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A lot of time and effort was put into making this video, Will, I really appreciate it. I own this lens and use it along with my Canon 90D. It's a brilliant lens 📸 You got fab images with it 👍🏽 See you on the next one Mate
Hi lee I am using 90D but since I bought the sigma 150-600mm c I didn’t use it due to my health issues, I would like to know how it performs with the 90D also if there is a specific settings you’re using for wildlife photography, thanks
What is your opinion on the Sigma 150-600 compared to the Tamrom 150-600 G2 on a 90D? I am looking into getting either of the two. I do have a Sigma dock and the lenses are very comparable. The somewhat better sturdiness of the Tamron is interesting but still... I don't have an ARCA swiss mount and fitting a plate wouldn't be a problem either for me that's something you can just simply prepare at home imo. I can't really choose between either two.
I think the G2 is more expensive which probably says something about it. I have only used the Tamron very briefly and had no complaints. And if Morten Hilmer says it's his favourite lens, then that really is praise! But with the dock, maybe the advantage swings back to Sigma?
@@WillGoodlet I had the G2 for a week, perhaps it was faulty, slow to focus, and not sharp, I wasn't happy with it, but the Sigma is practical and functional, you take home beautiful photos
An outstanding video review of the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary Lens. I am seriously considering purchasing it to use with my ageing Canon EOS 800D and 5D Mark III cameras as I have taken up shorebird photography at Pukorokoro - the best location at the southern end of the Paciific Flyway - and elsewhere in NZ - and need to extend my lens range. At 80 years of age my expensive Canon 400 mm primary lens can do the job close in on the high tide roosts but I need a little more magnification without loss of resolution farther out and spending tens of thousands of dollars on a Canon EF 600 mm lens. And the African wildlife subjects went down a treat ...
I have a history with this lens model. Originally, in February 2017 (only a few days from now - the 23rd) I purchased my first 150-600 at the suggestion of my bird photography teacher. He pointed out that it was a reasonably affordable way to "get out to 600" with my Canon 7D Mk2; as opposed to going into substantial debt with a Canon 600 prime. I used that lens with my 7D Mk2 for four years with pretty good results. I am equivocating because back then I was not near the photographer I am today. But, one day, I took a spill off an unexpectedly rolling log. While there was no visible damage to either camera or lens (or me, other than my self-respect), thereafter I just "felt" that the lens no longer brought sharp focus, even after doing in-camera micro-adjustment. Finally I threw up my hands and sold it. Soon after, I realized how much I had come to rely upon that lens, esp. since I was left with only my Canon 100-400mm Mk2 'L' lens. A superb lens which I cherish but it won't get you out to 600mm. I found myself buying a second Sigma 150-600. I agree with you Will this lens is going to be a legend. This newer lens is, I believe, better than my first one. I've not needed any micro-adjustment. Ironically, late last month I slipped again with this lens on my Canon 7D Mk2. The lens was fine, not a scratch on it. But the fall knocked the camera's mode selector dial's guide off. Camera is also fine but I have to use my "Q" view to see what mode I am in, though I stay in M(anual) almost all the time. And apart from some scratches on my legs, I'm OK too. So, I believe that I will always have this Sigma mated to one of my 7D Mk2s. I have two. I actually bought a used 7D Mk2 that I keep my Canon 100-400mm Mk2 on. I hate changing lens in the field. I use these two rigs differently. If I am going out to photograph in more open spaces with the birds farther away I take my Sigma. But, if I am going into a wooded area shooting passerines, etc. I pick up my 100-400mm and in that context it is absolutely a delight. Recently, as I contemplated the age of my 7D Mk2s, esp. w/ re: to the number of shutter activations both have had, I decided now was the time to "go mirrorless". So I got the Canon R7 (for its APS-C format, closest to my 7D Mk2) and paired it with the RF 100-500mm telephoto. I did not like the R7 at all. Not at all. So bird-eye auto-detect tracking will have to wait a bit longer. I returned the R7 and RF 100-500 and instead bought a very nice used, very low shutter activation ... wait for it ... Canon 7D Mk2!
Thanks for the info and all the field experience with the lens shared here. Have you ever considered registering your gear with canon professional services? I get discounted service and free cleaning etc… they’ve stripped down my cameras a few times now. Maybe they can help with the mode dial? On the siggy, yeah, I think that’s a big difference with the 100-400. Slipping off logs more likely to damage it! I have a crap ton of insurance (after being robbed / struck by lightning etc…) when you break a lens in half (canon 400 5.6) they paid for a new one!
Thanks for sharing! You made me laugh at the end! I used to have the same combo, then even went for the Canon 5dsr, till I started with my beloved fuji xt4 and the lens 100-400. At older age, I really appreciate the less weight and the IBIS, though I lost some reach, but... not the joy ! :) :) Cheers from Uruguay.
Hi. Have used the sigma 150-600 c on a canon 7d mk2 then my 5dmk4 and now my R6mk2 and never had any issues with the first 2 cameras and early days with the r6mk2. So far so good.
I dunno about anyone else, but I felt smarter after watching this video. . .not just about photography, but everything. . . .having said that, this sold me on getting a 150-600MM and I couldn't be happier (well if my "keeper" rate was in the double digits, but that'll come with practice).
I'm having some softness issues at longer distances with this lens. Indoors, at 8-10m distance with a high contrast test target the sharpness is ok from a tripod, but in real life situations the softness is noticeable on a 33mp nikon D810. Autofocus seems more a miss than hit in when tracking birds. Good thing this is mostly for aviation photography for my daughter.
Thanks for the added insight and user experience. Sorry, that you are having these issues. I wonder if the mirrorless AF systems have made the lens slightly better?
I always enjoy your conversations, knowledge, travels and photography. This is one of the lenses I've been looking at to use with my Canon R7 so thanx for these photos, videos and your thoughts about it. I'm also looking at the Tamron 150-600mm G2 too and I've enjoyed Duade's informative vids for my needs.
I've been seriously thinking about getting this lens for probably about a year now, and after watching reviews after reviews (the region I live doesn't have lens rental services for me to try it) and seeing a lot of pixel peeping (which can be valuable, of course), your comments at 30:00 really resonated with me. I mean, in the end I just want to have some fun and try a bit of wildlife and sports photography. I mean, if a Rebel T6i and the infamous 75-300mm was enough for me to have fun back when I started some five years ago, I doubt a EOS RP + a Sigma 150-600 would disappoint me that much now. I really appreciate the effort that you've put in this video. Specially useful (I think) for those of us who want to give this kind of photography a shot, but keep getting kind of discouraged by some reviews who pit it against a 3 or even 10 thousand dollars lens. As an enthusiast, when I hear just "It's a bit soft", what I understand is "It's a bad lens", not "it's a bit soft when compared with a Canon EF 600mm F4L". So that bit in the end really helps to put things in perspective. Cheers! : )
Hi Cody, thanks for watching and the very helpful commentary here. I know exactly what you mean. It's really hard to choose a long lens without the experience of shooting it. It get's really hard with all the different voices and opinions out there. It's especially hard when we feel we are compromising on things like image quality in favour of versatility. It's so anti the general message most photography commentators give. To give some context, I used to shoot the Sigma 300-800 f5.6 - I think sigma may still be making them (or pretending to) when new It was a $7,000 lens. It is NOWHERE near as good as the 150-600. It was the cheapest, best, most versatile lens I could get at the time. I would have been far better off with a Canon RP and 150-600! If you are a specialist bird or wildlife photographer with time to spend in hides and vehicles and not hiking too much, you may like shooting a big white F4 (but I seriously doubt you wouldn't also have a superzoom in your bag). If you are walking around, travelling, sharing a vehicle with others, looking for rare birds, shooting larger mammals, out in public (and don't want too much attention) then the best lens is a superzoom - and of the superzooms this Sigma is a very good value lens.
Very good review. I have had mine for a quite awhile. I used it on my 6D MKII, then on my M6 MKII, and finally on may R7. I enjoyed the lens and got some very nice images using it. There were a few things that caused me to switch: 1) somewhat slow focusing, 2) slightly soft images at 600mm wide open, 3) periodic focus hunting when paired with the R7, and 4) long minimum focus distance. I switched to the Canon RF100-500 and haven't regretted it at all. I was able to improve the lens operation by using the dock. For the price and reach I don't think you can beat this lens.
Thanks Jeff, great to get insights like this. Your points one and two mirror my experience (although I was also getting sharp shots at 600 as well as slightly soft - I reasoned the softer ones were possible heat effects?) I see a few comments in the forums about hunting on the R7 - I expected the lens to be the same across R6, R5 and R7 but it doesn’t seem that way. I’m very tempted by the RF100-500 but as I use the zoom for video mostly, I’m not sure it is desirable to trade in my 100-400. Although I’m sure the RF makes more sense for photography.
Thank you for this - as always, a well-balanced, comprehensive and detailed evaluation. I hope you will forgive some observations of my own regarding the Sigma 150-600c against the RF 100-500L IS USM in particular. I have the Sigma 150-600c, along with the Sigma 60-600s, and the Canon EF 100-400MkII, EF 70-300L, and the RF 100-500L, which I use on my 5DsR, R5, R6 (MkI and II) bodies. I shoot mostly wildlife and am retired after over 40 years but am happy to be an amateur now! 1) Market and output: To me, these are aimed at two different markets and the performance and prices vary accordingly. Much depends on the specific subjects, who is going to view the image, and how it will be viewed. For small subjects like birds, or macro predators, it is likely that one will be at a distance, so reach can be quite significant. Most people don't pixel peep, they look at an image from a comfortable distance and will admire the image overall. How the image is presented will also have a major impact. The resolution required for large, commercial, Fine Art prints will be much great than that for fairly large prints of say A2 or A3, canvasses of greater size, and posting on social media or digital displays, where most people will likely present their images. So, the level of detail for the average non-professional photographer is not so critical. 2) Price: In NZ, the Sigma is about 1/4 the price of the Canon, so that is a major factor and puts it in reach of a different group of photographers. For that difference, with the Canon, one gets a weatherproof construction, dual Nano USM focus, combined OIS and IBIS, for blazing fast performance and the latest optics - all the things a professional would want, but at a big price differential. In that context, I would consider that the 150-600 still represents brilliant value for money for most amateurs. 3) Focus: I have seen some folks complain about pulsing of focus on R-series bodies, but have never experienced that myself, something I put down to how the focusing is configured. The focusing system on the R bodies is much more sophisticated than that of the DSLRs and needs some study and possibly adaptation to get the best out of it. I have no issues with focus on my R5, R6 & R6II, but I have avoided the R7 as my experience is that the focusing on this camera is much more prone to losing focus with either lens, possibly because the pixel density is significantly higher than for the FF sensors and it flips between points more easily. I suspect the pulsing is that multiple focus points are attracted to elements that dynamically appear closer or further away as an objects move within the focus area. I have always used Back Button Focus and Back Button Exposure Lock, and on my R-series bodies I have my focusing system configured for eye tracking, using a single point for both focus and exposure, with Servo focus enabled. I find my subject and lock focus using the centre button on the back wheel. If I tap the focus button, then the focus stay put for static subjects, but holding continuously allows the focus to follow a moving subject. Once focus is locked, I have found the focus point stays reliably on the subject as it moves across the frame. This is based on how I have always shot as it is advantageous for locking in on an eye of an individual in a flock, or surrounded by bush, and the same goes for the exposure. 4) Image Stabilization: Since I started my career back in the 80's I have pretty well always shot hand-held. I would be out in the wild for weeks on end and could not afford the weight and bulk. I have a steady hand, and I do weights regularly to ensure that I do not fatigue (so the technique is good for my health too!) - this works for me but that's a personal thing. 5) Customization and Configuration: As you observed, Sigma offers a docking station that allows one to customize focus and stabilization features and update firmware and I used those capabilities to customize the lens to my subject type and technique and it does make a difference. Canon can only update firmware for the lens via the camera. I might add that Sigma have issued multiple firmware updates for their lenses, so that can have an impact on stabilization too. I found that with the configuration I have, the stabilization made significant differences on my DSLR and MILC bodies and most of my images were keepers at quite low shutter speeds - I am regularly getting sharp hand-held shots at 1/60sec, in the 500-600mm range. One advantage the Canon has over the Sigma is that its optical stabilization works with the IBIS to offer outstanding performance, (so I can go even slower, down to 10th sec in the same range) but again at a price. Finally, few people have reviewed the Sigma 60-600s against the RF100-500. That Sigma is built to a higher standard, and the focal range offers the possibility of one lens to do it all, perfect for someone who is travelling overseas to shoot wildlife but doesn't want to check their lens into the hold or carry multiple lenses. It's an amazing unit.
Thanks for this great info! Re 60-600, they are not available and haven’t been for several years in SA. I can’t find one for review. I am very interested to try it.
