Hello from Texas, USA. Found you today. I think this is going to be a rewarding connection. What I like: Photo analysis of your shoot. Computer image review and narrative on the choices made. Your open mindedness and gentle review. Your honesty and opinion. You are a gem in my book. Now I need to catch up on your past videos.
I just wanna say thank you for the very indepth review. I've watched two or three other videos from "big channels" and was not impressed with how thorough they were with reviewing this lens. Some people just shot at 60 and 600 and compared then called it a day. I just purchased this lens because I wanted the wider range of zoom for wildlife photography. I can't tell you how many times I've been walking down a path and have a animal out in front of me and it's too close for me to focus or zoom back. I used the 150-600mm Sigma Contemporary for about a year and was ready for something a little more versatile, plus with the added weather/dust protection. I'm happy to know that the fringing isn't too much to worry about and is easily fixable like I've had to do in the past with, not as nice, cheaper lenses that I've used. Also, I'll have to keep in mind to shoot in F8 when lighting allows. I've actually managed to get some really sharp images at 1/320, sometimes slower on the 150-600mm when zoomed out to 600mm. I will switch through from 1/320 to 1/640 then 1/800. It just depends how steady I can keep the lens. I've had times when it seems like it was absolutely locked on and I can shoot even lower than 1/320 and still end up with a sharp shot. Risky though, no doubt. For my budget, this will have to work for the time being. I just do this as a hobby and not for a living. I would love to do it for a living, though. Thanks again.
Thanks for your video, I ordered this lens two days ago and haven't received it yet but I'm really excited to escalate to this level of lens. thank you again.
I enjoyed every second of this review; purely informative and a very practical real life way. Thank you so much. You're conveyance of the heart and soul of the lens' abilities - which is what we really care about in the end - is a breath of fresh air.
Thank you very much for your objective review. I am just about to buy this lens. Despite the passage of time, it still has its value. I also believe that this model has no competition in terms of its scope, capabilities and quality of staff, even now. Thank you and best regards.
I have this lens and have not yet had a chance to use it to it’s full potential, however I have found you are right about shutter speeds needing to be high. Plus I have even managed a tripod shot on a canon 80d with a 1.4 extender to show Saturn’s rings at night, true it was quite blurry, but staggering all the same.
HI Mark, you will have a lot of fun with this lens. It is not a low light performer as you need the fast shutter speeds but otherwise it is awesome and so versatile!
When you magnify 600mm with a 1.4 Extender and have a crop factor of 1.6x of the 80D (1,344mm) you are also magnifying vibration and it's almost impossible to keep it perfectly still. Even a breeze can cause enough vibration of your camera on a tripod and with a night sky slower shutter speed, you are losing sharpness because of movement. You also have to push up your ISO getting more noise. Extenders work best on Fast Prime Telephoto lenses. As most Zoom lenses are in the affordable range, their imperfections are magnified by extenders. I hardly use my extenders, they're not worth using even with my Canon EF Zooms. But they can be fun to use if you're okay with your results.
Hi Janine, thanks for the review. May I assume this was shot with a DSLR, the 1DX II or so? Not 100% fine adjusted lenses might cause sharpness problems on DSLRs, also on expensive primes stopping down from f/4 to 4.5, 5.0 or f/5.6 achieves improvments. - I hope I can once try the L-Mount version on my SL2-S. If the SL3 and a SL3-S come with the same AF updates as the Leica Q3, what I expect, that would be my system to go. FYC, I do also a lot of events and people/street with the SL2-S and ISO 12500 or even 25000 is no problem with the -S version of the SL2, just the phase detect AF is missing yet for sports and action. But in comparison to the Canon raw files - which have no details in the shadows. Even on my R3 and R6II it's pretty bad. The Leica raw dng are a dream for post production in any kind of raw editors.
Shot with this lens and with the mentoring that you guys did plus this lens I made some of the best images I have ever done. I completely concur with your review Janine and hope to see you guys again when the world is done with thei GD pandemic.
I have been using the Tamron 150-600 gen1 for about three years now. Its lighter than the Sigma, I can see very little difference between it and the gen2 tamron. However like the Sigma my Tamrons sweet spot tends to be from f8 to f11. I have built two custom flash brackets to use with the lense with large flash heads and a better beamer flash extender on one and a magpul extender on the other. I normally carry a second camera with the Tamron 16-300 at the ready to cover landscape and short range telephoto shots. Excellent video and coverage of the lenses features and value.
Hi Guy, thanks so much for watching and letting us in on your secrets. Tamron and Sigma have always been bumping heads and I think Sigma is trying to break away with their Sport series... they really are quite excellent
I really enjoyes listening to you. Great video with excellent information. Recently bought an canon 90D and your video was very illustrative. Thanks. Greetings from Mexico
I bought this lens 3 years ago to shoot wildlife with the R5. I've been very impressed with the results. Shortly after purchasing, I found your review which confirmed my findings. I run my images through DxO3 noise reduction software and then Lrc with great results. I sometimes shoot at higher ISO setting to get faster shutter speeds and am very satisfied with the results. Thank you for your thoughts and thorough review.
All the reviews and advice from Pangolin is really great, objective and comes with extensive practical experience. The mega zoom lenses offer very good quality and value for money. Sigma and Tamron moved the cheese and now we see Sony, Canon and Nikon with their Mirrorless systems going this direction. These are all purpose lenses and offer great value and flexibility. It is interesting to see that the Brand lenses from Sony and Canon and especially the Canon with a f 7.1 aperture is also substantially more expensive. I have used this lens on two trips as a zoom option to my prime lens. Great results and joy to use.
I have the 150 to 600mm. I do miss the ability to shoot up close. I'm going to put it on my wishlist 😊 l really enjoy how sensible you are when it comes to quality. So many people want absolute perfection and that is totally unreasonable for the average person. Thanks Janine.
At 4:38, you discuss the tightness of the lens. I have found that if I use a pipe clamp with a worm screw, punch a small hole in the band for a small lever and squeeze the clamp on the focus ring, it's much easier to rotate the focus ring.
For the first time I hear from a professional wildlife photographer that the Sigma lens is amazing for its quality. In terms of the price, I know that. Thnx You.
Hi Wojslaw, thanks so much for watching my review. Lenses with less of a focal range should generally have less of an issue with distortion of all kind. And obviously the more you pay for a lens the more R&D went into it and they might have gotten rid of some of the distortion better.... but at the end it always boils down to what you can afford and how often do you shoot. So one needs to evaluate it in such a context. I still find my Canon 100-400mm mkii sharper but I am often often often lacking focal length even with the 1.4 x converter on (which pushes me straight to an F8 by the way) - at the end if you want quality you must go and buy a 400mm, 500mm, or 600mm prime.... but is that always realistic or the most practical given your personal situation?
@@janine-pangolinphotohost9722 391/5000 I often use the canon 500mm f4. But the second is always the sigma s 150-600mm. If I had to choose now, the new Canon 600mm f4 a Sigme 60-600mm. Then I would choose Sigme. I would invest the rest of the money in a new camera (1dxm3). I print 1.5mx1m from Sigma and the same for 500mm Canon. The difference is really small. Only the white color and the size of the lens always make you think. Greetings
Thank you, this is a really helpful video. I'm a photographer from Manchester UK, I shoot a mixture of of wildlife, motorsports and aviation and this looks like the perfect lens!
Hi, great review, I’ve just bought this lens for my 90d and am really struggling to get any sharp images with it but after watching this I’ll be out again to give it another go 😀
Love the lens and all of Sigma's lenses.. I do appreciate your great Honest review. I would really like to know about your full seat and gimbal setup you are using there in the boat..?
HI Janine, Just bought myself this 60-600 as a replacement of my 50-500 OS. It is a serious improvement in image quality. Now I'm counting down to travel again and use it on safari with my 90d or my 6dMk2. Maybe i'll put this one on the 6dMk2 and a small all rounder like my 16-300 or 17-70 on my 90d. Still deciding ;). What are your thoughts if I may ask? Anyway, I'll loved your review. Keep up the good work. Regards, Johan
Hi Johan, thank you so much for your feedback. I would put the 60-600mm on the full frame camera as you will get the best results plus the necessary reach. Cheers Janine
Great review. One aspect missed: you can lock the lens at all major zoom steps 60 70 80 90 100 150 200 etc. Which is rather nice, for you can lock your zoom ratio, as having a fixed 300 or 400 mm lens, handing you a fixed zoom for multiple images or or locking it into it s best sharpness zoom number.
