Sigma 120~400 OR 150~500

**pntxjack** · 02-10-2014, 11:03 PM

I will use the lens mostly for birds on a K5 or K3. I am not the strongest tog, by a long shot, nor am I the steadiest of hand. I ALWAYS use a tripod. Which would you buy? Thanks.

j2photos · 02-10-2014, 11:09 PM

If price is not an option I would go for the 150-500, it never hurts to have the extra reach.

Also if money isnt really a big deal, there is a FA* 600 for sale on bay area craigslist.

Mike L · 02-10-2014, 11:15 PM

Go for the extra reach, sometimes you can't zoom with your feet and the extra 100mm will make a big difference.

VisualDarkness · 02-10-2014, 11:30 PM

I had the 150-500 but just sold it and almost regret it. I would say that if you're going long and heavy throw in an extra 100mm, it's worth it. It worked well with my Kenko 1.5x PzAF teleconverter too that I sold with it. It's a fine lens for the money and very useful as long as there's enough light and you don't compare it to pro super-teles, something many seems to do.

Some shots I took with my copy:
Flickr Search: 150-500mm

**pntxjack** · 02-11-2014, 07:39 AM

J2, Mike & Visual--
Thanks for your input.
J2--I just sold my FA* 400mm f/2.8 because it HURT to carry it. Doubt the 600mm will be any lighter but I will check it out.
Visual--Thanks for the link--nice images.
Jack

---------- Post added 02-11-14 at 06:54 AM ----------

I just checked out the 600mm lens. Over fifteen pounds. The 400mm is over thirteen pounds. Beautiful lens, but way too heavy for me.

DeadJohn · 02-11-2014, 08:12 AM

I would pick the 150-500 from those 2 choices. Here are more possibilities depending on how much cost, weight, and versatility factor into your decision process.

DA 300 plus new 1.4 TC. Not heavy, but costs more and the TC isn't quite available yet. No ability to zoom. Perhaps the sharpest choice for under $2000 depending on how reviews for the TC turn out. You might not want to wait for availability.

Sigma 50-500. Get the latest OS HSM model because older Bigma's are reportedly soft at 500mm. More expensive than the 150-500 but I feel the wider zoom is invaluable for occasional landscape shots in the middle of a birding session .

reeftool · 02-11-2014, 08:45 AM

While I don't own either lens, when I saw the word "birds", the answer will always be the longest lens. I have seen some stunning shots posted from the 150-500 and have it on my own radar as an AF long tele to add to my bag. That said, I get by quite well with the little amount of bird shooting I do with a MF 300/4 as I generally have enough time to focus and get the shot. I haven't had very much success firing of a quick bird shot with any of my AF lenses and I am often in places where the AF sensor is having problems locking on the subject because of branches, tall grass, etc in front and behind and causing me to shoot in MF mode anyhow. My K300/4 works well with the the Pentax 2x rear converter A I have.

As for weight, anything long enough for birding is going to be a large heavy combination and the longer lens will be far more valuable than saving a few ounces in weight. Of course, a large telephoto requires a sturdy tripod and head and a lightweight, travel tripod might come up lacking. If size and weight are a big issue, I have seen some impressive bird shots posted in the forum using the Q with an adapter.

panoguy · 02-11-2014, 08:56 AM

The Sigma 120-400 is a dog, particularly at 400mm. Oddly enough, the 150-500 is built off the same chassis and shares many of the same elements, but is a much better lens.

The Bigma 50-500 is pretty much equal to the 150-500 in IQ, but goes down to 50mm...

None of these Sigma zooms are equal to a DA*300, but when you add in a TC... well, it depends on the TC you use.

VoiceOfReason · 02-11-2014, 09:36 AM

I'm very happy with my 150-500.

derekkite · 02-11-2014, 10:38 AM

150-500. Get the os version.

**crewl1** · 02-12-2014, 12:32 PM - **1 Like**

I found this comparison between the Sigma 50-500 vs 150-500 on the Sigma website.

The 50-500mm vs. 150-500mm shootout and Telephoto FAQ?s by Robert O?Toole - SIGMA Blog | SIGMA Blog

lesmore49 · 02-12-2014, 05:26 PM

I have the Sigma OS 150-500 and I use it for birds, mostly Owls...Great Grays, Barred, Great Horned, Snowy and Eagles. Also use it for taking photos of cars running down the strip at drag races.

