Problems with a Sigma 150-500 os and Canon 600d

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nbhowse

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Nic
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Just wondering if anyone can help, I recently brought a sigma 150-500 os lens, and i'm really disapointed!! Is has been sent back to be repaired twice, but still cant get crisp images at 500mm, I have made sure i'm above 1000/sec, got a low iso, but still no good!! I got the lens from Procamera shop, and they are saying that I can swap the lens, for a restocking fee, and additional funds, for the 50-500. I'm just so worried that is still wont be good enough. I was looking through some of the pics that you guys have taken, with the sigma lens, and they look stunning!! Am I doing anything wrong?? The repair centre have said that this is the best the lens will do, and there is no point in going back to them!!

If you could help out, that would be much appreciated!!

Nic
 
I have the 150-500 on a Nikon D7000 and it takes some getting used to get good result but to be honest like all budged super tele zooms at the max end it is a bit soft, I run mine at F8 and only in very good light which it realy needs and as you say fast shutter speeds. I like my Bigma but at the end of the day its budget for its zoom range. Remember also when people post pics there the best they have produced and maybe discard 95% as not good enough.

one thing I have found its not as good at is focusing on an object say a small bird in foliage or close to rear foliage, my nikon 70-300VR just snaps on but the sigma sometimes just not so crisp, sometimes I just overide a smidge and go manual. However its best shots are very good for me but there are less good shots than with my 70-300 lens.

These below are at full 500mm

post some pics up



 
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Sometimes when we posting photos, the photo could well been processed. i.e sharpening etc.

Usually like above have said the long end on a budget telezoom usually soft .........

What don't you post some photo of the problem so we can see.
 
It would be interesting to see some of your photos with your Sigma. I've had mine since jan 2012 and I've got some great photos from it at the long end. I've used mine wide open on numerous occasions, and not in great light either, but still managed to get the shot.

Here's one taken at Waddington airshow, the weather was poor on the day and I got this at 1/1250sec, f6.3, ISO800 and +1 1/3EV with no PP apart from a crop. I've got quite a few shots on my Flickr taken with the Sigma and no hesitations in using it wide open to get the shot.

7516180800_1d68b0c54a_b.jpg
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London zoo May 2013 246 by boogie man2009, on Flickr

This was taken with the Sigma at 500mm. I've boosted the contrast and brightness a little but it's not sharpened. The Sigma definitely gets better and sharper results on my 5D Mk 3 than it ever did on my C sensor 50D though, maybe that's the problem? I've had also problems with it hunting for focus where the subject is something like a bird in a tree, but I think it's a great lens for the money.
 
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nbhowse said:
Just wondering if anyone can help, I recently brought a sigma 150-500 os lens, and i'm really disapointed!! Is has been sent back to be repaired twice, but still cant get crisp images at 500mm, I have made sure i'm above 1000/sec, got a low iso, but still no good!! I got the lens from Procamera shop, and they are saying that I can swap the lens, for a restocking fee, and additional funds, for the 50-500. I'm just so worried that is still wont be good enough. I was looking through some of the pics that you guys have taken, with the sigma lens, and they look stunning!! Am I doing anything wrong?? The repair centre have said that this is the best the lens will do, and there is no point in going back to them!!

If you could help out, that would be much appreciated!!

Nic
Click to expand...

Post some pics
 
nbhowse said:
Just wondering if anyone can help, I recently brought a sigma 150-500 os lens, and i'm really disapointed!! Is has been sent back to be repaired twice, but still cant get crisp images at 500mm, I have made sure i'm above 1000/sec, got a low iso, but still no good!! I got the lens from Procamera shop, and they are saying that I can swap the lens, for a restocking fee, and additional funds, for the 50-500. I'm just so worried that is still wont be good enough. I was looking through some of the pics that you guys have taken, with the sigma lens, and they look stunning!! Am I doing anything wrong?? The repair centre have said that this is the best the lens will do, and there is no point in going back to them!!

If you could help out, that would be much appreciated!!

Nic
Click to expand...

There definitely is a learning curve to go through with long lenses.

Before you switch.....

Have you been able to micro adjust the focus?
Put the camera on a tripod or stand it on the lens foot, if no tripod. Use live view to achieve critical focus on a still subject & then use the self timer to take shots at focal lengths, & apertures of your choice.

THAT'S the best the lens can do, hopefully you should get some results you're happy with. Then you just have to practice technique until you can achieve similar results in less controlled conditions.

ATB, & post examples!
 
Hi. You say it's been back to Sigma but did you slip send your body back with it? Sigma can calibrate the body with the lens but if you ever come to sell the lens it's setup for 'your' body. I hate the phrase 'within tolerance', the lens will be repaired with in Sigma's tolerance so sending the body will match the two.

Do you use the lens on a monopod? I shoot sports with big Nikon lenses and although I can easily hand hold a 300mm f2.8 with a 1.4x converter I struggle to hand hold the 200-400mm f4. Oh, I never use VR!

Are you shooting RAW? You will certainly get more detail ore of a RAW file but if its not sharp in the first place you'll never bring it back.

I'd also be interested to know what AF settings your using too?
 
Some good advise being given here Nic for you. As I quoted before post a couple of images up for viewing and leave the exif in as well. There may well be a small problem but I have seen quite a few people getting frustrated with the exact same thing on here in the past, and they would be using quality prime lenses. With all due respect to Paul and I have asked his permission, I have done a very crude edit on his Squirrel shot, never good working from an image already posted but I am sure it gives you an indication that you will have to be prepared to spend a little time on PP to get the best from it. Imho though that goes for any bit of kit you are working with.

nuts_zpsc4ca4d09.jpg
 
u8myufo said:
Some good advise being given here Nic for you. As I quoted before post a couple of images up for viewing and leave the exif in as well. There may well be a small problem but I have seen quite a few people getting frustrated with the exact same thing on here in the past, and they would be using quality prime lenses. With all due respect to Paul and I have asked his permission, I have done a very crude edit on his Squirrel shot, never good working from an image already posted but I am sure it gives you an indication that you will have to be prepared to spend a little time on PP to get the best from it. Imho though that goes for any bit of kit you are working with.

nuts_zpsc4ca4d09.jpg
Click to expand...

cracking edit that maybe I should send you the RAW for a major workover. :lol:
 
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