Howsit guys, Also Sigma lens Questions

[ThalliumZA]

Hi all.

Well, I have been around these forums for a while now, But it's time now to become an active participant.

I've always been interested in Photography, But I've always used Bridge Cameras etc, I started off with a D3000 and the kit lenses, Thats been sold now, But it got me really interested..

Right now I float around with a D90, Sigma 50mm f1.4, and the standard 18-105mm, my 55-200 collects dust. I use the Sigma 99% of the time.

My Future plans for photography is Shooting birds and wildlife, I don't feel like selling one of my kidneys to buy a Nikon 400mm or higher f2.8 lens, and some tele converters.

I am looking for a lens to help me get started though, Sigma's!!. I'm Interested in the 150-500 or the 50-500. I dont want to spend too much though, it might be a waist of money for me, I am planning to get a decent setup in future.

Do you think those lenses would be good enough with a D90?, And with Wildlife and Birding? Those lenses have f/6.3 fully open when extended, I guess that I would have to use them closed a bit around the good old f/8 to f/11 points for some sharpness.

I'm worried that I would be dissapointed in any of those two Sigma's and not be able to get a decent shutter speed out of them, especially since this will be needed mostly in early mornings. f/8 to f/11, low light, etc. and thats where i'm stuck.

So I'm open to any opinions from the experienced photographers around this forum, It would be greatly appreciated.

[walterpike]

Both the 150-500 and the 50-500 will work just fine for you. You will just need to work within their limitations - like all lenses. early morning game drives are in enough light.

[SimonDP]

The 50-500 is slightly sharper than the 150-500, and both would work better stopped down to 7.1 or f8, so higher ISO will be required to get a high enough ss. Shooting froma bean bag, monopod or tripod will help, as will the OS on the lenses, but subject movement can remain an issue at slower ss. If ona tight budget, consdier the 120-400, with your D90 range should still be good for most but the extreme small birds in a distance, and you have f5.6 which alows for a little more light and 1/2 stop higher ss.

[ThalliumZA]

ah brilliant..

Thanks Guys. I have been considering the 120 to 400 lens, as it's a lot smaller as well. the D90 has had surprisingly good ISO performance for price, so i may get away with some good ss with semi decent grain, nothing photoshop cant fix on raw processing until i can afford some big daddy equipment.

so it's either the 50 to 500, or 120 to 400.. "scratches head"

[SimonDP]

Can I sugest you scratch the part of your head where the 120-400 resides, to my mind an easier handling lens and less prone to barrel vibrations that the 50-500 (read camera shake, softer pics at full zoom unless lens is not adequately supported) OS cannot handle all amplitudes of movement. On a budget that would be my choice.

[ThalliumZA]

I had just read a few reviews on the 120-400, it's not a bad lens at all. and i just saw that the 50-500 is quite a lot more expensive than the 150-500 and 120-400.

Simon, I think you helped me make up my mind.. thanks a mil

120-400 it is..

[ThalliumZA]

So, I went and purchased the 120-400 today, I got to say that it is actually a fantastic lens for the price, build quality is excellent. I have been messing about with it for a hour or two around the house.

Fantastic lens all round. I've thrown the 18-105mm and 55-200mm out the bag, so all my bag has now is the Sigma 50mm and the 120-400mm..

thanks for the help guys.

[SimonDP]

Glad to see you're happy, ditto its a good lens for the price.

[ThalliumZA]

I'm very happy. I'm very surprised at what you get for the price tag on this lens. it has it's limitations. and Sigma's OS works pretty well with hand held shooting.

But once you "learn" this lens, it will do well.