sigma 150-500 OS - really?

ckreg · 04-24-2014, 10:24 AM

I am new here. I have been looking to buy a sigma 150-500 OS lens. lens is listed on Adorama, B&H and Amazon. The Sigma website says it is NOT OS for the Pentax mount, and I emailed their customer support to verify. They said it is not OS for the Pentax mount.

Does anyone have this lens and does the OS function in the lens?

confused

**savoche** · 04-24-2014, 10:53 AM

I don't have the lens, but according to the lens database and the review done here it definitely does have OS.

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

**blackcloudbrew** · 04-24-2014, 11:05 AM

I've rented this lens and yes it has OS. However, you either use it's OS and turn off your SR or use SR and turn off its OS system. In practice, I found that using it's OS was preferable. I liked the lens a lot actually.

stevebrot · 04-24-2014, 11:07 AM

Originally posted by savoche

I don't have the lens, but according to the lens database and the review done here it definitely does have OS.

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

The OP was inquiring about the 150-500, not the 50-500. That being said, there are user reviews of the 150-500 on this site that praise the OS feature.

But things do change in Sigma-land. The Sigma blurb on their Web site is equivocal as are the descriptions on various places on the Web. I think it is safe to assume that the feature will probably not be present on one purchased new, though it may be present if older stock is what is actually shipped.

Steve

Last edited by stevebrot; 04-24-2014 at 11:41 AM.

ElJamoquio · 04-24-2014, 11:10 AM

Another confirmation. I used to own this lens, it definitely had OS. Remember to turn off your SR if you use the OS.

VoiceOfReason · 04-24-2014, 11:10 AM

I have the non-OS version of it.

Applianceguy · 04-24-2014, 11:43 AM

Originally posted by ckreg

I am new here. I have been looking to buy a sigma 150-500 OS lens. lens is listed on Adorama, B&H and Amazon. The Sigma website says it is NOT OS for the Pentax mount, and I emailed their customer support to verify. They said it is not OS for the Pentax mount.

Does anyone have this lens and does the OS function in the lens?

confused

I own this lens “150-500’ and it does have OS, purchased new last year...
Love it..
Len

ckreg · 04-24-2014, 02:12 PM

thanks for all the great responses. the lens is on order (back ordered). should have it the second week in May.

derekkite · 04-24-2014, 08:03 PM

Yes it is OS. Works quite well.

Hydnum · 09-27-2014, 07:06 AM

My version of this lens, does not have OS.
However the manual that came with it clearly says OS.
Once you begin reading the manual, in fine print, it says that OS is not available for Pentax.
There are two versions of this lens. One with OS and one without.
Very little is mentioned about the non-OS version, but it does exist.
When buying second-hand, beware.

lesmore49 · 09-27-2014, 07:19 AM - **1 Like**

I bought my 150-500 in May, 2013. It has the OS feature. The Sigma OS feature works well, but I turn the Sigma OS off and use the Pentax SR feature, which works just as well and is more convenient for me, then having to remember to do one more thing...ie; turning the OS switch on in the Sigma..

Hydnum · 09-27-2014, 07:32 AM

I picked one up a couple of weeks ago.
From reading other users experiences, I've concluded that in camera (K-5) IS is sufficient.
So, no worry there.
I shoot birds. I am very pleased with the results from a DA 55-300mm, so I thought I'd shoot for more reach.
Thus far, my Sigma DG 150-500mm 1:5-6.3 APO HSM has been a challenge for me. Tripod mounted, or not.
A no-name MC-UV filter came attached. Up until now, I've left it on. Today, I'm leaving it at home and see if there's any improvement.
My wife, who is the most honest critic I know is highly disappointed in my results so far, as am I.

