Sigma Lenses

[katydownunder]

In November I finally got my Sigma APO DG 5.0-6.3 / 170-500 mm Nikon AF.
(I think I already read a topic like this, but could not find it ,if so please moderators move this from here)
Yesterday, it was the first time that the weather was good enough to give it a first try.
Here are some of the pics.









Here are even more:

http://flickr.com/photos/katydownunder/sets/72057594048830720/

Please consider that I did not use a tripod and my hand was shaking because of the cold (-4°C).
With it’s 1320 g, it is not really light-weight(my muscles are even aching a bit today).So using it might be easier with the use of a tripod or bean bag.
Focus is smooth and silent.
Lions, Leopards, Snow Leopards and Great Grey Owl were taken through glas.
All the birds (except the ducks and the grey Heron) through nets.
I am quite satisfied with the results.And I am already looking forward to use it in Kgalagadi.
Does anyone have any experiences with this lens as well?
Did you have any difficulties with it?Any experiences with the lens while beeing ‘in the bush’?


Regards
Katy

[katydownunder]

Dries are you talking about the

'old' non digital APO version of the Sigma 170-500 mm

or the

Sigma APO DG 5.0-6.3 / 170-500 mm Nikon AF.

That's the one I am using.
And although it hasn't got a image stabaliser or powerful motor I am quite satisfied with the results.
Here are some pics I took during our stay in Kgalagadi:









The Sigma APO DG 5.0-6.3 / 170-500 mm Nikon AF is sold at R6323 here in Germany.
The Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR AFS for R17592 and the 1.7 Nikon convertor for R3447 which makes R21039 and a price difference to the above mentioned Sigma of R14716!!!
Although it is a very nice combination of lens and converter it lies way out of my budget.Like (as I think ) of most of the others here on this Forum.
So I still think the Sigma APO DG 5.0-6.3 / 170-500 mm Nikon AF it's good value for money.

[Barcud]

Hello All,

This is my first post on the Sanparks forum, so thought it had better be a helpful one.

I use a Sigma 80 - 400mm attached to my Nikon camera and get great results from it. Not as good as with the Nikon prime lens, but then it's a quarter of the cost of the Nikon!

One problem I found, which I've seen mentioned elsewhere on the forum somewhere, is that I had a protective UV filter fitted for a while. When I removed it, the difference in sharpness was amazing. I also find that if I zoom out to max 400mm, it's worth dropping back a little as the lens seems to perform better at just under full zoom.

A couple of photos taken with this lens





Hope this info helps,

Barcud.

[Hippo-fan]

Also taken with a Sigma 170-500 mm. My budget doesn't allow me a expensive lens either , but I have taken some wonderful pictures with this lens :