I use it with my K-5. I've had it since May 2013 and I'm very pleased with it. Very sharp throughout the focal length range.

I hand hold it , as whether I've shooting raptors or racers I like to be able to move fast, in order to track my subject.

The 150-500 is definitely large and heavy. Even though I'm a big guy, I find it heavy with my battery gripped, 2 battery K-5.

I generally carry it by the lens handle and occasionally switch hands to shift the load.

jezza323 · 02-12-2014, 05:43 PM

I would definitely go for the 150-500mm, extra reach is always good. Also check the reviews on the Lens Review section. The 150-500mm is rated much higher

I received my 150-500 OS just this week, the in lens OS is very helpful whilst framing in the viewfinder.

**pntxjack** · 02-20-2014, 10:40 PM - **1 Like**

Thanks for all of the input---much appreciated. I went with the 150~500mm item. It arrived today. So far I am quite pleased with it. Things I am sure of: It is surprisingly light at just over four pounds, and VERY well balanced; my K3 AF worked just fine at the long end where the maximum aperture is only f/6.3; it is quiet. I am going to try to post an image--but if I can't figure it out, I will say that I am satisfied with the sharpness of the lens. Here goes my try:

---------- Post added 02-20-14 at 09:45 PM ----------

I am called a "Swan Whisperer" by some of my friends. This fellow was about fifteen feet from me when I made this image. Giottos tripod with a Manfrotto 222 pistol grip head. The 222 is no longer available sadly. But of all of the "pistol grip" heads, and I have tried them all, this one holds the lens most firmly.

**crewl1** · 02-21-2014, 12:23 AM

Originally posted by pntxjack

Thanks for all of the input---much appreciated. I went with the 150~500mm item. It arrived today. So far I am quite pleased with it. Things I am sure of: It is surprisingly light at just over four pounds, and VERY well balanced; my K3 AF worked just fine at the long end where the maximum aperture is only f/6.3; it is quiet. I am going to try to post an image--but if I can't figure it out, I will say that I am satisfied with the sharpness of the lens. Here goes my try:

---------- Post added 02-20-14 at 09:45 PM ----------

I am called a "Swan Whisperer" by some of my friends. This fellow was about fifteen feet from me when I made this image. Giottos tripod with a Manfrotto 222 pistol grip head. The 222 is no longer available sadly. But of all of the "pistol grip" heads, and I have tried them all, this one holds the lens most firmly.

Congrats! Look forward to your posts in the 300mm plus thread

02-10-2014, 11:03 PM	#1
pntxjack Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: placerville, ca Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 171	Sigma 120~400 OR 150~500 I will use the lens mostly for birds on a K5 or K3. I am not the strongest tog, by a long shot, nor am I the steadiest of hand. I ALWAYS use a tripod. Which would you buy? Thanks.

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02-10-2014, 11:09 PM	#2
j2photos Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Manteca, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,653	If price is not an option I would go for the 150-500, it never hurts to have the extra reach. Also if money isnt really a big deal, there is a FA* 600 for sale on bay area craigslist.

02-10-2014, 11:15 PM	#3
Mike L Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canberra, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,472	Go for the extra reach, sometimes you can't zoom with your feet and the extra 100mm will make a big difference.

02-10-2014, 11:30 PM	#4
VisualDarkness Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	I had the 150-500 but just sold it and almost regret it. I would say that if you're going long and heavy throw in an extra 100mm, it's worth it. It worked well with my Kenko 1.5x PzAF teleconverter too that I sold with it. It's a fine lens for the money and very useful as long as there's enough light and you don't compare it to pro super-teles, something many seems to do. Some shots I took with my copy: Flickr Search: 150-500mm

02-11-2014, 07:39 AM	#5
pntxjack Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: placerville, ca Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 171 Original Poster	J2, Mike & Visual-- Thanks for your input. J2--I just sold my FA* 400mm f/2.8 because it HURT to carry it. Doubt the 600mm will be any lighter but I will check it out. Visual--Thanks for the link--nice images. Jack ---------- Post added 02-11-14 at 06:54 AM ---------- I just checked out the 600mm lens. Over fifteen pounds. The 400mm is over thirteen pounds. Beautiful lens, but way too heavy for me.

