Sigma/N APO 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG HSM

ChrisMClark · 18 Apr 2011

AKA 'The Bigma'...

Is it too big to handhold? I'm considering hiring it for a trip to Marwell but don't have a tripod (nor am I interested in buying one :lol:

) to mount it on.

Buggerlugs · 18 Apr 2011

ChrisMClark said:
AKA 'The Bigma'...

Is it too big to handhold? I'm considering hiring it for a trip to Marwell but don't have a tripod (nor am I interested in buying one ) to mount it on.

Yes. It's not the length, it's the bloody weight of the thing

I'm 5' 11" and built like a brick sh...ok, actually I'm fat :lol:

but trying to hold it steady is a major mission, it waves around like a manic python, so unless you have enough light to be hitting 1/500 min, then at least get a monopod which is what I done.

Mike.P · 18 Apr 2011

Used mine at Marwell a couple of years ago hand held.
I don't particularly find it a problem and will be taking it when I go back this year.

Golden lion tamarin monkey by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr

Pigmy hippopotamus by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr

scottthehat · 18 Apr 2011

should be no probs, i carry mine most places.
just a few different pics.

ChrisMClark · 18 Apr 2011

Cheers guys, some cracking pictures there. Just remembered I have a tripod at work I can borrow, so may well hire if for longer than I need and have a play before I go to Marwell. At least then I can decide if I need one or not!

Graham00 · 18 Apr 2011

Has it not got OS ? that should help no end it's very effective.

Mike.P · 18 Apr 2011

Graham00 said:
Has it not got OS ? that should help no end it's very effective.

The new one does, the old one does not.

The 150-500mm does.

micloi · 18 Apr 2011

It is hand-holdable if there is enough light to keep high shutter speeds.

I do not find it too heavy but I did hand hold the 400mm 2.8 for a minute or two at a time.

draiman · 18 Apr 2011

Yeah, it's not too heavy, but tricky at the long end to handhold. Obviously best off to use a tripod or monopod to stabilise yourself if at all possible.

Perfectly able to get decent shots though as shown in this thread.

artyman · 18 Apr 2011

You could always try the old trick of a piece of string around the lens wit the other placed under your foot, press against the tension to help stabilise the lens, cheap portable and effective.

ChrisMClark · 19 Apr 2011

artyman said:
You could always try the old trick of a piece of string around the lens wit the other placed under your foot, press against the tension to help stabilise the lens, cheap portable and effective.

I was thinking about attaching a screw-thread to the top of my wifes head, and there you have it: The Wife-o-pod!

joker2006 · 19 Apr 2011

I held the 150-500 all day in valencia and to be honest it wasn't that bad.

A monopod does make it a whole load easier sometimes

draiman · 19 Apr 2011

joker2006 said:
I held the 150-500 all day in valencia and to be honest it wasn't that bad.

A monopod does make it a whole load easier sometimes

I didn't find the 50-500 that heavy and I've heard that the 150-500 is very similar, the issue being as soon as it starts to feel a bit heavy the 150-500 has OS, whilst you've none on the bigma.