Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG AF Lens for Pentax AF

Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG AF Lens for Pentax AF:

This is a great lens. Though a bit on the heavy side, so a tripod is highly recommended. Pictures are blurry when I try to hold the camera and lens as I can't hold it steady enough when on full telephoto. Benn looking for a telephoto lens for a couple of years and am very happy with this purchase.

Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG AF Lens for Pentax AF:

I've had this lens for about 4 days and have given it a lot of use. With my Pentax K7 I've photographed birds in the back yard and waterfowl from at least 1/2 mile away. In all cases the images have been clear and well focused. I've used a tripod with most images but for the shorter distances it's possible to hand hold if some arm support is used.

I've noticed no vignetting and the colors are bright and accurate. Occasionally it hunts for focus even in good light.

I'm impressed with the rugged construction and the quality of the images. I highly recommend this lens.

Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG AF Lens for Pentax AF:

Great to have a zoom range of 50 to 500mm in one lense. Best used on a tripod but the lense bracket allows easier hand holding. Also, lense bracket allows lens to be rotated without changing tripod setting. Appears to be well built and results have been great. Only negative so far is the weight.

Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG AF Lens for Pentax AF:

This lens works great with my 35mm Pentax & my digital Pentax camera body.

Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG AF Lens for Pentax AF:

This is not a hand held lens at 500mm but use it on a monopod when shooting wildlife from the back of a vehicle and you will not be disappointed. In low light situations you would need to push the ISO settings.It is heavy but I would expect nothing less froma lens of this size.[...]

Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG AF Lens for Pentax AF:

I purchased this lens particularly for wildlife photography. The lens works very well with my Pentax K100D SLR camera. Although it is heavy, the purpose for which I use it I am usually in a vehicle or can use it on a tripod. It is not a lens to go on a hike with due to its weight.

Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG AF Lens for Pentax AF:

I use this product to take photos of birds. I have been happy with those not in flight. Although heavy this was known before purchasing and is not a problem for me. I am using on a Pentax K200D.

Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG AF Lens for Pentax AF:

Yes it is heavy but WOW, the photographs you can take! Lets face it, if you are serious and are going to be using a telephoto lens of this power, you will need to use a tripod anyway. I found the lens is not too heavy to work with. I would much rather have equipment well constructed and weigh more than to have something fail in the field. I am very happy with this lens.

Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG AF Lens for Pentax AF:

Very versatile long-range lens. Takes great pics if there's plenty of light. Multiple trips hiking in the jungle have left me disappointed because of the dark images and the pain in my back from lugging that heavy beast in my pack. I probably wouldn't buy it if I had it to do over again because of that. But if you need 500mm and will have good light, it does take really good pics for the price.

Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG AF Lens for Pentax AF:

This lens is great for wildlife but way too slow for fast action sports. Had some good success with handheld at 500mm (sounds unlikely I know)but the shots were sharp. You get used to the weight after a while but the best photos require a mono or tripod. Got some great full moon shots with the Sigma 2x Teleconverter attached with a 20 second exposure at full aperture (F9 on a Pentax K10) but you need to get out of the city. If you need a long lens with zoom at a reasonable price, you can't buy better than this!!

Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG AF Lens for Pentax AF:

...And that is, it is a heavy beast.Make your life easier, buy a good tripod.Can be handheld, but aches will result if you're at it all day.Plenty sharp once stopped down a little, but it is a slowlens so be prepared to jack the ISO up- not a problem reallywith the K10.The ducklings were at ISO 1,000, f/7.1 - 10, 1/1250 - 2000shutter, not a problem at all.Bokeh is pleasant, nice colors and contrast, convenient zoomlocking feature & tripod collar.If you need long and you need it cheap, this is a great buy.

Problems Encountered: Just the weight.

Items I Recommend: Bogen / Manfrotto 3221WN Tripod w/ 488RC2 Midi Ball Head

Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG AF Lens for Pentax AF:

This is a nice sharp lens for a zoom. Not as sharp at 500 mm as a good 500 mm prime, but great considering it's 1/3 of the price. This and the Sigma 170-500 are pretty much the only autofocus options at 500mm. Pentax doesn't have an equivalent autofocus supertelezoom at 500mm. There was the FA600f4, but that's out of production.

Problems Encountered: It's heavy, that's why it's nickname is the Bigma. I can hand hold this with reasonable results on my K10D with its built-in shake reduction, but not for long. If your camera doesn't have built in shake reduction, you're going to need a monopod at a minimum or, better yet, a tripod. Also, it's kind of a slow lens at 500mm. This is a daylight only lens because of the relatively slow shutter speeds at lower light levels. I use it for birding, and I have to use my flash with a flash extender (Better Beamer) to get enough light on birds in the tree canopy.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Sigma 170-500mm

Items I Recommend: Monopod, a tripod (better yet) with a good mount like the Bogen 3421

Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG AF Lens for Pentax AF:

This is an excellent lens. Obviously, you look at this lens for the 500mm reach, but this lens performs well at shorter focal lengths, making it a very versatile choice. The colors and contrast are very nice, and the bokeh is smooth.The lens is large, but handholding it is possible with good technique. I brace my elbow into my side and hold the (removable) tripod mount. Along with the shake reduction built into the Pentax K100D, I can get good steady shots a majority of the time. Of course, to get the best shots, you'll want to use a tripod, and the tripod collar really helps here.The lens isn't the fastest lens out there, but for the money, it's great for outdoor shots. Also, the maximum aperture of f/6.3 at 500mm (actually f/6.7 on Pentax, don't know about the others) does a good job of isolating the subject against a smooth, out of focus background.The lens has a lock that keeps the zoom from creeping out. It's well made, and functions smoothly, as you would expect from a lens costing this much.Do a search on Flickr for Sigma 50-500 and Sigma and you'll find some great examples of shots taken with this lens. For wildlife, this is a great choice. I previously had the Sigma 135-400 and this lens is in another league compared to that lens. Highly recommended!

Problems Encountered: None so far.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Sigma 135-400

Items I Recommend: good tripod