New 7D Mark II and Sigma 150-600mm OS HSM C Arrived!

This will be my last Canon 7D Mark II purchase.

Found one with 173 actuations on it with original box etc. Basically it's brand new hardly touched. Had the old v1.05 firmware on it. Upgrading it as I type to v1.13.

My last 7D II didn't feel as "tight" or new as this one, subtle things like a squishier grip, control dials that didn't feel as precise, some rattles etc. almost wonder if it was a grey market item, not OEM. It didn't have many actuations either, but the quality of the build was definitely not the same as this new one.

Got it all set up in the menus and the AF system.

Some of you know I constantly praise the Sigma 100-400mm OS HSM C. This 150-600mm OS HSM C feels like its big brother- only...

A bit better build  quality (full metal on the rear of the lens and mount, vs. just mount), better weather sealing, tripod collar (removable with a slip on sleeve that goes in it's place), zoom lock that will lock at every marked focal length (now that's impressive and handy), and of course the longer range and much bigger front hood (that will help keep water off the front element in torrential rain especially).

It retains the ability to trombone (push/pull) the zoom just as the 100-400 has.

Focus is just as fast, tenacious, and reliable as the 100-400 C too, and again right out of the box here. It's spot on the money with the new 7D II without any need to adjust focus. Same experience I've had with multiple copies of the 100-400 C on two different mounts.

Surprisingly the weight is much lighter than I expected, and its quite hand-holdable. Remove the tripod collar and it sheds a bit more grams as well. I like having the tripod collar on it, it's a great handle when you are walking in-between shooting areas and of course for its original intent.

If you are in the ball park for a super tele- this is the one to get. For the money, you aren't going to beat it. Optically its fantastic just like the 100-400 C, wide open.

To me these Sigma lenses add performance and value to the older Canon bodies. They work perfectly and seem to focus faster and track more consistently than some L glass I own.

To me the 7D II and this lens are a perfect ultra-tele combination, getting you out near 1,000 mm equivalent, and it's also a fantastic lens for the 5DS R, 5D Mark IV, or 1D Mark IV cameras.

Just a recommendation from someone who has tried nearly all of them out there.