@@WillGoodlet Odd that the 60-600 is not available there... It is a much newer lens. Mind you Canon killed the fabulous 70-200L MkII f/4 after only a couple of years. I was lucky to get one and it's a keeper IMHO.
@@trevor9934 it’s just the importer finds the market not big enough here. With the currency devaluation on a daily basis it is a lens that very few can afford,
Great review...thanks. Like you mentioned, it is such a usable lens...it does take some amazing shots...has the reach....and at that price, you'll be hard pressed to beat it. I use mine on a 90D and R7....brings a huge grin to the face and much admiratiom from my kids...."priceless". It does pulse on the R7 close up, but I use bursts and generally get a few keepers. I have no regrets buying it...plus the money saved means I get to use it a lot out in the reserves.
Thanks for the insights Dallas. Interesting to hear it pulses on the R7 and not the 90D. I haven’t had a chance to try an R7 yet. For the price it delivered way above expectations for me and I found the 600mm so useful for my use.
I’ve watched around 30 videos this week on this lens and the Tamron offering. Every video I watched gave me something to think about. Your video from start to end kept on giving me all the answers I still had unanswered from the other 30 videos from other reviewers, such was the thoroughness and uniquely perceptive approach. This will be the one I purchase for my 6D and as you say I will also so be liberated. Hares in Norfolk this summer I’ve got you this year 😂
This is an excellent practical review of your experience using this lens. I've gone with the Canon RF 800mm f11 lens on the Canon R6 II which is good for static and slow moving subjects at a distance. I've just bought the Sigma 150-600 DG DN OS Sport for my Panasonic S1 L-Mount camera. Will give me the flexibility of zooming in and out to locate a subject. For both lenses the deciding factor was cost because I only occasionally shoot nature/ wildlife at a distance that would need this 600mm or 800mm focal length. Most of the time it's a 24-105 mm f4 or 70-200mm f4 lens that is on my camera.
Amazing review, full of details and useful information. Pretty objective in my opinion which is most important part of any review. Thank you sir! You got yourself new subscriber. Would be nice though to have image samples available?
Thanks Nikola, so glad it was useful. Yes, I know I should provide samples especially if the charts. I just wasn’t able to get it all done in time. I will see what I can do about it.
Great review, I have this lens with the Canon 90D, looking at upgrading to mirrorless (R7 or hopefully maybe R6) but as I mostly shoot video, how does the R6 handle the IS with IBIS enabled, is it able to remove some of the jitter at especially 400-600mm? Shooting from a car door on a bean bag, first 5-10s are always unusable as you wait for it to calm down, panning or moving is almost impossible and then if you touch the screen to refocus or switch off, more jitters. Is this better on the R bodies than the 7d, interested to see if it will make a difference to upgrade at this point? Do you also get 'floating' in video if the IS on the lens is on and its mounted on a tripod? Otherwise I cant imagine doing Parks in this place without this lens, its fantastic.
I didn’t shoot any video on the DSLR so all the clips in the video are with mirrorless with IBIS turned on. I use it on a video head on the door mostly and it works pretty well. Beanbag I find is always hard to pan. Even with the canon lenses the image is very sensitive to any movement at all in the vehicle.
I own this lens since year 2016. it works really well with my Nikon apsc D7100 and now also works really well with my Z8. just bought the USB dock abd get the firmware updated to this lens and also adjusted focus speed and setup C1 & C2 on this lens. I am very happy with the result on both D7100 and Z8. and now I also added the Sigma TC1.4, taking moon photos are much easier.
I use this lens almost every day on my Nikon D7200 for bird/wildlife photography. I'm sure there are better combinations but value for money (I'm on a pension) I think it will be hard to beat.
Agree totally Dave. I just wish I had an option like this when I was a youngster scrounging money for my next roll of film. All I could afford was a 300mm. Even in the early 2000’s there was nothing
I recently bought the 150 - 600 c and I'm waiting o get out in the field and do some shooting. I've taken a few snaps at home and I'm impressed with the stabilisation. It really locks on. I've not tried video yet but that will come soon. I'm using it on a 90D so I do have the crop factor.
Just bought the objective because of your video. I'm using it with the Nikon Z50 with the FTZ adapter and it's working perfectly. Got already some great bird shots. So for know I can't wait to be on Safari at the Kruger NP in May.
Looks like an extremely good lens! Shame they don't have an olympus mount for it 🤣 some nice images in here also! I'm always surprised by those extremely high prices for full frame gear. Can't believe so many people can afford that stuf. I must be doing something wrong I guess 🤣 grt guido
Cheers Guido, yes a shame although the lens is too big :) I'm sure, once the channel has taken off, you will be showcasing all sorts of gear ;) Thanks for watching and leaving a comment
I’m a budget, hobby photographer and have had this lens for over a year now. I l love it and could have never hoped to have a lens like this on my budget before. I use it with my Canon t8i/850D APS-C and here are a couple of things I can say about this combo. I did buy the sigma 1.5 teleconverter to go with it but I only use it for Lunar photography. You can really get great moon shots with it. I would definitely not recommend using the teleconverter for wildlife shots, WAY too hard to get focused on a moving subject with it and the autofocus hunts and hunts for focus with it on. This may be something more seasoned photographers can give me advice on, but I have found that it focuses much better when using the LCD instead of the view finder. This is probably a camera issue, but I’m not sure how to correct that. This lens has taken my hobby of bird and wildlife photography to a level I did not think I could ever achieve based on my budget. I could not be more happy to have it and would recommend it to anyone. As always thank you for the video Will! I am so happy that a professional like you also loves this lens.
Hi Jason, thanks so much for the valuable insights. They all chime with my experiences (the 1.4 TC is seemingly faster on mirrorless but not really going to cut it with fast moving birds). The focus systems on DSLR are different for LCD and Optical finders. Normally LCD is slower but more accurate while Optical is fast but less accurate and can need adjustment (micro focus adjustment is often a feature built into the camera) The sigma dock allows this to be adjusted in the lens as well. I think your point about how the lens has opened up the world of wildlife photography is very well made. It was just impossible to participate for many people up to the 2010s. Cheers!
Thanks :) Yes it would be great to have more wildlife there but I have a few jealousies of my own ;) Right-to-roam and no looking over your shoulder all the time!
Hi Will great vid, and perfectly timed as I am more than likely going to get one this week. Seems a great buy without breaking the bank. I have the Canon 100-400 mk ii and love it, but just want some more reach - don't we all lol! I'll be using it with an R10 for the moment, and an R maybe too. I wasn't convinced by the R7 and decided to wait till Canon refine things a bit more. The R10 is an impressive little camera and my success rate has gone way up using it. The Sigma should partner well with it. You covered a lot of ground in the vid and answered all the questions I needed to solve. That guy Duade has some very useful advice for anyone with pulsing issues, and along with your good self clear a lot of stuff up. Thanks so much! I've missed alot of your recent content so I must catch up. Love your channel, you live in a wonderful place, i've been there several times - i miss it! Take care and thanks for all work and time it takes to produce your videos. Russ (Ireland)
Hi Russell, thanks for the info and background, great to hear that the R10 is working out for you (I am not surprised). Canon is finally coming out with some cracking cameras. I am just a bit disappointed that we are seeing a pro-level (or serious enthusiast) level APS-C. I would love to see a competitor to the OM1 and Fuji XH2S. Canon, Sony and Nikon appear to have abandoned this segment. Thanks taking the time to connect again here, and I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner! Good luck with the lens, really hope it's working out for you. Will
Excellent video, exceptionally informative. I have the Sigma 150-600 contemporary and I have been amazed at its performance. However, I use my lens on three Nikon bodies, a D3S, D3X and a D7000. With the D3S cranking out 11 frames per second I get great results with motorsports. Conversely with the D3X I get great wildlife photos, being that this is a 24.5MP camera, the D3S is only 12.5MP. The D7000 is my 'play/test-bed' tool so I experiment with TC's, both 1.4x and 2x. My personal 'jury' is still out on the results as yet. I found a trick when using the lens on a gimbal. As you mentioned it becoming unbalanced, I have a oblong piece of cast iron which I drilled out to put a thread through. This hangs on my Benro tripod and, when I extend the lens to 600mm, I loop it over the gimbal arm and it counterbalances the extra lens length/weight. It works for me. Strangely my two go-to lenses are both Sigma, the 150-600 and the ultra effective, ultra versatile 70-200 (If only the 150-600 had an internal zoom feature...!!). Many thanks for your thoughts and views. Keep up the good work.
I haven’t used Sony, but both the lenses are good. This contemporary lens offers a lot of value and delivers almost the same image. The sport obviously has a more premium build.
Well worth having a look at the Sigma 60-600 Sport, it's heavier than the 150-600 Contemporary but importantly the way the weight is distributed I personally find it much easier to hand hold
Glad i switched 10 Years ago from Canon to Olympus / OM Systems …. and use the 300mm Pro and both converters and wait for the 150-400mm Pro “Gandalf The White “ … ! Now with that lens and the OM-1 the collection is complete . South Africans are so Canon assimilated that it will be hard to get them out of a heavy load and slow moveable system. The moment they want to see Serengeti the problems start … they have to drive to TZ . Flying with that heavy load in the bulk with destroy their valuable equipment.
@@WillGoodlet Hi Will , i was one of the first for the 300mm Pro and 150-400 Pro lenses to get them. With Olympus ..do not doubt ! Lenses and cameras are good quality and when tested all excellent in performance . ! No regrets . THE ONLY PEOPLE THAT REGRET ARE THISE THAT ORDER TOO LATE 😂
Hello Will, very thorough review, enjoy your channel. I had the sigma 150-600 C lens a few years ago but found some inconsistences with focus which became very frustrating, eventually sold it. I loved the versatility and the potential of the focal length as I use handheld walking so tried again. I do think some copies are better than others so this time I decided to buy a well used ( good condition ) lens from dealer in UK with warranty and 14 days to send back if not satisfied. My thinking being if it had fair amount of use it should be a good version, and very good price.. 3 years latter still going strong and it is my go to wildlife lens on 1dx, 7d2, R6 all work really well. Hope this comment helps someones decision.
Hi Tim, thanks for watching and for the comments. It’s very interesting to hear everyone’s experiences with the lens. I wonder if Sigma made changes to manufacturing over all these years as well to improve the lens?
@@WillGoodlet I think you could be correct, also improved quality control to compete more with the likes of canon maybe. Shame about canons stance on 3rd party lenses, however on a positive note we canon users have a great choice of used EF lenses being sold for RF glass so not all bad...
Thank you! I hope it’s working well for you. The freezing thing seems to have become less frequent. I’m not on the latest firmware either. Maybe it’s that I’ve learned to limit use of eye-af to a few seconds at a time. I’d like to try Sony (and others) but too invested to switch
I used this lens for about 5 years. The only issue I found was low light performance especially after I obtained the canon ef 600mm f4 III which I love using. I have the sigma 60-600mm sport which was just a bit too heavy for hand hold walks over distance. I'd long walk the ef 600 for 6 mile walks over the 60-600mm sigma sport. I'm gifting the 150 to 600 c to my kid sister it'll be awesome for her.
Hi Lawson thanks for this, great to hear you got good use out of it and now your sister will!. Did I read that right? You would rather walk with the 600 F4 than the 60-600? I haven’t managed to get my hands on the 60-600 yet (seem to be out of stock permanently) so I can’t compare it.
@@WillGoodlet yes I'd rather do long walks with the 600 f4 or the 150-600c. The 600 is just so much better balanced than the 60-600 and appears lighter in the hands over time. Part of me just wants to hand off the 60-600 to her but bad idea since I want her to find joy in the process. I know she'll love the 150-600.
I use the Sigma on my EOS M5, EOS R and now my EOS R3, I get people telling me how soft the lens is at 600mm, I have never found this and think that it is an extremely good lens for the money
Im on the fence wether to buy the 150-600mm for my Canon EOS R7 of not. Im looking for a ''cheaper'' wildlife lense with more reach than my 100-400mm canon lense. Any toughts? 🤞
There’s only two cheaper third party lenses, the Tamron or the Sigma. You also have the 600 F11 and 800 F11 as options on the R7. I haven’t used those two F11 so I can’t answer on those. A lot depends on what you shoot, in Africa, with elephants one minute and a bird the next a zoom is very useful but less so if it’s birds that is the main subject.
