Reading mode: Light Dark

Zooms - the big boys

Go to last post
O

onemac

Well-known member
Messages
146
Reaction score
0
Location
LM, UK
Ok - some advice if you please. Along with the A-100 and kit lens (17-70mm) I bought the Sigma 70-300mm APO DG zoom lens. I'm after a bigger zoom and was originally looking at the Bigma. But the HSM on this lens is not designed for the Sony Alpha mount. So I'm looking at the Tamron AF 200-500mm F5-6.3 Di LD. I've heard it's sharper at the top end and can (within limitations) take a 1.4x TC.

If I chose the Bigma, would not having the HSM make much difference to autofocus speeds or do you think the Tamron is a better option? I guess the Bigma would make the 70-300 redundant but the Tamron would overlap nicely?
I'm principally into aviation photography...



Thanks

Al
--
Just happy to be taking photos......
 
Very nice image!

I'm also looking for long glass.

--
Busch

Take the scenic route! Life is too short to do otherwise.

http://www.pbase.com/busch
 
The two lenses are quite different in that the Bigma has a very large range and has very good resolution at short focal lengths.

I have the Sigma 170-500 and Tamron 200-500 and both of these lenses are slow to focus but they get there and can focus on flying birds etc provided they can be tracked for a few seconds, normally I use manual focus.

The Tamron has two advantages. It is sharper at 500mm above f8 which is useful for depth of field and it focusses down to 2.5 metres which is good for small birds.

This gull was taken with the Tamron 1/1600s f/11.0 at 300.0mm iso1600, using auto focus. It is a vertical crop from a horizontal frame.



--
dhaslam
http://www.pbase.com/dhaslam/galleries
 
I have the Tamron 200-500. I was looking at both the Tamron and the Sigma 50-500. In the end I chose the Tamron because I figured I'd have the wider end covered with another lens, the Tamron is lighter (easier to hand hold), it had been reported to be sharper especially at the 400-500 end where I needed it most, and lastly it is a little cheaper.

I couldn't be happier with my decision, but I think you would be happy either way.

check out: http://tkunkel.zenfolio.com for some example. birds, sports and Tamron test shots at various ISO
--
http://www.tkunkel.zenfolio.com
http://www.chemicalzootopia.com
 
I use the Bigma (pre-DG) with my 7D and it focuses fast enough to catch birds in flight with the occasional misses. It has no problems tracking planes at airshows and the lens is sharp even at 500mm when stepped down a bit. It is quite heavy so having at least a monopod is essential if you plan on shooting an all day event. I can go for a couple hours with the Bigma +7D+grip if I space out the shooting with breaks in between but you may not have that chance at shows.

Thomas
 
I have a 7D/grip and the Bigma, mainly for use at airshows and find that its a great combination. It focusses pretty well 95% of the time. Tracks fast jets very well. Very low contrast does sometimes cause a few AF misses - ie. grey plane on grey sky etc.

Quality is great and the zoom range is very useful. For example you can track a large aircraft or formation coming towards you, and then progressively zoom out towards 50 as they fly over head. Yes its heavy, but I find if I keep my elbows tucked in well I can shoot all day without problems. I have used a monpod with Manfrotto 222 joystick head to great effect too.
If you look around at airshows you may be surprised how many Bigmas you spot!
 
Ausgezeichnetcom said:
you might one to try a fixed focal length lens:
Click to expand...
Nice pics Bernd.

Prime lenses come are expensive and you have to frame the shot carefully. You may only get one pic before the opportunity has gone. At least with a zoom you have some 'play', albeit with a reduction in sharpness. It's just more versatile to someone starting out in photography like myself.

Al
--
Just happy to be taking photos......
 
Thanks!

Yeah, I know, zooms give your more flexibility when it comes to framing- I used the 100-400 initially but found it too slow for planes. So using the 300mm and the 500mm gave me more speed, (less things to think about...) when taking photos of planes...
Just my experience.!
greetings,
Bernd
 
I'm thinking of getting a Kenko teleconverter to marry to my excellent Sigma 70-300 as a cheaper, more versatile and compact alternative to a 500 mirror - sure it's a compromise but I just can't imagine needing a longer lens often enough to justify the price or weight hike. There was a recent post comparing a shorter lens plus teleconverter (forget the make) with a mirror 500 and both seemed pretty good for the price. Has anyone tried that combination with the SIgma 70-300?

On a related note, how do you find your 17-70? Mine was badly backfocussing so I sent it into Sigma's for repair and am expecting it back some time soon.

Dave
 
I was under the impression that the Sigma 70-300 loses it's autofocus if a teleconvertor is attached. I've got enough trouble panning let alone zooming AND focussing...

Word is though that Sigma are looking into adapting the HSM for Sony cameras - especially with the rumours of another 2 dslr's on the horizon.

And sorry, it must have been a typo from me - I have the Sony 18-70mm kit lens. It's a bit poo at the upper reaches though, I try and not use it.

Al
--
Just happy to be taking photos......
 
I just sold my Tamron 200-500 for a used Sigma 500 f/4.5, and I must say that the Tamron has some advantages : it is compact and light, sharpness is OK, and the AF is not that bad, at least on a sunny weather.

But forget the idea to use it with a TC, the AF is nearly impossible to use and MF is very tricky.
You can browse my gallery, most birds pictures were made with it.
--
http://www.superno.com/photos
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top