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Forums · Photo Gear Discussion

Any experience -Sigma vs. Canon 500

Discussion

4 replies
Posted by Sue Alden on June 15, 2008 at 1:20 PM
I am in the market for a 500mm. I am seriously considering the Canon 500mm IS, but also thinking about the Sigma 500. I will be using it with the Canon 1D Mark IIN and Canon 1Ds.

Any preferences, experiences on either lens?
Posted by Avi Hirschfield on June 17, 2008 at 12:15 AM
If you can afford the Canon :biggrin: then what was the question again :biggrin: :wavey:
Posted by Jim Arvanitis on June 17, 2008 at 3:15 PM
Sue, I can only speak for the Canon 500mm lens. The results are nothing short of astounding.
I have an older version without IS, however it still utilizes a Flourite element and I believe
this is what makes the lens outstanding. If you would like to see some samples, look in
the "weekly picks" under Avian and Fauna for the titles "looking for grub" and "mug shot".
This has become my favorite lens for wildlife, as it gives me the reach to fill the screen when
needed and to be non invasive at the same time. Hope this helps.

Jim
Posted by Duane Burleson on June 30, 2008 at 1:03 AM
The Canon 500mm IS is a wonderful, sharp, lightweight (for the length) lens. I use this lens daily shooting sports. I wish I was using it more for nature. I have seen images from the Sigma lens and was impressed. They seemed a little lower in contrast but the sharpness held up. Where you see the bigger difference is in build quality / material quality. I don't believe the Sigma would hold up to the steady use I would give it.

Duane
http://www.duaneburleson.com
Posted by Robert Lawrence on November 28, 2008 at 8:24 AM
The Sigma 500 is an excellent lens and I would thoroughly recommend it. Duane mentioned the build quality but he is totally wrong. The Sigma will last as long as the Canon under the same amount and type of use.
Plus point for the Sigma is the size and weight (smaller and lighter than Canon) and, of course, the price.
Image quality is as good as the Canon
Plus points for Canon is the IS and slightly faster (f4).
Hope that helps.
Robert