TenZ.NL · 09-27-2014, 07:57 AM

It defenately has OS and I consider Sigma`s OS better than Pentax` SR with focal lengths over 300mm. I have shot as low as 1/80s handheld and got sharp images. Be sure to turn SR off if you want to use the full potential of the OS.
When you activate AF, you`ll hear the OS engage and your image in the VF will stabilize. And as with all long lenses there is a learning curve. Don`t give up yet, if you get to know the weaknesses of the lens, your IQ will improve.
As for that matter, I consider this a "nice weather lens" as it needs tons of light and it must at least be stopped down to F8 for decent sharpness. Even in bright sunlight ISO500 is the minimum to get decent shuttertimes (e.g. 1/500 or more) It is a little soft on the long side (like all megazooms of this level) so leaving the filter at home is probably a good idea.

Here`s my album on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tenznl/sets/72157631591048199/

Hydnum · 09-27-2014, 09:48 AM

Hi TenZ.NL and thank you.
Are you suggesting that although my Sigma 150-500 lens doesn't have a switch for OS, that it indeed does have OS?

derekkite · 09-27-2014, 10:11 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Hydnum

I picked one up a couple of weeks ago.
From reading other users experiences, I've concluded that in camera (K-5) IS is sufficient.
So, no worry there.
I shoot birds. I am very pleased with the results from a DA 55-300mm, so I thought I'd shoot for more reach.
Thus far, my Sigma DG 150-500mm 1:5-6.3 APO HSM has been a challenge for me. Tripod mounted, or not.
A no-name MC-UV filter came attached. Up until now, I've left it on. Today, I'm leaving it at home and see if there's any improvement.
My wife, who is the most honest critic I know is highly disappointed in my results so far, as am I.

The key to good results is to remember that 500mm isn't so you can shoot things far away; it is for shooting things the same distance away as with the 300mm but you will have more in your frame.

If you don't have an OS switch on the lens, it isn't OS. An older generation of that lens didn't have it.

04-24-2014, 10:24 AM	#1
ckreg New Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 2	sigma 150-500 OS - really? I am new here. I have been looking to buy a sigma 150-500 OS lens. lens is listed on Adorama, B&H and Amazon. The Sigma website says it is NOT OS for the Pentax mount, and I emailed their customer support to verify. They said it is not OS for the Pentax mount. Does anyone have this lens and does the OS function in the lens? confused

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM for PENTAX 150-500	transam879	Sold Items	3	03-24-2014 05:02 AM
For Sale - Sold: Sigma 150-500 F5 - 6.3 APO DG OS HSM BIG REDUCTION	jpzk	Sold Items	16	03-14-2014 07:39 PM
For Sale - Sold: Sigma 150-500 f5-6.3 APO DG HSM OS	SpecialK	Sold Items	5	03-08-2014 02:25 PM
For Sale - Sold: Sigma 150-500 F5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM	Weevil	Sold Items	28	11-19-2013 11:37 AM
sigma 150-500 OS starting at $700 @ebay	kesong	Pentax Price Watch	5	09-29-2012 11:52 AM

04-24-2014, 10:53 AM	#2
savoche Master of the obvious Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Lowlands of Norway Posts: 18,311	I don't have the lens, but according to the lens database and the review done here it definitely does have OS. Oh, and welcome to the forum!

04-24-2014, 11:05 AM	#3
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,461	I've rented this lens and yes it has OS. However, you either use it's OS and turn off your SR or use SR and turn off its OS system. In practice, I found that using it's OS was preferable. I liked the lens a lot actually.

04-24-2014, 11:07 AM	#4
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by savoche I don't have the lens, but according to the lens database and the review done here it definitely does have OS. Oh, and welcome to the forum! The OP was inquiring about the 150-500, not the 50-500. That being said, there are user reviews of the 150-500 on this site that praise the OS feature. But things do change in Sigma-land. The Sigma blurb on their Web site is equivocal as are the descriptions on various places on the Web. I think it is safe to assume that the feature will probably not be present on one purchased new, though it may be present if older stock is what is actually shipped. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 04-24-2014 at 11:41 AM.

04-24-2014, 11:10 AM	#5
ElJamoquio Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 4,873	Another confirmation. I used to own this lens, it definitely had OS. Remember to turn off your SR if you use the OS.

04-24-2014, 11:10 AM	#6
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	I have the non-OS version of it.