@@Ohsnaapz31 It will all depend on how much you need the 600mm over 400mm. I’m certain the 400 is better handling and focuses faster but if it’s not long enough for you then it’s not long enough. With the R10 you already have a crop with the advantage of more pixels on the subject. Bear in mind that atmospheric conditions affect sharpness beyond a certain distance no matter the lens. Often you have to be closer no matter what. If you are shooting smaller birds often perched or larger birds flying 600 should be good. If you photographing larger birds or a lot of flying birds and need to walk long distances the 400 will be good. If you are in a vehicle driving around for birds or animals the 600 will be better as you cannot approach closer. The 400 is very likely to resolve a little more detail so it’s probably possible to crop and recover some of the ‘reach’ vs the 600 but probably not all of it. Your preferred subjects (flying, small, approachable) and environment (walking, driving, crawling) and travel (space in airplane) will point you to the correct lens.
@@WillGoodlet It's a hobby for Wildlife photography, just to go around and shoot the beautiful animals and birds and maybe someday travel to other countries for Bears and Owls
Hi Will, New subscriber here from USA. This was a great video that answered all of the questions I have been wondering about as far as this lens and its performance. I am currently shooting small birds and need more reach. I plan on using it with a Panasonic GH6 which should give me 300-1200mm. I have a 5D mark 4 if it doesn't work well with the Panasonic camera so I'm sure it will meet my needs. What are your thoughts on trying to use this lens on a Micro four thirds body? Thanks again for the great review!!!
Hi Steve thanks for watching and the sub! Hope you find some other useful content. I don’t have a lot of time experience with MFT except for a brief time with Olympus and the 300 f4. So I can only offer some general thoughts. 1. I have no idea how well the af will work - I’m guessing you have some experience adapting lenses to MFT. Or will be focusing manually mainly for Video . If you focus manually at 1200mm be prepared for shake introduced. 2. OS + IBIS Panasonic stab is meant to be one of the very best, but for long lenses it’s generally thought that lens stab is more important. I can’t say if the OS and the IBIS will work well together. Hopefully it will but look for some comments on this if possible. 3. The resolving power of the lens will be made to work hard on MFT - see if you can find some lens test results for this format. 3. The lenses target market is exactly your 5D4 it should be ideal on this camera.
Hi! Stumbled upon your video born in SA living in the french alpes after serving in the french foreign legion..i have a d7500 and a Tamrom 100 400 and tamrom 70 300 but looking for a robust dx cropped lens at 150-600 range would you recommend this sigma or a tamron what are your thoughts i am trying to capture wildlife. Wolves game eagles etc. Thanks! Cheers
Great to hear from you, must have been interesting! And you are in a beautiful location now. Either the tamron or this lens are good value options. If you want to spend more then the nikon 200-500 is also very nice and obviously you can go up from there. For value for money, there’s nothing really like the sigma. The gains on the other lenses will mainly be AF performance
Thanks! Grass always looks greener on the other side! Nothing like the real wildlife as found in south africa, from the insect species right up through reptiles we have it all back there here we have italien wolves france killed out their own wolve species and you barely find any snakes or insects here so yes beautiful lanscape but it just slightly lacks the bush feeling . I use to work as engineer on the super yachts and currently working on the yachtd but shorebased and shorebased doesn't pay as well as being onboard so am limited to around €1k for a wildlife lens between 150 and 600( +-) wolves and buck here dont like people so figure with camo and patience and a 600mm i might just get that one shot... Im thinking 2nd hand people here buy and sell lenses out the box they use it once or twice they not prepared to walk or carry the weight so can get great 2nd lenses barely used here. Thing is i do like misty and rainy conditions and camping in my 1man tent over long treks so guess sigma is that better option, though again can i protect a tamrom well with a lens protector cover and be careful for that slightly better AF? Pffff its a hard call for me or that nikon sounds great but then AF and weather sealing i am out there a lot in the weather . Lol.
@henrys9244 I just had a quick look at All three on Wex and they all seem to be roughly the same price in the UK. The Sigma 150-600 is not weather sealed. It has some sealing but not As much as the Sigma 150-600 sport (the more expensive version). The Tamron 150-600 G2 does have some weather sealing. Morten Hilmer uses it (have you seen his videos, its was his favourite lens at one point) a lot in very tough conditions. With Euro 1k you should be able to pick up any of these three
I have this lens and loved it with my canon 80D but I got a R6 and was disappointed with it. I've just watched this video and I've decided to give it another go on the weekend. So Thank you for sharing otherwise I might have had a super lens sat in my bag not used. Can't wait.
I hope it goes well - it seemed to work perfectly on my R6. There is a big difference in reach between the 80D and R6. I could understand if you shoot birds with it.
I have tested the Sigma lens already on: EOS 550D, EOS 700D, EOS RP, R6 and R7 On most bodies for some hours or even minutes, on the 550D, RP and R7 a lot. I had the best experience with the 150-600C on the RP... in fact i didnt believe that it had focus breathing issues, until i tried to upgrade to the EOS R6 (which was a hard fail, it didnt met ANY of my needs good enough, too low res for astrophotography on a telescope, too big/heavy for family/0815/travel stuff, not really enjoying enough for video with its overheating and 30min record limit and some other issues including the focus breathing/pulsing with the Sigma lens and mainly: the price!) The RP was just working fine with the sigma, sure i didnt have animal eye or even basic animal detect and subject detection focussed more on the ass/backside/fur than on the eye, but it ran just awesome in AF-C mode. It was also pretty flawless on the 550D and 700D, but R6 and R7 is somewhat a pain and its hard to trust the autofocus abilities in certain situations which should be NO PROBLEM! Where i really enjoy the sigma - on a tripod for wildlife video mainly, because somehow i dont have much pulsing issues in video or at all on the R7. For photo its just a bit tricky. I typically use AF-C until it looks focussed, take a burst, refocus here and then, burst, and so on, so i can make sure to have at least some bursts completely sharp.
I just bought this lens for my Nikon D3300! It's my first telephoto lens and I'm nervous about using it because of its weight primarily. I thought it was interesting when you said that as a wildlife photographer, you are more interested in "interaction and behavior" than the "out and out bird photographer." I am mostly interested in improving my skills as a bird photographer, though I also love to photograph other forms of wildlife. I am definitely interested in the "interaction and behavior" of birds, as well as the finer, more detailed portrait shots. I think getting shots of their interactions with each other is so interesting! Thanks so much for all the great info!
@@happynjoyousnfree congratulations on the new lens, I hope you get many great shots with it! On the weight, I guess there’s not much else out there that is any lighter, but I’m sure you will get used to it. With regard to behaviour, I suppose I see a lot of people that are extremely critical of their images and they discard them if they aren’t sharp enough. I just think that that’s a bit of a competitive artefact of gear based discussions in the digital era and we should concentrate a little more on the artfulness and/or meaning (often to ourselves) of the image. For example, I’m photographing with someone in Africa at the moment (it’s 2:30am and I’m in a hide at a waterhole) and he’s very critical of his own images and constantly deleting them in the field (missing opportunities while doing so) based mainly on whether it’s sharp enough for him. We had a Honey badger upside down in a tree, rooting for grubs under the bark. It was quite distant and there was a little heat distortion. His first ever sighting. He was busy deleting the shots based on sharpness of the eye. I asked him how many times he’d seen honey badgers climb trees?
Very detailed review- glad that you've had great success with it. My personal experience has been completely different. Good price and very sharp (when the AF works on mirroless bodies), but the AF was beyond dreadful on both my R5 and R6 bodies... so much so that I sold it and went with the RF 100-500 L IS USM from Canon. Twice the price, but it simply works. To be fair, it was absolutely brilliant on my 5D Mk III and 5D Mk IV, but the AF was off at least 40% of the time on my R-series bodies- could not focus and track the eyes on people, birds or other wildlife. Caveat Emptor.
Hi Jean, thanks for sharing your experiences with the lens. Sorry too, that you had trouble on the mirrorless cameras. I've no doubt that the RF100-500 is an excellent alternative (although I haven't tried it yet). Have you had any camera freezes with it? Some people have contacted me saying that it does sometimes freeze on RF bodies. I don't know why there is such a wide difference in performance and experience with the Sigma. It's very odd. I can't imagine that the production line has stayed the same all these years, so perhaps there are things that have been changed that we are not aware of. Or maybe it's the varying states of firmware over time. Or just good and bad copies. It's hard to explain it but undoubtedly there are some bad performing lenses out there and some gremlins in the Canon bodies too.
@@WillGoodlet Will- it truly is odd that some folks have had zero issues while others such as myself have had such poor results with the lens. I tried various combinations of R5/R6 firmware with various combinations of lens firmware (using Sigma's lens dock)... and none of the combinations were optimal as using the RF 100-500 L IS USM lens has been. It's unfortunate because for the price, the Sigma is an absolute killer lens... it just didn't work out for me on the mirrorless bodies. Here in Canada, you can get 3 Sigma 150-600 C lenses (currently $1049 CDN) for the price of one Canon 100-500 lens ($3849 CDN). Ouch!
Hi Will, really interesting review. In my experience as a Nikon Z shooter as well as Nikon DSLR user is that these "lesser" lenses really seem to be coming into their own when used on mirrorless because we lose the questionable focus accuracy, many of these lenses can suffer from front/back focus issues to a great or lesser extent, obviously this just doesn't happen with mirrorless. In the future I may look into getting a copy of this lens to use purely with my mirrorless cameras. I've owned the Sigma 150-600mm Sport in the past before the days of mirrorless an I tried three different copies, I simply couldn't achieve consistency autofocus, it would focus but it just wasn't accurate hence the images were nearly always soft. I don't expect results like from my 600mmf4 or 400f2.8 but this Sigma is just so small and light by comparison, I could easily hike all day carrying the zoom and attached mirrorless in a small back pack! I'd like to wish you and your family all the very best for 2023, take care!
Thanks for the good wishes for 2023 and to you and your family too! Good point on front / back focus. You are right, the cameras are really giving these lenses some legs. I think I should have made it more obvious how I shoot in the video - from a vehicle with little space to move and swing heavy lenses - that’s why the 150-600 was so liberating for me. 600mm too of course. From other comments it seems there are good and bad copies.
Awesome videos!!! Would love to see an Instagram account from you, was just on your website and you take Amazing fotos!! I am a fellow South African curently living in the Netherlands
Hi Zane, thanks for checking out the videos and the website (Sorry, I've been very lax on posting pics there). Sadly I don't enjoy IG or FB, I find I just don't have time and energy to interact there and have stopped sharing to the platforms.
Thanks for this video. Like all wildlife photographers I'm looking for extra reach but lightweight for easy carrying. I have an R6 and a 5dMk4. I have the EF100-400 Mk2 and the RF100-400 which I often use with a RF2x extender. I think I will have to save hard for the RF100-500 or consider selling my 5dMk4 and buying an R6 Mk2 but it's always a decision about priorities and finance. I'm very impressed with my R6 but having been disappointed by an earlier Sigma lens, think I'm going to stick with Canon lenses.
I think if you have the budget for the RF100-500, it should be an improvement. I haven't tried it but have heard great things. A lot comes down to budget but the value offered by the Siggy is considerable and offers a great many photographers a way into good quality wildlife images.
Very comprehensive review. Thank you! I have the 7DMii and it would be some time before I can afford to get a mirrorless camera as well. From your video, it suggests that I can still make very good images with this sigma on this body at an affordable price; while still having the future prospects of using it on a mirrorless and getting even more from it.
Enjoyed your review, Will. I have had this lens since it was first introduced. I must say it has been a tremendous value for those of us who have a lean budget. I have nothing to complain about with this lens. As an added bonus, it works exceedingly well with some of my 35mm film cameras. Take care now.👍👍
I’d like to try OM again. I really enjoyed my testing with the 300mm F4 but the bodies have come on a lot since then. As always my problem is I will not be able to get anything like my 400 f2.8 in a new mount without pumping in a lot of cash. So I’m sort of stuck with Canon for now. I’m interested to try the Fuji Xh2s as well.
Super thorough articulate and eloquent review. Did you use a teleprompter for that amazing script? Or do you have a photographic memory? 😊 Great stuff. You’ve convinced me on the 150-600 for my 5d m3. Thank you! 👍
Haha I used to have a pretty good memory but not any more. I did use a teleprompter on this one although I don’t normally. Glad you found the video useful and hope the lens works well for you!
Hi Will, I absolutely love your videos. You put so much effort and thought into making them. I just discovered your channel and watched all of your videos way to quick, leaving me with withdrawal symptoms form my Will Goodlet video addiction. I guess I will just have to watch all of your videos again. Also wanted to thank you for making awesome content.
Hi Bram, thanks so much for this awesome message of support. So great to hear that you are enjoying the videos and really encouraging to me! I wish I could knock them out more consistently and quickly for you :)
I just got back from 5 days in Kruger, used a battered version of one of these on my D7200. Overall it did a great job, got some really good keepers that I would not have been able to get with any other lens for the money I spent on the Sigma. Biggest frustration I had was the limitations due to the apertures, meaning I had to crank up iso to get decent exposure when the light was bad. Again, for the money, this is totally acceptable. Autofocus not always the best, but again, for the budget it's totally acceptable and also possible to overcome with things like shooting bursts. Overall, can't beat it for the money. I paid £460 for the lens, BARGAIN!
