I bought a Sigma 50-500 here on FM from fortinaa last week, and today had a first chance to take it to the zoo and try it out.
To be honest, I didn't expect much. It's a slow super-zoom after all, and I was spoiled by the performance of my 400mm 5.6L. But I wanted a zoom for convenience, and if it was performing well I would be happy.
Boy, was I surprised. The big Sigma performed like a champ, and the images are super-sharp even wide open.
Here's a pic of my daughter I snapped today at the zoo. 417mm, wide open at f/5.6
Yep, that Bigma is surprisingly sharp. I thought the same thing as you the first time I shot with it. I expected some softness, but was pleasantly surprised at the lack of softness.
I agree that my Bigma is surprisingly good after I learned how to shoot at 500mm. My Bigma is my first long lens for birding and it is still with me, even after I bought other Canon super teles. If you want to carry only one lens, and needs to cover the focal length from landscape to birding type of shots, the Bigma (or the Canon 100-400IS) will be your choice.
Shmackey wrote:
I've played with one and was impressed. If it had Sigma's OS it would be a no-brainer.
Well an improved version of OS, as its kinda sucky at the moment. But, man if it only had a decent IS, but then again it'd be the same price as the 100-400L. So take it or leave it, but as it is now its a helluva bargain.
i also love my bigma. the first long lens i got and it works like a charm. i even use it hand held bump the iso and it's really no problem. don't mind if i post an example too right? I don't have the crop at hand, but it's nice:
I sold my 100-400L after seeing the lack of any real difference between it and the Bigma... totally happy with mine.. its my most used lens at this point..
bump the iso and it's really no problem. don't mind if i post an example too right? I don't have the crop at hand, but it's nice: