Sigma 170-500mm

JCSullivan · 03-17-2008, 05:14 AM

Is there more tha one version of the Sigma 170-500mm?
What are they worth USED?
Any comments?

I've checked the NEW 3rd-party dbase but unfortunately these questions are not answered.

Thanks
jc

JCSullivan · 03-18-2008, 05:41 AM

I'm guessing this is not such a good lense if no one knows.

**ChipB** · 03-18-2008, 09:37 AM

JC, I've owned the 170-500mm lens for some time - never heard about different versions and as to value, I've seen 'em on eBay once in a while, but none for Pentax for a while. Good condition C/N versions seem to be in the $500 range.

I'm "relatively" happy with mine - but that's only because I haven't been able to use it much, so I don't have any good comparisons between it and other lenses I have. One of these days the SO will give me a break on the ol' honey due list and I can spend some quality time with it!!

**sholtzma** · 03-18-2008, 09:46 AM

I once owned this lens (for Pentax). Felt is was good but not great. Heard that the 50-500mm was sharper, and also wanted that 10x zoom spread, so switched to the Bigma. Agree that the Bigma is probably a bit sharper, though I'm sure that depends in part on the QC of the particular lenses and also how they are used.

**Canada_Rockies** · 03-18-2008, 10:07 AM

Originally posted by JCSullivan

Is there more tha one version of the Sigma 170-500mm?
What are they worth USED?
Any comments?

I've checked the NEW 3rd-party dbase but unfortunately these questions are not answered.

Thanks
jc

I bought the 170-500 in Chicago and tried it. It was, compared to my M 400/5.6, very soft. I sold it off and kept the 400. As a side comment, it also taught me that autofocus and birds in trees is a no-go. I could get really clear, well focused shots of the branch that was just far enough from the bird that the image was out of focus. I only ever tried it on the MZ-S. Exposure was fine, autofocus a bit slow (f/6.3) but accurate, image quality not up to snuff.

JCSullivan · 03-18-2008, 01:52 PM

Thank you g'men. Really appreciate your honest feedback.
jc

03-17-2008, 05:14 AM	#1
JCSullivan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Windsor, Canada Posts: 3,056	Sigma 170-500mm Is there more tha one version of the Sigma 170-500mm? What are they worth USED? Any comments? I've checked the NEW 3rd-party dbase but unfortunately these questions are not answered. Thanks jc

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03-18-2008, 05:41 AM	#2
JCSullivan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Windsor, Canada Posts: 3,056 Original Poster	I'm guessing this is not such a good lense if no one knows.

03-18-2008, 09:37 AM	#3
ChipB Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Eau Claire, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,701	JC, I've owned the 170-500mm lens for some time - never heard about different versions and as to value, I've seen 'em on eBay once in a while, but none for Pentax for a while. Good condition C/N versions seem to be in the $500 range. I'm "relatively" happy with mine - but that's only because I haven't been able to use it much, so I don't have any good comparisons between it and other lenses I have. One of these days the SO will give me a break on the ol' honey due list and I can spend some quality time with it!!

03-18-2008, 09:46 AM	#4
sholtzma Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Salisbury, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,043	I once owned this lens (for Pentax). Felt is was good but not great. Heard that the 50-500mm was sharper, and also wanted that 10x zoom spread, so switched to the Bigma. Agree that the Bigma is probably a bit sharper, though I'm sure that depends in part on the QC of the particular lenses and also how they are used.

03-18-2008, 10:07 AM	#5
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by JCSullivan Is there more tha one version of the Sigma 170-500mm? What are they worth USED? Any comments? I've checked the NEW 3rd-party dbase but unfortunately these questions are not answered. Thanks jc I bought the 170-500 in Chicago and tried it. It was, compared to my M 400/5.6, very soft. I sold it off and kept the 400. As a side comment, it also taught me that autofocus and birds in trees is a no-go. I could get really clear, well focused shots of the branch that was just far enough from the bird that the image was out of focus. I only ever tried it on the MZ-S. Exposure was fine, autofocus a bit slow (f/6.3) but accurate, image quality not up to snuff.

03-18-2008, 01:52 PM	#6
JCSullivan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Windsor, Canada Posts: 3,056 Original Poster	Thank you g'men. Really appreciate your honest feedback. jc