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Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF

  • Price: $1,069.00
  • B&H # SI150500N
  • Mfr# 737306

Product Highlights

  • Zoom Super Telephoto
  • Compatible w/Sigma APO Teleconverters

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This Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Lens is an ultra telephoto zoom lens ideal for nature, wildlife, or sports photography. This zoom range translates into an equivalent range of 225-750mm when used with a Nikon DX digital SLR camera with an APS-C size sensor.

The OS (Optical Stabilizer) system minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed 3-4 stops faster. This allows handheld telephoto zoom shooting even in poorly lit conditions.

The use of the OS (Optical Stabilizer) system, HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), APO apochromatic design, three elements of SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass, and multicoated optics all enable this lens to provide a high level of performance throughout its entire zoom range, as well as versatility. A rear focus system insures quick, convenient manual focus and a non-rotating front barrel.

The improved DG lens design corrects for various aberrations. This lens is specially coated to get the best color balance, while cutting down on ghosting caused by reflections from the digital image sensor. The lens provides the utmost correction against lateral chromatic aberration, which is a serious problem for digital SLR cameras.

By adding the optional Sigma APO teleconverter, you can use this lens as a 210-700mm f/7-9 manual focus ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a 1.4X EX teleconverter, or as a 300-1000mm f/10-13 manual focus ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a 2X teleconverter.

Note! HSM lenses, while able to manually focus with all Nikon F-mount cameras, will not autofocus with certain older film AF cameras. This is the same limitation as with Nikon's own AF-S lenses. Incompatible models are: N60, N55, N8008/s, N6006, N5005, N4004 & N2020.

The OS system uses two sensors inside the lens to detect vertical and horizontal movement of the camera. It works by moving an optical image stabilizing lens group, to effectively compensate for camera shake. It automatically detects movement of the camera and compensates for camera shake when shooting a moving subject such as motor sports.
The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) system ensures quiet and high-speed auto focusing with full time manual focus override.
Three Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements provide excellent correction for chromatic aberration.
Super Multi Layer (SML) coating reduces ghost and flare.
Performance
Focal Length 150 - 500 mm
Comparable DX Focal Length: 225 - 750 mm
Aperture Maximum: f/5 - 6.3
Minimum: f/22
Camera Mount Type Nikon F
Format Compatibility Nikon FX/35mm Film
Nikon DX
Angle of View 16.4° - 5°
Minimum Focus Distance 7.22' (2.20 m)
Magnification 0.19x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:5.2
Groups/Elements 15/21
Diaphragm Blades 9
Features
Image Stabilization Yes
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar Yes
Physical
Filter Thread 86 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 3.7 x 9.9" (9.40 x 25.15 cm)
Weight 4.19 lb (1.90 kg)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF
 
4.4

(based on 145 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (64)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (70)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (10)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

97%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (120)
  • Strong construction (88)
  • Consistent output (73)
  • Easily interchangeable (65)
  • Durable (53)

Cons

  • Heavy (88)
  • Lens creep (23)
  • Poor in low light (15)
  • Slow focus (10)
  • Blurry focus (3)

Best Uses

  • Wildlife photos (85)
  • Sports/action (73)
  • Wildlife (50)
  • Landscape/scenery (39)
  • General purpose (17)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (57), Enthusiast (36), Semi-pro photographer (19), Semi-professional (12), Pro photographer (10)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (51)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Extreme Walkaround Lens

Purchased this lens to get more reach than my Nikon D80/70-300mm VR combo provides for bird and wildlife photography. I've used the Sigma strictly handheld so far, and it works very well ...Read complete review

Purchased this lens to get more reach than my Nikon D80/70-300mm VR combo provides for bird and wildlife photography. I've used the Sigma strictly handheld so far, and it works very well in this capacity. Autofocus is fast (maybe even a little faster than the 70-300), and pictures are quite sharp when stepped down a stop or two.

The other option on the market to get this reach on a budget would be a Nikon 300mm f/4 with teleconverter. You would likely get better image quality and low light performance that way, but you lose the ability to zoom in and out to acquire moving targets and keep them in frame. That was the deciding factor for me.

If you're more of an explorer rather than one who has a specific location and subject in mind, go for the zoom.

Sigmas OS works exceptionally well, you can get crisp shots at 500mm handheld. The weight is significant, but if you are reasonably strong, you can hike around with it. (It will also draw attention--the finish may be stealthy, but the lens size is not!)

