Sigma 150-500mm OS HSM or Nikon 80-400vr

saltire69 · 26-08-2009, 11:46 AM

Cant make my mind up which one of these lenses to purchase the Sigma seems good value for money and the Nikon has been around for years but might be more reliable .The Sigma is on average 300 cheaper.
Thoughts please especially from Sigma and Nikon owners .

Darthchaffinch · 26-08-2009, 1:59 PM

Either way, if you'd like someone to test them out for a month or so to make sure they work properly just drop me a PM...

saltire69 · 26-08-2009, 7:59 PM

I will let you know .But i am just going to wait a while .I have read all the reviews on the web so i think its a case of pay your money and take your chance .Another option is to hire and try before you buy.

Sgt Rock · 27-08-2009, 7:45 AM

I use a Sigma 150-500 and it is a good lens but I have noticed that long distance images at 500mm are a wee bit blurry. This could be a problem more associated with me rather than the lens of course. Overall build quality is good, it has a handy bracket for mounting to a tripod which helps balance and allows you to turn the camera from landscape to portrait very easily.
You lose AF when using a x2 convertor and have to rely on your eye to focus.
I do believe that AF is retained if you use the Nikon x2 convertor on a Nikon lens.
Personally, if I had the choice now, I would go for the Nikon over the Sigma.
Hope this helps.

saltire69 · 27-08-2009, 10:37 AM

The nikon is an old lens now with no sign of them updating yet .Might hire first and try them out .The Sigma gets half decent reviews .Thanks for your input.