Agree it’s great value. When I was in my twenties I couldn’t even imagine having a lens as good. Just didn’t exist. Glad you got some shots and enjoyed Kruger!
Thanks Will for yet another informative video. I had been using a 70-300mm L prior, but was frustrating me with the reach for bird photography. A few months back I decided to take a plunge with this Sigma lens (used) and been pairing it with a 77D body, with very pleasing results. Expecting an R7 body soon and hope to some day soon put the pairing to the test at the Rietvlei Nature Reserve in my backyard.q
Hi Will, I got my 150 600 about 18 months ago, paired with my canon 200d, and love it. Recently bought the R7 and yet to use in anger, but early days look good.
I use my Sigma 150-600C on my Nikon D500 for bird shooting and now I have got to grips with my settings etc I am getting so many more keepers. A great budget lens especially for beginner nature photographers
Had this lens on my 7D II was fine if you got a good copy but once i switched to mirrorless I got rid of it the pulsing drove me nuts. Not so great on my R5s and tried it on the R6 II, Starting out its great so is the Tamron G2. for commercial use when things have to work no matter what then I went with the 100-500. Hopefully Canon comes out with a 200-600.
It seems there are good ones and bad ones! Thanks for the insights. As you say It's a bargain starting out in wildlife, especially anyone picking up a used DSLR to go with it.
Just come across your channel Will, and what a great find. I have this lens, bought it for a lesser Canon body and have upgraded with the Sigma converter to a Sony body. Learnt a lot, thank you!
I bought this lens early last year and have been using it on my 5Dmk4 havent tried it on the 7D yet. Taken quite a few roos and shot some finches a couple of days ago out the front of the house. Thank you for your in-depth review.
I have used this lens for a number of years with my Canon DSLR and found it incredibly reliable. I have paired it with a 1.4extender and found the results very inconsistent.
Hi Justin, as I say in the video, some of this depends on what camera use now. Mirrorless, I find, handle teleconverters better than dslr. So you might find the 200 + 2.0 TC adequate. For birds, I would prefer 600mm over 400 though. And in general the 600 is likely to give better results. If you shoot an RF mount camera, the canon 600 and 800 f11 could also be options?
Hi Will, I'm using the Sigma 150-600 (C) with my Canon 90D. It is however an unforgiving combination 😒 You can check my results on my YTC, under my name
I have the Sport version and calibrated it with the Sigmadock. The focus speed is super fast and accurate, using the custom C1 setting i programmed. It obviously also has the latest firmware installed. I am extremely happy with this lens, although it is heavy. Pls do a comparison test with the Sport version
So far I have come across this video from bing suggestions , I got the Sigma lens it's already given awesome photos with my canon 1500d which is an entry level dslr, so just go for it.
I see you are using Black Mist Filter , i also advise it for Video , but you dont have to pay for it , Black mist filter is UV Filter that has been grinned with fine sand paper , very fine , finest you can find . And there you go you have Black Mist filter , its just light Diffusion , helps with Moire as well .
Graphite powder might work quite nicely. Ground under another small piece of glass (I do this for ground glass for scanning film) I also see some use spray paint,
Great review! I used to have the Sport variant and I honestly really liked its performance. I think the Contemporary probably makes more sense for most people, and likely isn't as end-heavy, which was a bit of a pain in the arse when hand-holding for long periods of time (definitely needed a grip to balance it). I've heard that the 60-600mm is balanced more towards the camera body, which might tempt me if I swap back to full-frame for wildlife 🤔 I have a soft spot for Sigma lenses. They've really been making strides with their recent designs at shorter focal lengths, and they still make their lenses in Japan (increasingly rare)! If Panasonic put out a viable wildlife camera and Sigma release an L-mount of their 500mm f/4 I'd be very excited and very quick to swap over.
Thanks Robert. I’ve got a couple of Sigmas that I really love. So happy to have improved quality from a third party manufacturers over the years. I couldn’t get my hands on a 500 f4 but I’d love to try it out. 60-600 too especially for video (I like the idea of 60mm). What do you think of the Panasonic S5ii ? For some reason Panasonic are very expensive in SA but it looks very interesting for my purposes.
@@WillGoodlet I’d really like to try that 60-600 too - the idea of a combined long landscape lens and wildlife lens is very appealing 😀 I have the first S5 and it’s frustrating because it’s hands-down my favourite camera to use, but the AF is unreliable. The video features are stellar though. The S5II looks really exciting! Looks like they’ve solved the AF and not lost the other things that make the first one great. It seems to have comparable rolling shutter to the R6 MkII, which isn’t too bad. The Animal AF doesn’t do eye detection yet, but considering they already do human eyes that should be doable. I’ll probably pick up the S5IIx when it’s released in a few months, as I could use the extra features, but I’m really curious to see if they do an S1II with a stacked sensor or something 🤤 I’d likely swap over from my OM-1 for wildlife in that case! It’s a shame they’re expensive in SA, as over here they’re notably better value than other brands.
I own this lens, and have it paired with a 750d, it's given me some great results and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other budding photographers. Also I really enjoyed your video, as well as the delivery 👍
Been using this lens on the 90D and as of late, the R7 and the R6MII. I find the keeper rate much better on the mirrorless. Have taken some great shots with the lens, easily worth the price I paid for it. I find it works well in video with stab off. It can have its quirks sometimes with the autofocus of smaller birds at a distance and objects outside of its range can be soft, but that was probably due to heating coming off the ice and lake in the middle of the day. Great lens!!
Hi Tony, good to hear that the lens is behaving on Mirrorless. I had no trouble but note in other videos and comments that some others do. For the money. Given what it used to be like to try to get over 300mm...I just wish they had these when I was younger.
I use it .. And it being 10 yrs old . Sigma have never issued any firmware updates since . And i feel i wasted my money on the USB Dock . You can calibrate the lense using the dock but the process is massively time consuming . When i bought it i used it with my 850D ...for a year or more . Then i got the 90D ... and put it with that and used my other camera for my other lenses . After a while i used it with the 850D , Scorching sunny day and it Failed . bigtime . It's a flawed lense , when it works its good when it goes Fubar it's a pain . I find the tripod mount is toooo short . When i use on my tripod it shakes vibrates when ... but its good at Sun captures at 150mm , I mainly use it for ships , planes , moon , sometimes deer . Rarely bother with birds if i do the results are mixed
Good to hear the negative side of things too and you only get that from people who have used it long term. I would have like to have tried it on my old 60D (but it was stolen) to see if there was a difference in performance with that. The 7D2 has a much better AF system so it would have been nice to compare them. Yeah, I don’t think I would consider longevity as one of strong points of the lens unless it were lightly used. It’s just not the same build as some of the tanks out there.
@@WillGoodlet .I refuse another Sigma lense that requires a USB Dock . A lense should work out of the Box 24-7 . And with Customisation you cannot change the AF for some reason .You can only change the Distance and if you forget what you set ethier it can't be a utter pain . And with having spent nearly 500 on a new tripod the mount on the lense is far too short and doesn't offer equal weight . distribution .When i tighten the pod the lense it moves , shakes out of focus after getting it dead center on the Live screen . Nothing else holding the lense firm . Camera and baseplate isn't enough to offer stability .. . All the other reviews i've seen have all failed to mention that there is a strap for the lense I have a gallery on Digital photography preview website
I enjoyed your video as I am thinking of purchasing the Sigma but I found at times it was difficult to see your presentations as the different advertising of your name would keep popping up and blocking things. I also found that some of the technical comparisons wen't by too fast and I had to keep pausing the video to see them and the adverts would block the ability to read the data. very frustrating. Also I am a Nikon Shooter so the difference between Canon cameras are lost to me. But I did get the general impression that it is a good lens. I have a Nikon D850 dslr and it is a wonderful camera in all respects. I am mostly landscape but want to get some wildlife shots but live with my Nikon 28-300mm lens and hardly ever take it off as it is so flexible and convenient. But would like to try some 600mm and crop down to APSC 900mm. I use a tripod always and remote shutter release for nightscape photography so I am very careful about shake and vibration. So it was an excellent video and I would say very well done and very practical.
Hi Peter, I have this lens paired with my Nikon D780 and am blown away by the performance and detail in the images I shoot - mostly wildlife but some motor sports too. When I bought the lens I also got the TC-1401 1.4x teleconverter and Sigma dock and as you are a full frame DSLR shooter these are well worth the extra money. When shooting in live view mode (which is the same as the Z6ii on the D780) focus and tracking are absolutely spot on but less so when using the optical viewfinder when the teleconverter is fitted. This is primarily due to the fact that the lens is f/9 wide open at 600mm with the tc and the D780 struggles to focus above f/8. I hope that's helpful :)
Hi Peter, so sorry that the ads got in the way. The sad thing is that even if I disable monetisation, YT will put ads in a video of this length anyway. The videos also tend not to be promoted without ads. I know the additional info in the comparisons requires pausing, again a difficult choice as some do want to see them and some don't. On Nikon, hopefully some others like Steve can offer advice. I have no access to Nikon cameras (I wish I had!) I'd be surprised if the lens did not work very well on the D850.
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A lot of time and effort was put into making this video, Will, I really appreciate it. I own this lens and use it along with my Canon 90D. It's a brilliant lens 📸 You got fab images with it 👍🏽 See you on the next one Mate
Hi lee I am using 90D but since I bought the sigma 150-600mm c I didn’t use it due to my health issues, I would like to know how it performs with the 90D also if there is a specific settings you’re using for wildlife photography, thanks
What is your opinion on the Sigma 150-600 compared to the Tamrom 150-600 G2 on a 90D? I am looking into getting either of the two. I do have a Sigma dock and the lenses are very comparable. The somewhat better sturdiness of the Tamron is interesting but still...
I don't have an ARCA swiss mount and fitting a plate wouldn't be a problem either for me that's something you can just simply prepare at home imo.
I can't really choose between either two.
I think the G2 is more expensive which probably says something about it. I have only used the Tamron very briefly and had no complaints. And if Morten Hilmer says it's his favourite lens, then that really is praise!
But with the dock, maybe the advantage swings back to Sigma?
@@WillGoodlet I had the G2 for a week, perhaps it was faulty, slow to focus, and not sharp, I wasn't happy with it, but the Sigma is practical and functional, you take home beautiful photos
Danke!
Thanks!
An outstanding video review of the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary Lens. I am seriously considering purchasing it to use with my ageing Canon EOS 800D and 5D Mark III cameras as I have taken up shorebird photography at Pukorokoro - the best location at the southern end of the Paciific Flyway - and elsewhere in NZ - and need to extend my lens range. At 80 years of age my expensive Canon 400 mm primary lens can do the job close in on the high tide roosts but I need a little more magnification without loss of resolution farther out and spending tens of thousands of dollars on a Canon EF 600 mm lens. And the African wildlife subjects went down a treat ...
So glad it was helpful Walter. Sounds like you’re in a wonderful location to use it too!
I have a history with this lens model. Originally, in February 2017 (only a few days from now - the 23rd) I purchased my first 150-600 at the suggestion of my bird photography teacher. He pointed out that it was a reasonably affordable way to "get out to 600" with my Canon 7D Mk2; as opposed to going into substantial debt with a Canon 600 prime.
I used that lens with my 7D Mk2 for four years with pretty good results. I am equivocating because back then I was not near the photographer I am today. But, one day, I took a spill off an unexpectedly rolling log. While there was no visible damage to either camera or lens (or me, other than my self-respect), thereafter I just "felt" that the lens no longer brought sharp focus, even after doing in-camera micro-adjustment.
Finally I threw up my hands and sold it. Soon after, I realized how much I had come to rely upon that lens, esp. since I was left with only my Canon 100-400mm Mk2 'L' lens. A superb lens which I cherish but it won't get you out to 600mm. I found myself buying a second Sigma 150-600. I agree with you Will this lens is going to be a legend. This newer lens is, I believe, better than my first one. I've not needed any micro-adjustment.
Ironically, late last month I slipped again with this lens on my Canon 7D Mk2. The lens was fine, not a scratch on it. But the fall knocked the camera's mode selector dial's guide off. Camera is also fine but I have to use my "Q" view to see what mode I am in, though I stay in M(anual) almost all the time. And apart from some scratches on my legs, I'm OK too.
So, I believe that I will always have this Sigma mated to one of my 7D Mk2s. I have two. I actually bought a used 7D Mk2 that I keep my Canon 100-400mm Mk2 on. I hate changing lens in the field. I use these two rigs differently. If I am going out to photograph in more open spaces with the birds farther away I take my Sigma. But, if I am going into a wooded area shooting passerines, etc. I pick up my 100-400mm and in that context it is absolutely a delight.