I also purchased the matching sigma teleconverter... with this attached you have a ~1000mm equivalent on a dx body. You lose autofocus, but the image stabilization still works, so you can get reasonable shots as long as you're skilled at focusing manually. I'm not. I got many more keepers with the teleconverter off. In my limited testing with the teleconverter I don't think I gained any detail by using it.

I haven't had a chance to shoot with this lens from a tripod (my current tripod cost around $15, so I don't entirely trust it to hold up this lens), but from all reports, the image quality is excellent (you'd turn OS off).

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Mediocre IQ but usable

The lens looked like a good value on paper and had mildly positive reviews, so I took the plunge and ordered it. Initially, I was so disappointed with its performance that I was considering...Read complete review

The lens looked like a good value on paper and had mildly positive reviews, so I took the plunge and ordered it. Initially, I was so disappointed with its performance that I was considering returning it right away. After a while I learned to live with it - I'm far from being satisfied, but the lens does have its uses and has few, if any, competitors in its price range.

The positives:
- light and relatively compact for its focal range
- fast and quiet AF in bright conditions.
- optical stabilization works great. Yes, it does make (barely audible) noises, but I don't find them distracting. Can be carefully hand-held at 500mm down to 1/100s or even 1/60 on a DX body.
- it seems relatively well constructed (does have a bit of cheap feel to it though)

The negatives:
- IQ borders on unacceptable. Wide open the lens is soft beyond belief. Around 10-11 it gets better, but even then, it's barely OK. The lens is somewhat sharper in the 150-400mm range. At 500mm it's bad no matter how much you stop it down. Contrast is mediocre as well - I find it necessary to do a lot of post-processing to make the images presentable.
- my copy suffers from significant back-focus
- viewfinder image is dark (well, that's obvious, but it is annoying if you're used to fast primes and 2.8 zooms).
- my copy has a bad zoom creep (zoom lock helps, but it only works at 150mm).
- the zoom ring has an unpleasant, gritty feel to it.
- lens hood is cheap, awkward to mount, but it serves its purpose.
- I never liked Sigma's rubbery finish - it's impossible to keep clean and (on some of my older lenses) it doesn't last very long.

If this wasn't a super-zoom with image stabilization, I would give it a 1 star rating. However, given its focal length, OS, and relatively fast AF, it lets one get shots that otherwise would not be possible and hence has some utility despite all of its shortfalls. If you have an occasional need for a super-zoom, it is a viable option assuming your expectations are realistic and you learn the lens's peculiarities. Don't expect to be able to make large prints or extreme crops using the thing. It does produce acceptable 4x6 prints though even at 500mm.

I don't do wildlife photography, but I can't fathom how it can be used for that purpose given its low IQ. It is good for shooting sports, festivals and other outdoor events under bright conditions. Even in this application we're talking only about images for the web, newsletters and such.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 145 customers

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5.0

Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO

By Chris Photo guy

from Hayden, ID

About Me Pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Consistent Output
  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Fast accurate focus
  • Great build - sturdy
  • Great zoom range
  • Rugged
  • Sharpness beyond what was
  • Strong Construction

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Lens Creep

Best Uses

  • Landscape/Scenery
  • Sports/Action
  • Wildlife Photos

Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

Our test shots with the lens reveal it to be quite sharp throughout the range especially at f/8.0. We use it for birding and for intimate landscape photos. AT the 500mm end, because of reviews I had read on the web, I had expected it to be a bit soft but it shows a sharpness that I consider to be very, very good. A happy surprise to be sure! With the right f-stop and shutter speed and ISO, this lens is very hand holdable from 150 thru 500mm. Extremely happy with the purchase.

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3.0

Auto Focus died in Africa

By neversink

from Palisades, NY

About Me Pro Photographer

Verified Reviewer

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Sharp to 400 mm

Cons

  • Auto focus died
  • Lens Creep

Best Uses

  • Landscape/Scenery
  • Sports/Action
  • Wildlife Photos

Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

I bought this lens with a bit of trepidation, but when I saw the results I was quite surprised and amazed. There is no doubt that this lens is incredibly sharp making it very versatile given the zoom. Yes the aperture minimum is f5 to f 6.3 -- so it is not a fast lens and the autofocus is better than expected. Not the fastest autofocus but not slow and usually on target.

