Sigma 50-500mm f4.5-6.3

[Falcon]

I wish I did not check out clubsnap buy/sell today. Very tempted to get this lens. :drool: I guess it is almost impossible to shoot with this lens without tripod. Can someone give me a quick estimate how much more do I have to spend to get a decent tripod to support this lens? I am currently only using a Slik 8000 since I seldom use tripod of most of shoots.

Pricing looks good to me. Bad time to come across this cos I am still in the midst of preparing for my exams. :(

[ccplim]

I wish I did not check out clubsnap buy/sell today. Very tempted to get this lens. :drool: I guess it is almost impossible to shoot with this lens without tripod. Can someone give me a quick estimate how much more do I have to spend to get a decent tripod to support this lens? I am currently only using a Slik 8000 since I seldom use tripod of most of shoots.

Pricing looks good to me. Bad time to come across this cos I am still in the midst of preparing for my exams. :(

You are right. This lens is coming to 2kg and you need a strong tripod to support it. From what I have see, your current tripod might not be able to support this lens very well.

If you want to go for a cheaper alternative, you can try the Manfrotto 055pro which cost around around $190. Add on another ballhead and it should cost you somewhere around $400. The only downside of the 055pro is the weight.

The next option you have will be a good ballhead with a good CF tripod but that will add up to be around $1000 :wahpiang:

[eric]

I wish I did not check out clubsnap buy/sell today. Very tempted to get this lens. :drool: I guess it is almost impossible to shoot with this lens without tripod. Can someone give me a quick estimate how much more do I have to spend to get a decent tripod to support this lens? I am currently only using a Slik 8000 since I seldom use tripod of most of shoots.

Pricing looks good to me. Bad time to come across this cos I am still in the midst of preparing for my exams. :(

Both of us are using the BIGMA, quite sharp if you step down to F8, at F6.3 500mm, it is a tat soft, still not too bad after PS :)

Agree with Lim that your tripod is not sufficient, I once had a lousy tripod when I met StorkBill KF within 5 metres but was unable to get a good sharp pic because of low light and also tripod shake :wahpiang: Already finding this KF is tough enough!!

I am currently using Gitzo 1212 with Manfrotto Ballhead 468CR4, more than sufficient to support this setup but a bit on the heavy side, I might consider selling due to weight........ so if you can, go for carbon fiber tripod unless you don't mind the weight, maybe I can see you :lol: :lol:

[Falcon]

Thanks for the information, guys. Guess I will have to wait till I find a job after graduation before making any investment. :)

[joeyao]

Just as harlequin advised me to get the 500mm f4, I too advise you to go for prime lenses instead of zoom. Better still get original stuff rather than 3rd party. Trust me, you will upgrade sooner or later. I have a friend who owned a bigma for less than 3 months, sold it recently and now he has a 300mm f2.8 VR :D Of course subject to how much spare $ you have :D