Sigma 150-600mm Sports Series Shipping and Lens Review

[Plainsman]

Re: Sigma 150-600mm Sports Shipping and Lens Review

Interesting looking at the lenstip reviews with their MTF50 lpmm charts.

At the centre @ 600/8 the Sigma S is (well??) ahead of the Tamron also @ 600/8 (38 to 36 on the charts)

But the Tamron @ 600/8 is however very slightly ahead of the Canon 100-400 @ 400/5.6. i.e. not the significant fall off indicated by Lens Rentals.

The lenstip tests have been carried with different cameras but they say that sensor densities are approx same so should not impact the result. I haven't checked that out.

Also of interest the ephotozone bar charts indicate that the Tamron @ 600/8 holds up very well in line with lens tip.

So the Tamron @ 600/8 is maybe better than some make out but as expected the Sigma S is the winner @ 600.

 

[fragilesi]

Re: Sigma 150-600mm Sports Shipping and Lens Review

I suspect anyone employed by a company like Canon or Sigma who simply shipped a random sample to an important reviewer would be on a CV writing course pretty soon after that.

It's almost surreal to suggest they don't do additional checking on the copies that they ship out.

 

[Chapman Baxter]

Re: Sigma 150-600mm Sports Shipping and Lens Review

Probably because it was one that fully met their internal specifications. A $2,000 lens is not going to match a $12.000 one, it will be a compromise.


Contrary to those who seem to believe that a huge company with rooms full of lens testing equipment don't know how to test a lens in a short period of time, I can tell you that its possible.

Lenses are constrained by their design, so its not possible to pick one that's better than the design, all that is necessary is to give a 2nd look and make sure it meets the design specifications, and is not a dud. Failing to do this would be pretty stupid.

Virtually every lens tester refuses to accept lenses from a manufacturer for their testing, and rents, buys, or borrows from a dealer. Lenstip also often borrows lenses from dealers.

I've been in the industry for 30+ years, and have seen many carefully prepared samples submitted to my lab from manufacturers, and then seen the real product. That's why we always grabbed random parts from incoming lots and gave them a careful testing.

This is presumably equally true of Canon as it is of any other manufacturer. All I know is that I've been using Sigma lenses for my purposes an awful lot more in the last two years.

 

[cycleraw]

Re: Sigma 150-600mm Sports Shipping and Lens Review

Got my lens Friday (from B&H) and have only had time to play with it on the back porch but here are my initial thoughts. Camera used 1D Mark IV.

Pros:
a) Build quality looks and feels very good.
b) Sharp, good contrast, colors. (much better than the Sigma 50-500mm I use to own)
c) From my naked eye, appears to be sharp thru the entire zoom range.
d) Handled my Canon 1.4x III pretty well and not to bad with Canon 2x III.
e) I have not made any AMFA adjustments in camera or with Sigma dock and focus looks to be right on. Much better than when I first used my 50mm Art.

Cons:
a) If the lens is set at a focus distance which is greatly different than your subject it won't even try and focus. Doesn't even focus search. I need to rotate the focus ring manually to a distance close to my subject before it will auto focus. But then does focus and locks onto subject quickly.
b) Too big and heavy to handhold, at least for more than a few shots.
c) When using my Canon 1.4x III, it will sometimes not focus but sometimes it does pretty well. At 600mm with the 1 stop loss from using the 1.4x it's now f9. Of course no auto focus with 2x.

I spoiled myself this past summer and rented a Canon 600mm L4 II and that would be my dream lens but at $12k it's out of reach. This is 1/6th the cost and optically so far it looks good but has the focus issues.

I'll try and post some images when I get time to give it a through test.

 

[Steve]

Re: Sigma 150-600mm Sports Shipping and Lens Review

Cons:
a) If the lens is set at a focus distance which is greatly different than your subject it won't even try and focus. Doesn't even focus search. I need to rotate the focus ring manually to a distance close to my subject before it will auto focus. But then does focus and locks onto subject quickly.

Dumb question but are you sure you don't have focus search turned off on your 1D4? I managed to turn that off by accident one time and nearly lost my mind thinking I broke my lens. Also, you'll get used to the weight - my 300 2.8 weighs the same and I hand hold that almost exclusively.