Thanks for the tips. I am gonna get this lens. I gotta Canon T7i Rebel camera. I am a Wildlife Photographer or so I think I am. Thanks so much for all the good tips. Happy Trails. Kiya Young. From USA.
Janine I have a Nikon Z7 Mirrorless Camera and 2 fab Mirrorless short end lenses. But I need a Wild Life Lens Badly !! I was waiting for the announcement of the Nikon Mirrorles `100-400 but after seeing this Video of the Sigma 60-600 this looks like all I need (I used a Tamron G2 150-600 on my D850 back in the day) ..Do you think this Sigma 60-600 will work with the Nikon FTZ adaptor that allows a DSLR F Mount lens to be mounted on the Z Mount Mirrorless Z7 I have?? Thanks for an awesome Video
Hi Peter, it sounds like a great solution for you. I haven't tested the lens with this adaptor and cannot give you my own opinion but have never heard of any issues with adapters in combination with that lens.
Great review! I own this lens and I use it quite extensively for bird photography. It's quite sharp at 600mm, even at f/6.3. From my experience with the lens, those the Pied Kingfisher shots should have been sharper at that range and framing, and could be a calibration issue. I think it's fair to mention that this lens should be microadjusted to the respective camera body (via the dock) for better focus accuracy; I had forward/backfocusing issues on further subjects at 600mm, especially with crop bodies (Canon 7Dii and 90D), but less so on the 5Dmk4. After achieving surprisingly sharp images at 600mm f/6.3, I knew the lens was fully capable and that something else was going on, whether it was calibration, focus accuracy, mirror/shutter shake, or user error.
Hey Ho, I had the lens sent into Sigma South Africa together with my 1Dxii for calibration. I am curious that you say that though as I believe that my initial 60-600mm that I had rented for testing was sharper. I have heard before that these cameras are not consistent in their performance. Cheers Janine
@@PangolinWildlife It's very possible that one is sharper than the other. In the past week I had to re-apply the calbration with my Sigma dock, I believe even just jostling or shaking the lens while traversing terrain can mess up calibration. The lens works well on my 5D4, but inconsistent on the 90D. So I can attest to their inconsistency, especially in AF accuracy at medium - long distance acquisition. Quite sharp and capable lens, if you can get it to hit. :P Pixel-peeper struggles haha
Thank you very much for thst detailed review. I'm using the Sigma 150-600 contamporary for birding and I'm not happy with this lens. So I will give the 60-600 mm lens a try.
I have not seen your videos before, but this review is superb. I have subscribed. Your photographs are stunning. You are a captivating presenter. The information you provide is broad, to the point, and you illustrate technical details with photos exceptionally well. The analysis you provide is outstanding. Thank you for this review. You have given me a great deal to think about, and in better detail than I had previously. This might just be the next lens for me to consider; I will be moving from the northeast U.S. to France, and this might give me the landscape that I will crave and the ability to reach out and look more closely at the birds and wildlife I will encounter.
Great truthful review Janine. I did not see if you are now shooting mirrorless with an R3 or 5 or not - but what super-telephoto are you currently shooting? RF 100-500? 60-600? Thank-you!
This really was a nice honest review. I have rented the Nikkor 200-500 and really enjoyed it. I have not yet tried the sigma 60-600. I’m pairing these with my Nikon D500. If I could only buy one which would you recommend? Thanks. Gene
I’m looking for an ideal lens for wildlife photography and just checking what’s available. I used the 70-200, 2.8 with a 2x Extender and as well I use 800mm RF lens. Comparing of all informations I’m hanging on that lens now. Thank you for you video it helps to do a final decision.
I recently purchased this lens after researching and reading a lot of reviews ... to match with a Nikon D850, and its a super combination - so solid, smooth yet tight and very good quality. I got it mostly for astrophotography and wildlife - both, and with a 1.4 mulitiplier lens it becomes 900mm, and if you use it on a DX camera like a Nikon D5500-5600 it goes up to 1260mm with a further 1.5 crop factor zoom multiplication..., 10mm more than the Celestron C5 spotting scop when used as a prime lens. I decided to sell my Celestron C5, which can be used as a 1250mm prime lens, and is lighter I feel, but before I do, have you every tried using the Celestron C5 as a prime lens for wildlife. NASA use them a lot on space missions so the quality must be there...You can add a Baader Planetarium 8-24mm zoom eyepiece (the only viable quality choice) for more flexibility and even closer zoom. Have you ever explored this option and reviewed the C5??
I've had my Sigma 60-600mm Sport for over a year too. Mostly used on my Canon 1DX2 for daylight field sports and wildlife, I did first determine that the lens was back focusing a slight bit, I don't use the Sigma dock for correction-doing this change the lens characteristics when used on other camera bodies. Instead, I micro-focused from the camera's menu and had astonishing sharpness at 600. Discussions on how to do this are on UA-cam. If you are to use a 105mm lens UV protection filter, I highly recommend the Sigma kens protection filter. UV filters tend to diffuse light as their glass is not as pure and can cause fuzziness when seen through 600mm. It's a great lens that will not disappoint.
Hi John, thanks so much. We also have a tutorial on our channel about the micro adjustment.... glad it worked out for you so well. This can happen with any lens!
In the process of booking a Botswana Pangolin photo tour later this year. I have a NikonD5100 (10 years old) and a Sigma DG 150-500mm 1:5.6.3 lens (7 years old). I assume the Sigma 60-600 sport is a waaay better lens? What differences will I notice? Being itching to replace my 'old' Sigma 150-500mm for some time now.
Hi Edward, you will notice a huge difference. However, your Nikon D5100 will limit the focus speed and capability of the 60-600mm as well... you might consider using renting a newer Nikon for this trip as well - cheers Janine
Hi, Janine! This lens is tempting, but will it work with the Canon R5? (I know, you did this review 2 years ago, but if it can work with the R5, I might consider it.) Hope to go back out with Pangolin in a couple of years or so! We had a blast on the Chobe.
Thank you very much for this thorough and beautifully shot review video. I am impressed by both the clarity and honesty of your remarks, and I am also quite impressed with the resulting photos. They reflect not only on the quality of the lens, but also on your skills as a photographer. I will be renting this lens next week to try it for myself, although my subject matter will differ considerably. I look forward to your future videos and wish you continued success and health (during this pandemic, wishing this for everybody!), and beautiful lighting for whenever you go out shooting!
Hi Janine, I was very much impressed with this lens. I was aware of the weight of this lens, while I could handhold this lens, I chose to shoot with a gimbal head on tripod. I was glad I did! The lens certainly matched my expectations for performance. The only minor quibble with the lens was that the zoom ring was a little more stiff than I was used to. Focus speed and accuracy was fantastic. And the image stabilization was very welcomed and I found it to be non- intrusive to my shooting. My own inexperience with shooting with a super telephoto lens resulted in somewhat disappointing results in term of composition. I was using this lens for some landscape photography, and I definitely need more practice with this technique. But then, I’m not sure that this is the lens for that purpose. The zoom range of this lens was what intrigued me initially, but the performance was what won me over. I will be purchasing this lens in the near future, and in anticipation of that I already have purchased a gimbal head ( I rented one with the lens). Thanks again I for the review and the response!
i can concure having tested the 150-600 sigma and tamron find 6.3 is softer then f8 a word of warning on apsc you need to stop it down but on full frame its not too bad at 6.3
Hi Janine. I just bought a Sigma 60-600 Sport. I was wondering if you use Auto ISO. I have a Canon EOS 90D and in the first pictures I have a little trouble with a lot of noise. Any recommendations? Thanks for a great video about Sigma's 60-600 sport. Regards Per H. Nissen
Janine - Pangolin Photo Host Hi, one question; how do do think this lens would function on a crop sensor camera (D7 mkii) with regard to ISO being pushed too hard to get those fast shutter speeds.
Great review. Well balanced and informative to the right level of detail. I now feel compelled to go study my lenses to see if there is a sweet spot aperture for the best focus and bokeh. I also look forward to Sigma Nikon Z mounts. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Hi, thanks so much for watching. Lenses with less of a focal range should generally have less of an issue with distortion. And obviously the more you pay for a lens the more R&D went into it and they might have gotten rid of some of the distortion better.... but at the end it always boils down to what you can afford. So one needs to evaluate it in such a context.
