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Sigma 500mm F/4.5 APO DG EX HSM Lens


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6 replies to this topic

#1
Bobby18120

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I'm thinking to get a used Sigma 500mm F/4.5 APO DG EX HSM Lens.
It's going to be my first middle range super telephoto lens for wildlife ,I'm not professional,that's why I'm curious to hear every opinion from sigma owners
I'm using a Nikon D500 for 2 months!
Please is there anyone who wants to share his knowledge/experience with me?
Thank you

#2
MJL

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IMHO, both Sigma & Tamron make excellent telephoto leneses at an afforable price.  I do not have the Sigma 500/4.5 but my experience with three other Sigma telephoto lenses were all great.  You do however need a solid Gimbal head to handle the weight the size of this lens.  I recommend the Wimberley.



#3
Bobby18120

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You having any issues when you shoot handheld at 1/1500 sec or more without vr?
Thank you so much
Happy new year

#4
TBonz

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Any lens that big you will have issues shooting handheld after some period of time.  A tripod or monopod will become your friend...I have not looked at that specific lens, but most long lenses have tripod collars to make the mount easy and they make rotating to portrait simple.



#5
Kenafein

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Here are some user reviews off Fred Miranda.  It's a pro lens, it should be good.  I think the AF is slower than the Nikon.  I've seen some wonderful pictures from this lens over the years.  

 

 

http://www.fredmiran...php?product=131



#6
MJL

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You having any issues when you shoot handheld at 1/1500 sec or more without vr?
Thank you so much
Happy new year

When shooting birds, my minimum speed for hand helding a 500mm lens is 1/2000 sec.  A tripod do a better job for me in stabliizing long tele lens than VR system.  I can get acceptable result as low as 1/1000 sec on a tripod with VR off.  Most VR system has only 2-axle stabilization but my shaky hands move in 3-axle.



#7
Bobby18120

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I can only imagine this situation
Hope will find a decent used gimball head online because I can't even dare to dream for new one right now !