LensTip.com

Cons: Heavy, terrible bokeh, not as sharp as a prime lens

Pros: Good all round lens, good value for money.

Summary: I sold mine and bought a Nikon 300mm f4 and I've never looked back. The Nikon is much sharper and has very nice bokeh and not as heavy as the Sigma. I do miss the O.S but it's no big deal.

Cons: In comparision to other telezoom lenses, it is heavy (2 kg) but still can be hold by hand. The optical sharpness from 400mm to 500mm is good wide open, but not perfect. Steeping down to F8.0 resolve that problem. I had two situations, where the AF was temporary not working at all. At one time, the problem was fixed by zooming to 50mm.

Pros: The wide zoom range from 50-500mm is just perfect in the zoo, wildlife park or on safari. Especially the small focal length is nice to have to shoot also pictures of the surrounding or at close distances. The Sigma has also the closest focus distance (down to 0.5m) of all telezoom lenses. Therefore it is possible to make 1:3 macros at 200mm and 0.6m, without additional tools. The tripod mount has a nice shape to carry the lens around in one hand or in a suspender belt.

Summary: I use my Sigma most for nature, zoo and wildpark pictures and therefore just love the flexibility this lens is giving me. In one second, I can shoot a portrait of an animal. In the next second I can make a photo of the same animal in thier surrounding. And in the other second a can do a macro of a butterfly, landing on a flower next to me. This Sigma is one of my sharpest lenses I have in my equipment. It easyly beats the Canon 70-300 IS USM, Tamron 70-300 VC USD and Sigma 120-400 OS HSM I own before. From 50mm to 400mm I have not to worry about the sharpness. Only above, stepping down to F7.1 or F8.0 helps to get a little bit better images. The OS is also very good and effective like the promised 4-steps. Only at 500mm I need a shutter speed of 1/100 sec to be one the safe side. The AF speed is fast, but may take a little bit longer because of the wide focus range. And focus with F6.3 is no problem, even in low light. At least my Sigma behaves like all my other lenses in similar conditions.

Cons: Sharpness above 400mm. CAs above 400mm. Dust accumulating in lens.

Pros: Outstanding 50mm sharpness at f5.6 makes it a walk-around lens for those that have the muscle and perseverance to do so. Optical performance up to 400mm.

Summary: This lens even satisfies the D800E's sensor albeit be it at sufficiently high shutter speeds. The D800E handles the higher ISO required for the higher shutter speeds like a dream so no problem.

Cons: it's heavy. no other way to put it. auto-focus hunts a bit if your in a low light situation. OS is going to be a battery killer, if your not using a grip.

Pros: the massive range makes it easy to shoot in situations where the action comes and goes. i've had great results birding with this lens. made for an interesting and fun day at the zoo too! the Optical Stabilization makes this a practical hand-held 'super zoom'.

Summary: I picked this lens up to go shoot pictures of the space shuttle in may. Despite the steep price (for someone who doesn't make a living shooting pictures), I would happily recommended you pick this lens up if you have kids who play sports, or like to shoot wild life.