Janine - Pangolin Photo Host I admired the superb level of participation and communication by you and your team. It is not easy. I own Nikon lenses bought new from retailers so probably not an issue. Before I venture out on Safari I will acquire a long lens and test it out. Thanks again!
Excellent review Janine, I like the way you point out the good and poor features of the lens. I have been using the Sigma 100-400mm lens for Nikon for about 6 months. It also has excellent image quality and very fast focus but like the 60-600 you need to shoot if fast to get the best out of it. It is very light and great if you want to go on a long hike. Thanks for all the hard work you and your crew have been doing during this very trying time.
Hi Keith, we also have the Sigma 100-400mm for our guest in the Delta. If it is correctly calibrated to your body it performs amazing for such a small lens. I was really blown away!
@@wcsdiaries I have never used the 60-600 to be able to compare but when I want to go on a hike the 100-400 is so light and easy to carry that I leave my Nikon 500mm f4 at home. The image quality and focus speed with the 100-400 is excellent.
@@keithmacdonald4805 Does the 100-400 get longer as you zoom in (aka not internal zoom)? I am wondering if the 100-400 be used on a gimbal. I fear i may not be able to use it bc the change in balance from zooming in will throw off the balance of the gimball. I shoot videos which is why I am asking.
@@wcsdiaries Yes it does extend but is light enough that it doesn't change the balance much. It does not come with at tripod collar and Sigma does not make one that fits the lens. There is a third party collar available on Amazon and it is very affordable and it works very well. I don't use it on a tripod but I bought the tripod collar because I don't like hanging my camera and lens off the camera strap mounts on the camera. I think it puts too much stress on the lens mount on the camera. I use the lens collar to attach the camera carrying strap.
Hi Janine. Good video👌 Thank you for your knowledge transfer What your opinion about sigma 150-600 versions contemporary and sports? Whos better for wildlife photography? And about tamron 150-600G2 you have opinion? Between sigma and tamron whos better for wildlife photography? Best regards for you Janine
Hi Joao, I don't have much experience with Tamron.... both Sigmas are great but obviously the Sport version has a much faster focus which is crucial in wildlife photography. AS mentioned in the video, I wouldn't bother about the 150-600 sport as the 60-600mmm covers it all. cheers Janine
Last year I caught your idea of back button focus. I don't remember your mentioning that in that mode, at least on my Nikon D5100, if the screen is set to display the last shot, the back button is turned off until I push the shutter btn halfway to bring the screen back to a settings display.
Hi Janine. Nice to see you again. By the way. What about the AF Finetuning for this lens? Have you ever checked it? Or is it on point? The first thing what i do with my lenses is, to check where the Focus is. My Tamron 150-600 G2 has a little bit of backfocus. So i had to move it to -6 in the AF-Fineadjustment in the Camera 7D Mark II. But what about the Sigma 60-600? You know what i mean? I love your voice and i´m happy to see you again. Best regards from Germany.
Hi Christof, the micro adjustment is different for every single lens and body. It might be required for your specific lens and body but we cannot generalize it for an entire production line. It is a bit like hit and miss... check out our tutorial on micro adjustment with Guts if you need it!
I recently bought the Sigma 150 to 600 contemporary lens and it is excellent. I did wonder if the 60 to 600 was any good or as good but I decided at twice the price I could not justify it. I have other lenses for portraits etc... anyway. The virus is still rampant and increasing in the UK so all thoughts regarding holidays and photo safaris are back on hold until well into 2021. Shame as a safari in Botswana with you was climbing up my list. Please keep your excellent videos coming though, cheers up my dull and dreary days, thanks.
Im strongly considering this for my new R6 mk2, and wanted to see your thoughts on if you think a TC 1.4 or 2x would be beneficial on it to get the reach?? Or just use this lens as it is?
Great video, just got one. Very impressed. Not as heavy as i thought although it depends on how long you use it hand held I suppose. Thanks for the review
Hi David, thanks so much. I guess at the end it always boils down to how much one is willing to pay and how often does one shoot... for the average use these are brilliant lenses.
Janine great review and well presented. Since this was done almost 2 years ago are you still using this lens and are you still happy with your results from it? I am heading to Costa Rica this summer and would like a something longer to use.
I'm just an enthusiast of photography, not even my hobby. But I got a camera to take nicer pics of my fish tank and now here I am lol. So, for a Sony 7riv would you prefer this Sigma 60-600 mm or the Sony FE G 200-600 mm f5.6/6.3 ??? It's the versatility of this Sigma vs the advantages of the native lens. Or a used Sony GM 100-400 mm? I think they're all coming out at similar prices.
Hi, I love the Sony 200-600mm lens ... for its price, it is incredibly sharp. However, if you just shoot your fish tank the 100-400mm will be more than sufficient as you can also focus at a closer distance... cheers Janine
Great review Janine! I have one of the original Tamron 150-600s and love it but it's taken a real beating and have started looking for a replacement. Just get the Tamron G2, switch to the Sigma 60-600 or go get a second mortgage on the house to buy the Canon 200-400 F4. Your review really makes me think that the extra cash for the Canon just isn't worth it so now it's just deciding between Tamron and Sigma. Thanks so much for the review!
Hi Joe, it really depends how often you shoot. If you shoot twice a year and don't print most of your pictures in huge format I would think rather spend the money on another trip. If you do shoot regularly and like printing I would try and get that extra quality from the Canon - that is the best tele-zoom lens out on the market!!!
@@janine-pangolinphotohost9722 Thanks Janine! I'm finding that to get the best quality it's hard to beat those big, expensive professional grade lenses and now there is the whole debate of adding the mirrorless R5 to the equation. Choices, choices, choices but your reviews and tutorials are a huge help so please keep them coming!
It looks like a nice lens, I wouldn't mind having it, it has some nice features that mine doesn't have. I have a similar lens, the Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD, I like it a lot and it's not real heavy at only 4.3 lbs. but you do feel it after awhile. I just ordered a Canon EF 1.4X III Telephoto Extender which will effectively make it 1344 mm with the 1.6 crop factor of the camera. I can't wait to use it! Edit: I just received the 1.4 extender and found I ordered the wrong one. I ordered one made by Canon, for canon lenses. I need a Tamron, made for Taron lenses that fit Canon cameras. No biggie, I'm returning it.
@@janine-pangolinphotohost9722 yes, I'm aware of that but I don't like shooting in low light conditions anyway, even with the lens' VR that steadies the picture because if the subject moves slightly at such low shutter speeds using VR it causes blur so I only shoot in good light where I can shoot fast with lower ISO and noise.
Nice , the new r5 and r6 ,but not solid!!! Never sell my 1DX(2) and having just a Mirrorless (R6 now), my 1DX in the evening when its cold and a lot of rain-no problem. She is build like a tank! never overheating and 4k60p/ fhd120p... i orderd my 60-600mm thank you Janine Krayer for your professionel review! i try the rf 100-500 when its a little bit on the market (and cheaper)f7.1 @ 500mm is not worth the money Canon is asking for, also if it is sharp(er) what do you think about this Lens in comparsion to the 60.600 Janine?
Hi, unfortunately I wasn't able to play with Canon's new gear yet do to the Covid-19 lock down in Botswana. It is heart breaking. But I do agree that the 1Dxii is build like a tank and a loyal companion wherever you go. I struggle to understand the high F-stop concept that Canon is using for their new tele-zoom lenses but would have to test them before giving my honest opinion about them!
Great review. What would be a reason to go with full frame instead of APSC for wildlife? I’m thinking of selling Sony A6600 and Sony 70-350 to get this lens for Sony A7IV. I just got this full frame camera and love how it handles, but have no telephoto lens yet.
did you calibrate the lens for your dslr? Maybe this is what the softness is coming from. Sorry in case you did explain it within this video but I didn't watch everything of it.
Three lenses because I did not buy this 60-600, first: Nikon 20mm prime f/1.8- Nikon VR 24-120 f/4 and Sigma 150-600 C... Great coverage of the component and surely worth the money when it is your life to shoot the wild.
