Sigma 500mm f/4.5 EX APO HSM 35mm Primes
Sigma 500mm f/4.5 EX APO HSM 35mm Primes
USER REVIEWS
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[Oct 10, 2004]
gcookie
Expert
Strength:
Cost, AF with Canon EOS 3 with 1.4 tele converter, AF also works with Kenko extension tubes. Well balanced, can get away with using Bogen 3421 vs other gimbal devices costing $400-500 (Focus Camera $139)
Weakness:
No AF with 1.4 Tele Converter on EOS 10? Focus hunts on overcast days with 1.4 Tele Converter in AF with EOS 3 so light and contrast is critical. Needs a Hard Case for travel. Off to Home Depot for a plastic tool box and Hobby Lobby for the foam. Considering the Alternative at twice at twice the cost, this lens rules. It opens a hold new demension of photography. Not just great shots of wildlife, but the shot of Bee on a flower from 15 feet away; on a windy day! Customer Service Good in past Similar Products Used: 50-500 Sigma, 170-500 Sigma no comparsion |
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[Mar 21, 2003]
Jemini Joseph
Expert
Strength:
Autofocus speed(HSM), sharpness, Nuetral color, built, tripod collar
Weakness:
No VR (IS) ??? Little less contrast and than Nikon. Great buy of an autofocus tele lens. Being an amature I cannot afford Nikon AF-S lenses (500 or above). I got a chance to play with this lens from a friend and I've fallen in love and got one. If I were a Canon user I could get Canon 500mm f/4.5 lens. Heard that's a very sharp lens. Customer Service Not needed Similar Products Used: Nikkor AIS 600mm f/5.6 |
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[Jan 23, 2003]
Dan
Expert
Strength:
Sharpness, silence, ease of use, accuracy, build, value.
Weakness:
You sacrifice .5 of an f-stop when you choose to pay $3000 less than the Nikkor AF-S 500mm F4 After going over my first 100 shots with a fine loupe, I decided that this was the sharpest lens I have used. At least as sharp as my AF-S 80-200 2.8D and 17-35mm 2.8D Nikkors and certainly well beyond the sharpness that my Nikon D100 is capable of capturing. Subsequent testing has also demonstrated fine colour matching and contrast with my existing ED Nikkors. Additionally it is rock solidly built with no rubber (like on the Non HSM model), it is extremly quick, accurate and silent to focus, and has performed flawlessly, with no visible distortions or flare. What more could I ask for. I am not a great fan of Sigma lenses, however my experience of this particular one will make me far more open minded. Similar Products Used: 400mm F5.6 USM L Canon Nikkor 80-400 4.5-5.6 VR AF-D Nikkor 300mm F4 AF-S Various other zoom and TC-14E combinations |
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[Apr 28, 2002]
Jim Buescher
Expert
Strength:
Canon''s 1.4x extender can be used with this lens. AF is still possible with a 1.4x teleconverter using an EOS3.
Weakness:
Would''ve liked an f4.0 instead of f4.5 Lens hood could be a little longer Excellent quality, images tack-sharp wide open, even better at f5.6-f8, on par with the major camera mfg. pro lenses at less than half the price. Build quality is also excellent, close tolerances and tight fit with smooth manual focus.I''ve used this lens for over two years in temperatures ranging from well below freezing to near 100 degrees F with no problems. Customer Service Very helpful when I inquired about this lens. Similar Products Used: Canon 300f4.0L |
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[Feb 24, 2002]
ilistenifulisten
Expert
Strength:
Excellent sharpness at center and corners. Fast, accurate autofocus (HSM). Three focusing ranges to increase responsiveness. Smooth manual focus override. Equally fast AF when used with 1.4x Kenko PRO teleconverter on Nikon. Superb results. Accurate exposure/color. Very good close-focusing ability. Flare very well controlled. Excellent build quality. Solid/smooth rotating tripod foot. Sturdy carrying strap. Reasonable size and weight considering focal length/aperture. Price. Polarizing filter provided. Convenient rotating drop-in filter. Well contructed case. Works well with Nikon F90x, FE2 and F80.
Weakness:
No image stabilization. Choose film speed accordingly (easier to do these days by push-processing appropriate films). Sharp, well-built optic regardless of price or brand. (maybe I should say: because it''s a Sigma!) In terms of value, it''s really a 7/5 compared to alternatives. More than capable of producing professional results. Customer Service Prompt and courteous when I contacted the Canadian distributor (Gentec) about getting spare drop-in filter and Sigma USA when initially investigating lens. Similar Products Used: This is my 4th Sigma EX lens (3 primes (15, 105 and 500mm) & 1 zoom (70-200)). While I was initially reluctant about the Sigma brand (due to various - generally older - postings here and elsewhere) th |
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[Jan 17, 2001]
Albie Elsen
Expert
Strength:
Fast, sharp, very quiet, light weight
Weakness:
No AF with their TC's A top quality lens. The fact that the Tele-Converters don't work in the AF mode is disappointing, and after questioning Sigma's customer service people, I'm not sure whether that feature will EVER be added. Customer Service I haven't needed service yet, however the Service Department has responded quickly and efficiently to a few of my queries. Similar Products Used: Nikon 500mmF4 |
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[Mar 20, 2001]
McKenney Paul
Expert
Strength:
Excellent color rendition, contrast and sharpness. The Sigma version of Nikon's "S" focusing is very quick and extremely precise.
Weakness:
No autofocus with 1.4x. Sigma has upped its game. This is not just an excellent lens for the money, but rather, an excellent lens. Customer Service Never needed Similar Products Used: Nikon 500mm |