02-11-2014, 08:12 AM	#6
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,833	I would pick the 150-500 from those 2 choices. Here are more possibilities depending on how much cost, weight, and versatility factor into your decision process. DA 300 plus new 1.4 TC. Not heavy, but costs more and the TC isn't quite available yet. No ability to zoom. Perhaps the sharpest choice for under $2000 depending on how reviews for the TC turn out. You might not want to wait for availability. Sigma 50-500. Get the latest OS HSM model because older Bigma's are reportedly soft at 500mm. More expensive than the 150-500 but I feel the wider zoom is invaluable for occasional landscape shots in the middle of a birding session .

02-11-2014, 08:45 AM	#7
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,553	While I don't own either lens, when I saw the word "birds", the answer will always be the longest lens. I have seen some stunning shots posted from the 150-500 and have it on my own radar as an AF long tele to add to my bag. That said, I get by quite well with the little amount of bird shooting I do with a MF 300/4 as I generally have enough time to focus and get the shot. I haven't had very much success firing of a quick bird shot with any of my AF lenses and I am often in places where the AF sensor is having problems locking on the subject because of branches, tall grass, etc in front and behind and causing me to shoot in MF mode anyhow. My K300/4 works well with the the Pentax 2x rear converter A I have. As for weight, anything long enough for birding is going to be a large heavy combination and the longer lens will be far more valuable than saving a few ounces in weight. Of course, a large telephoto requires a sturdy tripod and head and a lightweight, travel tripod might come up lacking. If size and weight are a big issue, I have seen some impressive bird shots posted in the forum using the Q with an adapter.

02-11-2014, 08:56 AM	#8
panoguy Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Washington, D.C. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,327	The Sigma 120-400 is a dog, particularly at 400mm. Oddly enough, the 150-500 is built off the same chassis and shares many of the same elements, but is a much better lens. The Bigma 50-500 is pretty much equal to the 150-500 in IQ, but goes down to 50mm... None of these Sigma zooms are equal to a DA*300, but when you add in a TC... well, it depends on the TC you use.

02-11-2014, 09:36 AM	#9
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	I'm very happy with my 150-500.

02-11-2014, 10:38 AM	#10
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	150-500. Get the os version.

02-12-2014, 12:32 PM - 1 Like	#11
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	I found this comparison between the Sigma 50-500 vs 150-500 on the Sigma website. The 50-500mm vs. 150-500mm shootout and Telephoto FAQ?s by Robert O?Toole - SIGMA Blog \| SIGMA Blog

02-12-2014, 05:26 PM	#12
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,342	I have the Sigma OS 150-500 and I use it for birds, mostly Owls...Great Grays, Barred, Great Horned, Snowy and Eagles. Also use it for taking photos of cars running down the strip at drag races. I use it with my K-5. I've had it since May 2013 and I'm very pleased with it. Very sharp throughout the focal length range. I hand hold it , as whether I've shooting raptors or racers I like to be able to move fast, in order to track my subject. The 150-500 is definitely large and heavy. Even though I'm a big guy, I find it heavy with my battery gripped, 2 battery K-5. I generally carry it by the lens handle and occasionally switch hands to shift the load.

02-12-2014, 05:43 PM	#13
jezza323 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Brisbane Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,421	I would definitely go for the 150-500mm, extra reach is always good. Also check the reviews on the Lens Review section. The 150-500mm is rated much higher I received my 150-500 OS just this week, the in lens OS is very helpful whilst framing in the viewfinder.

02-21-2014, 12:23 AM	#15
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by pntxjack Thanks for all of the input---much appreciated. I went with the 150~500mm item. It arrived today. So far I am quite pleased with it. Things I am sure of: It is surprisingly light at just over four pounds, and VERY well balanced; my K3 AF worked just fine at the long end where the maximum aperture is only f/6.3; it is quiet. I am going to try to post an image--but if I can't figure it out, I will say that I am satisfied with the sharpness of the lens. Here goes my try: ---------- Post added 02-20-14 at 09:45 PM ---------- I am called a "Swan Whisperer" by some of my friends. This fellow was about fifteen feet from me when I made this image. Giottos tripod with a Manfrotto 222 pistol grip head. The 222 is no longer available sadly. But of all of the "pistol grip" heads, and I have tried them all, this one holds the lens most firmly. Congrats! Look forward to your posts in the 300mm plus thread