On the softness at 600 mm 6.3: I had this similar issue with my sigma 100-400mm contemporary and I could significantly imrove it by adjusting the AF with the Sigma dock. Before adjusting I always had a slight front-focus at 400 mm and I could nicely compensate it, bringing more sharpness. I don't think the customer should deal with this in the end - however the lenses are affordable and we are given the tool to do it. Hope that helps!
Great review. I use my old Sigma 150-500 mm on my 6D. Like you found, it gives better results at f8. Will upgrade someday but for me it works very well and has great portability. Appreciate your content.
Hi Graham, that is awesome. I used the 150-500mm for quite a while. I believe the biggest difference is the focusing speed which has improved so drastically!
@@janine-pangolinphotohost9722 yes it is a bit slow but is fine for perching birds and similar uses. More speed would be good though which more modern lenses and cameras have. Been doing this 10 years now so maybe time soon for an upgrade :). Great channel you have, fabulous content. Take care, Lachlan.
Thanks for the insights and reviews. I really enjoy your videos. Have you ever tried the Sigma 120-300mm 2.8? I would be keen on seeing a review of that beauty. Keep up the good work!
Great review with relevant pro's and con's. I use a Tamron 150-600 and sometimes do wish it was a 60-600, but I like the results and the price. If I was making the decision today, I would certainly consider the Sigma 60-600. Thanks!
Thanks Janine, this review is a bit dated now, but I just wonder if you have had a chance to try it with one among the R5 or R6, and to compare it with the native RF 100-500, which is a bit more expensive. Thanks! Fabrizio
I too bought this very lens as soon as it was released here in the UK. I find it fast focusing, fairly sharp & a good alternative to the expensive Canon Prime Lenses. It is quite tiresome on the arms after a full day out in the field hand holding it, but overall Iove mine.
Hello Janine. thanks for this great review. For a long time I was concerned with which zoom lens is right for me. I bought the Sigma 60-600 this week for my Canon 90D. the first pictures blew me away. If everything works out, I'm going to my first wildlive expedition to Scandinavia in May 2021, which I'm really looking forward to.
@@PangolinWildlife Hallo. Thanks for your answer. a vacation in Botswana would be a real dream. I am paraplegic and sit in a wheelchair. I do not think that your hotels and inns as well as the boats are prepared to cope with a wheelchair.
Thank you for the great review of this lens... I purchased one a few weeks ago for my D850, and I am already loving the results that it gives... thanks again...
Very good review. I n n have the 150 to 600 on a Canon t5i. It doesn't have the dynamic range of the 5D, but I wod confirm.every assessment you've made about image stabilization, sharpness and ability to focus. It does better in bright light so morning and evening is tough. However mounted it can produce great images at slower speeds. It gives me the ability to see animals and small birds I wod never be able to see. I paid 890.00 on amazon. All in all a good lens.
Hi Janine, great review. I have been shooting with a 7d mkii & the 400mm f2.8 Mkii lens & have recently bought a 1dx Mkii. I'm now finding the length an issue with the full frame, very reluctant to use my 1.4 converter due to image degradation. So I am considering this lens as an add on to my kit. Are you still happy with this lens & the image quality vs a fixed focal prime? 🤔
HI Dee, you cannot compare the quality with a fixed focal prime.... which you can expect at the price point. However, your image quality with a 1.4 converter on a 1Dxii should still be miles better than on your previous 7Dmkii... so I wouldn't be too shy! Especially on a f2.8 lens.
Thank you so much Janine! You are a true rock star in your presentations, very easy to follow but also very in depth and informative. Keep up the good work. BTW, who makes those awesome swinging gimbal mounts I see on your vehicles? Never laid my eyes on them before. Anyways, thanks again for another stellar presentation! Bob
Hi Robert, thanks so much for your awesome feedback. The gimbals are custom designed by our director for our photo boats in combination with a ZA company called Gimpro
Thanks for the review Janine , really comprehensive , I currently shoot with a Sigma 150-500mm zoom on a Canon 7d mk2 & would love to get this lens , will look into it .
I appreciate this review. Thank you for not freaking out, as some reviewers do, over the fact that a lens is not perfectly, tack sharp wide open! Shooting what you do, I would think I’d often shoot at f8 anyway, and I almost never post or publish an image SOOC, so a touch of sharpening and CA corrections in Camera Raw would take only seconds. I’m wondering how this lens would be on an R6 for outdoor sports. Thanks again.
Hi Scott, thanks so much for the amazing feedback. We have to be realistic about the equipment and photography is always about trade offs... every piece of equipment you buy will have a downside. I think it would be a rock star combination with he R6 to be honest!
But I usually always shoot wide open, especially sunrise/sunset. I shoot canon. I have the 100-400 and just don't have enough reach. So, considering this Sigma 600mm. Will I simply need to make personal changes while shooting with this lens?
@@janine-pangolinphotohost9722 I also shoot Canon. I am spoiled with Canon quality. You can cut your eyes on the image sharpness. Have you been happy with this Sigma and it's image quality?
What other wildlife lenses would you recommend for the same sort of money? New or second hand.
The Tamron G2 150 -600 was KILLER sharp on my D850 ..Sold it sadly to go Mirrorless
@@Mr09260 Mirrorless remorse?
Hi Peter, it is a big switch to go to mirrorless... but at the end progress will win I believe
It's always great to see your interviews. Are you still DSLR camera or you are think to switch to mirrorless camera?
The Nikon 200-500mm is super sharp and fast (some say its slow but I disagree) , and you can put a 1.4 teleconverter to get extra reach
This is a better review than you can get in magazines. Thanks and well done.
Hi Ben, thanks so much. I really appreciate!
Glad you enjoyed it! High praise indeed.
This is the way reviews of lenses ought to look like! I´m very impressed!
Hello from Texas, USA. Found you today. I think this is going to be a rewarding connection. What I like: Photo analysis of your shoot. Computer image review and narrative on the choices made. Your open mindedness and gentle review. Your honesty and opinion. You are a gem in my book. Now I need to catch up on your past videos.
I just wanna say thank you for the very indepth review. I've watched two or three other videos from "big channels" and was not impressed with how thorough they were with reviewing this lens. Some people just shot at 60 and 600 and compared then called it a day.
I just purchased this lens because I wanted the wider range of zoom for wildlife photography. I can't tell you how many times I've been walking down a path and have a animal out in front of me and it's too close for me to focus or zoom back. I used the 150-600mm Sigma Contemporary for about a year and was ready for something a little more versatile, plus with the added weather/dust protection.
I'm happy to know that the fringing isn't too much to worry about and is easily fixable like I've had to do in the past with, not as nice, cheaper lenses that I've used. Also, I'll have to keep in mind to shoot in F8 when lighting allows. I've actually managed to get some really sharp images at 1/320, sometimes slower on the 150-600mm when zoomed out to 600mm. I will switch through from 1/320 to 1/640 then 1/800. It just depends how steady I can keep the lens. I've had times when it seems like it was absolutely locked on and I can shoot even lower than 1/320 and still end up with a sharp shot. Risky though, no doubt.
For my budget, this will have to work for the time being. I just do this as a hobby and not for a living. I would love to do it for a living, though.
Thanks again.
OUTSTANDING review! Thank you for your time and efforts! It's super informative!
Just got this lens. Thank you for the rundown of all the features and its capabilities. I'm excited to get going with this lens.
Thanks for your video, I ordered this lens two days ago and haven't received it yet but I'm really excited to escalate to this level of lens. thank you again.
I enjoyed every second of this review; purely informative and a very practical real life way. Thank you so much. You're conveyance of the heart and soul of the lens' abilities - which is what we really care about in the end - is a breath of fresh air.
Hi, thanks so much for your amazing feedback.
Thank you very much for your objective review. I am just about to buy this lens. Despite the passage of time, it still has its value. I also believe that this model has no competition in terms of its scope, capabilities and quality of staff, even now. Thank you and best regards.
I have this lens and have not yet had a chance to use it to it’s full potential, however I have found you are right about shutter speeds needing to be high. Plus I have even managed a tripod shot on a canon 80d with a 1.4 extender to show Saturn’s rings at night, true it was quite blurry, but staggering all the same.
HI Mark, you will have a lot of fun with this lens. It is not a low light performer as you need the fast shutter speeds but otherwise it is awesome and so versatile!