Recently, as I contemplated the age of my 7D Mk2s, esp. w/ re: to the number of shutter activations both have had, I decided now was the time to "go mirrorless". So I got the Canon R7 (for its APS-C format, closest to my 7D Mk2) and paired it with the RF 100-500mm telephoto. I did not like the R7 at all. Not at all. So bird-eye auto-detect tracking will have to wait a bit longer.
I returned the R7 and RF 100-500 and instead bought a very nice used, very low shutter activation ... wait for it ... Canon 7D Mk2!
Thanks for the info and all the field experience with the lens shared here.
Have you ever considered registering your gear with canon professional services? I get discounted service and free cleaning etc… they’ve stripped down my cameras a few times now. Maybe they can help with the mode dial?
On the siggy, yeah, I think that’s a big difference with the 100-400. Slipping off logs more likely to damage it!
I have a crap ton of insurance (after being robbed / struck by lightning etc…) when you break a lens in half (canon 400 5.6) they paid for a new one!
Thanks for sharing! You made me laugh at the end! I used to have the same combo, then even went for the Canon 5dsr, till I started with my beloved fuji xt4 and the lens 100-400. At older age, I really appreciate the less weight and the IBIS, though I lost some reach, but... not the joy ! :) :) Cheers from Uruguay.
Hi.
Have used the sigma 150-600 c on a canon 7d mk2 then my 5dmk4 and now my R6mk2 and never had any issues with the first 2 cameras and early days with the r6mk2.
So far so good.
I dunno about anyone else, but I felt smarter after watching this video. . .not just about photography, but everything.
. . .having said that, this sold me on getting a 150-600MM and I couldn't be happier (well if my "keeper" rate was in the double digits, but that'll come with practice).
I'm having some softness issues at longer distances with this lens. Indoors, at 8-10m distance with a high contrast test target the sharpness is ok from a tripod, but in real life situations the softness is noticeable on a 33mp nikon D810. Autofocus seems more a miss than hit in when tracking birds. Good thing this is mostly for aviation photography for my daughter.
Thanks for the added insight and user experience. Sorry, that you are having these issues. I wonder if the mirrorless AF systems have made the lens slightly better?
I always enjoy your conversations, knowledge, travels and photography. This is one of the lenses I've been looking at to use with my Canon R7 so thanx for these photos, videos and your thoughts about it. I'm also looking at the Tamron 150-600mm G2 too and I've enjoyed Duade's informative vids for my needs.
Thanks Wayne. The Tammy also looks a good option. Some people commenting have direct experience of the lens on the R7 - worth a read.
I've been seriously thinking about getting this lens for probably about a year now, and after watching reviews after reviews (the region I live doesn't have lens rental services for me to try it) and seeing a lot of pixel peeping (which can be valuable, of course), your comments at 30:00 really resonated with me.
I mean, in the end I just want to have some fun and try a bit of wildlife and sports photography.
I mean, if a Rebel T6i and the infamous 75-300mm was enough for me to have fun back when I started some five years ago, I doubt a EOS RP + a Sigma 150-600 would disappoint me that much now.
I really appreciate the effort that you've put in this video. Specially useful (I think) for those of us who want to give this kind of photography a shot, but keep getting kind of discouraged by some reviews who pit it against a 3 or even 10 thousand dollars lens.
As an enthusiast, when I hear just "It's a bit soft", what I understand is "It's a bad lens", not "it's a bit soft when compared with a Canon EF 600mm F4L". So that bit in the end really helps to put things in perspective.
Cheers! : )
Hi Cody, thanks for watching and the very helpful commentary here. I know exactly what you mean. It's really hard to choose a long lens without the experience of shooting it. It get's really hard with all the different voices and opinions out there. It's especially hard when we feel we are compromising on things like image quality in favour of versatility. It's so anti the general message most photography commentators give.
To give some context, I used to shoot the Sigma 300-800 f5.6 - I think sigma may still be making them (or pretending to) when new It was a $7,000 lens. It is NOWHERE near as good as the 150-600. It was the cheapest, best, most versatile lens I could get at the time. I would have been far better off with a Canon RP and 150-600! If you are a specialist bird or wildlife photographer with time to spend in hides and vehicles and not hiking too much, you may like shooting a big white F4 (but I seriously doubt you wouldn't also have a superzoom in your bag). If you are walking around, travelling, sharing a vehicle with others, looking for rare birds, shooting larger mammals, out in public (and don't want too much attention) then the best lens is a superzoom - and of the superzooms this Sigma is a very good value lens.
One of your best video Will 😊 Amazing job !
Thanks very much Steve
Super detailed review, straight to the point and well delivered. Thank you for this, it's just what i needed!
Happy it was useful, thank you!
Very good review. I have had mine for a quite awhile. I used it on my 6D MKII, then on my M6 MKII, and finally on may R7. I enjoyed the lens and got some very nice images using it.
There were a few things that caused me to switch: 1) somewhat slow focusing, 2) slightly soft images at 600mm wide open, 3) periodic focus hunting when paired with the R7, and 4) long minimum focus distance. I switched to the Canon RF100-500 and haven't regretted it at all.
I was able to improve the lens operation by using the dock.
For the price and reach I don't think you can beat this lens.
Thanks Jeff, great to get insights like this. Your points one and two mirror my experience (although I was also getting sharp shots at 600 as well as slightly soft - I reasoned the softer ones were possible heat effects?)
I see a few comments in the forums about hunting on the R7 - I expected the lens to be the same across R6, R5 and R7 but it doesn’t seem that way.
I’m very tempted by the RF100-500 but as I use the zoom for video mostly, I’m not sure it is desirable to trade in my 100-400. Although I’m sure the RF makes more sense for photography.
Bought it yesterday, now I only have to find birds and deer :-)
Congratulations and good luck!
Thank you for this - as always, a well-balanced, comprehensive and detailed evaluation. I hope you will forgive some observations of my own regarding the Sigma 150-600c against the RF 100-500L IS USM in particular.
I have the Sigma 150-600c, along with the Sigma 60-600s, and the Canon EF 100-400MkII, EF 70-300L, and the RF 100-500L, which I use on my 5DsR, R5, R6 (MkI and II) bodies. I shoot mostly wildlife and am retired after over 40 years but am happy to be an amateur now!
1) Market and output: To me, these are aimed at two different markets and the performance and prices vary accordingly. Much depends on the specific subjects, who is going to view the image, and how it will be viewed. For small subjects like birds, or macro predators, it is likely that one will be at a distance, so reach can be quite significant.
Most people don't pixel peep, they look at an image from a comfortable distance and will admire the image overall. How the image is presented will also have a major impact. The resolution required for large, commercial, Fine Art prints will be much great than that for fairly large prints of say A2 or A3, canvasses of greater size, and posting on social media or digital displays, where most people will likely present their images. So, the level of detail for the average non-professional photographer is not so critical.
2) Price: In NZ, the Sigma is about 1/4 the price of the Canon, so that is a major factor and puts it in reach of a different group of photographers. For that difference, with the Canon, one gets a weatherproof construction, dual Nano USM focus, combined OIS and IBIS, for blazing fast performance and the latest optics - all the things a professional would want, but at a big price differential. In that context, I would consider that the 150-600 still represents brilliant value for money for most amateurs.
3) Focus: I have seen some folks complain about pulsing of focus on R-series bodies, but have never experienced that myself, something I put down to how the focusing is configured. The focusing system on the R bodies is much more sophisticated than that of the DSLRs and needs some study and possibly adaptation to get the best out of it. I have no issues with focus on my R5, R6 & R6II, but I have avoided the R7 as my experience is that the focusing on this camera is much more prone to losing focus with either lens, possibly because the pixel density is significantly higher than for the FF sensors and it flips between points more easily.
I suspect the pulsing is that multiple focus points are attracted to elements that dynamically appear closer or further away as an objects move within the focus area.
I have always used Back Button Focus and Back Button Exposure Lock, and on my R-series bodies I have my focusing system configured for eye tracking, using a single point for both focus and exposure, with Servo focus enabled. I find my subject and lock focus using the centre button on the back wheel. If I tap the focus button, then the focus stay put for static subjects, but holding continuously allows the focus to follow a moving subject. Once focus is locked, I have found the focus point stays reliably on the subject as it moves across the frame. This is based on how I have always shot as it is advantageous for locking in on an eye of an individual in a flock, or surrounded by bush, and the same goes for the exposure.
4) Image Stabilization: Since I started my career back in the 80's I have pretty well always shot hand-held. I would be out in the wild for weeks on end and could not afford the weight and bulk. I have a steady hand, and I do weights regularly to ensure that I do not fatigue (so the technique is good for my health too!) - this works for me but that's a personal thing.
5) Customization and Configuration: As you observed, Sigma offers a docking station that allows one to customize focus and stabilization features and update firmware and I used those capabilities to customize the lens to my subject type and technique and it does make a difference. Canon can only update firmware for the lens via the camera.
I might add that Sigma have issued multiple firmware updates for their lenses, so that can have an impact on stabilization too. I found that with the configuration I have, the stabilization made significant differences on my DSLR and MILC bodies and most of my images were keepers at quite low shutter speeds - I am regularly getting sharp hand-held shots at 1/60sec, in the 500-600mm range. One advantage the Canon has over the Sigma is that its optical stabilization works with the IBIS to offer outstanding performance, (so I can go even slower, down to 10th sec in the same range) but again at a price.
Finally, few people have reviewed the Sigma 60-600s against the RF100-500. That Sigma is built to a higher standard, and the focal range offers the possibility of one lens to do it all, perfect for someone who is travelling overseas to shoot wildlife but doesn't want to check their lens into the hold or carry multiple lenses. It's an amazing unit.
Thanks for this great info! Re 60-600, they are not available and haven’t been for several years in SA. I can’t find one for review. I am very interested to try it.
@@WillGoodlet Odd that the 60-600 is not available there... It is a much newer lens. Mind you Canon killed the fabulous 70-200L MkII f/4 after only a couple of years. I was lucky to get one and it's a keeper IMHO.
@@trevor9934 it’s just the importer finds the market not big enough here. With the currency devaluation on a daily basis it is a lens that very few can afford,
Another cracker Will!
Is it true that all lenses take better shots when pointing out of a Landy window?
Undoubted fact! Haha.
Great review...thanks. Like you mentioned, it is such a usable lens...it does take some amazing shots...has the reach....and at that price, you'll be hard pressed to beat it. I use mine on a 90D and R7....brings a huge grin to the face and much admiratiom from my kids...."priceless". It does pulse on the R7 close up, but I use bursts and generally get a few keepers. I have no regrets buying it...plus the money saved means I get to use it a lot out in the reserves.
Thanks for the insights Dallas. Interesting to hear it pulses on the R7 and not the 90D. I haven’t had a chance to try an R7 yet.
For the price it delivered way above expectations for me and I found the 600mm so useful for my use.
Good to see you, Will. Great review. I pair my 150-600mm with Canon R7 and it's great combination.
Oh great to hear that it works well! No pulsing? Good news!
I’ve watched around 30 videos this week on this lens and the Tamron offering. Every video I watched gave me something to think about. Your video from start to end kept on giving me all the answers I still had unanswered from the other 30 videos from other reviewers, such was the thoroughness and uniquely perceptive approach. This will be the one I purchase for my 6D and as you say I will also so be liberated. Hares in Norfolk this summer I’ve got you this year 😂
I use mine on a 6D and love the results.
This is an excellent practical review of your experience using this lens. I've gone with the Canon RF 800mm f11 lens on the Canon R6 II which is good for static and slow moving subjects at a distance.
I've just bought the Sigma 150-600 DG DN OS Sport for my Panasonic S1 L-Mount camera. Will give me the flexibility of zooming in and out to locate a subject. For both lenses the deciding factor was cost because I only occasionally shoot nature/ wildlife at a distance that would need this 600mm or 800mm focal length.
Most of the time it's a 24-105 mm f4 or 70-200mm f4 lens that is on my camera.
Thanks for watching and commenting on your experiences. I believe the L mount is a re-design/newer version? How do you find shooting two systems!?
Amazing review, full of details and useful information. Pretty objective in my opinion which is most important part of any review. Thank you sir! You got yourself new subscriber. Would be nice though to have image samples available?
Thanks Nikola, so glad it was useful. Yes, I know I should provide samples especially if the charts. I just wasn’t able to get it all done in time. I will see what I can do about it.
Great review. I have sigma 150-600 sports heavy but fantastic lens
Great review, I have this lens with the Canon 90D, looking at upgrading to mirrorless (R7 or hopefully maybe R6) but as I mostly shoot video, how does the R6 handle the IS with IBIS enabled, is it able to remove some of the jitter at especially 400-600mm? Shooting from a car door on a bean bag, first 5-10s are always unusable as you wait for it to calm down, panning or moving is almost impossible and then if you touch the screen to refocus or switch off, more jitters. Is this better on the R bodies than the 7d, interested to see if it will make a difference to upgrade at this point? Do you also get 'floating' in video if the IS on the lens is on and its mounted on a tripod? Otherwise I cant imagine doing Parks in this place without this lens, its fantastic.
