Airliners.net

I have a Sigma 50-500 and its a great lens. However, it has been plagued with problems, I had to have it stripped down as a screw fell out of the back of the lock and wedged into the barrel and it has never been the same since with several problems. Now the AF has stopped working and Im not willing to throw any more money into it.

While it seems its strong and sturdy, it really does not seem to be designed for daily use that I give it. But the versatility of that focal length with the quality of images, it has become indispensable to me and would like a another, just the newer model with the OS.

I cant afford to buy new, but there seems little available second hand at a reasonable price, the 50-500 seems to carry a premium of $4-500 over the 150-500, of which I have found several locally in the $650-750 range.

The 150 is too wide really for the conditions at my local airport, but I have an 18-200 too which I can also (reluctantly) use (unless right up close the image quality is night and day from the Bigma). I then saw on ebay 150-600's for sale at a similar price to the 150-500. If I am going to disadvantage myself starting at 150, I figure I might as well gain an extra 100, so the question is - do you really and has anyone had any experience with that lens?

As an aside, is it OK buying something like that on ebay? The origin of most seems to be Japan or Korea (I am in Canada).

I can't advice on Sigma 150-600, but I own 50-500 and now use Tamron 150-600. As much as I miss 50-150 range of Bigma, I will newer come back because of superior optical quality of the new lens and because of stabilization. Even if it's useless at moving planes, it's makes HUGE difference on standing and taxiing ones. However it is highly affected with the body you use - from your reference to 18-200 it seems you own some crop camera?

I have just upgraded from the Sigma 150-500 and I have to say I am very happy with my initial results. AF is quicker and quieter and my images are noticeably sharper.

There is a huge diferrence between sport and conteporary versions. Also for the pocket. Friend of mine tested most expensive (sport) one and said that there is nothing better for this price.

I've been using the Contemporary version for about 6 months. Absolutely love it. I see no reason why you would by the S version (other than if you where predominately shooting outside in the wet, or if someone else was paying!).

Sigma 150-600 Contemporary Examples. (by OutWestMatt Aug 17 2015 in Aviation Photography)

Cheers

Steve

Quoting gabik001 (Reply 3): Friend of mine tested most expensive (sport) one and said that there is nothing better for this price.

I heard opinion that optically Sport is on par with Tamron and Contemporary is slightly behind. However, stabilization is much better at Sigma.

Hello Vernon,
I had Sigma 150-600mm contemporary version for my Nikon.
Optically this lens is fine but I was not 100% happy with image stabilizer on it.
Perhaps it was my particular lens only.
I sold it.
Can't comment on ebay because I never bought lens there.

Brgds, Yerbol