04-24-2014, 11:43 AM	#7
Applianceguy New Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Photos: Gallery Posts: 23	Originally posted by ckreg I am new here. I have been looking to buy a sigma 150-500 OS lens. lens is listed on Adorama, B&H and Amazon. The Sigma website says it is NOT OS for the Pentax mount, and I emailed their customer support to verify. They said it is not OS for the Pentax mount. Does anyone have this lens and does the OS function in the lens? confused I own this lens “150-500’ and it does have OS, purchased new last year... Love it.. Len

04-24-2014, 02:12 PM	#8
ckreg New Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 2 Original Poster	thanks for all the great responses. the lens is on order (back ordered). should have it the second week in May.

04-24-2014, 08:03 PM	#9
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	Yes it is OS. Works quite well.

09-27-2014, 07:06 AM	#10
Hydnum Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 90	My version of this lens, does not have OS. However the manual that came with it clearly says OS. Once you begin reading the manual, in fine print, it says that OS is not available for Pentax. There are two versions of this lens. One with OS and one without. Very little is mentioned about the non-OS version, but it does exist. When buying second-hand, beware.

09-27-2014, 07:19 AM - 1 Like	#11
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,349	I bought my 150-500 in May, 2013. It has the OS feature. The Sigma OS feature works well, but I turn the Sigma OS off and use the Pentax SR feature, which works just as well and is more convenient for me, then having to remember to do one more thing...ie; turning the OS switch on in the Sigma..

09-27-2014, 07:32 AM	#12
Hydnum Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 90	I picked one up a couple of weeks ago. From reading other users experiences, I've concluded that in camera (K-5) IS is sufficient. So, no worry there. I shoot birds. I am very pleased with the results from a DA 55-300mm, so I thought I'd shoot for more reach. Thus far, my Sigma DG 150-500mm 1:5-6.3 APO HSM has been a challenge for me. Tripod mounted, or not. A no-name MC-UV filter came attached. Up until now, I've left it on. Today, I'm leaving it at home and see if there's any improvement. My wife, who is the most honest critic I know is highly disappointed in my results so far, as am I.

09-27-2014, 07:57 AM	#13
TenZ.NL Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Below sealevel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,100	It defenately has OS and I consider Sigma`s OS better than Pentax` SR with focal lengths over 300mm. I have shot as low as 1/80s handheld and got sharp images. Be sure to turn SR off if you want to use the full potential of the OS. When you activate AF, you`ll hear the OS engage and your image in the VF will stabilize. And as with all long lenses there is a learning curve. Don`t give up yet, if you get to know the weaknesses of the lens, your IQ will improve. As for that matter, I consider this a "nice weather lens" as it needs tons of light and it must at least be stopped down to F8 for decent sharpness. Even in bright sunlight ISO500 is the minimum to get decent shuttertimes (e.g. 1/500 or more) It is a little soft on the long side (like all megazooms of this level) so leaving the filter at home is probably a good idea. Here`s my album on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tenznl/sets/72157631591048199/

09-27-2014, 09:48 AM	#14
Hydnum Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 90	Hi TenZ.NL and thank you. Are you suggesting that although my Sigma 150-500 lens doesn't have a switch for OS, that it indeed does have OS?

09-27-2014, 10:11 AM - 1 Like	#15
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	Originally posted by Hydnum I picked one up a couple of weeks ago. From reading other users experiences, I've concluded that in camera (K-5) IS is sufficient. So, no worry there. I shoot birds. I am very pleased with the results from a DA 55-300mm, so I thought I'd shoot for more reach. Thus far, my Sigma DG 150-500mm 1:5-6.3 APO HSM has been a challenge for me. Tripod mounted, or not. A no-name MC-UV filter came attached. Up until now, I've left it on. Today, I'm leaving it at home and see if there's any improvement. My wife, who is the most honest critic I know is highly disappointed in my results so far, as am I. The key to good results is to remember that 500mm isn't so you can shoot things far away; it is for shooting things the same distance away as with the 300mm but you will have more in your frame. If you don't have an OS switch on the lens, it isn't OS. An older generation of that lens didn't have it.