 

[cycleraw]

Re: Sigma 150-600mm Sports Shipping and Lens Review

Steve, good call. I just checked and focus search was turned off. Thanks!!!

 

[docsmith]

Re: Sigma 150-600mm Sports Shipping and Lens Review

I'll try and post some images when I get time to give it a through test.

Thanks and your continued impressions would be great. I have the 150-600S preordered and am not, of course, wondering if the 100-400L II plus 1.4x tc would be better. Right now I am going with the "native lens is always better than one with an extender" adage.

 

[apacheebest]

Just came across this Video on AutoFocus TEST

Link Here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqtkYBsCy-A

Happy Viewing

 

[apacheebest]

Also a Video of AutoFocus Comparision Between Sigma and Tamron.

Link here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56EPStD3ySE

Happy Viewing

 

[AlanF]

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/54694447

OK, I know it's versus a Nikon, but even so: the Sigma 150-600 at 600mm easily beats the Nikon 300/2.8 + 2xTC!

Looking at the Sigma's superb MTFs measured by lenstip on a 5DIII, I can believe that. If only it wasn't so heavy, it seems a remarkable lens.

ps more detailed in http://nikonrumors.com/2014/11/09/sigma-150-600mm-f5-6-3-dg-os-hsm-sports-lens-review.aspx/

 

[docsmith]

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/54694447

OK, I know it's versus a Nikon, but even so: the Sigma 150-600 at 600mm easily beats the Nikon 300/2.8 + 2xTC!

Looking at the Sigma's superb MTFs measured by lenstip on a 5DIII, I can believe that. If only it wasn't so heavy, it seems a remarkable lens.

ps more detailed in http://nikonrumors.com/2014/11/09/sigma-150-600mm-f5-6-3-dg-os-hsm-sports-lens-review.aspx/

They also noticed some focus breathing...I am hoping at longer distances, this will not be much of an issue. That is one item I am watching (I have not yet canceled my pre-order).

Also, I know it is heavy, but the way I look at it:
EF 300 f/2.8 plus 2x TC with hood: 100 oz
150-600S: 101 oz

Bottom line...to get to 600 mm, you will be carrying some weight. That does make the Tamron and, assuming here, the 150-600C, remarkable.

 

[AlanF]

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/54694447

OK, I know it's versus a Nikon, but even so: the Sigma 150-600 at 600mm easily beats the Nikon 300/2.8 + 2xTC!

Looking at the Sigma's superb MTFs measured by lenstip on a 5DIII, I can believe that. If only it wasn't so heavy, it seems a remarkable lens.

ps more detailed in http://nikonrumors.com/2014/11/09/sigma-150-600mm-f5-6-3-dg-os-hsm-sports-lens-review.aspx/

They also noticed some focus breathing...I am hoping at longer distances, this will not be much of an issue. That is one item I am watching (I have not yet canceled my pre-order).

Also, I know it is heavy, but the way I look at it:
EF 300 f/2.8 plus 2x TC with hood: 100 oz
150-600S: 101 oz

Bottom line...to get to 600 mm, you will be carrying some weight. That does make the Tamron and, assuming here, the 150-600C, remarkable.

The reviewer states specifically that there is focus breathing at 9 feet, and the Sigma is only on a par with the Nikon at that distance. But, at 50 feet there is insignificant breathing (as yu would expect) and the Sigma beats the Nikon.

I can't wait to see side-by-side comparisons of the new 100-400L ± 1.4xTC, Sigma 150-600 S and C, Canon 300/2.8 II + 2xTC and Tamron 150-600mm.

 

[AlanF]

Here is comparison of MTFs from Lenstip - a very useful site. Basically, the Sigma 150-600 beats the Tamron 150-600 at 300 mm and below. At 450 and 600mm, the Sigma at f/6.3 is very similar to the Tamron at f/8, and the Sigma is hardly better at f/8. So, in practice, for the long shots the Sigma gains you 0.7 stops (f/8 is my default aperture for the Tamron).

The Sigma looks remarkable at 300mm vs the incredible Canon 300/2.8 II. But, the Canon gives the same quality 3 stops faster in the centre and roars ahead going to the edges. Also, as my 300/2.8 + 2xTC beats my Tamron 150-600 at 600mm, I would now predict that it would easily do the same versus the Sigma.

