In good light and well mounted a really good camera.

Dim light + hand-held you will be disappointed.

Heavy.

Faulty AF motors (others report this too).

Very very weak camera mount - I would never trust another one of these lenses again, and neither will I trust Sigma warranties or Sigma UK.

Well, this lens + sigma ruined my love for photography for many years.

Don't get me wrong - this lens is good. When mounted, even better.

But it's longevity is questionable.

First issue - AF motor broke - 2 weeks old, sent back at my cost to be fixed.

Also got a lecture about not getting the 3 year UK warranty as I didn't by it in the UK... even though it was still in the 1yr Sigma globally warranty, they even have a preprepared PDF files on "grey imports" for me.

Thanks - I buy it on my travels from a very reputable shop, to be told that "shops are humid in HK", actually - shops there are more often than not air conditioned, unlike wet and damp back rooms of UK shops.

Anyway, AF failed again a month later - again repaired with return postage at my cost - which is a lot when you insure it and the weight of it (£20 a time).


Few months later - the lens fell off - yes, the lens fell off, although the mount was still on the camera. It ripped a ribbon cable in half too - sigma wanted huge money to repair this so it went in a case and sat there for an amount of time, so did my camera - now furious with the world and sigma.


Well, I got the camera out, repaired the split wire myself, and then found that the screws mounting it only take half a turn to tighten - that's it - that's all that is holding your 2kg+ lens onto your camera.

Some people say this is an intentional weak point - if it was, why is the ribbon cable soldered onto both pieces and require a PCB replacement to replace it "properly"? Surely a quick release ribbon mount would have been best (as commonly used EVERYWHERE else).

Screws are now stripped on the end because so little was holding on - good luck finding new LONGER screws.


In all this Sigma UK has shown the worst consideration ever - all they give a toss about is their profits - you buy it abroad then they don't like it because they didn't get their money (basically they like to be the only ones to import them into the UK).

Customer Service

Sigma UK are only interested about UK lenses, and repairing under a "global warranty" gets their back up - be prepared for a lecture on "going grey" - has a nice (greyscale) image of a man, I presume... needing some "just for men".

Massive zoom range
Surprising quality at all focal lengths
Quiet and smooth af operation
Low price
Collar mount included(adjustable easy to use)

Slow aperture
Weight(although compared to even the lightest f2.8 300mm this is a lightweight lens!)

the main attraction of this lens is the wide zoom range which gets you in close when you need it but allows for decent quality at all lengths.The main drawback is the slow aperture size of f6.3 which means this is a 'sunny' weather lens and should be used in conjunction with a sturdy tripod or monopod if you don't venture past 300mm.
The af and zoom is excellent being fast and smooth/quiet, although on mine the zoom binds a little at the 200mm mark and I expect this to ease with more use/wear.
Image quality is surprisingly good for such a big range and the low speed of the lens can be overcome by increasing sensitivity in lower light although this usually means a quality sacrifice above 400iso.
All in all I highly recommend this lens as it's only 'fault' as such is it's slow speed, but at a third of the cost of an f2.8 300mm carrying that tripod around is worth the effort!.

Customer Service

Never needed.

Similar Products Used:

Nothing else out there anything like this beauty.

-pro
sharp images
good contrast
huge range
well built
fast and quite focus
tripod mount included
front lens doesn't rotate (this only matters if you can afford the 86mm polarizer filter)
only lens of this lenght for under $1000
about $5000 less than a prime (put that money towards food and shelter)
Very pleasing Bokeh

-con
two hands plus handling
a little large and front heavy
a little slow on the long end f5.6 (but workable if sunny day)
86mm filters cost big (must have UV to protect front glass)
a little too long (1000mm) for practical use on 4/3 mount.
have to carry tri/mono pod if plan on using.

Sigma 50-500



I have some difficulty hand holding the lens to shoot over 300mm and at any range you must have a good tri/monopod. It is heavy so that hand holding the camera while working the zoom or working the manual focus is difficult . My work around is to preset the zoom and focus. This is a great bird lense if you can get enough light. The good images are sharp with good contrast and good color saturation and no signs of color fringing. I loose most of my shots to camera shake. This is best thought of as a fair weather lens. You need a bright sunny day to get enough light so that you have shutter speed to eliminate camera shake. The 2x factor of the 4/3 mount works against you with this one. The lens was designed for the other guys so on a CanNik mount this lens would be about 750mm on my E330 it is 1000mm. You don't have to use all the zoom but it is too tempting. That said I have some photos that I would not have gotten if I did not have this lens. That said I have a lot of ones that got away (camera shake).

