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- Steve France
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Assuming you are using a zoom - one other thing you could do, particularly if the bird was filling the frame, would be to use a slightly shorter focal length as long lenses typically don't perform as well at the long end.
Sorry Gil but I have to totally disagree, if my zoom didn't perform as well at 600mm it would be going back to Sigma. As it is, its pin sharp right through the focal length
and for the records - my 200-600mm Sony G lens performs exceptionally well at 600mm
Les
It’s quite common for zooms which have more elements to perform differently throughout their range. It’s well documented that extreme ends are not as good
with AF calibration normally benifiting a particular focal length and not the full range of the lens.
Perhaps you both have particularly good copies of your lenses but of all the super telephotos I’ve had, they’ve always been pretty soft and the extreme long end.
Don’t want to takeover this thread with a debate about optimal focal lengths on zoom lenses, but DXOMark is one example of a place where best focal lengths and apertures are shown for zoom lenses. Certainly I could post examples of birds I’ve taken at 150 and at 600 and there was a noticeable difference on both of my Tamron 150-600s. Likewise at 200 and 500 on my Nikon 200-500 when looking zoomed in at 100 percent. Perhaps the Sigma is more consistent and I had poor copies so I’m just speaking from experience. Likewise on my Nikon 16-80mm results weren’t great at the long endAny evidence to back that up Gil? and I don't mean links to forum threads
Isn't that what the Sigma dock is for, calibrating the lens at different focal lengths and distances? Although saying that, mines been pin sharp out of the box at all focal lengths, I've never had to calibrate it
Either that or we both have a good understanding of the equipment we use and get the very best from it
Besides, you've missed the point Gil, your advice is to not shoot @ 600mm because the lens may not be sharp
My advice, if its not sharp then send it back because it owt to be. Why live with something your not happy with?
Don’t want to takeover this thread with a debate about optimal focal lengths on zoom lenses, but DXOMark is one example of a place where best focal lengths and apertures are shown for zoom lenses. Certainly I could post examples of birds I’ve taken at 150 and at 600 and there was a noticeable difference on both of my Tamron 150-600s. Likewise at 200 and 500 on my Nikon 200-500 when looking zoomed in at 100 percent. Perhaps the Sigma is more consistent and I had poor copies so I’m just speaking from experience. Likewise on my Nikon 16-80mm results weren’t great at the long end
I think probably best to agree to disagree and let the OP make a decision on what advice he wants to take.... I've illustrated that DXOMark who are in the business of testing lenses show the optimum focal length for zoom lenses, I don't know what more I can say, and it seems further discussion around the subject is pointless as neither of us will change our minds!! You can get the final word in, but I'm done on the subject now.Its definitely not a thread takeover, its discussing your advice not to shoot at the longest focal length of a zoom lens. Surely it's got to be in the OP's interest to see evidence to back that up.
You posting examples proves nothing, how do we know its not user error? I regularly post 'examples' of birds shot at 600mm that proves your theory wrong.
I've illustrated that DXOMark who are in the business of testing lenses