Opinions needed . . . would you keep this lens?

[ET Awful]

Sigma 150-500 OS. Handheld at 50mm.



That is cropped from the center and reduced down to a postable size.

I'm trying to decide whether to return the lens or keep it. I haven't had a chance to do any other tests with it yet, but this looks at least somewhat promising, I'm just not sure it's good enough to warrant the $1,000 price tag.

[ET Awful]

1. Oops, that should read handheld at 500mm not 50mm, sorry n/t

[JeffR]

2. 500mm is quite a reach

and it's bound to be softer at that end. I'd be interested to hear if a tripod gives you better sharpness with it.

There's a Tokina with this range for about $700 which I was interested in, but it's said to be quite soft between 400mm and 500mm, though built like a tank and with a well-designed tripod collar.

[Maestro]

3. I'd have to see more pics to really form a better opinion

but frankly this looks good for being a crop at 500mm hand held!

[ET Awful]

6. Still haven't had a chance to get out and test it fully, but here is another sample

This time I applied a little sharpening and adjusted contrast.



Here is a 100% crop



I can provide unaltered versions if you like.

I'm still undecided since I haven't really been able to test it with a "real-life" situation such as birds, etc.

[Maestro]

7. Personally, I think the crops are turning out just fine

especially when you consider it a zoom not a prime and it extends all the way to 500mm.

[blueraven95]

11. what do these look like unaltered?

as in, without the sharpening?

[ET Awful]

12. Not too bad, but the sharpening is definitely necessary

Note: the crop is slightly different since I just took it from the original image again, might be a little off size and location wise, but still 100% crop

[blueraven95]

13. is this with or without a tripod?

if it's without, then I would test the lens further before sending it back.

[ET Awful]

14. That one was on a monopod, not tripod.

I think the key is that the lens has to be stopped down to at least an f8-f11 range, and I may not be able to fully use the 500mm reach, maybe 450 max for the best results.

[NashVegas]

4. Take It To a Local Football Game

Or some other function that warrants a 500mm lens, and see if it does what it's supposed to.

I suppose it's a good paparazzi lens if nothing else.

[ET Awful]

5. I want it more for wildlife than anything else. n/t

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

8. Long lens holding is an art

that is not easy to master... it is plenty sharp enough, and even though you think you are not moving.. you are

try it with a tripod or monopod

[Maestro]

9. Here is a thread in which you might be interested.

Comments about the Sigma 150-500

[ET Awful]

10. That appears to be about the 50-500, not the 150-500 OS

Thanks though.

[ET Awful]

15. After much consideration, I decided to return the lens.

I just don't think it's quite up to par. I may try another one in the future, but I'll buy from a local dealer so I can test it before purchase.

The lens isn't horrible, I just don't think it's acceptable either.

I know from experience that with third party lenses, you often have to try 3 or 4 to get a good one. I've tried two, but I'm not going to keep getting this poor seller to send me others, I'll just cut my losses at this point and save on return shipping charges.

I'll try a local dealer later and see how it goes.