I didn’t shoot any video on the DSLR so all the clips in the video are with mirrorless with IBIS turned on. I use it on a video head on the door mostly and it works pretty well. Beanbag I find is always hard to pan.
Even with the canon lenses the image is very sensitive to any movement at all in the vehicle.
I own this lens since year 2016. it works really well with my Nikon apsc D7100 and now also works really well with my Z8. just bought the USB dock abd get the firmware updated to this lens and also adjusted focus speed and setup C1 & C2 on this lens. I am very happy with the result on both D7100 and Z8. and now I also added the Sigma TC1.4, taking moon photos are much easier.
Thanks for watching and the great feedback for
People using Nikon dslr and mirrorless!
I use this lens almost every day on my Nikon D7200 for bird/wildlife photography. I'm sure there are better combinations but value for money (I'm on a pension) I think it will be hard to beat.
Agree totally Dave. I just wish I had an option like this when I was a youngster scrounging money for my next roll of film. All I could afford was a 300mm. Even in the early 2000’s there was nothing
I recently bought the 150 - 600 c and I'm waiting o get out in the field and do some shooting. I've taken a few snaps at home and I'm impressed with the stabilisation. It really locks on. I've not tried video yet but that will come soon. I'm using it on a 90D so I do have the crop factor.
Congratulations on the new lens! Hoping you get some great shots with it and the 90D :)
Just bought the objective because of your video. I'm using it with the Nikon Z50 with the FTZ adapter and it's working perfectly. Got already some great bird shots. So for know I can't wait to be on Safari at the Kruger NP in May.
Awesome great to hear you are getting good results on the Nikon! Enjoy the KNP, not long to wait :)
Looks like an extremely good lens! Shame they don't have an olympus mount for it 🤣 some nice images in here also! I'm always surprised by those extremely high prices for full frame gear. Can't believe so many people can afford that stuf. I must be doing something wrong I guess 🤣 grt guido
Cheers Guido, yes a shame although the lens is too big :) I'm sure, once the channel has taken off, you will be showcasing all sorts of gear ;) Thanks for watching and leaving a comment
I’m a budget, hobby photographer and have had this lens for over a year now. I l love it and could have never hoped to have a lens like this on my budget before. I use it with my Canon t8i/850D APS-C and here are a couple of things I can say about this combo.
I did buy the sigma 1.5 teleconverter to go with it but I only use it for Lunar photography. You can really get great moon shots with it. I would definitely not recommend using the teleconverter for wildlife shots, WAY too hard to get focused on a moving subject with it and the autofocus hunts and hunts for focus with it on.
This may be something more seasoned photographers can give me advice on, but I have found that it focuses much better when using the LCD instead of the view finder. This is probably a camera issue, but I’m not sure how to correct that.
This lens has taken my hobby of bird and wildlife photography to a level I did not think I could ever achieve based on my budget. I could not be more happy to have it and would recommend it to anyone.
As always thank you for the video Will! I am so happy that a professional like you also loves this lens.
Hi Jason, thanks so much for the valuable insights. They all chime with my experiences (the 1.4 TC is seemingly faster on mirrorless but not really going to cut it with fast moving birds).
The focus systems on DSLR are different for LCD and Optical finders. Normally LCD is slower but more accurate while Optical is fast but less accurate and can need adjustment (micro focus adjustment is often a feature built into the camera) The sigma dock allows this to be adjusted in the lens as well.
I think your point about how the lens has opened up the world of wildlife photography is very well made. It was just impossible to participate for many people up to the 2010s.
Cheers!
Nice to see you back Will, I really enjoy my R6 and Sigma 150-600, just wish we had your weather and range of wildlife in the UK.. 👍
Thanks :) Yes it would be great to have more wildlife there but I have a few jealousies of my own ;) Right-to-roam and no looking over your shoulder all the time!
I can’t believe how much effort you put on making this video🫶. Very helpful and well appreciated 🤝
Unbelievably detailed assessment and relevant information for everyone not just professionals. 👍
Hi Will great vid, and perfectly timed as I am more than likely going to get one this week. Seems a great buy without breaking the bank. I have the Canon 100-400 mk ii and love it, but just want some more reach - don't we all lol! I'll be using it with an R10 for the moment, and an R maybe too. I wasn't convinced by the R7 and decided to wait till Canon refine things a bit more.
The R10 is an impressive little camera and my success rate has gone way up using it. The Sigma should partner well with it. You covered a lot of ground in the vid and answered all the questions I needed to solve. That guy Duade has some very useful advice for anyone with pulsing issues, and along with your good self clear a lot of stuff up. Thanks so much!
I've missed alot of your recent content so I must catch up. Love your channel, you live in a wonderful place, i've been there several times - i miss it!
Take care and thanks for all work and time it takes to produce your videos.
Russ
(Ireland)
Hi Russell, thanks for the info and background, great to hear that the R10 is working out for you (I am not surprised). Canon is finally coming out with some cracking cameras. I am just a bit disappointed that we are seeing a pro-level (or serious enthusiast) level APS-C. I would love to see a competitor to the OM1 and Fuji XH2S. Canon, Sony and Nikon appear to have abandoned this segment.
Thanks taking the time to connect again here, and I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner!
Good luck with the lens, really hope it's working out for you.
Will
@@WillGoodlet Thanks Will! 😎
Excellent video, exceptionally informative. I have the Sigma 150-600 contemporary and I have been amazed at its performance. However, I use my lens on three Nikon bodies, a D3S, D3X and a D7000. With the D3S cranking out 11 frames per second I get great results with motorsports. Conversely with the D3X I get great wildlife photos, being that this is a 24.5MP camera, the D3S is only 12.5MP. The D7000 is my 'play/test-bed' tool so I experiment with TC's, both 1.4x and 2x. My personal 'jury' is still out on the results as yet.
I found a trick when using the lens on a gimbal. As you mentioned it becoming unbalanced, I have a oblong piece of cast iron which I drilled out to put a thread through. This hangs on my Benro tripod and, when I extend the lens to 600mm, I loop it over the gimbal arm and it counterbalances the extra lens length/weight. It works for me.
Strangely my two go-to lenses are both Sigma, the 150-600 and the ultra effective, ultra versatile 70-200 (If only the 150-600 had an internal zoom feature...!!). Many thanks for your thoughts and views. Keep up the good work.
The best review. Do you think for sony apsc is the better the comtemporary or sport lens? Thank you again.
I haven’t used Sony, but both the lenses are good. This contemporary lens offers a lot of value and delivers almost the same image. The sport obviously has a more premium build.
Well worth having a look at the Sigma 60-600 Sport, it's heavier than the 150-600 Contemporary but importantly the way the weight is distributed I personally find it much easier to hand hold
Glad i switched 10 Years ago from Canon to Olympus / OM Systems …. and use the 300mm Pro and both converters and wait for the 150-400mm Pro “Gandalf The White “ … ! Now with that lens and the OM-1 the collection is complete . South Africans are so Canon assimilated that it will be hard to get them out of a heavy load and slow moveable system. The moment they want to see Serengeti the problems start … they have to drive to TZ . Flying with that heavy load in the bulk with destroy their valuable equipment.
Also affects imports there’s no stock in a lot of retailers of OM.
@@WillGoodlet Hi Will , i was one of the first for the 300mm Pro and 150-400 Pro lenses to get them. With Olympus ..do not doubt ! Lenses and cameras are good quality and when tested all excellent in performance . ! No regrets . THE ONLY PEOPLE THAT REGRET ARE THISE THAT ORDER TOO LATE 😂
Hello Will, very thorough review, enjoy your channel.
I had the sigma 150-600 C lens a few years ago but found some inconsistences with focus which became very frustrating, eventually sold it. I loved the versatility and the potential of the focal length as I use handheld walking so tried again. I do think some copies are better than others so this time I decided to buy a well used ( good condition ) lens from dealer in UK with warranty and 14 days to send back if not satisfied. My thinking being if it had fair amount of use it should be a good version, and very good price.. 3 years latter still going strong and it is my go to wildlife lens on 1dx, 7d2, R6 all work really well.
Hope this comment helps someones decision.
Hi Tim, thanks for watching and for the comments. It’s very interesting to hear everyone’s experiences with the lens.
I wonder if Sigma made changes to manufacturing over all these years as well to improve the lens?
@@WillGoodlet
I think you could be correct, also improved quality control to compete more with the likes of canon maybe. Shame about canons stance on 3rd party lenses, however on a positive note we canon users have a great choice of used EF lenses being sold for RF glass so not all bad...
You’re an incredible photographer and a brilliant speaker. Bought one after watching this! I hated the freezing issues with canon and moved to Sony.
Thank you! I hope it’s working well for you. The freezing thing seems to have become less frequent. I’m not on the latest firmware either. Maybe it’s that I’ve learned to limit use of eye-af to a few seconds at a time. I’d like to try Sony (and others) but too invested to switch
@@WillGoodlet hoping the lens will work well with Sonys catalyst browse stabilisation software 😁
@@Nayddoh interesting to see
I've had the Contemporary for over 5 years but due to damage I'm looking for a replacement. I think your review convinced me to just buy it again.
I used this lens for about 5 years. The only issue I found was low light performance especially after I obtained the canon ef 600mm f4 III which I love using. I have the sigma 60-600mm sport which was just a bit too heavy for hand hold walks over distance. I'd long walk the ef 600 for 6 mile walks over the 60-600mm sigma sport.
I'm gifting the 150 to 600 c to my kid sister it'll be awesome for her.
Hi Lawson thanks for this, great to hear you got good use out of it and now your sister will!. Did I read that right? You would rather walk with the 600 F4 than the 60-600? I haven’t managed to get my hands on the 60-600 yet (seem to be out of stock permanently) so I can’t compare it.
@@WillGoodlet yes I'd rather do long walks with the 600 f4 or the 150-600c. The 600 is just so much better balanced than the 60-600 and appears lighter in the hands over time. Part of me just wants to hand off the 60-600 to her but bad idea since I want her to find joy in the process. I know she'll love the 150-600.
But, of course my experience might be unique just to me. I don't know anyone with the 60-600 to compare my thoughts with.
I use the Sigma on my EOS M5, EOS R and now my EOS R3, I get people telling me how soft the lens is at 600mm, I have never found this and think that it is an extremely good lens for the money
Im on the fence wether to buy the 150-600mm for my Canon EOS R7 of not. Im looking for a ''cheaper'' wildlife lense with more reach than my 100-400mm canon lense. Any toughts? 🤞
There’s only two cheaper third party lenses, the Tamron or the Sigma. You also have the 600 F11 and 800 F11 as options on the R7. I haven’t used those two F11 so I can’t answer on those. A lot depends on what you shoot, in Africa, with elephants one minute and a bird the next a zoom is very useful but less so if it’s birds that is the main subject.
@@WillGoodlet I like the ability to zoom in and out, so the 600 and 800 i wont buy. I usually photograph birds, but also other wildlife.
This is my current dilemma, I have a R10 and I'm considering either Sigma 150-600 or the RF 100-400 so how's your experience so far?
@@Ohsnaapz31 It will all depend on how much you need the 600mm over 400mm. I’m certain the 400 is better handling and focuses faster but if it’s not long enough for you then it’s not long enough.
With the R10 you already have a crop with the advantage of more pixels on the subject.
Bear in mind that atmospheric conditions affect sharpness beyond a certain distance no matter the lens. Often you have to be closer no matter what. If you are shooting smaller birds often perched or larger birds flying 600 should be good. If you photographing larger birds or a lot of flying birds and need to walk long distances the 400 will be good.
If you are in a vehicle driving around for birds or animals the 600 will be better as you cannot approach closer.
The 400 is very likely to resolve a little more detail so it’s probably possible to crop and recover some of the ‘reach’ vs the 600 but probably not all of it.
Your preferred subjects (flying, small, approachable) and environment (walking, driving, crawling) and travel (space in airplane) will point you to the correct lens.
@@WillGoodlet It's a hobby for Wildlife photography, just to go around and shoot the beautiful animals and birds and maybe someday travel to other countries for Bears and Owls
that was a very comprehensive review. Well done! I hope someone does the same using the new mirrorless Nikon cameras.
Hi Will, New subscriber here from USA. This was a great video that answered all of the questions I have been wondering about as far as this lens and its performance. I am currently shooting small birds and need more reach. I plan on using it with a Panasonic GH6 which should give me 300-1200mm. I have a 5D mark 4 if it doesn't work well with the Panasonic camera so I'm sure it will meet my needs. What are your thoughts on trying to use this lens on a Micro four thirds body? Thanks again for the great review!!!
