Brand new Sigma 135-400

[Scubagrapher]

What the heck I'll be the first to post a test here. Just got this lens today, and ran out and got these shots in my back yard. Looks like this lens might be a keeper considering these shots were at 400mm wide open. By the way, yes I was CCDuane back in the "old forum" but just changed my name when I registered here.

http://www.pbase.com/image/24116026.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/image/24115944.jpg

[tom]

I have a new 24 to 120 mm VR nikon lens and after one week of use it appears too do do a fine job. Have notice that the CR123 batteries have not lasted as long as expected. Was wondering if the if their is a trade off with sharpness with the Vibration Reduction lens technology. Never owning one before I'm suspicious and wondered if it is better to disable the VR when not required.

[Igor]

Great bird shots!

[Scubagrapher]

Thanks Igor...I think this little lady has a nest in a thicket that is a short walk from my back yard. She seemed willing to let me try out my new lens, as long as I kept my distance! :)

[proberts]

Originally posted by Tom
I have a new 24 to 120 mm VR nikon lens and after one week of use it appears too do do a fine job. Have notice that the CR123 batteries have not lasted as long as expected. Was wondering if the if their is a trade off with sharpness with the Vibration Reduction lens technology. Never owning one before I'm suspicious and wondered if it is better to disable the VR when not required.

VR eats batteries, so if you have it off when it's not needed, you'll get longer battery life. I have the 80-400, but I also have an MB-16, which helps a lot, since I'm using rechargables, it's not much of an issue, but I'm definitely changing batteries more often than I was without VR.

Paul

[proberts]

Originally posted by Scubagrapher
Thanks Igor...I think this little lady has a nest in a thicket that is a short walk from my back yard. She seemed willing to let me try out my new lens, as long as I kept my distance! :)

The last one of those I saw came closer to me when I chirped at it- got some relatively good close-ups, though the tree it was in wasn't good for a complete view. They're pretty curious- though your shots are great as-is, you might try it to see if you can get closer shots.

Paul

[smunky]

Did you buy this new or used?
How much?
Great shots!
Chirp chirp

[Scubagrapher]

Originally posted by smunky
Did you buy this new or used?
How much?
Great shots!
Chirp chirp

smunky,

I bought this lens new, from Best Pro Photo. They actually sell on Ebay, but their stuff is new. I got it for $385, plus I think about $30 for shipping. So I figure it will do until I can afford the Nikon 80-400, and I figure I can get much of what I paid for this lens by putting it back up on Ebay at that time.

I'm surprised at the sharpness, color and contrast at 400mm wide open. There are some things I don't like about the lens though. For one thing, the aperture ring doesn't lock at the smallest opening like my Tamron does. :confused: It hasn't caused a problem, just one more thing that could be a problem, and seems like something they could build into the lens at little cost. Also the manual focus is a little loose for my liking, but hey, for the money it's not to bad.

And yes this birdie was a loud chirper, which is how I was able to find her.

[Photonic]

Have also just picked up a Sigma 135-400mm - paid a bit more in the UK though!

The attached shot was taken with the lens (on a tripod) wide open at the 400mm length @ 1/125th sec through a glass porch window. There was a gale of wind blowing and the light was awful, so there must be some subject movement there.

RAW file processed through Fuji RAW Converter LE - normal in-camera sharpening plus moderate USM using Fred Miranda's Intellisharp PS action.

A heavy lens but it seems to deliver the goods for a good price.

[Swampy]

The backgrounds really look strange to me for some reason on all the shots. It seems to be like a LOT of movement in the back, but I would expect everything to be blurred like that if that were the case. Anyone else notice?

[Scubagrapher]

Yes the backgrounds look strange, perhaps because wide open at 400mm? I just haven't had a chance to do much more testing with the lens, but I plan on shooting some more with it soon.