Unfortunately, it died on me in the middle of safari in Africa and I had to manual focus the lens for the remaining three weeks. I will be sending it back to Sigma and I have read a number of other reviews here and elsewhere about the AF failing.

On the plus side, this lens is as sharp as a tack up to 400 mm and perfect at f8 to f 11. Beyond 400 mm it is a bit soft but sharpest at f8 to f11 here. Bokeh is not the prettiest, but I have dealt with worse.

On second thought I would either buy the 200-400 Nikon zoom or the nikkor 500mm f4 lens. If I didn't have the money for the above I would purchase the Nikon 80 - 400.

I use it on full frame and DX Nikon bodies. I have been a professional photographer for 30 plus years.

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  • No

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4.0

Great lens for the London 2012 Olympics.

By Felicity the Brit

from Brussels Belgium

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Strong Construction

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

  • Landscape/Scenery
  • Sports/Action
  • Wildlife Photos

Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

I have only fairly recently taken up photography as a hobby and was told about this lens at a recent workshop. I bought it because I have tickets for the London 2012 olympics next year and hope to get some great photos. To test the lens I took it up to the top of the Prudencial building in Boston. I have some amazing photos, despite very thick and rather dirty windows. I can even read the lettering on the side of a van parked on a side of a street several blocks and 50 floors down. I also used it to take photographs of a small castle in Spain which is lit up at night and have some good and clear pictures of it. There dosen't seem to be much lens distortion.
The lens is easy for a relative beginner like me to use, its' only disadvantage is its' weight, which is around 4lbs so I will need to buy a a monopod for the games and is the only reason I have given it a 4 star rating.

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  • No

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(0 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

 
3.0

No recommendation

By amateur

from Charlotte, NC

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Rugged
  • Strong Construction

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

    Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

    I used the Sigma 150-500 mm lens during about 30 minutes. I shot about 30 photos. The photo of a pigeon from a distant rooftop was unacceptable. Croping did not help it at all.The lense was heavy; it attached to the camera OK. I did not even open the extender I purchased with it.[...]; I am to place a large order.

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    • No

    Comment on this review

    (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Good value for the price

    By Grandpa Gary

    from Seattle, WA

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easily Interchangeable
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus

    Cons

    • Heavy
    • Zoom control a bit stiff

    Best Uses

    • Wildlife Photos

    Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

    I mounted this lens on my Nikon D5000 for my secondary interest in wildlife photography. My primary workhorse is a D7000 with 18-200mm for grandchildren and hiking. I am a serious amateur.

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    • No

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    3.0

    Nice photos

    By PM

    from ABQ, NM

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easily Interchangeable

    Cons

    • Heavy
    • Lens Creep
    • Unreliable in auto focus

    Best Uses

    • Wildlife Photos

    Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

    Love the lens over all. Took it on a trip to Africa. Worked in auto focus for 3 days then the rest of my 2 week trip I had to use manual focus. Did send it in to Sigma as it was under warranty. I hope it lasts longer this time .

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    • No

    Comment on this review

    (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    3.0

    AF not work well

    By Nick

    from Clive, IA

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

      Cons

      • Blurry Focus
      • Heavy
      • Lens Creep
      • Weak Casing

      Best Uses

      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

      AF does not work well with my Nikon D7000. I returned and see whether the changed one will be ok. Zoom ring is very heavy; and Lens is very heavy. I always have to use Monopod or Tripod. Manual focus works well and very sharp picture in good light condition.

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      • No

      Comment on this review

       
      4.0

      Great lens so far

      By Chris C

      from Minnesota

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Pros

      • Easily Interchangeable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus

      Cons

      • Heavy

      Best Uses

      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Sports/Action
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

      Recently purchased this lens along with a D7000.

      Primary function is bird and wildlife photography. Replaces my el cheapo 70-300mm Nikkor in that respect. It's my first Sigma lens and was concerned about reliability, time will tell if the concern is warranted. So far the lens is great. The AF is much faster and much more accurate than the little Nikkor. The Nikkor really likes to hunt around when changing subject distances, and it's very noisy. The Sigma is right on. VERY quiet and very fast. OS is amazing. It's my first stabilized lens and it works very well. I bought this instead of the Nikkor 80-400mm since it is $600 less, with more length. Also read plenty of reviews about the poor AF on the big Nikkor.

