I'm looking at a Sigma 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 APO-Aspherical lens for Canon AF.
Can anyone expand on what APO-Aspherical means in terms of quality and difference from other lenses. I know for sure that I can't pay for flying lessons and pay for a $1600 lens (not to mention I gave up about $900/$1400 for my camera itself [and a 75-300mm canon lens]) at the same time so I'm looking for other brands that would provide reasonable quality while at the same time not putting too big of a dent in my wallet.
I know most if not all Aviation Photography posters are probably all board to death with my constant asking of lens help but I'm new and looking for help and can't seem to find any better help. If anyone who is/was stuck in the same situation (can't afford the highest quality lens) as me can you please tell of what you did or of other solutions that you know of it would help me greatly.
Thanks again for all if any help!
UA777222
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RE: Sigma Lens Help
from www.sigmaphoto.com
Q: What are APO lenses?
A: Apochromatic lenses are telephoto and telezoom type lenses which use special optical designs and optical materials (SLD or ELD glass) to improve their performance. The result is images which have greater contrast, sharpness and color definition than a comparable non-APO type lens . All Sigma apochromatic lenses are identified by the APO designation in their descriptions. Please see the Lens Chart for this and other specific lens information.
Do some searching, try dpreview or Fred Miranda to see what others are saying about this lens.
Q: What are APO lenses?
A: Apochromatic lenses are telephoto and telezoom type lenses which use special optical designs and optical materials (SLD or ELD glass) to improve their performance. The result is images which have greater contrast, sharpness and color definition than a comparable non-APO type lens . All Sigma apochromatic lenses are identified by the APO designation in their descriptions. Please see the Lens Chart for this and other specific lens information.
Do some searching, try dpreview or Fred Miranda to see what others are saying about this lens.
RE: Sigma Lens Help
Hey Matt,
how much are you willing to give out for a lens......the price range is really the deciding factor!
Regards,
-Omar S.
how much are you willing to give out for a lens......the price range is really the deciding factor!
Regards,
-Omar S.
Never tell your girlfriend about all the 'action' you're getting at the airport - only photogs understand that.
RE: Sigma Lens Help
I was in the same situation as you half a year ago.
I have been searching for a reasonably priced telephoto lens for months!
Is 300mm enough??
IS yes/no??
Canon, Sigma or Tamron??
70-200mm plus teleconverter??
But then I found this wonderful lens.
A Sigma 135-400 for 400€
I use it on a Canon 300D since June and I'm very happy with it.
The quality of the pictures is very good!
Here are some examples taken with a Sigma 135-400
HBFly
I have been searching for a reasonably priced telephoto lens for months!
Is 300mm enough??
IS yes/no??
Canon, Sigma or Tamron??
70-200mm plus teleconverter??
But then I found this wonderful lens.
A Sigma 135-400 for 400€
I use it on a Canon 300D since June and I'm very happy with it.
The quality of the pictures is very good!
Here are some examples taken with a Sigma 135-400
 Photo © Bernhard Dallner |  Photo © Bernhard Dallner |
 Photo © Bernhard Dallner |  Photo © Bernhard Dallner |
HBFly
Bernhard Dallner -- Salzburg - W.A. Mozart (SZG / LOWS) -- Canon EOS 300D
RE: Sigma Lens Help
I want to pay no more than about $600 without tax for a 400mm lens. Before you all come out and scream that that's too little and that I won't find much for my buck, I am willing to wait about 6months to save up for a Canon 400mm lens. Now that someone is willing to say something about the Sigma 135-400mm lens I'm really tempted to steer in that direction. Any more feedback on the Sigma lens would be FANTASTIC! Should I go used? If so where can you find a used 400mm lens. I've looked at all my local places and they don't even carry 400mm lenses.
Thanks again for all of your help!
Ua777222
Thanks again for all of your help!
Ua777222
"It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark."
RE: Sigma Lens Help
I can't be very positive about the 135-400 Ua777222.
Optically it is ok but the auto focus is very very slow.
Also you need enough light around otherwise it won't lock at all.
For about 600$ i am sure you can pick up something very nice on the used market which is what i would do.
Best of luck,
Willem
Optically it is ok but the auto focus is very very slow.
Also you need enough light around otherwise it won't lock at all.
For about 600$ i am sure you can pick up something very nice on the used market which is what i would do.
Best of luck,
Willem
The truth lives in one’s mind, it doesn’t really exist
RE: Sigma Lens Help
Where do you suggest I find a used lens? I can't seem to find a 400mm used lens around here (East Bay Area). Can someone please help me with finding used lenses. Do I look on the web or find mom and pop shops?
Thanks again Willem,
UA777222
Thanks again Willem,
UA777222
"It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark."
RE: Sigma Lens Help
I am not familiar with second hand stuff in your country UA777222.
Visited B&H but did not find much but surely there must be lots available in a country big as yours.
Visited B&H but did not find much but surely there must be lots available in a country big as yours.
The truth lives in one’s mind, it doesn’t really exist
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