Customer Service

n/a

Similar Products Used:

Nothing else this big to compare to

Fast focus
Sharp images
Zoom range / flexibility

Need good light due to higher f stop - or boost the ISO to get adaquate shutter speed

Although some photographers claim to be able to hand-hold, I need to use a mono-pod or tripod for stability (but that is probably expected at 500mm)

Originally had this lens for almost a year. Never quite satisfied with the sharpness of the images beyond 400mm. Sent some photos to Sigma, but no reply. Then did some head-to-head comparisons of this lens with my Nikon 300 F4 with a Tamron 1.4 teleconverter. Once Sigma saw this actual comparison, they said that the lens should be returned for service.

Took 5 weeks to get a result - lens replaced with new unit. Have done the same comparative tests - and now aside from some minor color variation, there is no difference in sharpmess even when viewed at 100% (about 1 stop slower than the 300 + 1.4 combination - but much greater flexibilty).

Had seen a number of positive reviews for this lens and now agree. Very satisfied with this replacement lens and look forward to using it at various sporting events.

Customer Service

Although it took multiple emails and five weeks with the lens at Sigma customer service, they did send me a new lens that is much better than my original - see comments above.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 70-200 f2.8 AF-S VR
Nikon 300 f4 AF-S

--A near Pro quality 500mm zoom lens that just happens to zoom backwards is an apt description;
--Great build quality;
--Great & quiet HSM AF system that is actually quite accurate and fast -- even between sunrise/sunset with minimal cloud cover
--Provides surprisingly good - great IQ over quite a large range
--Provides very good-great contrast, color rendition, sharpness and resolution through its entire 10X range; Really helps when later cropping in Post Processing;
--For me, affords great hand held images in good light by using good technique and Auto-ISO/Shutter-priority modes;
--10X zoom range allows one to have a great reach but also to zoom backwards for pulling back when needed to for better image/FOV composition at time of shutter release; Imaging landscapes at 50mm still retains good-great image qualities
--Really shines when used with good support on static subjects;
--Minimal IQ/AF-speed hit when used with Kenko Pro DG 1.4X TC for getting to 700mm (1,050mm EQ w/ 1.5X crop factor);
--Good magnesium lens foot assists in system balance/stability on monopod/tripod and when carrying system;
--Lens lock to preclude creep while carrying
--Smooth manual over ride focus ring
--Very smooth/pleasing, IMO, Bokeh

(Non-DG version)
--Apparently can be frustrating when used in very poor lighting and/or with poor/inexperieced operator technique;
--Weight (4-#) and bulkiness (9" at 50mm and 14" at 500mm) can be problematic for some;
--Large lens aperture requires very pricey CP and/or filters
--No focus range limiter on my non-DG version when attempting AF on low contrast subjects
--No VR/OS -- if it did, this would be one killer lens;
--Slow f/6.3 min aperture requires good light/user technique for consistent image quality;
--Lens support foot only has one threaded opening for mono-tripod mounting;
--Has been reported to be somewhat stiff when zooming between 50 - 200mm range;
--Subject to lens creep when carrying in vertical orientation and not using lock -- not really surprising considering the amount of glass; Not much of an issue when imaging within 0- ~60 degrees of horizontal;
--If it occurs, cleaning of problematic internal lens' dust by Sigma can run between $150-300; (In my case, I did have some dust bunnies that were easily cleaned by myself since they were behind the front set of lens elements)
--Can be subject to slower/AF-hunting on low contrast subjects in poor lighting circumstances; Some of this can be possibly attributed to the camera AF system

After extensive due diligence in evaluating ways to get to 500mm for a moderate price, I decided that a Bigma offered the best 'bang-for-the-buck' potential. Thus far, I can state that it has been one of the best investments for my system.

