Sigma APO 400mm f/5.6

7.62lew · 05-29-2008, 11:20 PM

Just got this lens yesterday and took a couple of hand held shots before I ran off to work. I really couldn't find much info on this lens. It is an "A" lens, 72mm filter, manual focus. The lens looks like it is brand new and it came in a square sigma box.

I will need to work on my technique, as I am not used to a lens this long. I am sure my shutter speeds were probably too slow. I am hoping to photograph aircraft with it, but we will see.

If anyone has links to info about this lens, or tips for shooting with a long lens, let me know.

The photos were shot in jpeg and are straight from the camera, resized in nikon photo browser.

Thanks,
7.62lew

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little laker · 05-30-2008, 12:20 AM

While shooting the silver birds (planes) you'll most likely be able to use a tripod.
Which will help give you good clear images with a lens that long.

Have fun with it.

KjetilH · 05-30-2008, 01:43 AM

A rule of thumb says that the shutter speed should always be faster than "1/(lens focal length)", in this case, 1/400s.
The SR system in the K100D supposedly compensate for two stops, which means you could shoot at down to 1/100s., and still get sharp images.

And think I would use ISO400 to ensure having sharp images, and be able to stop down a little.

David07 · 05-30-2008, 04:11 AM

Originally posted by 7.62lew

I will need to work on my technique, as I am not used to a lens this long. I am sure my shutter speeds were probably too slow. I am hoping to photograph aircraft with it, but we will see.

If anyone has links to info about this lens, or tips for shooting with a long lens, let me know.

Hi,

I have the APO Tele-Macro version of this lens. I sometimes use it handheld, but I prefer to use of good monopod or a sturdy tripod, both with a ball head. This helps a lot for lens with focal length higher than 300mm.

David

7.62lew · 05-30-2008, 09:20 AM

Thanks for the input. I do have a slik tripod, but it is one of the cheaper ones and is not very heavy. I will probably need to get one that is a little more sturdy, and the ball head. I will try bumping the ISO too when I need to get the shutter speed up.

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05-30-2008, 12:20 AM	#2
little laker Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,697	While shooting the silver birds (planes) you'll most likely be able to use a tripod. Which will help give you good clear images with a lens that long. Have fun with it.

05-30-2008, 01:43 AM	#3
KjetilH Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oslo Photos: Gallery Posts: 309	A rule of thumb says that the shutter speed should always be faster than "1/(lens focal length)", in this case, 1/400s. The SR system in the K100D supposedly compensate for two stops, which means you could shoot at down to 1/100s., and still get sharp images. And think I would use ISO400 to ensure having sharp images, and be able to stop down a little.

05-30-2008, 04:11 AM	#4
David07 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Trois-Rivières, Québec, CA Posts: 74	Originally posted by 7.62lew I will need to work on my technique, as I am not used to a lens this long. I am sure my shutter speeds were probably too slow. I am hoping to photograph aircraft with it, but we will see. If anyone has links to info about this lens, or tips for shooting with a long lens, let me know. Hi, I have the APO Tele-Macro version of this lens. I sometimes use it handheld, but I prefer to use of good monopod or a sturdy tripod, both with a ball head. This helps a lot for lens with focal length higher than 300mm. David

05-30-2008, 09:20 AM	#5
7.62lew Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,192 Original Poster	Thanks for the input. I do have a slik tripod, but it is one of the cheaper ones and is not very heavy. I will probably need to get one that is a little more sturdy, and the ball head. I will try bumping the ISO too when I need to get the shutter speed up.