Is the Sigma 150-500 worth it?

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Jumbo
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Is the Sigma 150-500 worth it?

Post by Jumbo »

Im looking at getting a new lense for flying legends, At the moment i use a Tamron 70-300 VC USD but it doesn't have enough zoom. The sigma 150-500 seems to be very reasonably priced at at about £400. I heard it is quite soft at 500mm and also i am worried that 150mm on a D3300 may mean that i can't zoom out enough to get some of the larger formations in shot. I can't afford to buy a 150-600, although i may rent one.

Is the 150-500 still good by current standards or would i be better off just renting a Tamron or Sigma 150-600 contemporary for shooting smaller formations and single aircraft and keeping my current Tamron 70-300 VC USD for more close up stuff?

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flashman8
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Re: Is the Sigma 150-500 worth it?

Post by flashman8 »

There are two versions of this lens, here are links to user reviews of both.

This is the current version
http://www.dyxum.com/reviews/lenses/Sig ... ew569.html

And this is the older version
http://www.dyxum.com/reviews/lenses/Sig ... ew495.html
Sony A700, A550, , Minolta 135, 500, Sigma 10-20, Sony 18-70, 50,70-300GSSM,Tamron 17-50,90mm

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Jumbo
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Re: Is the Sigma 150-500 worth it?

Post by Jumbo »

Is the only difference between them that one has stabilisation and one doesn't?

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Go4Long
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Re: Is the Sigma 150-500 worth it?

Post by Go4Long »

My personal opinion, having done some similar shopping last year, is that the 150-500mm is a good value lens, but not the strongest optically. If you can stomach the additional funds for the Nikon 200-500mm you're significantly better off optically, and you're unlikely to miss the 50mm. If that is out of your budget then maybe try to find somewhere that rents the 150-500mm and the 200-500mm to try before you buy and see if it might be worth it to you to save up.

In the end it's all about if it's worth it to you. If you're happy with the results you get from the 150-500mm then go for it. I believe it'd be around the same optical quality as the Tamron 70-300mm but haven't actually used the tamron. If you're going to rent one of the newer 150-600mm's definitely go for the sigmas and not the tamron since they blow them away in tests.

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SWATCO
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Re: Is the Sigma 150-500 worth it?

Post by SWATCO »

I upgraded from the Tamron 70-300mm to the Tamron 150-600mm and you can tell there's a big difference quality wise. To be honest I haven't missed the extra 80mm, as I compliment it with a 18-200mm. That way, everything is covered. I do not know anything about the 150-500mm, but I've seen some cracking photos taken with it. As said above, probably the best thing to do is the rent both and decide for yourself.

John5199
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Re: Is the Sigma 150-500 worth it?

Post by John5199 »

I owned the 150-500 (newer version) for a few years and was pleased with the results, and if you are on a budget then well worth considering.

I've now upgraded to the Nikon 200-500 (via a rubbish copy of the 80-400 mk II) and the improvement is very noticeable. On the downside I find that 200mm is too long for any formations at Shuttleworth so I ended up buying a second body to use the Nikon 70-300 on !
Nikon D7100, D7200
Nikon 70-300 AF-S VR
Nikon 200-500 AF-S VR

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flashman8
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Re: Is the Sigma 150-500 worth it?

Post by flashman8 »

Jumbo wrote:Is the only difference between them that one has stabilisation and one doesn't?


yes, maybe better coatings too, but don't quote me on that..... :wink:
Sony A700, A550, , Minolta 135, 500, Sigma 10-20, Sony 18-70, 50,70-300GSSM,Tamron 17-50,90mm

portagee01
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Re: Is the Sigma 150-500 worth it?

Post by portagee01 »

I have a 150-500mm Sigma (cannon fit) that has the optical stabilisation. The top end 470-500 does soften which is probably true of a lot of longer "budget" lenses. I use mine predominantly for motorsports so with closer range, I tend not to have to use the very top end.

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Col. Chibani
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Re: Is the Sigma 150-500 worth it?

Post by Col. Chibani »

I used a Sigma 150-500 (with stab) for 4 years, associated with a Nikon D60 and after a D7100.
I was quite pleased with the results (my previous lens was a Nikkor 70-300), although I confirm its softness at 400 mm and beyond.
I mostly used it at f/8 ("A" mode) to optimize its IQ.

You can check my Flickr gallery if you want photo samples (between 2012 and 2105). All the EXIFs are available for each photo.

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sithrity
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Re: Is the Sigma 150-500 worth it?

Post by sithrity »

I had my Sigma 150-500 delivered this morning. I haven't really used it yet but I may need to join a gym before I do! :lol:
I don't know everything there is to know about our hobby.

Kids, aviation, missus then responsibilities, (in that order)

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Col. Chibani
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Re: Is the Sigma 150-500 worth it?

Post by Col. Chibani »

sithrity wrote:I had my Sigma 150-500 delivered this morning. I haven't really used it yet but I may need to join a gym before I do! :lol:


Don't worry : I found it heavy and cumbersome at first, but I got used to it. Now that I have switched to the Sigma 150-600 Sports, the 150-500 is my "lightweight" alternative (and believe me, I am not on the strong side).

I wish you many happy shots with your new toy !

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sithrity
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Re: Is the Sigma 150-500 worth it?

Post by sithrity »

Col. Chibani wrote:
sithrity wrote:I had my Sigma 150-500 delivered this morning. I haven't really used it yet but I may need to join a gym before I do! :lol:


Don't worry : I found it heavy and cumbersome at first, but I got used to it. Now that I have switched to the Sigma 150-600 Sports, the 150-500 is my "lightweight" alternative (and believe me, I am not on the strong side).

I wish you many happy shots with your new toy !


I hope you're right, I cant wait to find out. Thanks a lot, the other half says I better make good use of it, to justify the money spent. :biggrin:
I don't know everything there is to know about our hobby.

Kids, aviation, missus then responsibilities, (in that order)

Luke28
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Re: Is the Sigma 150-500 worth it?

Post by Luke28 »

This was my lens for a god 3 to 4 years, yes its a bit soft at the 500mm end but treat it as a 150-450mm and you have a very good lens which will yield you some very good results, especially if you're lucky enough to catch some good light. Its built like a tank too, i dropped and knocked mine regularly (including having it roll down cad west) with nothing more than external scratches, You do get used to the weight of it, although after a full day at an airshow you will feel it afterwards. Enjoy mate! :up: :up:

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