 

[surapon]

Dear Teachers and Friends.
Form all the Details that Indicate = Sigma 150-600mm. is better than Tamron 150-600 mm.
My stupid question is = Do the better /sharper Lens of Sigma worth $ 1,000 US Dollars more than Tamron ( Which Better AF for all of my Canon Camerta bodies ???)
$ 1999 Sigma VS $ 1199 US Dollars of Tamron.
Thank you, Sir/ Madam.
Have a great Weekend.
Surapon.
PS. Yes, I already have Canon 600mm. / The Great Lens for Birds, But too big to carry on the small airplane= Yes, I will need smaller 600 mm. Lens soon. Yes, I use 100-400 mm L + 1.4X and 2X all of my trip, and worth it too.

 

[AlanF]

Dear Teachers and Friends.
Form all the Details that Indicate = Sigma 150-600mm. is better than Tamron 150-600 mm.
My stupid question is = Do the better /sharper Lens of Sigma worth $ 1,000 US Dollars more than Tamron ( Which Better AF for all of my Canon Camerta bodies ???)
$ 1999 Sigma VS $ 1199 US Dollars of Tamron.
Thank you, Sir/ Madam.
Have a great Weekend.
Surapon.
PS. Yes, I already have Canon 600mm. / The Great Lens for Birds, But too big to carry on the small airplane= Yes, I will need smaller 600 mm. Lens soon. Yes, I use 100-400 mm L + 1.4X and 2X all of my trip, and worth it too.

It is not the price but the weight and size:
Tamron 150-600
105.6 x 257.8 mm (unextended)
1951 g

Sigma 150-600
121 x 290.2 mm (unextended)
2860 g

The Sigma weighs 909 g = 2.00 lb more and is considerably bigger. I can easily manage 2860 g hand held, nearly the same as my Canon 300/2.8 + 2xTC. But I travel with the Tamron because it is smaller and lighter. And, I am hoping the new 100-400 II will be as good for even more convenient travel. (For a specialist safari or birding trip, I would take the best not the lightest, of course).

 

[Khufu]

Dear Teachers and Friends.
Form all the Details that Indicate = Sigma 150-600mm. is better than Tamron 150-600 mm.
My stupid question is = Do the better /sharper Lens of Sigma worth $ 1,000 US Dollars more than Tamron ( Which Better AF for all of my Canon Camerta bodies ???)
$ 1999 Sigma VS $ 1199 US Dollars of Tamron.
Thank you, Sir/ Madam.
Have a great Weekend.
Surapon.
PS. Yes, I already have Canon 600mm. / The Great Lens for Birds, But too big to carry on the small airplane= Yes, I will need smaller 600 mm. Lens soon. Yes, I use 100-400 mm L + 1.4X and 2X all of my trip, and worth it too.

Don't forget that Sigma have the >600mm CONTEMPORARY edition of the lens on its way! It's shorter, it's narrower and no doubt lighter (the dimensions' specs are available online, though the weight is yet to be announced)

Sigma have apparently said it's not going to be a great difference in image quality - though it lacks the sturdier (heavier) build and advanced weather-sealing of the SPORTS version.

Personally, I'm very excited to see how the CONTEMPORARY version measures up and having never had problems with my 400mm f/5.6L and its apparent "poor weather sealing" (I aaalways have neoprene camoflage covers on the lens) I think the >600mm C and a nice set of neoprene covers (custom if necessary) might just be the lens for me

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/product/150-600mm-f5-63-dg-os-hsm-c - Official Contemporary Specs
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/product/150-600mm-f5-63-dg-os-hsm-s - Official Sports Specs

So that's 4.8" x 11.4" Vs 4.1" x 10.2"

...and .1" longer in "lugging mode" than the 400mm f/5.6L - I can deal with that

Lest we forget - our greatest lenses are the ones which DON'T stay at home

Who's joining me in Sigma 600mm C excitability?!!

EDIT: PS. I've seen ONE online retailer claim this lens was to be around £1099, so I reckon this may well be in direct competition-obliterating competition with the Tamron, in regards to price et al!

 

[Plainsman]

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/54694447

OK, I know it's versus a Nikon, but even so: the Sigma 150-600 at 600mm easily beats the Nikon 300/2.8 + 2xTC!