Other lenses considered (but not personally handled/used) included a Nikon 300 f/4 + TC; Tamron 200-500 Di; Sigma 170-500. In the end, the greater availability/lower pricing of used Bigmas, its 10X range, HSM AF, better perceived build and perceived better IQ/AF capabilities across most all of its range won out.

My passion is for long distance large Raptors such as Bald Eagles, Hawks, Falcons and the like. I'm blessed to live in southern California where its unusual to not have good light so the f/6.3 aperture is very seldom an issue. I do most of my shooting hand held or on a monopod and use Auto-ISO and shutter-priority on my Nikon D50 to ensure high enough shutter speed to overcome lack of VR/IS. For me, the bulk and weight of the Bigma are not an issue - even treking for miles -- yes, it gets a bit heavy and it'd be even better if it were half the size/weight but only if its IQ and capabilities weren't diminished.

I moved up to my D50 + Bigma specifically due to my previous experiences with owning both a Panasonic FZ5 and then my FZ30 that feature both quality Leica glass and OIS - Optical Stabilization. Having 'learned' long distance imaging on these recommended digitals, I initially found that the D50 and consumer kit zoom lens -- a Tamron 70-300 LD was hard pressed to equal the IQ of my Pany FZ cameras past ~200mm -- even when using an OLY TCON-1.7 TC on the Panys.

Once I obtained my Bigma, the Panys have very seldom been used.

Who should buy it --
Those that are looking for a moderately priced long lens that affords good - great IQ, contrast, color rendition, sharpness/resolution and AF speed for distant wildlife. Its IQ is even more impressive with minimal subject distance and stable tripod and/or body stabilization. The 10X range also makes it as a good, 'all-in-one' zoom that allows one to minimize the need for changing lenses for different opportunities at hand.

Who shouldn't buy it --
Those that are usually faced with poor lighting conditions such as mostly shooting with heavy cloud cover/misty conditions; darker environs with heavy tree cover -- especially if they have minimal digital experience and/or poor technique. It seems these shooting conditions are more the issue when reading of frustration with this lens. Likewise, those that are incapable of/put off by its bulk/weight. (Of course, there are few lenses that offer 500mm reach with its quality/capabilities/price and also have less bulk/weight)

Customer Service

Not needed thus far

Similar Products Used:

Tamron 70-300 LD Macro Kit Lens on D50
Other lenses owned/used for IQ comparison judgements--
Nikon 35 f/2 DX
Nikkor 18-70 DX
Prosumer super zooms--
Panasonic FZ5 w/OIS - 36-432mm Leica optics + OLY TCON-1.7X TC
Panasonic FZ30 w/OIS - Leica 36-420mm optics + OLY TCON-1.7X TC

Fast focus
Weight
Great zoom range
Sharp up to 300mm
Price - good value for the cost

Soft at long end - 500mm
Colors appear muted at 500mm (see comment above)
Odd filter size - expensive and hard to find

Have used this lens for various sports - soccer / motor racing of various forms. Seems to do a reasonable job up to 300mm, but beyond that, the images appear to be a little soft when viewed at 100%. Focuses quickly in all but low light situations.

The color seems to be somewhat faded when I shoot at 500mm (this could be that because I'm shooting at 1000th to 2000th of a second to stop action and minimize lens blur, plus the slower lens speed of f6.3, results in shooting at higher ISO with this lens verses my other lenses). While most of this can be corrected in PhotoShop, it is just an extra step that is not necessary with my other Nikon lenses.

Not sure I would purchase this lens again.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 70-200 f2.8 AF-S ED VR, Nikon 300 f4 ED AF-S

Massive zoom range in relatively manageable size/weight.
Excellent quality glass elements-sharp,clear and low/no aberrations etc.
zoom lock button-very handy.
Hypersonic af motor very smooth/quiet-nice.
Low price good quality-unexpected quality here.

Zooming motion has some areas of tightening as you move through the range.(this may ease with use/wear).
Can't think of another single issue! except perhaps that some photographers expect it to be as good as a lense costing 4 or 5 times as much! and judge it on that basis.

