Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM
Review Date : Thu, 14 May 2009
Author : Jon Tarrant
- Sample Photos: See sample image gallery
What Digital Camera reviews the Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens
| Pros: | Impressively quick and quiet automatic-focusing |
|---|---|
| Cons: | Significant softness at wide aperture |
The Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM superzoom has the most important aspect of any modern long-focus lens – an efficient AF drive system. This is very much the Sigma superzoom’s forte. As well as being quick its motor is also quiet and acts internally, so the manual-focusing ring remains motionless but can still be used at any time to make adjustments.
The Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens is fairly bulky: in part this is probably due to the Optical Stabiliser that is fitted inside the newer Canon, Nikon and Sigma versions (but not the older Pentax and Sony models). The OS has two modes to accommodate both static and panning situations but did not always improve the MTF figures recorded during testing. It does, however, settle the image for more accurate composition and easier manual focusing.
The manual-focusing ring is heavily obstructed when the tripod platform is attached. This is obviously a design trade-off: the tripod platform has been generously sized and shaped to provide a comfortable grip. Removing the tripod platform means taking the lens off the camera, after which additional steadying will be available only via the camera’s tripod-screw. This would result in poor balance, so manual-focusing (or focus adjustment) is easiest carried-out with the tripod platform in place, using an unnaturally high grip on the ring with the left elbow almost horizontal.
The zoom ring has a fairly short throw but the extended tripod platform also obstructs this a bit.
Verdict
Overall, the Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM superzoom works best in AF mode and its Optical Stabiliser is best reserved for improving viewing rather than the quality of captured images. The heavy-duty padded case is a useful addition but it is a shame that some aspects of handling are rather awkward.
Have your say!
Latest comments
May 14 11:09
Steve
Good quality images, especially MF on a tripod, when the "reach" and the price are taken into account. Good value for money.A 4 star rating (but I hit one star earlier by mistake and the rating was sent in before I could correct!)
February 19 03:05
GRAY
A LARGE LENS,A LITTLE ON THE HEAVY SIDE,PHOTOS 95%AS GOOD AS CANON L,AT 400MM,STURDY,ONCE GOTTEN USED TO THIS LENS IS EASY TO OPERATE,FAST ZOOM,EXELLENT AF LOCK ON,SMACK ON IMAGES IF RIGHT ISOS ARE USED,LOOSES A TAD ON FULLY EXTENDED,CANT BE BEATEN FOR PRICE,GET ONE YOU WONT REGRET IT,WHAT IT DOES,NT HAVE YOU CAN MAKE UP FOR IN EDITING IF YOU NEED TO,