When you magnify 600mm with a 1.4 Extender and have a crop factor of 1.6x of the 80D (1,344mm) you are also magnifying vibration and it's almost impossible to keep it perfectly still. Even a breeze can cause enough vibration of your camera on a tripod and with a night sky slower shutter speed, you are losing sharpness because of movement. You also have to push up your ISO getting more noise. Extenders work best on Fast Prime Telephoto lenses. As most Zoom lenses are in the affordable range, their imperfections are magnified by extenders. I hardly use my extenders, they're not worth using even with my Canon EF Zooms. But they can be fun to use if you're okay with your results.
Hi Janine, thanks for the review. May I assume this was shot with a DSLR, the 1DX II or so? Not 100% fine adjusted lenses might cause sharpness problems on DSLRs, also on expensive primes stopping down from f/4 to 4.5, 5.0 or f/5.6 achieves improvments. - I hope I can once try the L-Mount version on my SL2-S. If the SL3 and a SL3-S come with the same AF updates as the Leica Q3, what I expect, that would be my system to go. FYC, I do also a lot of events and people/street with the SL2-S and ISO 12500 or even 25000 is no problem with the -S version of the SL2, just the phase detect AF is missing yet for sports and action. But in comparison to the Canon raw files - which have no details in the shadows. Even on my R3 and R6II it's pretty bad. The Leica raw dng are a dream for post production in any kind of raw editors.
Excellent, honest and comprehensive review Janine
Thanks so much Richard
Shot with this lens and with the mentoring that you guys did plus this lens I made some of the best images I have ever done. I completely concur with your review Janine and hope to see you guys again when the world is done with thei GD pandemic.
Hi Ronald, glad you are enjoying this lens so much. Really hope to welcome you soon here... cheers Janine
I have been using the Tamron 150-600 gen1 for about three years now. Its lighter than the Sigma, I can see very little difference between it and the gen2 tamron. However like the Sigma my Tamrons sweet spot tends to be from f8 to f11. I have built two custom flash brackets to use with the lense with large flash heads and a better beamer flash extender on one and a magpul extender on the other. I normally carry a second camera with the Tamron 16-300 at the ready to cover landscape and short range telephoto shots. Excellent video and coverage of the lenses features and value.
Thank you for the Tamron info Guy. Much appreciated.
Hi Guy, thanks so much for watching and letting us in on your secrets. Tamron and Sigma have always been bumping heads and I think Sigma is trying to break away with their Sport series... they really are quite excellent
I really enjoyes listening to you. Great video with excellent information. Recently bought an canon 90D and your video was very illustrative. Thanks. Greetings from Mexico
Hi Carlos, so glad this helped you - cheers Janine
I bought this lens 3 years ago to shoot wildlife with the R5. I've been very impressed with the results. Shortly after purchasing, I found your review which confirmed my findings. I run my images through DxO3 noise reduction software and then Lrc with great results. I sometimes shoot at higher ISO setting to get faster shutter speeds and am very satisfied with the results. Thank you for your thoughts and thorough review.
All the reviews and advice from Pangolin is really great, objective and comes with extensive practical experience. The mega zoom lenses offer very good quality and value for money. Sigma and Tamron moved the cheese and now we see Sony, Canon and Nikon with their Mirrorless systems going this direction. These are all purpose lenses and offer great value and flexibility. It is interesting to see that the Brand lenses from Sony and Canon and especially the Canon with a f 7.1 aperture is also substantially more expensive. I have used this lens on two trips as a zoom option to my prime lens. Great results and joy to use.
Hi Jakes, thanks for your inside... traveling is so much easier with these lenses and the price tag says it all!
Great review! Very well explained by the always professional Janine! Good work!
Hi Dominique, thanks so much!
I have the 150 to 600mm. I do miss the ability to shoot up close. I'm going to put it on my wishlist 😊 l really enjoy how sensible you are when it comes to quality. So many people want absolute perfection and that is totally unreasonable for the average person. Thanks Janine.
When you take the plunge on your new lens...bring it to The Chobe!
Hi Dave, great to see you here! Yes, it really depends on how much you shoot and what you do with it at the end... one needs to put perspective on it!
@@PangolinWildlife Deal.
At 4:38, you discuss the tightness of the lens. I have found that if I use a pipe clamp with a worm screw, punch a small hole in the band for a small lever and squeeze the clamp on the focus ring, it's much easier to rotate the focus ring.
Hi Chris, thanks for that advise ... I see you are quite crafty!
I decide that I need to buy this lens because of this video. Thanks a lot.
I already bought last week
For the first time I hear from a professional wildlife photographer that the Sigma lens is amazing for its quality. In terms of the price, I know that. Thnx You.
Hi Wojslaw, thanks so much for watching my review. Lenses with less of a focal range should generally have less of an issue with distortion of all kind. And obviously the more you pay for a lens the more R&D went into it and they might have gotten rid of some of the distortion better.... but at the end it always boils down to what you can afford and how often do you shoot. So one needs to evaluate it in such a context. I still find my Canon 100-400mm mkii sharper but I am often often often lacking focal length even with the 1.4 x converter on (which pushes me straight to an F8 by the way) - at the end if you want quality you must go and buy a 400mm, 500mm, or 600mm prime.... but is that always realistic or the most practical given your personal situation?
@@janine-pangolinphotohost9722
391/5000
I often use the canon 500mm f4. But the second is always the sigma s 150-600mm. If I had to choose now, the new Canon 600mm f4 a Sigme 60-600mm. Then I would choose Sigme. I would invest the rest of the money in a new camera (1dxm3). I print 1.5mx1m from Sigma and the same for 500mm Canon. The difference is really small. Only the white color and the size of the lens always make you think. Greetings
Thank you, this is a really helpful video. I'm a photographer from Manchester UK, I shoot a mixture of of wildlife, motorsports and aviation and this looks like the perfect lens!
Great review. I've just been using this lens for 2 weeks and think I'll keep it. Great build quality, sharp and I've adjusted to it's weight.
Hi Ron, so good to see you here. I am glad you are also enjoying the lens... cheers Janine
Hi, great review, I’ve just bought this lens for my 90d and am really struggling to get any sharp images with it but after watching this I’ll be out again to give it another go 😀
Thank you so much. You explain us very well in order to unterstand how using it.
Thanks so much Jane - cheers Janine
Love the lens and all of Sigma's lenses.. I do appreciate your great Honest review. I would really like to know about your full seat and gimbal setup you are using there in the boat..?
Hey Janine that’s a great review. Totally helped me make my mind up to go out and buy one. Thank you
HI Janine,
Just bought myself this 60-600 as a replacement of my 50-500 OS. It is a serious improvement in image quality.
Now I'm counting down to travel again and use it on safari with my 90d or my 6dMk2. Maybe i'll put this one on the 6dMk2 and a small all rounder like my 16-300 or 17-70 on my 90d. Still deciding ;). What are your thoughts if I may ask?
Anyway, I'll loved your review. Keep up the good work.
Regards, Johan
Hi Johan, thank you so much for your feedback. I would put the 60-600mm on the full frame camera as you will get the best results plus the necessary reach. Cheers Janine
@@PangolinWildlife thanks Janine, I'll give it a try.
Great review.
One aspect missed: you can lock the lens at all major zoom steps 60 70 80 90 100 150 200 etc. Which is rather nice, for you can lock your zoom ratio, as having a fixed 300 or 400 mm lens, handing you a fixed zoom for multiple images or or locking it into it s best sharpness zoom number.
Thanks for the tips. I am gonna get this lens. I gotta Canon T7i Rebel camera. I am a Wildlife Photographer or so I think I am. Thanks so much for all the good tips. Happy Trails. Kiya Young. From USA.
Have fun with it Kathy - cheers Janine
Janine I have a Nikon Z7 Mirrorless Camera and 2 fab Mirrorless short end lenses. But I need a Wild Life Lens Badly !! I was waiting for the announcement of the Nikon Mirrorles `100-400 but after seeing this Video of the Sigma 60-600 this looks like all I need (I used a Tamron G2 150-600 on my D850 back in the day) ..Do you think this Sigma 60-600 will work with the Nikon FTZ adaptor that allows a DSLR F Mount lens to be mounted on the Z Mount Mirrorless Z7 I have?? Thanks for an awesome Video
Hi Peter, it sounds like a great solution for you. I haven't tested the lens with this adaptor and cannot give you my own opinion but have never heard of any issues with adapters in combination with that lens.