I read a lot of negative things before purchasing this lense but having used it for a few months with my D200 I can say it is a real beauty which I just wouldn't be without and which I intend to use for a very long time.My images are certainly better for it as it gives you a lot of choices all within the one lense without compromising on quality-sure there are better quality lenses out there but for the low price this one is no slouch in the quality dept.
On a film camera I would say it is limited to bright day shooting unless you use higher speed film, but on a digital camera the variable iso allows use in a broad spectrum of situations(F6.3 max).It is heavy and a good monopod or tripod is essential but it's not as monstrous as I have read in past reviews and is quite compact considering it's range and quality of glass.
Definitely worth considering this one for sure.

Customer Service

Not needed-fingers crossed!.

Similar Products Used:

Nothing with this much range but my Nikkor 80-200 F2.8 is similar in size/weight.

Fast f/2.8
Well worth the price

Does hunt in very low light. But to be fair, when it did hunt, I was trying to shoot the outfielders at 10 PM at night.

I bought this lens for indoor sports but havn't really gotten the chance to use it. Was asked to take photos of a girls softball . Started about 6PM during bright sunlight. I figured it would do a great job but didn't know how it would perform as it got darker.
As I was shooting I had to keep changing the setting, but by the view screen, the shots were turning out better then I had expected.
I kept shooting until after 10PM and the field lights were not the greatest. As it kept getting darker, I had to up the ISO, until I was shooting at ISO 1600.
After downloading the pictures and looking at them on the computer, I am very impressed with this lens.
When purchased, the intention was for it to be used for basketball and vollleyball. As it got later in the evening, it did hunt some. So, I did miss a few because it did hunt.

Range: 50mm to 500 mm. Very very sharp along the whole range. Price.
Excellent lens, point.

I would prefer that it weights less than half pound, a constant f1.8, and Image Stabilization, but it would be another lens (a dream lens), not this.

The Sigma 50-500 lens is an excellent lens for those who enjoy wild life photography, and street shots. 500mm, is the right scope for photographing animals in the wilderness. I was skeptical about this lens at first for its 10x zoom, particularly because of my previous experience with another sigma lens: 28-300, which is very soft. But all my concerns disappeared after few shots with this incredible piece of glass. I am extremely satisfied with the results from this lens. It is heavy, ok, but so far, it is on the range of weight of this kind of lenses, and there are not other like this at this price. Last winter (Dec, 2006), after a trip to the Smoky Mountains, the auto focus stopped. I took it to the store, they sent it to Sigma and after four or five weeks I had it in my hands again. Now it is working perfectly. Of course I use other lens for my every day shots (Tamron 28-70), but every time I go out I carry my Bigma. I forgot to say that it works perfectly with my teleconverter Tamron 1.4 x

Customer Service

I have had two experiences with Sigma, and both have been very satisfactory. One with a lens that I used in my old film camera that did not work on my digital Canon Rebel, they (Sigma) reshipped it for free. The second one, with this lens.

Similar Products Used:

Sigma 28-300 (very soft, close to 300), Canon 70-300 (very soft, close to 300), teleconverter Tamron 1.4, old 500 mm mirror lens

Solid build. Fast, sure focus. Sharpness. Low price for what you get.

86MM filters crimp the budget bigtime. The supplied lens strap is a bit short for my taste.

This is truly a very sharp lens. Maybe not as sharp as a Nikon 500MM prime, but it costs far less. I shoot a lot of wildlife, and on a Nikon D70, it is the equivalent of a 750 MM lens. Do NOT expect to handhold this lens at the long end. A monopod is a help, but for optimum results, a tripod is required. It's not the lens itself, it's the focal length. Any movement at all is magnified several times. If you get soft, fuzzy pictures with this lens, it's your technique at fault.

I mainly use the lens at full extension, and wide open. Photos are great, and even better at f8. Sharp and good color, too. Chromatic Aberration is all but nonexistent. Focus is fast, sure, and silent on the D70. This lens has gotten me saleable pictures from the start.

Forget about that 20 dollar tripod. Glass of this caliber requires skill and attention to detail in setting up. This is a pro level lens that requires skill in use. Do NOT attempt to to mount the camera to a tripod unless you enloy getting a camera lensmount repaired. The lenscollar is there for a reason.

If you need a long lens for wildlife, they dont get much better than this. If you use it right it will reward you photos you would be proud to hang on the wall.

Customer Service

not needed

Similar Products Used:

Sigma 135-400 f4.5-5.6
Sigma 70-200 f2.8
Nikon 18-70 f3.5-4.5