150-500 mm focal length are now ever really a very remarkable focal length range and the 500 mm focal length maximum drawn into the equation, we are dealing with a real Mega telephoto zoom lens. Of course, these figures relate to a full frame camera, which means that with a camera with an APS-C sensor (crop factor = 1.5) even Endbrennweite can be obtained from fabled 750 mm.
The externals of this lens. The Sigma 150-500 mm OS HSM F5,0-6,3 DG is already quite large with fully extended tube and including the lens hood, it could certainly be described as huge. The look and feel of this lens I would titulieren personally really succeeded as much, but here everyone has to decide for himself. The objective is, despite its considerable size relatively easily (based of course on the materials used) and makes in connection with my D800 and the Battery Pack MB-D12 an already respectable figure and is also quite pleasant out of hand use, although this is for the one or the other is likely to be borderline already.
The focus ring runs very smoothly and can be operated simply excellent. The zoom ring on the other hand is a little sluggish, which I think is simple is only used to. A small point of criticism is the fact that the tube off independently respectively enters the vertical position of the lens. But there is also a lock switch in the 150mm position of the lens that prevents the extension / retraction of the lens barrel.
Let us look at a co-decisive factor for normal amateur photographers for the lens purchase price. One gets date for this price (currently about 800 at Amazon) no lens with a similar focal length. Comparable lenses from Nikon in this focal length range are 2-4 times more expensive. Of course the price once nothing indicates a favorable lens that delivers no such photos, is always too expensive, no matter how low the price is.
Now we come to the really important criteria, however, the images to be obtained. I have the lens of the three common conditions, from the hand, mounted on a monopod (Manfrotto 680B + Novoflex Magic-Ball Mini) and a tripod (Slik Pro 700 DX Tripod + Novoflex Magic Ball 50) tested. What can I say, even out of the hand can be up to 400 mm achieve surprisingly good pictures. Of course, with the restriction of the corresponding shutter speed
The options in conjunction with a Tripod are almost be described as very good. I made recordings over the entire focal length and aperture range, which I used in each case the self-timer and mirror lock. The images are very sharp and even in peripheral areas can be only towards the end of the focal length range blur enddecken.
The use of a monopod is in my view the right combination on the go and I was really surprised how good images can be obtained in this manner. Even in DX format (the D800 can be switched in the DX format), so a maximum of 750mm focal length, very sharp images can be obtained with a monopod, provided one uses the appropriate shutter speed and increases the ISO value, if necessary ,
The AF is fast enough from my perspective, though not quite silently. The focus sitting but perfect, which of course is the weightiest factor in this context. The OS (Optical Stabilizer) is perhaps a little getting used to sets in after about half a second of focusing, which of course u. U. may be too slow, z. B. in animal photography.
Admittedly it must be said that this is a fair-weather lens, as mentioned in some other reviews. Of course, more powerful Mega allow tele-zoom lenses even under low light conditions adequate shots, these lenses have but of course, as already mentioned, a premium price.
Taking the above conditions into account, you get with the Sigma 150-500 mm OS HSM DG F5,0-6,3 an excellent mega tele-zoom lenses that can not be beat in this price range at the moment.
As the lens in conjunction with other cameras, such. As Canon, Sony, etc. suggests, I can not say, but at least with a Nikon camera to Sigma lenses known good harmony.