Looking at the Sigma's superb MTFs measured by lenstip on a 5DIII, I can believe that. If only it wasn't so heavy, it seems a remarkable lens.

ps more detailed in http://nikonrumors.com/2014/11/09/sigma-150-600mm-f5-6-3-dg-os-hsm-sports-lens-review.aspx/

They also noticed some focus breathing...I am hoping at longer distances, this will not be much of an issue. That is one item I am watching (I have not yet canceled my pre-order).

Also, I know it is heavy, but the way I look at it:
EF 300 f/2.8 plus 2x TC with hood: 100 oz
150-600S: 101 oz

Bottom line...to get to 600 mm, you will be carrying some weight. That does make the Tamron and, assuming here, the 150-600C, remarkable.

The reviewer states specifically that there is focus breathing at 9 feet, and the Sigma is only on a par with the Nikon at that distance. But, at 50 feet there is insignificant breathing (as yu would expect) and the Sigma beats the Nikon.

I can't wait to see side-by-side comparisons of the new 100-400L ± 1.4xTC, Sigma 150-600 S and C, Canon 300/2.8 II + 2xTC and Tamron 150-600mm.

Actually it said at 40ft and 600/6.3 it is razor sharp i.e. a huge improvement from the close focus (9ft) readings. So extrapolating beyond 40ft this could be an exceptionally sharp lens for mid/long distance photography BIF, aircraft etc. Hope so!

So reviewers please try and check this lens out at more realistic distances.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Evaluation with SIGMA’s own MTF measuring system “A1”

We used to measure lens performance with an MTF measuring system using conventional sensors. However, we’ve now developed our own proprietary MTF (modulation transfer function) measuring system (A1) using 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors. Even previously undetectable high-frequency details are now within the scope of our quality control inspections. The SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM will all be checked using this “A1” before they are shipped.



http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/new/new_topic.php?id=453

 

[canon1dxman]

It is not the price but the weight and size:
Tamron 150-600
105.6 x 257.8 mm (unextended)
1951 g

Sigma 150-600
121 x 290.2 mm (unextended)
2860 g

The Sigma weighs 909 g = 2.00 lb more and is considerably bigger. I can easily manage 2860 g hand held, nearly the same as my Canon 300/2.8 + 2xTC. But I travel with the Tamron because it is smaller and lighter. And, I am hoping the new 100-400 II will be as good for even more convenient travel. (For a specialist safari or birding trip, I would take the best not the lightest, of course).

Agreed. That's why I got rid of the 120-300 Sport. Lovely lens but just too bulky for the shoots I needed it for. Tried he Tamron and like it, apart from the focus breathing but the new 100-400 is looking like it's going to be in the bag in a few weeks.

 

[AlanF]

Don't forget that Sigma have the >600mm CONTEMPORARY edition of the lens on its way! It's shorter, it's narrower and no doubt lighter (the dimensions' specs are available online, though the weight is yet to be announced)

Sigma have apparently said it's not going to be a great difference in image quality - though it lacks the sturdier (heavier) build and advanced weather-sealing of the SPORTS version.

Personally, I'm very excited to see how the CONTEMPORARY version measures up and having never had problems with my 400mm f/5.6L and its apparent "poor weather sealing" (I aaalways have neoprene camoflage covers on the lens) I think the >600mm C and a nice set of neoprene covers (custom if necessary) might just be the lens for me

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/product/150-600mm-f5-63-dg-os-hsm-c - Official Contemporary Specs
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/product/150-600mm-f5-63-dg-os-hsm-s - Official Sports Specs

So that's 4.8" x 11.4" Vs 4.1" x 10.2"

...and .1" longer in "lugging mode" than the 400mm f/5.6L - I can deal with that

Lest we forget - our greatest lenses are the ones which DON'T stay at home

Who's joining me in Sigma 600mm C excitability?!!

EDIT: PS. I've seen ONE online retailer claim this lens was to be around £1099, so I reckon this may well be in direct competition-obliterating competition with the Tamron, in regards to price et al!

If the Contemporary is going to be on a par with the Sports, not many would buy the far more expensive and monster Sports because of its sturdier build. So the C will be in "direct competition-obliterating competition with the" S!