Up for sale is an excellent Sigma 500mm f/4.5 APO lens. This is not the EX or EX DG model - it predates both. If you are using a newer EOS digital camera then the lens must be used only at f/4.5. The lens works at all apertures on older digital and film cameras. You may inquire with Sigma to see if they will perform a chip upgrade that will allow the lens to be functional at all apertures with newer EOS Digital Cameras.
This lens totally exceeds my expectations at f/4.5 and the Image Quality is actually quite excellent. The photos are SHARP, SHARP, SHARP. It works fantastic on a full frame digital. (The example photos were taken by me on a Canon 5D) The lens itself is in excellent condition with just a few minor scuffs on the body. The glass and mounts are perfect. It will come with the hard case, internal hood extension, leatherette cover, rear cap, drop-in filter, and a set of 4 additional filters. If you're looking for a bang-for-your buck supertele for wildlife, nature, etc, this is the ticket.
This lens is not as quick focusing as my Canon lenses. It is similar to a Sigma 24-70 that I had for awhile. I was able to focus on moving flying birds with the lens, however, I would not rely on it's speed to do that. I used some anticipation of where the birds were flying to in the process. HSM stands for Hyper Sonic Motor and is like the Canon USM. This lens has an internal focusing motor but I don't believe it is an HSM.
I think that at the price I paid for this lens it is awesome. At the price I am selling it for it is super-awesome. I wanted a better/faster lens and spent $5,800 on a Canon 600mm f/4 IS. This lens in no way compares to the Canon in quality and speed. The Canon is the best lens I have ever used. Ever! The sharpness of this lens is very close to the Canon. This Sigma is only $1,495, "buy it now" and $1,195 starting bid. You're not going to find a similar lens in this price range that is any better. That I guarantee. (I paid $1,600 for this lens when I purchased it. I'm not trying to make a profit. I don't need this 500 and my other 600. They are redundant in my photo bag as far as I'm concerned. I also sold my beloved 400.)
David Levinson wrote:
This lens is not as quick focusing as my Canon lenses. It is similar to a Sigma 24-70 that I had for awhile. I was able to focus on moving flying birds with the lens, however, I would not rely on it's speed to do that. I used some anticipation of where the birds were flying to in the process. HSM stands for Hyper Sonic Motor and is like the Canon USM. This lens has an internal focusing motor but I don't believe it is an HSM.
I think that at the price I paid for this lens it is awesome. At the price I am selling it for it is super-awesome. I wanted a better/faster lens and spent $5,800 on a Canon 600mm f/4 IS. This lens in no way compares to the Canon in quality and speed. The Canon is the best lens I have ever used. Ever! The sharpness of this lens is very close to the Canon. This Sigma is only $1,495, "buy it now" and $1,195 starting bid. You're not going to find a similar lens in this price range that is any better. That I guarantee. (I paid $1,600 for this lens when I purchased it. I'm not trying to make a profit. I don't need this 500 and my other 600. They are redundant in my photo bag as far as I'm concerned. I also sold my beloved 400.)
