Sigma 150-500mm for Nikon D90?

WideEyedFox

WideEyedFox

Messages
44
Name
Horness
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi all,

I am buying a Nikon D90 as my first digital SLR (hopefully tomorrow!). I am looking for a good zoom lens and have been recommended the Sigma 150-500 for use at Silverstone this year, and in Kenya for our holiday.

Before I shell out £700 on a lens - am I making a good choice? It will complement the 18-105 lens that comes with the Nikon which will be used day-to-day.

Advice very much appreciated. :thumbs:
 
A lot of posts suggest there are some QC issues with Sigma, so it may be better to try the actual lens you want, although that would mean two things... buying from the high street and, probably paying a little more.

f6.3 isn't exactly super fast so you'll be needing to boost the ISO in anything but the brightest light when you're at the 500mm mark, but then the D90 is good with noise up to around the ISO 1000 mark.

For the price though, I doubt there's anything else that would come close.

Have fun, and enjoy the D90... you'll love it :D

PS: Ken, could you let me know what the fastest f-stop is at the 300mm mark?
 
Had the Canon and Nikon versions and both fantastic bang for your cash. Used the D90 with it too. The AF on the D90 clearly isn't D700 standard and so you really need to ensure you have a good focus on the subject. Also, the OS isn't that fast but is effective if you let it settle. A lot of less than optimum shots with this lens likely due to not paying attention to your basic shooting techniques. Compared to the likes of 300mm 2.8 VR, which I used on my D700 for my last safari, the Sigma is certainly less sharp and lacks vibrancy in colour and depth of contrast, but a tad of processing and reduced to A4 or 6x4 and really it's hard to see much difference across the two. Well recommended. Will do a great job on safari because more often than not you need length. Just make sure you keep it steady as a rock: bean-bag, engine off, relax and breath carefully as you shoot. Makes all the difference shooting at 500mm! Also, on safari, just stick it in f8, OS on and use ISO to get your necessary shutter speed. The best light is early-ish morning, say 7.30-9.30 and late-ish afternoon and I tend to shoot at those times only. Too harsh otherwise and shows in your shots. Plenty of good light so you forget being 'slow'. Silverstone, I can't comment.
 
The Nikon D90 and Sigma 150-500 make a good combination. The lens seems to get much better the more you learn about it and which setting best suit your particular needs. I've been using one mainly for birds and although it's heavy hand held, the OS system makes a big difference.

There is another thread on here with a similar question and I think there are some good motorsport shots in the thread: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=216942
 
D_Ninety said:
A lot of posts suggest there are some QC issues with Sigma, so it may be better to try the actual lens you want, although that would mean two things... buying from the high street and, probably paying a little more.

f6.3 isn't exactly super fast so you'll be needing to boost the ISO in anything but the brightest light when you're at the 500mm mark, but then the D90 is good with noise up to around the ISO 1000 mark.

For the price though, I doubt there's anything else that would come close.

Have fun, and enjoy the D90... you'll love it :D

PS: Ken, could you let me know what the fastest f-stop is at the 300mm mark?
Click to expand...

A d90 can produce relatively noise free images up to and including ISO 1600, providing the exposure is correct.
 
Graham00 said:
You'll find One Stop Digital are cheaper than £700 at somewhere like Warehouse Express, £628 to be exact and you have to pay around £15 to FedEx for import duty/delivery from China.
So you looking at saving around £50 !
Click to expand...


Sigma have a very tight policy about non UK bought lenses. It's worth thinking twice before getting one from outside the UK.

Although an original Sigma lens I bought was from a genuine UK dealer (Amazon UK) it originated from Germany and Sigma, during a telephone conversation stated quite firmly they wouldn't under any circumstances honour the warranty.

You need to think if the savings on the lens will cover any possible problems that occur later.
 
Hi have sigma with Nikon D300 intresting to hear the quality issue yes good lens but have had probs with it may be worth trying before you buy
 
Thanks for all of the replies and advice - it's really appreciated.

I picked up my D90 at the weekend and will be having a play over the next couple of weeks to get used to the various settings and what it requires of me to get good photos.

I have also borrowed a couple of "Magic Lantern" DVD's from a friend (D90 and guide to good photos) to help me with the transition to DSLR cameras.

RE the Sigma - my local Jessops have said they can order one in for me to have a look at etc., with no obligation. I may take them up on that offer. :)
 
WideEyedFox said:
RE the Sigma - my local Jessops have said they can order one in for me to have a look at etc., with no obligation. I may take them up on that offer. :)
Click to expand...

You need to do a search on the relationship Jessops appear to have with Sigma :suspect:

It's good that they are happy to order one for you with no obligation, although people have actually paid up front for Sigma stuff with Jessops and never received anything, having to cancel their order and get a refund.

I'm all for supporting the high street (bought my 35mm from Jessops just last Thursday), but I'd keep a close eye on them if you do order one.

Keep us posted :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top