
A few reasons I opted for the Bigma over the Tamron are --
http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/tamron_200500_563/index.htm
http://shutterbug.com/equipmentreviews/lenses/0101sb_megazoom/
Looking at the reviews...
http://www.photozone.de/active/survey/querylens.jsp
They're comparable in reported ratings for
Wide Open/Stopped Down/Long Wide/Long Stopped Down
61/80/57/75 -- Bigma
80/89/61/72 -- Tamron
In the end, they're both perceived as good quality lenses with happy owners and good producers of images...
Apple Valley, CA
D50-BIGMA-70-300VRII-35f2D-18-70DX-FZ30
My SmugMug Image Galleries
My Nikonian Image Galleries
I
** Feel free to edit my photos if you see room for improvement.**
Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if
no birds sang there except those that sang best.
~Henry Van Dyke
:sweet
Apple Valley, CA
D50-BIGMA-70-300VRII-35f2D-18-70DX-FZ30
My SmugMug Image Galleries
My Nikonian Image Galleries
Model - Canon EOS-1D Mark II
DateTime - 2007:08:01 20:28:46
ExposureTime - 1/6400 seconds
FNumber - 5.60
ExposureProgram - Aperture priority
ISOSpeedRatings - 1250
ExposureBiasValue - 0
MaxApertureValue - F 5.66
MeteringMode - Multi-segment
Flash - Not fired, compulsory flash mode
FocalLength - 500 mm
(Note that the lens reports f5.6 at 500mm, which I find curious. It should be f6.3. I suppose it is a photographic miracle?
This is a moderate crop and reduced for the web, extensive and careful PS sharpening and Curves and noise reduction (Neat Image). The original image lacked contrast.
Subsequent tests of inanimate objects and a tripod indicate that at 500mm, f8 is the sweet spot. This is a lens that demands a lot of light.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
I've read those. I could swear I saw a photozone review of the Bigma, but can't find it now...or was I imagining things? I'm building an Excel sheet to summarize the numbers--just missing them for the Bigma now.
http://www.chrislaudermilkphoto.com/
Its curious that Photozone doesn't have a Bigma review considering the numbers and its popularity.
http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/index.html
A few bookmarked Bigma reviews I've come across that may be of interest are--
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Sigma-50-500mm-f4-63-EX-DG-APO-HSM (Has chart data)
http://www.polkcountycameraclub.com/articles/Sigma50-500mm.html
http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/lenses/35mm-zoom/sigma/PRD_84817_3128crx.aspx (has 51 user reviews)
http://www.creationview.com/Review9.html
http://www.vividlight.com/Articles/413.htm
http://www.naturescapes.net/092003/hf0903.htm
http://www.lonestardigital.com/Sigma_50-500.htm
http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?p=181762#post181762 (My personal review after a few months ownership)
Apple Valley, CA
D50-BIGMA-70-300VRII-35f2D-18-70DX-FZ30
My SmugMug Image Galleries
My Nikonian Image Galleries
Bugs
Spiders
Flowers
I love Google
Looks like he wasn't happy with the results, so took it down. :cry That one stat he quoted--1550 LW/PH @ 400mm--though he didn't say center/edge or what aperture is lower than anything the others have. Hopefully he's working on a new review.
http://www.chrislaudermilkphoto.com/
Cool. I've read most of those, but there's some new ones.
Oh, and AHA! I remembered there's web archive sites, so I found & searched a while on WabackMachine, and there's 6 archived copies of it.
http://www.chrislaudermilkphoto.com/
So -- Bob/canon400D, were you convinced by the posts so far?
I got a Bigma about 6 months ago--and I've been real happy. Wish I was better with it--but I think any faults in the shots are mine not the lens'.
Here's one taken on a 30D from a couple of weeks ago...
Will
________________________
www.willspix.smugmug.com
Thanks for the archival ink, Chris...! Had to book mark it as there was another site I had bookmarked but the page apparently has been taken down...
http://web.archive.org/web/20070125171624/http://www.luminepixels.com/bigma.html
As to Klaus, I believe he relies on donated gear for testing which limits the availability. Another potentially significant intangible he points out is that testing may not be cross-system comparable due to differences in sensors etc. For my $535, my Nikon mount Bigma gives me more than enough value.
One aspect I'm aware of is that there apparently is a bit of difference between the Canon and Nikon mount Bigma versions which would also account for some possible differences in IQ... The Nikon mount does not lend itself to this tweak...:cry
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1029&thread=12833550&page=1
Apple Valley, CA
D50-BIGMA-70-300VRII-35f2D-18-70DX-FZ30
My SmugMug Image Galleries
My Nikonian Image Galleries
That DPR thread is interesting. Yet something else to keep in mind when looking at the lens.
http://www.chrislaudermilkphoto.com/
Bugs
Spiders
Flowers
http://www.chrislaudermilkphoto.com/