The reasons for my purchase were, firstly, that the Sigma 50-500 OS HSM is the best 500mm lens, which you can buy less than 2000 euros. Secondly, the 50mm focal length and 50cm minimum focusing distance was one reason, which sometimes is quite handy just in the zoo.
Scope of supply:
In addition to the lens itself, you get when buying a new Sigma 50-500 APO HSM OS:
- A lens-carrying strap
- A Setp-down ring of 95mm to 86mm
- A lens hoods extension for ASP-C cameras
- A flower-shaped lens hood
- A black protective carrying case with removable pads (depending on the desired length GeLi)
- And of course standard things like the protective lens cover, Gebruchsanweisung, cardboard, etc.
With the black-matte finish and its almost 2kg the lens makes the usual Sigma quality impression. The lens is easy to hold and the zoom ring is also easily accessible with attached tripod collar. The zoom ring is compared to other lenses but rather something more difficult, but this is also not surprising in the mass of glass. Since the lens extends even on its own, when it is held down, the Sigma has the objective donated a lock switch at the 50mm position.
At the beginning of the two lens hoods were a bit confusing for me. After some try but I have found a very comfortable and safe solution to easily attach the front lens cap and keep all the accessories on the lens to.
GeLi - lens cap - GeLi extension - Step Down Ring - Lens
Can on the most technical facts directly inform everyone at the Sigma website. What I have just summarized here are a few additional information and personal impressions.
Weight:
2.2 kg with stand clamp, step-down ring, protective lids and two lens hoods
3.4 kg weight fight on a Canon 50D with battery grip
Lengths (in each case measured from bayonet):
22.1 cm only lens in 50mm
30.6 cm only lens at 500 mm
+5.6 Cm with ASP-C-Lens Hood (panel alone 7.2 cm)
+7.1 Cm with hood (panel alone 7.5 cm)
= 43.3 cm maximum length
Zoom range:
As expected, just awesome, the Sigma 50-500 OS HSM than 10x zoom to the zoo or wildlife park. You never missed by the large focal length range is actually a just a cutout for the targeted subject. Especially has the 50mm focal length as short as an amateur photographer the opportunity once the enclosure in which the animals are housed, capture photographically, without having to change the lens. But of course the damn long focal length of 500mm has its advantages, if the objects of photographic desire in the back hiding somewhere in the enclosure.
Image Quality:
Personally, I am satisfied with the supplied by Sigma Bildqualiät with my 15 MP on my Canon 50D. So from my experience I would inscribedable 6.3 sharpness at 500mm and maximum aperture F as well. Stopped down to F 8.0 enhances the image quality again in the very good range. As the image quality, while reducing the focal length (in contrast to some Canon lenses) at the Sigma but is getting better, you can shoot very sharp images at 300mm focal length even at maximum aperture. At 50mm focal length Sigma is simply just perfect!
Aperture:
As you can see on the next table, the optical intensity of the Sigma 50-500 OS HSM decreases quite rapidly. Considering now even the thumb rule is keeping that one should take pictures with 1/800 sec at 500mm focal length, of course, begs the question of practical suitability of such objective. From practical experience I can say here, however, that even at 500mm focal length and 1/100 sec also can capture sharp photos, which during the day outdoors at ISO 800, however, is very rare. By the good image stabilizer
Aperture 4.5: 50 - 52 mm
Aperture 5.0: 52 - 100 mm
Aperture 5.6: 101 - 200 mm
Aperture 6.3 201 - 500 mm
Image Stabilization:
Contrary to my expectations, the Sigma 50-500 OS can well freehand use even with overcast skies, thanks to the image stabilizer. And even take pictures indoors and at events at ISO 800 to ISO 3200 yet possible. The effectiveness of the OS with its specified by Sigma 4 stops, however, be treated with some caution. From my previous experience with the Sigma I would say that the 4 f-stops to 40%, which are reached 3 f-stops to 75% and 2 stops to 99%. Of course, here as well as the personal skills and holding techniques play a major role.
HSM-speed:
The assessment of whether a lens or a fast rather slower AF has now, I personally find a very difficult matter. Not only because it is now the normal motor-AF, via Micro-USM, ring-type USM, USD, PZD and HSM are various drive options, but because it is also much more likely it arrives in which focal length range of the AF works which Closest focusing distance he has and whether internal focusing. And ultimately has to be moved depending on the lens class sometimes more or less heavy glass.
When Sigma 50-500 OS course of very long focal distance range affects slightly negative effect on the AF speed, since with large focal lengths (eg 500mm) even the AF lens elements have yet to be set with precise accuracy between 10m and 20m Object distance while on the other hand it all falls over 4m distance to the hyperfocal distance range with my UWW. In return, the Sigma has at 50mm focal length then even a minimum focusing distance of just 50cm, which of course makes the whole Fokusweg then again a little bit longer.
I myself feel the HSM from Sigma as well quickly and quietly. Although I still do not even know the USM of Canon and now have not yet had the opportunity to photograph for me to race dogs with it, but the zoo has me the HSM has never let down.