You sold the lens to me. Will get it this week !
Great review! I own this lens and I use it quite extensively for bird photography. It's quite sharp at 600mm, even at f/6.3. From my experience with the lens, those the Pied Kingfisher shots should have been sharper at that range and framing, and could be a calibration issue. I think it's fair to mention that this lens should be microadjusted to the respective camera body (via the dock) for better focus accuracy; I had forward/backfocusing issues on further subjects at 600mm, especially with crop bodies (Canon 7Dii and 90D), but less so on the 5Dmk4. After achieving surprisingly sharp images at 600mm f/6.3, I knew the lens was fully capable and that something else was going on, whether it was calibration, focus accuracy, mirror/shutter shake, or user error.
Hey Ho, I had the lens sent into Sigma South Africa together with my 1Dxii for calibration. I am curious that you say that though as I believe that my initial 60-600mm that I had rented for testing was sharper. I have heard before that these cameras are not consistent in their performance. Cheers Janine
@@PangolinWildlife It's very possible that one is sharper than the other. In the past week I had to re-apply the calbration with my Sigma dock, I believe even just jostling or shaking the lens while traversing terrain can mess up calibration. The lens works well on my 5D4, but inconsistent on the 90D. So I can attest to their inconsistency, especially in AF accuracy at medium - long distance acquisition. Quite sharp and capable lens, if you can get it to hit. :P Pixel-peeper struggles haha
Thank you very much for thst detailed review. I'm using the Sigma 150-600 contamporary for birding and I'm not happy with this lens. So I will give the 60-600 mm lens a try.
I have not seen your videos before, but this review is superb. I have subscribed. Your photographs are stunning. You are a captivating presenter. The information you provide is broad, to the point, and you illustrate technical details with photos exceptionally well. The analysis you provide is outstanding. Thank you for this review. You have given me a great deal to think about, and in better detail than I had previously. This might just be the next lens for me to consider; I will be moving from the northeast U.S. to France, and this might give me the landscape that I will crave and the ability to reach out and look more closely at the birds and wildlife I will encounter.
Thanks so much for all your compliments - I really appreciate that
Great review ! I want to buy one for my Canon 1DX, Thanks ;)
I always watch your videos and reviews. I am a nature photographer in Ghana and I must say I really appreciate your work and dedication.
Hi Gideon, thank you so much - I really appreciate that - cheers Janine
Excellent review of the lens. Extremely well done--as always :)
Thanks so much Keith, I really appreciate that!
Great truthful review Janine. I did not see if you are now shooting
mirrorless with an R3 or 5 or not - but what super-telephoto are you currently shooting? RF 100-500? 60-600? Thank-you!
This really was a nice honest review. I have rented the Nikkor 200-500 and really enjoyed it. I have not yet tried the sigma 60-600. I’m pairing these with my Nikon D500. If I could only buy one which would you recommend?
Thanks. Gene
I’m looking for an ideal lens for wildlife photography and just checking what’s available. I used the 70-200, 2.8 with a 2x Extender and as well I use 800mm RF lens. Comparing of all informations I’m hanging on that lens now. Thank you for you video it helps to do a final decision.
Hi, I am super glad this was of assistance - cheers Janine
I recently purchased this lens after researching and reading a lot of reviews ... to match with a Nikon D850, and its a super combination - so solid, smooth yet tight and very good quality. I got it mostly for astrophotography and wildlife - both, and with a 1.4 mulitiplier lens it becomes 900mm, and if you use it on a DX camera like a Nikon D5500-5600 it goes up to 1260mm with a further 1.5 crop factor zoom multiplication..., 10mm more than the Celestron C5 spotting scop when used as a prime lens. I decided to sell my Celestron C5, which can be used as a 1250mm prime lens, and is lighter I feel, but before I do, have you every tried using the Celestron C5 as a prime lens for wildlife. NASA use them a lot on space missions so the quality must be there...You can add a Baader Planetarium 8-24mm zoom eyepiece (the only viable quality choice) for more flexibility and even closer zoom. Have you ever explored this option and reviewed the C5??
I've had my Sigma 60-600mm Sport for over a year too. Mostly used on my Canon 1DX2 for daylight field sports and wildlife, I did first determine that the lens was back focusing a slight bit, I don't use the Sigma dock for correction-doing this change the lens characteristics when used on other camera bodies. Instead, I micro-focused from the camera's menu and had astonishing sharpness at 600. Discussions on how to do this are on UA-cam. If you are to use a 105mm lens UV protection filter, I highly recommend the Sigma kens protection filter. UV filters tend to diffuse light as their glass is not as pure and can cause fuzziness when seen through 600mm. It's a great lens that will not disappoint.
Hi John, thanks so much. We also have a tutorial on our channel about the micro adjustment.... glad it worked out for you so well. This can happen with any lens!
Great review! Thank you very much! Yes I’m going to buy the lens as companion to my Nikon D850!
In the process of booking a Botswana Pangolin photo tour later this year. I have a NikonD5100 (10 years old) and a Sigma DG 150-500mm 1:5.6.3 lens (7 years old). I assume the Sigma 60-600 sport is a waaay better lens? What differences will I notice? Being itching to replace my 'old' Sigma 150-500mm for some time now.
Hi Edward, you will notice a huge difference. However, your Nikon D5100 will limit the focus speed and capability of the 60-600mm as well... you might consider using renting a newer Nikon for this trip as well - cheers Janine
Hi, Janine! This lens is tempting, but will it work with the Canon R5? (I know, you did this review 2 years ago, but if it can work with the R5, I might consider it.) Hope to go back out with Pangolin in a couple of years or so! We had a blast on the Chobe.
Thank you for uploading!
I love my new sigma 150-500
No problem Jan.
Hi Jan, do you have the 150-600mm sport or contemporary!
@@janine-pangolinphotohost9722 the sigma 150-500 5-6.3 apo hsm.
@@janeisenbeton9030 ..... amazing... we used to have these guys on our boat as well!
Great review Janine considering it for my Z7 for wild Life
Hi Peter, thanks a lot
Thank you very much for this thorough and beautifully shot review video. I am impressed by both the clarity and honesty of your remarks, and I am also quite impressed with the resulting photos. They reflect not only on the quality of the lens, but also on your skills as a photographer. I will be renting this lens next week to try it for myself, although my subject matter will differ considerably. I look forward to your future videos and wish you continued success and health (during this pandemic, wishing this for everybody!), and beautiful lighting for whenever you go out shooting!
Hi Thomas, thanks so much for the amazing feedback. How did it go with the lens?
Hi Janine, I was very much impressed with this lens. I was aware of the weight of this lens, while I could handhold this lens, I chose to shoot with a gimbal head on tripod. I was glad I did! The lens certainly matched my expectations for performance. The only minor quibble with the lens was that the zoom ring was a little more stiff than I was used to. Focus speed and accuracy was fantastic. And the image stabilization was very welcomed and I found it to be non- intrusive to my shooting. My own inexperience with shooting with a super telephoto lens resulted in somewhat disappointing results in term of composition. I was using this lens for some landscape photography, and I definitely need more practice with this technique. But then, I’m not sure that this is the lens for that purpose. The zoom range of this lens was what intrigued me initially, but the performance was what won me over. I will be purchasing this lens in the near future, and in anticipation of that I already have purchased a gimbal head ( I rented one with the lens). Thanks again I for the review and the response!
Thanks Janine. I think I will look into this lens.
Cheers Tim.
Thanks so much Tim for watching.... I am glad it helped!
i can concure having tested the 150-600 sigma and tamron find 6.3 is softer then f8 a word of warning on apsc you need to stop it down but on full frame its not too bad at 6.3
Hi Janine. I just bought a Sigma 60-600 Sport. I was wondering if you use Auto ISO. I have a Canon EOS 90D and in the first pictures I have a little trouble with a lot of noise. Any recommendations? Thanks for a great video about Sigma's 60-600 sport. Regards Per H. Nissen
Great video with great insight and honesty.
Thanks so much - really appreciate it!
Excellent review. Thank you!
Thanks so much Nick
@@PangolinWildlife FYI, I purchased this lens yesterday based on your review and some others. Can't wait to take it out and do some shooting.
Great review! I’m defenitely going to buy this lens for my safari next August.
Hi, thanks so much for watching. I am glad it was helpful!