      Happy with purchase so far. The lens weighs a ton, but comes with a tripod ring with a hand grip. I am able to shoot without a support, but my arm gets tired after a while. Have ordered a monopod.

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      • No

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      4.0

      I'm very happy.

      By Kneats

      from Denver, CO

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Easily Interchangeable
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • No bad experience

      Best Uses

      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

      I wish this review would allow a picture. I show better than I tell. I've been on one photo shoot of birds. I can see their ruffled feathers in the wind. I'm talking blue birds and not huge eagles. You have to be pretty darn fast with birds. I'm taking on bears next time and I think this lens will be big enough to keep me and the animal at a safe
      distance. I'm a not young woman and the lens is heavy and my tripod is heavy, but who cares as long as the image is wonderful.

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      • No

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      4.0

      Sigma Telephoto Does It

      By Bonnie

      from New York

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Easily Interchangeable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Lightweight

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

        I photograph birds and I have very pleased with the quality I am getting photographing birds in flight. I can easily zoom in if a bird gets close. I just wish I could use my teleconverter in autofocus mode.

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        • No

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        (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        With good light, it's awesome!

        By Photopoa

        from Tanzania

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Huge Range

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

        If you just want range and pin sharp isn't essential, look at the tamaron 200-400. It's much cheaper. I enjoyed that as an entry level lens for a long time. But after 10 years of use in tropical countries, it's full of mold. I've also started taking photography more serious but couldn't spring for a many thousand dollar nikon lens so went for the sigma. I do a lot of wildlife photography so the range was essential in my choice. Over the past few days I've tested the lens and while many say it's ideal at f8 at 400mm I had excellent results at f6.3 at 500mm. So use it ALL. The key with this lens is lots of light so you can keep the speed up. Remember, a good rule of thumb is match the speed setting to the focal length so at 500mm, the shutter speed should be around 500 and that is tough without lots of light. Tweaking the ISO to a bigger number is a trick that helps... And a tripod... Although the motor on the lens is sweet and really helps with sharpness when handheld.
        Hope this helps someone.
        Photopoa

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        (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        3.0

        Quick glimpse

        By Robin Hood

        from Klerksdorp, South Africa

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easily Interchangeable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

        Gets me that photo of a distant bird I could not get before. Compared to my existing Nikon 70-300 lens, it is bulky and I could not use it as easily as I do the Nikon. One would have to set up the photo you wish to take as the lens is not as easy to maove around. But once set up on the tripod in correct area it does exactly what I hoped it would.

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        • No

        Comment on this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        Very Good!!!

        By Crau Crau

        from Sao Paulo, Brazil

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Durable
        • Easily Interchangeable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

        I have the 70-300mm from Nikkor, not the DX one, I liked it very much. Despite the rewiew of another owner of these lenses, saying that "just need to cut", I decided to buy. LUCKY ME!!! The lens are very heavy and big, and I can´t take it everywhere I go, but is very SHARP, almost like a 50mm f/1.8. Took a few pictures from butterflies with both lenses and with the 150-500mm, I could see it´s "face". The ones that I took with my 70-300 where not sharp enough. Fast and accurate autofocus, if you aim for the eye, you get the eye, even from a distance (and you get a sharp eye). 4 stars because it is difficult to use because of the weight!

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        • No

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        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        3.0

        Sharp, quick, but inconsistant contact

        By dargento

        from Seattle, WA

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Durable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

        So far, my images with this lens are high quality. Not as contrasty as expensive glass, but excellent for the $$$. My biggest problem with this lens is the poor connections of the electrical contacts. I frequently missed photos when the lens had rotated by ~ a half millimeter, so the body couldn't communicated with the lens properly.

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        • No

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        (0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        The Best

        By Ronsyk

        from Sparks, Nv.

        About Me Pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Fast / accurate auto-focus

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Sports/Action
        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

        This is not the the first one, I bought this lens 4 years ago. Wow, has time changed. when shooting wild life, this is the way to go. For the money you can't go wrong. The quality is at it's best !

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        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        4.0

        Finally a long lens

        By Chad'sCapture

        from Bolingbrook, Illinois

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Wildlife Photos

          Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

          I've been stuck using a 300mm lens for a few years now, so I finally decided to break down and get a longer lens. The price of this lens kept me from getting it earlier, but it was worth the wait.

