How good is the Sigma 50-500 USM?

[wheels]

Hey guys,

I think some of you own this lens right? How good is it at the 500mm end? And coupled with a 2x tc? And pricing in SG? Am going on a trip to HK so may just do some shopping there.

[Liquidstone]

I have the Bigma (Sigma 50-500), the 100-400 L IS and 400 5.6L. The Bigma is optically very near that of the 100-400 L IS. It is heavy but surprisingly hand holdable in good light because of its nice balance. Stopped down to f/8, it's as sharp as zoom lenses get. If IS is not important to you, the Bigma is an excellent birding lens.

Among the three lenses, the 400 5.6L is the sharpest, even wide open compared to both zooms at f/8. If you'll use the lens at the long end most of the time anyway, the 400 prime is an excellent performer. It can take a Tamron 1.4x TC and maintain wide open sharpness and AF at 560 mm f/8, either on the 20D or 300D.

Here's a thread at DPR comparing my copies of the three lenses:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1029&message=12049012

The Bigma can be used with a 2x TC, and if I do a lot of things right, here's what I get with the combo at 1000 mm (on the 300D):

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Good luck on your choice.

[ccplim]

I second Romy's view on the Bigma. However, not every single piece of this baby will be sharp at f/8 (mine produce some soft images at f/8). You will need to test it out to find out the result.

[wheels]

Thanks Liquidstone (some nice shots u posted) and ccplim for your inputs.

Any idea what is a estimated market price for the 50-500 nikon mount? Thinking of shopping for one in Hong Kong. Also contemplating on a used prime Nikkor 300F4 and stick a 2xtc to it.

What u guys think?

[ccplim]

Thanks Liquidstone (some nice shots u posted) and ccplim for your inputs.

Any idea what is a estimated market price for the 50-500 nikon mount? Thinking of shopping for one in Hong Kong. Also contemplating on a used prime Nikkor 300F4 and stick a 2xtc to it.

What u guys think?

The price for 50-500mm in SG is about $1500 for a brand new and $1200 for a used. As for 300mm f/4, the last price I heard from HK 4 months back is around $1850 for a brand new set.

[wheels]

The price for 50-500mm in SG is about $1500 for a brand new and $1200 for a used. As for 300mm f/4, the last price I heard from HK 4 months back is around $1850 for a brand new set.

Thank you sir for that info. Will go take a look in Hong Kong if this 50-500 is cheaper there. BTW, you are referring to the RF or RF HSM series?

As for the 300F4, I saw it is going used for about $800...that's why considering. :drool: