Nikon 70-300 VR vs Sigma 50-500 OS

[damianmkv]

After a bit of advice if possible

At the moment, I have a Nikon 70-300 AF-S VR which I use for motorsport. Its a great lens, and ( in my limited experience ) nice and sharp.

But I am sometimes lacking a bit of range, especially as I've now found out that there are owls near home, so I've started thinking about selling the Nikon and getting a Sigma 50-500 mm OS. I know that the 150-500 is cheaper but I need to be wider than 150 mm ( or 225 mm ) at times.

Am I mad ? Does anyone have any experience of both lenses ?

Any help is appreciated, thanks

 

[Mike.P]

Can't say anything about the nikon lens but I have used my 50-500mm OS for airshows (Red arrows certainly don't hang about) and powerboats (on my Pentax K-5) and it has been fine. You do need very good light for the big Sigmas though.

 

[damianmkv]

Thanks - looks great. My Motorsport is drag racing so it has to be reasonable light ( well, not raining )...

I see lensesforhire has the non OS version for about £60 for a week....might be worth a punt but am a little concerned about the lack of OS on it

 

[Mike.P]

Don't think OS makes a great deal of difference with moving stuff ... I switch it off for jets and powerboats but it's handy with such a big lens for things like the Chinook which needed 1/125th shutter speed at 500mm

 

[damianmkv]

Ok, thanks for that.. will consider hiring the non OS then