Janine - Pangolin Photo Host
Hi, one question; how do do think this lens would function on a crop sensor camera (D7 mkii) with regard to ISO being pushed too hard to get those fast shutter speeds.
Great review. Well balanced and informative to the right level of detail. I now feel compelled to go study my lenses to see if there is a sweet spot aperture for the best focus and bokeh. I also look forward to Sigma Nikon Z mounts. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Hi, thanks so much for watching. Lenses with less of a focal range should generally have less of an issue with distortion. And obviously the more you pay for a lens the more R&D went into it and they might have gotten rid of some of the distortion better.... but at the end it always boils down to what you can afford. So one needs to evaluate it in such a context.
Janine - Pangolin Photo Host I admired the superb level of participation and communication by you and your team. It is not easy.
I own Nikon lenses bought new from retailers so probably not an issue. Before I venture out on Safari I will acquire a long lens and test it out. Thanks again!
hello, very nice video i have this lens and i would like to buy a canon r5. Do you have any experience using the set?
Excellent review Janine, I like the way you point out the good and poor features of the lens. I have been using the Sigma 100-400mm lens for Nikon for about 6 months. It also has excellent image quality and very fast focus but like the 60-600 you need to shoot if fast to get the best out of it. It is very light and great if you want to go on a long hike. Thanks for all the hard work you and your crew have been doing during this very trying time.
Hi Keith, we also have the Sigma 100-400mm for our guest in the Delta. If it is correctly calibrated to your body it performs amazing for such a small lens. I was really blown away!
Do you like the 100-400 better than this lens?
@@wcsdiaries I have never used the 60-600 to be able to compare but when I want to go on a hike the 100-400 is so light and easy to carry that I leave my Nikon 500mm f4 at home. The image quality and focus speed with the 100-400 is excellent.
@@keithmacdonald4805 Does the 100-400 get longer as you zoom in (aka not internal zoom)? I am wondering if the 100-400 be used on a gimbal. I fear i may not be able to use it bc the change in balance from zooming in will throw off the balance of the gimball. I shoot videos which is why I am asking.
@@wcsdiaries Yes it does extend but is light enough that it doesn't change the balance much. It does not come with at tripod collar and Sigma does not make one that fits the lens. There is a third party collar available on Amazon and it is very affordable and it works very well. I don't use it on a tripod but I bought the tripod collar because I don't like hanging my camera and lens off the camera strap mounts on the camera. I think it puts too much stress on the lens mount on the camera. I use the lens collar to attach the camera carrying strap.
💥 wow… 2:44 over the edge on a boat, no neck strap. Aren’t you a brave one. 🤟🏼👊🏼 Great review.
😂 so far I have never fallen in ... nor has my equipment in nearly 10 years - cheers Janine
Hi Janine. Good video👌
Thank you for your knowledge transfer
What your opinion about sigma 150-600 versions contemporary and sports? Whos better for wildlife photography? And about tamron 150-600G2 you have opinion? Between sigma and tamron whos better for wildlife photography?
Best regards for you Janine
Hi Joao, I don't have much experience with Tamron.... both Sigmas are great but obviously the Sport version has a much faster focus which is crucial in wildlife photography. AS mentioned in the video, I wouldn't bother about the 150-600 sport as the 60-600mmm covers it all. cheers Janine
@@PangolinWildlife
Hi Janine
Thank you for the tip.
Congratulations on the quality of the information you pass on your videos.
Cheers
João
Last year I caught your idea of back button focus. I don't remember your mentioning that in that mode, at least on my Nikon D5100, if the screen is set to display the last shot, the back button is turned off until I push the shutter btn halfway to bring the screen back to a settings display.
Hi Chris, no you are right - I didn't mention it. But I guess the focus is only active when you are in shooting mode... not display mode!
Hi Janine. Nice to see you again.
By the way. What about the AF Finetuning for this lens? Have you ever checked it? Or is it on point? The first thing what i do with my lenses is, to check where the Focus is. My Tamron 150-600 G2 has a little bit of backfocus. So i had to move it to -6 in the AF-Fineadjustment in the Camera 7D Mark II. But what about the Sigma 60-600? You know what i mean?
I love your voice and i´m happy to see you again. Best regards from Germany.
Hi Christof, the micro adjustment is different for every single lens and body. It might be required for your specific lens and body but we cannot generalize it for an entire production line. It is a bit like hit and miss... check out our tutorial on micro adjustment with Guts if you need it!
@@janine-pangolinphotohost9722 Hi sweetheart.
Can you you sent me the link to this video for micro adjustment?
love and hugs.
I recently bought the Sigma 150 to 600 contemporary lens and it is excellent. I did wonder if the 60 to 600 was any good or as good but I decided at twice the price I could not justify it. I have other lenses for portraits etc... anyway. The virus is still rampant and increasing in the UK so all thoughts regarding holidays and photo safaris are back on hold until well into 2021. Shame as a safari in Botswana with you was climbing up my list. Please keep your excellent videos coming though, cheers up my dull and dreary days, thanks.
Glad you are enjoying the vids. The 150-600 is a great lens. We offer them to all our clients who are travelling without their own. See you in 2021!
Im strongly considering this for my new R6 mk2, and wanted to see your thoughts on if you think a TC 1.4 or 2x would be beneficial on it to get the reach?? Or just use this lens as it is?
Great video, just got one. Very impressed. Not as heavy as i thought although it depends on how long you use it hand held I suppose. Thanks for the review
Thanks Janine. I have the Tamron 150-600mm lens and your review could apply to it as well. I like it, for the cost, but it does have a sweet spot.
Hi David, thanks so much. I guess at the end it always boils down to how much one is willing to pay and how often does one shoot... for the average use these are brilliant lenses.
I purchased and use the same lens and agree with your take on it. Love your videos. Thanks.
Have you done any astrophotography with it , it may not let enough light thru, best aperatures for night photos 1.4 to 2.8
Hi Tom, no I haven't as I find 60mm is not wide enough to incorporate enough of the starry sky
Thank you for your answer.
Janine great review and well presented. Since this was done almost 2 years ago are you still using this lens and are you still happy with your results from it? I am heading to Costa Rica this summer and would like a something longer to use.
I'm just an enthusiast of photography, not even my hobby. But I got a camera to take nicer pics of my fish tank and now here I am lol. So, for a Sony 7riv would you prefer this Sigma 60-600 mm or the Sony FE G 200-600 mm f5.6/6.3 ??? It's the versatility of this Sigma vs the advantages of the native lens. Or a used Sony GM 100-400 mm? I think they're all coming out at similar prices.
Hi, I love the Sony 200-600mm lens ... for its price, it is incredibly sharp. However, if you just shoot your fish tank the 100-400mm will be more than sufficient as you can also focus at a closer distance... cheers Janine
Great review Janine! I have one of the original Tamron 150-600s and love it but it's taken a real beating and have started looking for a replacement. Just get the Tamron G2, switch to the Sigma 60-600 or go get a second mortgage on the house to buy the Canon 200-400 F4. Your review really makes me think that the extra cash for the Canon just isn't worth it so now it's just deciding between Tamron and Sigma. Thanks so much for the review!
Hi Joe, it really depends how often you shoot. If you shoot twice a year and don't print most of your pictures in huge format I would think rather spend the money on another trip. If you do shoot regularly and like printing I would try and get that extra quality from the Canon - that is the best tele-zoom lens out on the market!!!
@@janine-pangolinphotohost9722 Thanks Janine! I'm finding that to get the best quality it's hard to beat those big, expensive professional grade lenses and now there is the whole debate of adding the mirrorless R5 to the equation. Choices, choices, choices but your reviews and tutorials are a huge help so please keep them coming!
It looks like a nice lens, I wouldn't mind having it, it has some nice features that mine doesn't have. I have a similar lens, the Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD, I like it a lot and it's not real heavy at only 4.3 lbs. but you do feel it after awhile. I just ordered a Canon EF 1.4X III Telephoto Extender which will effectively make it 1344 mm with the 1.6 crop factor of the camera. I can't wait to use it!
Edit: I just received the 1.4 extender and found I ordered the wrong one. I ordered one made by Canon, for canon lenses. I need a Tamron, made for Taron lenses that fit Canon cameras. No biggie, I'm returning it.
Hi Saxon, you will have so much reach... so exciting. However, don't forget that you will need a lot of light to shoot it on such a big crop!