Hi Steve thanks for watching and the sub! Hope you find some other useful content.
I don’t have a lot of time experience with MFT except for a brief time with Olympus and the 300 f4.
So I can only offer some general thoughts.
1. I have no idea how well the af will work - I’m guessing you have some experience adapting lenses to MFT. Or will be focusing manually mainly for
Video . If you focus manually at 1200mm be prepared for shake introduced.
2. OS + IBIS Panasonic stab is meant to be one of the very best, but for long lenses it’s generally thought that lens stab is more important. I can’t say if the OS and the IBIS will work well together. Hopefully it will but look for some comments on this if possible.
3. The resolving power of the lens will be made to work hard on MFT - see if you can find some lens test results for this format.
3. The lenses target market is exactly your 5D4 it should be ideal on this camera.
This is without a doubt the best lens review I have seen. Thanks.
Thanks Liam!
Hi! Stumbled upon your video born in SA living in the french alpes after serving in the french foreign legion..i have a d7500 and a Tamrom 100 400 and tamrom 70 300 but looking for a robust dx cropped lens at 150-600 range would you recommend this sigma or a tamron what are your thoughts i am trying to capture wildlife. Wolves game eagles etc. Thanks! Cheers
Great to hear from you, must have been interesting! And you are in a beautiful location now.
Either the tamron or this lens are good value options. If you want to spend more then the nikon 200-500 is also very nice and obviously you can go up from there. For value for money, there’s nothing really like the sigma.
The gains on the other lenses will mainly be AF performance
Thanks! Grass always looks greener on the other side! Nothing like the real wildlife as found in south africa, from the insect species right up through reptiles we have it all back there here we have italien wolves france killed out their own wolve species and you barely find any snakes or insects here so yes beautiful lanscape but it just slightly lacks the bush feeling . I use to work as engineer on the super yachts and currently working on the yachtd but shorebased and shorebased doesn't pay as well as being onboard so am limited to around €1k for a wildlife lens between 150 and 600( +-) wolves and buck here dont like people so figure with camo and patience and a 600mm i might just get that one shot... Im thinking 2nd hand people here buy and sell lenses out the box they use it once or twice they not prepared to walk or carry the weight so can get great 2nd lenses barely used here. Thing is i do like misty and rainy conditions and camping in my 1man tent over long treks so guess sigma is that better option, though again can i protect a tamrom well with a lens protector cover and be careful for that slightly better AF? Pffff its a hard call for me or that nikon sounds great but then AF and weather sealing i am out there a lot in the weather . Lol.
@henrys9244 I just had a quick look at
All three on Wex and they all seem to be roughly the same price in the UK.
The Sigma 150-600 is not weather sealed. It has some sealing but not
As much as the Sigma 150-600 sport (the more expensive version). The Tamron 150-600 G2 does have some weather sealing. Morten Hilmer uses it (have you seen his videos, its was his favourite lens at one point) a lot in very tough conditions. With Euro 1k you should be able to pick up any of these three
Just bought it for 620 Euro brand new.. It is a cool piece of gear.
I have this lens and loved it with my canon 80D but I got a R6 and was disappointed with it. I've just watched this video and I've decided to give it another go on the weekend. So Thank you for sharing otherwise I might have had a super lens sat in my bag not used. Can't wait.
I hope it goes well - it seemed to work perfectly on my R6. There is a big difference in reach between the 80D and R6. I could understand if you shoot birds with it.
I have tested the Sigma lens already on: EOS 550D, EOS 700D, EOS RP, R6 and R7
On most bodies for some hours or even minutes, on the 550D, RP and R7 a lot.
I had the best experience with the 150-600C on the RP... in fact i didnt believe that it had focus breathing issues, until i tried to upgrade to the EOS R6 (which was a hard fail, it didnt met ANY of my needs good enough, too low res for astrophotography on a telescope, too big/heavy for family/0815/travel stuff, not really enjoying enough for video with its overheating and 30min record limit and some other issues including the focus breathing/pulsing with the Sigma lens and mainly: the price!)
The RP was just working fine with the sigma, sure i didnt have animal eye or even basic animal detect and subject detection focussed more on the ass/backside/fur than on the eye, but it ran just awesome in AF-C mode. It was also pretty flawless on the 550D and 700D, but R6 and R7 is somewhat a pain and its hard to trust the autofocus abilities in certain situations which should be NO PROBLEM!
Where i really enjoy the sigma - on a tripod for wildlife video mainly, because somehow i dont have much pulsing issues in video or at all on the R7. For photo its just a bit tricky. I typically use AF-C until it looks focussed, take a burst, refocus here and then, burst, and so on, so i can make sure to have at least some bursts completely sharp.
Great video , I like your videos, keep it up, thanks
Thanks for watching!
Great video, comprehensive and honest. Thank you!
Many thanks for watching!
I just bought this lens for my Nikon D3300! It's my first telephoto lens and I'm nervous about using it because of its weight primarily. I thought it was interesting when you said that as a wildlife photographer, you are more interested in "interaction and behavior" than the "out and out bird photographer." I am mostly interested in improving my skills as a bird photographer, though I also love to photograph other forms of wildlife. I am definitely interested in the "interaction and behavior" of birds, as well as the finer, more detailed portrait shots. I think getting shots of their interactions with each other is so interesting! Thanks so much for all the great info!
@@happynjoyousnfree congratulations on the new lens, I hope you get many great shots with it!
On the weight, I guess there’s not much else out there that is any lighter, but I’m sure you will get used to it.
With regard to behaviour, I suppose I see a lot of people that are extremely critical of their images and they discard them if they aren’t sharp enough. I just think that that’s a bit of a competitive artefact of gear based discussions in the digital era and we should concentrate a little more on the artfulness and/or meaning (often to ourselves) of the image.
For example, I’m photographing with someone in Africa at the moment (it’s 2:30am and I’m in a hide at a waterhole) and he’s very critical of his own images and constantly deleting them in the field (missing opportunities while doing so) based mainly on whether it’s sharp enough for him.
We had a Honey badger upside down in a tree, rooting for grubs under the bark. It was quite distant and there was a little heat distortion. His first ever sighting. He was busy deleting the shots based on sharpness of the eye. I asked him how many times he’d seen honey badgers climb trees?
Thanks a lot. Got a Sigma 150-600mm C and Sigma 1.4x used, excellent condition for $700 total cash from a friend today.
@@GetWisdomTV congratulations on the new gear, happy shooting!
Great video. Thank you for your time and affort!
Pleased you enjoyed it! Thank you.
Bought this lense in 2022, so very much enjoyed the review! 🐾👍🏻
Very detailed review- glad that you've had great success with it. My personal experience has been completely different. Good price and very sharp (when the AF works on mirroless bodies), but the AF was beyond dreadful on both my R5 and R6 bodies... so much so that I sold it and went with the RF 100-500 L IS USM from Canon. Twice the price, but it simply works. To be fair, it was absolutely brilliant on my 5D Mk III and 5D Mk IV, but the AF was off at least 40% of the time on my R-series bodies- could not focus and track the eyes on people, birds or other wildlife. Caveat Emptor.
Hi Jean, thanks for sharing your experiences with the lens. Sorry too, that you had trouble on the mirrorless cameras. I've no doubt that the RF100-500 is an excellent alternative (although I haven't tried it yet). Have you had any camera freezes with it? Some people have contacted me saying that it does sometimes freeze on RF bodies.
I don't know why there is such a wide difference in performance and experience with the Sigma. It's very odd. I can't imagine that the production line has stayed the same all these years, so perhaps there are things that have been changed that we are not aware of. Or maybe it's the varying states of firmware over time. Or just good and bad copies. It's hard to explain it but undoubtedly there are some bad performing lenses out there and some gremlins in the Canon bodies too.
@@WillGoodlet Will- it truly is odd that some folks have had zero issues while others such as myself have had such poor results with the lens. I tried various combinations of R5/R6 firmware with various combinations of lens firmware (using Sigma's lens dock)... and none of the combinations were optimal as using the RF 100-500 L IS USM lens has been. It's unfortunate because for the price, the Sigma is an absolute killer lens... it just didn't work out for me on the mirrorless bodies. Here in Canada, you can get 3 Sigma 150-600 C lenses (currently $1049 CDN) for the price of one Canon 100-500 lens ($3849 CDN). Ouch!
Hi Will, really interesting review. In my experience as a Nikon Z shooter as well as Nikon DSLR user is that these "lesser" lenses really seem to be coming into their own when used on mirrorless because we lose the questionable focus accuracy, many of these lenses can suffer from front/back focus issues to a great or lesser extent, obviously this just doesn't happen with mirrorless. In the future I may look into getting a copy of this lens to use purely with my mirrorless cameras. I've owned the Sigma 150-600mm Sport in the past before the days of mirrorless an I tried three different copies, I simply couldn't achieve consistency autofocus, it would focus but it just wasn't accurate hence the images were nearly always soft. I don't expect results like from my 600mmf4 or 400f2.8 but this Sigma is just so small and light by comparison, I could easily hike all day carrying the zoom and attached mirrorless in a small back pack!
I'd like to wish you and your family all the very best for 2023, take care!
Thanks for the good wishes for 2023 and to you and your family too!
Good point on front / back focus. You are right, the cameras are really giving these lenses some legs.
I think I should have made it more obvious how I shoot in the video - from a vehicle with little space to move and swing heavy lenses - that’s why the 150-600 was so liberating for me. 600mm too of course.
From other comments it seems there are good and bad copies.
Awesome videos!!! Would love to see an Instagram account from you, was just on your website and you take Amazing fotos!! I am a fellow South African curently living in the Netherlands
Hi Zane, thanks for checking out the videos and the website (Sorry, I've been very lax on posting pics there). Sadly I don't enjoy IG or FB, I find I just don't have time and energy to interact there and have stopped sharing to the platforms.
Excellent Video Very Helpful And Informative. Many Thanks Will For A Brilliant Review. Enjoying Your Channel Very Much.
Thanks so much!! Great to hear this as I rarely do reviews believing my audience is not that interested.
Thanks for the support.
Thanks for this video. Like all wildlife photographers I'm looking for extra reach but lightweight for easy carrying. I have an R6 and a 5dMk4. I have the EF100-400 Mk2 and the RF100-400 which I often use with a RF2x extender. I think I will have to save hard for the RF100-500 or consider selling my 5dMk4 and buying an R6 Mk2 but it's always a decision about priorities and finance. I'm very impressed with my R6 but having been disappointed by an earlier Sigma lens, think I'm going to stick with Canon lenses.
I think if you have the budget for the RF100-500, it should be an improvement. I haven't tried it but have heard great things. A lot comes down to budget but the value offered by the Siggy is considerable and offers a great many photographers a way into good quality wildlife images.
Very comprehensive review. Thank you! I have the 7DMii and it would be some time before I can afford to get a mirrorless camera as well. From your video, it suggests that I can still make very good images with this sigma on this body at an affordable price; while still having the future prospects of using it on a mirrorless and getting even more from it.
Absolutely, the 7Dii is still a great camera. The only issue is really the anti aliasing filter which is quite strong on it compared to newer bodies
Enjoyed your review, Will. I have had this lens since it was first introduced. I must say it has been a tremendous value for those of us who have a lean budget. I have nothing to complain about with this lens. As an added bonus, it works exceedingly well with some of my 35mm film cameras. Take care now.👍👍
Thanks Terry, great to get confirmation of my experience. Somewhat annoyed they were't around earlier in my photographic life :)
Ah, Will. The weight and size!! Thats why I moved from Nikon to Olympus (now OM Systems)!
I’d like to try OM again. I really enjoyed my testing with the 300mm F4 but the bodies have come on a lot since then.
As always my problem is I will not be able to get anything like my 400 f2.8 in a new mount without pumping in a lot of cash. So I’m sort of stuck with Canon for now. I’m interested to try the Fuji Xh2s as well.
Thanks! Nice video! I'm using it in 5D IV and R5 here in South Brazil. Thanks for the detailed information! Best!
Thanks for watching and happy shooting over there:)
Super thorough articulate and eloquent review. Did you use a teleprompter for that amazing script? Or do you have a photographic memory? 😊 Great stuff. You’ve convinced me on the 150-600 for my 5d m3. Thank you! 👍
Haha I used to have a pretty good memory but not any more. I did use a teleprompter on this one although I don’t normally. Glad you found the video useful and hope the lens works well for you!
Hi Will, I absolutely love your videos. You put so much effort and thought into making them. I just discovered your channel and watched all of your videos way to quick, leaving me with withdrawal symptoms form my Will Goodlet video addiction. I guess I will just have to watch all of your videos again. Also wanted to thank you for making awesome content.