          I've given this a 4 star only because of the slow AF. I know it has a big range to go through, so that may be the cause. But I have no problems with the weight of the lens nor its sharp results.

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          • No

          Comment on this review

          (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Incredible companion for my Nikon D70

          By Iterative

          from maple valley, washington

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Ease of Use
          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

          • Heavy

          Best Uses

          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Sports/Action
          • Wildlife Photos

          Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

          I primarily use the lens for wildlife photography especially birds. the clarity of the lens is more than I expected. I have taken shots from inside my house through windows on cloudy days that still showed incredible detail on a tiny American Goldfinch at a distance of 80 meters. Also caught a house finch in flight just after it left a nesting box. The wings were captured in mid-flight motion with tremendous detail. Focus is accurate, fast, and quiet. This is becoming my "Go To" lens for wildlife photography. I've also taken many hand held shots that came out very nice. The OS is easy to use and works as advertised. My wife particularly likes the OS as her hands shake a lot. I would have no problem recommending this lens to another photographer.

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          • No

          Comment on this review

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Great Lens ~ Great Price

          By jazzpony

          from Wichita, KS

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Durable
          • Easily Interchangeable
          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Rugged
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

          • Heavy
          • Need high ISO for low lit

          Best Uses

          • Sports/Action
          • Wildlife Photos

          Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

          I need a good lens for wildlife action shots. This lens does the trick!

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          • No

          Comment on this review

          (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          BETTER THAN EXPECTED

          By SurfShooter

          from Corona, CA

          About Me Pro Photographer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Durable
          • Easily Interchangeable
          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Rugged
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

          • Poor in Low Light

          Best Uses

          • Sports/Action
          • Wildlife Photos

          Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

          I gave this lens 5 stars because in this price range it is far better than expected. I have had it now for only about a week, but have tested it significantly and am quite happily surprised. Build quality is very good. However, the lens shade could be better, but it does the job. The included case is very nice and high quality. The OS system work very well - again better than expected. Focus speed is very good. It seems to like spot focus best. As all telephotos, there are sweet spots and best aperture seems to be between 8-11. Image resolution at 500mm is very good. Not as good as a prime or a lens costing 3 to 5 times as much, but this is one nice lens. You'll definitely want to use a UV filter on this (should use one on all lenses anyway). As many reviews have mentioned, low-light performance is not great. However, very few telephotos do well in low-light situations. Use a monopod or tripod. I also own a AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED lens and under decent scrutiny the Sigma is easily as good in image quality and build quality at about $600 less with better reach. If you're looking for a good tele without bleeding the wallet - this is it.

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          • No

          Comment on this review

          (6 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          MOST BANG FOR THE BUCK!

          By Jack

          from Phoenix, AZ

          About Me Pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Nice Bokeh
          • Rugged
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

          • Heavy

          Best Uses

          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Sports/Action
          • Wildlife Photos

          Comments about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

          I bought this to watch and snap pics of birds. Especially the 2 hawks nesting near my home. Great lens for the price!

          Have used it handheld. Very nice. Optical stabilization (O/S) works well. Best place is sitting on a tripod, though.

          With my other Nikon lenses, VR must be turned off when sitting on a tripod. Apparently, not so with the Sigma. I have left it on when on the tripod. Works fine. And you WILL need it (O/S or VR) at 200-500mm.

          Lens creep isn't too much of a problem. There is a zoom lock, too.

          Full time focus ring is a big plus. It's smooth and accurate. Easy to use, although a little close to the mounting foot.

          At f/4.0 to f/5.6, this isn't a fast lens. So it's not useful much for indoor shooting, but I have used it indoors at 150mm and f/4.0.

          If you going to buy one of these, get the optional SAGEMAX warranty. I did. It covers both repairs (after warranty period) and accidental damage (up to 3 years). With a lens this size and cost, dropping it would be a "heartbreaker". Cost was about 4% per year of the original selling price. A real bargain in today's economy.

          Comes with a beautiful, padded carrying case, lens hood, front and rear caps, and 2x carrying straps. One for the case and one for the lens.

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          What's in the Box

          Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF
          • Front & Rear Caps
          • Lens Hood
          • TS-31 Tripod Collar
          • Case
          • Strap
          • 3-Year USA Warranty
           
           
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