@@janine-pangolinphotohost9722 yes, I'm aware of that but I don't like shooting in low light conditions anyway, even with the lens' VR that steadies the picture because if the subject moves slightly at such low shutter speeds using VR it causes blur so I only shoot in good light where I can shoot fast with lower ISO and noise.
Nice , the new r5 and r6 ,but not solid!!! Never sell my 1DX(2) and having just a Mirrorless (R6 now), my 1DX in the evening when its cold and a lot of rain-no problem. She is build like a tank! never overheating and 4k60p/ fhd120p...
i orderd my 60-600mm thank you Janine Krayer for your professionel review! i try the rf 100-500 when its a little bit on the market (and cheaper)f7.1 @ 500mm is not worth the money Canon is asking for, also if it is sharp(er) what do you think about this Lens in comparsion to the 60.600 Janine?
Hi, unfortunately I wasn't able to play with Canon's new gear yet do to the Covid-19 lock down in Botswana. It is heart breaking. But I do agree that the 1Dxii is build like a tank and a loyal companion wherever you go. I struggle to understand the high F-stop concept that Canon is using for their new tele-zoom lenses but would have to test them before giving my honest opinion about them!
Which trip has the boats with the gimbal chairs?
Hi Donavan... all our trips that are taken from the Pangolin Chobe Hotel or the Pangolin Voyager
Great review. What would be a reason to go with full frame instead of APSC for wildlife? I’m thinking of selling Sony A6600 and Sony 70-350 to get this lens for Sony A7IV. I just got this full frame camera and love how it handles, but have no telephoto lens yet.
did you calibrate the lens for your dslr? Maybe this is what the softness is coming from. Sorry in case you did explain it within this video but I didn't watch everything of it.
Hi Steffen, I do calibrate all my equipment prior to using it!
Grazie mille per la spiegazione completa 😊
Three lenses because I did not buy this 60-600, first: Nikon 20mm prime f/1.8- Nikon VR 24-120 f/4 and Sigma 150-600 C... Great coverage of the component and surely worth the money when it is your life to shoot the wild.
HI Marck, it is always a trade off - you will never find the perfect solution and I feel you have a great combo at hand!
Thank you for this review as I am contemplating the purchase of the 60-600S. I have been shooting with the 150-600C, but looking to upgrade.
On the softness at 600 mm 6.3: I had this similar issue with my sigma 100-400mm contemporary and I could significantly imrove it by adjusting the AF with the Sigma dock. Before adjusting I always had a slight front-focus at 400 mm and I could nicely compensate it, bringing more sharpness. I don't think the customer should deal with this in the end - however the lenses are affordable and we are given the tool to do it. Hope that helps!
which mount is your sigma 100-400mm? sony? or else?
@@blueteanyc Nikon
Great review. I use my old Sigma 150-500 mm on my 6D. Like you found, it gives better results at f8. Will upgrade someday but for me it works very well and has great portability. Appreciate your content.
Hi Graham, that is awesome. I used the 150-500mm for quite a while. I believe the biggest difference is the focusing speed which has improved so drastically!
@@janine-pangolinphotohost9722 yes it is a bit slow but is fine for perching birds and similar uses. More speed would be good though which more modern lenses and cameras have. Been doing this 10 years now so maybe time soon for an upgrade :). Great channel you have, fabulous content. Take care, Lachlan.
Thanks for the insights and reviews. I really enjoy your videos. Have you ever tried the Sigma 120-300mm 2.8? I would be keen on seeing a review of that beauty. Keep up the good work!
Hi Adrian, so sorry no - I haven't been able to lay my hands on it
Great review with relevant pro's and con's. I use a Tamron 150-600 and sometimes do wish it was a 60-600, but I like the results and the price. If I was making the decision today, I would certainly consider the Sigma 60-600. Thanks!
Hi Gary, thanks so much for watching my video. I believe the Tamron is a fantastic lens and definitely lighter to hand hold.
Thanks Janine, this review is a bit dated now, but I just wonder if you have had a chance to try it with one among the R5 or R6, and to compare it with the native RF 100-500, which is a bit more expensive. Thanks!
Fabrizio
I too bought this very lens as soon as it was released here in the UK. I find it fast focusing, fairly sharp & a good alternative to the expensive Canon Prime Lenses. It is quite tiresome on the arms after a full day out in the field hand holding it, but overall Iove mine.
Thanks for sharing
I like your videos sooo much
Thanks a lot!
Excellent review. Thanks.
Hi Sam, I am glad it was helpful!
Thanks for watching!
Hello Janine. thanks for this great review. For a long time I was concerned with which zoom lens is right for me. I bought the Sigma 60-600 this week for my Canon 90D. the first pictures blew me away. If everything works out, I'm going to my first wildlive expedition to Scandinavia in May 2021, which I'm really looking forward to.
Thanks for sharing! Have an awesome trip and come to Botswana soon!
@@PangolinWildlife Hallo. Thanks for your answer. a vacation in Botswana would be a real dream. I am paraplegic and sit in a wheelchair. I do not think that your hotels and inns as well as the boats are prepared to cope with a wheelchair.
Have you ever tested out the sigma 500mm f4 sport and ever compared the os vs IS hand held ?
Great review, honest and unbiased , thx
Super Review Janine! Nice to see a lady disproving that larger lenses are only for men! Love your presentation and clear diction!🙏🙏👍👍
Thank you so much!
Thank you for the great review of this lens... I purchased one a few weeks ago for my D850, and I am already loving the results that it gives... thanks again...
Hi David, I am so glad it helped you with making a choice and getting accustomed to it. cheers Janine
Very good review. I n n have the 150 to 600 on a Canon t5i. It doesn't have the dynamic range of the 5D, but I wod confirm.every assessment you've made about image stabilization, sharpness and ability to focus. It does better in bright light so morning and evening is tough. However mounted it can produce great images at slower speeds. It gives me the ability to see animals and small birds I wod never be able to see. I paid 890.00 on amazon. All in all a good lens.
HI, thanks for your insides on the lens. I would totally agree that it performs better in good light conditions!
Hi Janine, great review. I have been shooting with a 7d mkii & the 400mm f2.8 Mkii lens & have recently bought a 1dx Mkii. I'm now finding the length an issue with the full frame, very reluctant to use my 1.4 converter due to image degradation. So I am considering this lens as an add on to my kit. Are you still happy with this lens & the image quality vs a fixed focal prime? 🤔
HI Dee, you cannot compare the quality with a fixed focal prime.... which you can expect at the price point. However, your image quality with a 1.4 converter on a 1Dxii should still be miles better than on your previous 7Dmkii... so I wouldn't be too shy! Especially on a f2.8 lens.
Thank you so much Janine! You are a true rock star in your presentations, very easy to follow but also very in depth and informative. Keep up the good work.
BTW, who makes those awesome swinging gimbal mounts I see on your vehicles? Never laid my eyes on them before.
Anyways, thanks again for another stellar presentation!
Bob
Hi Robert, thanks so much for your awesome feedback. The gimbals are custom designed by our director for our photo boats in combination with a ZA company called Gimpro
Thanks for the review Janine , really comprehensive , I currently shoot with a Sigma 150-500mm zoom on a Canon 7d mk2 & would love to get this lens , will look into it .
Hi Paul, thanks so much - let me know what you think of it when you get it!
I appreciate this review. Thank you for not freaking out, as some reviewers do, over the fact that a lens is not perfectly, tack sharp wide open! Shooting what you do, I would think I’d often shoot at f8 anyway, and I almost never post or publish an image SOOC, so a touch of sharpening and CA corrections in Camera Raw would take only seconds. I’m wondering how this lens would be on an R6 for outdoor sports. Thanks again.
Hi Scott, thanks so much for the amazing feedback. We have to be realistic about the equipment and photography is always about trade offs... every piece of equipment you buy will have a downside. I think it would be a rock star combination with he R6 to be honest!
But I usually always shoot wide open, especially sunrise/sunset. I shoot canon. I have the 100-400 and just don't have enough reach. So, considering this Sigma 600mm. Will I simply need to make personal changes while shooting with this lens?
@@janine-pangolinphotohost9722 I also shoot Canon. I am spoiled with Canon quality. You can cut your eyes on the image sharpness. Have you been happy with this Sigma and it's image quality?