Hi Bram, thanks so much for this awesome message of support. So great to hear that you are enjoying the videos and really encouraging to me! I wish I could knock them out more consistently and quickly for you :)
I just got back from 5 days in Kruger, used a battered version of one of these on my D7200. Overall it did a great job, got some really good keepers that I would not have been able to get with any other lens for the money I spent on the Sigma. Biggest frustration I had was the limitations due to the apertures, meaning I had to crank up iso to get decent exposure when the light was bad. Again, for the money, this is totally acceptable. Autofocus not always the best, but again, for the budget it's totally acceptable and also possible to overcome with things like shooting bursts.
Overall, can't beat it for the money. I paid £460 for the lens, BARGAIN!
Agree it’s great value. When I was in my twenties I couldn’t even imagine having a lens as good. Just didn’t exist. Glad you got some shots and enjoyed Kruger!
Works well on the Canon R3 ....................... No issues at all (yet)
Thanks Will for yet another informative video.
I had been using a 70-300mm L prior, but was frustrating me with the reach for bird photography.
A few months back I decided to take a plunge with this Sigma lens (used) and been pairing it with a 77D body, with very pleasing results.
Expecting an R7 body soon and hope to some day soon put the pairing to the test at the Rietvlei Nature Reserve in my backyard.q
Thanks for watching and the info. I’d be very interested to hear how you find the R7 with the lens!
Another great video Will , keep them coming
Cheers Kevin!
Hi Will, I got my 150 600 about 18 months ago, paired with my canon 200d, and love it. Recently bought the R7 and yet to use in anger, but early days look good.
Thanks Ron great to hear you are enjoying the lens and good luck with the R7 when you get round to using it!
I use my Sigma 150-600C on my Nikon D500 for bird shooting and now I have got to grips with my settings etc I am getting so many more keepers. A great budget lens especially for beginner nature photographers
Glad to hear it’s working out for you on the Nikon! Yep it’s a great value lens
Had this lens on my 7D II was fine if you got a good copy but once i switched to mirrorless I got rid of it the pulsing drove me nuts. Not so great on my R5s and tried it on the R6 II, Starting out its great so is the Tamron G2. for commercial use when things have to work no matter what then I went with the 100-500. Hopefully Canon comes out with a 200-600.
It seems there are good ones and bad ones! Thanks for the insights. As you say It's a bargain starting out in wildlife, especially anyone picking up a used DSLR to go with it.
Just come across your channel Will, and what a great find. I have this lens, bought it for a lesser Canon body and have upgraded with the Sigma converter to a Sony body. Learnt a lot, thank you!
Thanks hope you enjoy the videos!
Another great video Will. I have this lens combined with a 5ds, 1dx and 7dii. The 400-600 range is loads better on the full frames.
Hi Ricki, thanks for watching and interesting insights on the 400-600 FF!
I bought this lens early last year and have been using it on my 5Dmk4 havent tried it on the 7D yet. Taken quite a few roos and shot some finches a couple of days ago out the front of the house. Thank you for your in-depth review.
Hi Lisa, thanks for watching. I bet it works well over there. Nice to have 600 for the small birds and be able to pull back or frame for the roos.
Great review! Perhaps you can do a tutorial on how you edit your videos? Best regards
Thanks Peter. Didn’t think anyone would be interested in my video editing will think about what I can do.
@WillGoodlet I was impressed by all the text and animation you did. Looked very professional 👏
I have used this lens for a number of years with my Canon DSLR and found it incredibly reliable. I have paired it with a 1.4extender and found the results very inconsistent.
Thanks, great to get your feedback and experience Ken!
hello do you think I should buy this or buy an EF 2x teleconverter for a 70-200 2.8 I already own for bird photography? thanks!
Hi Justin, as I say in the video, some of this depends on what camera use now.
Mirrorless, I find, handle teleconverters better than dslr.
So you might find the 200 + 2.0 TC adequate.
For birds, I would prefer 600mm over 400 though.
And in general the 600 is likely to give better results.
If you shoot an RF mount camera, the canon 600 and 800 f11 could also be options?
Thanks for this, Will. Looking forward to hopefully seeing some travel videos of the trip you describe in the video. Keep well!
More to come (at my snails pace)!
Excellent analysis. I love your lucid style of narration.
Thanks for watching :)
Well that wasn’t a waste of 30min thanks. I have this lens and a 7d2 …both money well spent! Have a great 2023 👍🏻
Haha glad to hear that Steve :)
Great video! Honestly really well done. I’m picking one up tomorrow. I’ll post some pics soon. Thanks!
So glad it was helpful, congratulations on the lens and good luck!
Hi Will, I'm using the Sigma 150-600 (C) with my Canon 90D. It is however an unforgiving combination 😒 You can check my results on my YTC, under my name
Pixel density out-resolving the lens? I will go have a look, thank you!
I have the Sport version and calibrated it with the Sigmadock. The focus speed is super fast and accurate, using the custom C1 setting i programmed. It obviously also has the latest firmware installed. I am extremely happy with this lens, although it is heavy. Pls do a comparison test with the Sport version
Thanks for the info on the AF system. I'd love to do a comparison but can't get hold of a 60-600 anywhere!
So far I have come across this video from bing suggestions , I got the Sigma lens it's already given awesome photos with my canon 1500d which is an entry level dslr, so just go for it.
Thanks for watching and the vote of confidence in the Sigma lens :)
Good to see you back on the air, I have an r6 with the 150 -600 sigma and have good results .
Thanks Steve! Great to hear that :)
I see you are using Black Mist Filter , i also advise it for Video , but you dont have to pay for it , Black mist filter is UV Filter that has been grinned with fine sand paper , very fine , finest you can find . And there you go you have Black Mist filter , its just light Diffusion , helps with Moire as well .
Graphite powder might work quite nicely. Ground under another small piece of glass (I do this for ground glass for scanning film) I also see some use spray paint,
Great review! I used to have the Sport variant and I honestly really liked its performance. I think the Contemporary probably makes more sense for most people, and likely isn't as end-heavy, which was a bit of a pain in the arse when hand-holding for long periods of time (definitely needed a grip to balance it). I've heard that the 60-600mm is balanced more towards the camera body, which might tempt me if I swap back to full-frame for wildlife 🤔
I have a soft spot for Sigma lenses. They've really been making strides with their recent designs at shorter focal lengths, and they still make their lenses in Japan (increasingly rare)! If Panasonic put out a viable wildlife camera and Sigma release an L-mount of their 500mm f/4 I'd be very excited and very quick to swap over.
Thanks Robert. I’ve got a couple of Sigmas that I really love. So happy to have improved quality from a third party manufacturers over the years.
I couldn’t get my hands on a 500 f4 but I’d love to try it out. 60-600 too especially for video (I like the idea of 60mm).
What do you think of the Panasonic S5ii ? For some reason Panasonic are very expensive in SA but it looks very interesting for my purposes.
@@WillGoodlet I’d really like to try that 60-600 too - the idea of a combined long landscape lens and wildlife lens is very appealing 😀
I have the first S5 and it’s frustrating because it’s hands-down my favourite camera to use, but the AF is unreliable. The video features are stellar though. The S5II looks really exciting! Looks like they’ve solved the AF and not lost the other things that make the first one great. It seems to have comparable rolling shutter to the R6 MkII, which isn’t too bad. The Animal AF doesn’t do eye detection yet, but considering they already do human eyes that should be doable.
I’ll probably pick up the S5IIx when it’s released in a few months, as I could use the extra features, but I’m really curious to see if they do an S1II with a stacked sensor or something 🤤 I’d likely swap over from my OM-1 for wildlife in that case!
It’s a shame they’re expensive in SA, as over here they’re notably better value than other brands.
I own this lens, and have it paired with a 750d, it's given me some great results and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other budding photographers.
Also I really enjoyed your video, as well as the delivery 👍
Hi Scott, thanks so much for watching and the feedback on the lens with the 750D.
Been using this lens on the 90D and as of late, the R7 and the R6MII. I find the keeper rate much better on the mirrorless. Have taken some great shots with the lens, easily worth the price I paid for it. I find it works well in video with stab off. It can have its quirks sometimes with the autofocus of smaller birds at a distance and objects outside of its range can be soft, but that was probably due to heating coming off the ice and lake in the middle of the day. Great lens!!
Hi Tony, good to hear that the lens is behaving on Mirrorless. I had no trouble but note in other videos and comments that some others do. For the money. Given what it used to be like to try to get over 300mm...I just wish they had these when I was younger.
Hello Will Happy New Year. I am glad to see you out in the bush. As always superb content
Happy new year Felix! Thanks a lot for the good wishes :)
Heard it's too soft at the long end, like others said you have to be lucky to find one that works.
Yes there seems to be some variation.
Hola,excelente video.asi aprenderemos a ser buenos fotógrafos a costes de material justo,no desorbitados.gracias.
¡Gracias Pedro! Me alegro de que te haya gustado y sí, es una gran lente para el aprendizaje y también puede funcionar para los profesionales.
Will, you've worked hard to make this. I love it! Makes my day. Be well.
Thanks for watching Vincent! :) You too
Very interesting. The price and weight are key for me. Thanks Will
Thanks Christine :)
I use it .. And it being 10 yrs old . Sigma have never issued any firmware updates since . And i feel i wasted my money on the USB Dock . You can calibrate the lense using the dock but the process is massively time consuming . When i bought it i used it with my 850D ...for a year or more . Then i got the 90D ... and put it with that and used my other camera for my other lenses . After a while i used it with the 850D , Scorching sunny day and it Failed . bigtime . It's a flawed lense , when it works its good when it goes Fubar it's a pain .
I find the tripod mount is toooo short . When i use on my tripod it shakes vibrates when ... but its good at Sun captures at 150mm , I mainly use it for ships , planes , moon , sometimes deer . Rarely bother with birds if i do the results are mixed
Good to hear the negative side of things too and you only get that from people who have used it long term.
I would have like to have tried it on my old 60D (but it was stolen) to see if there was a difference in performance with that. The 7D2 has a much better AF system so it would have been nice to compare them.
Yeah, I don’t think I would consider longevity as one of strong points of the lens unless it were lightly used. It’s just not the same build as some of the tanks out there.
@@WillGoodlet .I refuse another Sigma lense that requires a USB Dock . A lense should work out of the Box 24-7 . And with Customisation you cannot change the AF for some reason .You can only change the Distance and if you forget what you set ethier it can't be a utter pain . And with having spent nearly 500 on a new tripod the mount on the lense is far too short and doesn't offer equal weight . distribution .When i tighten the pod the lense it moves , shakes out of focus after getting it dead center on the Live screen . Nothing else holding the lense firm . Camera and baseplate isn't enough to offer stability .. .
All the other reviews i've seen have all failed to mention that there is a strap for the lense
I have a gallery on Digital photography preview website
I ordered this lens for my T7 body. Looking forward to trying it out 🦌 📸
Congratulations! Hope you get some awesome shots with it:)
I enjoyed your video as I am thinking of purchasing the Sigma but I found at times it was difficult to see your presentations as the different advertising of your name would keep popping up and blocking things. I also found that some of the technical comparisons wen't by too fast and I had to keep pausing the video to see them and the adverts would block the ability to read the data. very frustrating. Also I am a Nikon Shooter so the difference between Canon cameras are lost to me. But I did get the general impression that it is a good lens. I have a Nikon D850 dslr and it is a wonderful camera in all respects. I am mostly landscape but want to get some wildlife shots but live with my Nikon 28-300mm lens and hardly ever take it off as it is so flexible and convenient. But would like to try some 600mm and crop down to APSC 900mm. I use a tripod always and remote shutter release for nightscape photography so I am very careful about shake and vibration. So it was an excellent video and I would say very well done and very practical.
Hi Peter, I have this lens paired with my Nikon D780 and am blown away by the performance and detail in the images I shoot - mostly wildlife but some motor sports too. When I bought the lens I also got the TC-1401 1.4x teleconverter and Sigma dock and as you are a full frame DSLR shooter these are well worth the extra money. When shooting in live view mode (which is the same as the Z6ii on the D780) focus and tracking are absolutely spot on but less so when using the optical viewfinder when the teleconverter is fitted. This is primarily due to the fact that the lens is f/9 wide open at 600mm with the tc and the D780 struggles to focus above f/8.
I hope that's helpful :)
Hi Peter, so sorry that the ads got in the way. The sad thing is that even if I disable monetisation, YT will put ads in a video of this length anyway. The videos also tend not to be promoted without ads.
I know the additional info in the comparisons requires pausing, again a difficult choice as some do want to see them and some don't.
On Nikon, hopefully some others like Steve can offer advice. I have no access to Nikon cameras (I wish I had!) I'd be surprised if the lens did not work very well on the D850.