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07-22-2013, 05:47 AM   #1
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Sigma 50-500 OS vs non-OS

Other than the OS, Is there any other significant differences in the newer OS version of the Sigma 50-500 over the older non-OS version. I am looking at getting one or the other and want to know if the difference in price would be justified.

Thanks

Richard

07-22-2013, 06:42 AM   #2
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I have been asking that same question here for a while. I am surprised that there is no direct comparison anywhere on the internet. Some say it performs much better focusing on infinity, which would be a great plus. I attached a photo using the non-OS version of a bunny. I did post process the photo. The photos are very usable. Focusing accuracy is not always great for some reason. Here I have some 100% crops with my lens along with my question about the differences between OS and non-OS versions. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/165945-sigma-5...100-crops.html
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07-22-2013, 07:08 AM   #3
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I contributed to Eric's thread he references above and though I initially felt the new OS version was better I couldn't see much difference in the IQ when I tried to duplicate his samples.
I do really like the lens and feel it is slightly better at 500 than the older 170-500 zoom I used to own.
I recently shot next to a friend who owns the 150-500 OS at a bird reserve and comparison of the shots of the same bird I did not see a difference.
I think you can save some money and putting effort into perfecting your technique will make the biggest difference with any of these long Sigma zooms.
IMHO the difference in IQ doesn't really come into play until you go to the 500mm f4.5 prime.

Last edited by crewl1; 07-22-2013 at 07:13 AM.
07-22-2013, 07:33 AM   #4
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The new one (OS) has a different optical construction. It has more contrast and sharpness on the long end (400-500 mm) and less CA on the short end (50-150 mm).

07-22-2013, 07:36 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by Grokh Quote
The new one (OS) has a different optical construction. It has more contrast and sharpness on the long end (400-500 mm) and less CA on the short end (50-150 mm).
That is good info Grokh. Do you have any comparison shots?
I do like the lack of CA on my OS copy, but did not know that was an improvement over the old one.
I guess in your shooting environment this aspect would be quite evident.
07-22-2013, 07:38 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by crewl1 Quote
I recently shot next to a friend who owns the 150-500 OS at a bird reserve and comparison of the shots of the same bird I did not see a difference.
I think you can save some money and putting effort into perfecting your technique will make the biggest difference with any of these long Sigma zooms.
Sage advice. Listen to the long-lens sensei!
07-22-2013, 07:43 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by crewl1 Quote
That is good info Grokh. Do you have any comparison shots?
Unfortunately no at the moment, but I still keep the hope to find the time and make the test of the new one and the old one together (I own both).

07-22-2013, 07:50 AM   #8
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I'd like to see what this guy can do with newer OS - https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5/215441-k-5-sigma-50-500-os.html
07-22-2013, 07:50 AM - 1 Like   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by crewl1 Quote
That is good info Grokh. Do you have any comparison shots?
I believe he is working on some comparison shots. I am hoping to see some 50, 200 and 500mm far away and at 20 feet wide open and f/8 of a sign or something else that is contrasty and colorful. the object would need to be static and the lighting pretty consistent. Then showing 100% in the center and the edge would show some sharpness, contrast and CA differences. There is some effort involved to get useful comparison shots, and understand that it will require some patience from us. Grokh, take your time. Hopefully you can come up with a couple of hours of your time to do this. Looking forward to seeing the results.
07-24-2013, 06:34 PM   #10
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Great info everyone. Comparison pics would be nice if anyone can come up with some.
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