Sigma APO 500mm 4.5 EX HSM

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Nature Man

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Do any members have any practical experience with this lens. Is it an acceptible, affordable alternative to the Nikon 500mm. Thanks for your input.
 
I don’t own one but I’ve shot with the Sigma 500mm f/4.5 and I thought it was a great lens with fast AF and very sharp. It’s a bit slower wide open than the big f/4 lenses but it’s smaller, lighter and less expensive as well.

Personally I think it’s a great and cost effective alternative to the Nikon 500mm f/4.

These days the toss up is whether to go with the Sigma 500mm f/4.5 or the Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF lens. I guess if you got a screaming deal on the Sigma it would make sense as it does collect 2/3 of a stop more light and makes subject isolation a bit easier and should take a teleconverter better (I didn't try that combo) but the retail price is higher than the 500mm PF and it's bigger and heavier than Nikon's PF lens.

I'd strongly consider a good used copy if the price was right especially for someone moving into longer glass on a budget. But at retail pricing I'd probably lean towards the 500mm PF if the Nikon 500mm f/4 isn't in the budget.
 
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I don’t own one but I’ve shot with the Sigma 500mm f/4.5 and I thought it was a great lens with fast AF and very sharp. It’s a bit slower wide open than the big f/4 lenses but it’s smaller, lighter and less expensive as well.

Personally I think it’s a great and cost effective alternative to the Nikon 500mm f/4.

These days the toss up is whether to go with the Sigma 500mm f/4.5 or the Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF lens. I guess if you got a screaming deal on the Sigma it would make sense it does collect 2/3 of a stop more light and makes subject isolation a bit easier and should take a teleconverter better (I didn't try that combo) but at least the retail price is higher than the 500mm PF and it's bigger and heavier than Nikon's PF lens.

I'd strongly consider a good used copy if the price was right especially for someone moving into longer glass on a budget. But at retail pricing I'd probably lean towards the 500mm PF if the Nikon 500mm f/4 isn't in the budget.
Thanks DRwyoming, that's good information.
 
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