A new toy... Sigma 50-500 HSM

[ballroom_boy]

Hi Gang,

Thanks to all of you (especially Igor), I just purchased a mint Sigma 50-500 HSM lens. Yes, this lens looks like a bazooka (or a tele-zoom on Viagara), however, the photos all of you have posted here look great so I could not resist. The reach and range is also appealing for the price. The feedback and the reviews seem quite positive too.

I should get it in about 3 days and then I will play with it and take it out on my vacation to the Canadian Rockies next week. Then, I get to share my photos with you!

Thanks again!

[Andre]

Congratulations Roël! You are going to enjoy that lens.
I'm anxious to see your pictures!

[Ol'coot]

Congratulations on your purchase ballroom_boy. The lens is a monster but you will fall in love with it as I have. We will be waiting on your first post.

[Igor]

Congrats Roel, I'm sure the rest of your lenses will get mad at it soon as your new Sigma will take their place on the camera for 90% of time :)

[AzRich]

I can't wait, mine shipped today. Actually it's a replacement, I had recieved one last week, but it was very stiff, and the aperture stuck on it. I'd take a shot and notice the viewfinder was dimmer, and my shutter speed got cut in 1/2! A few taps on the lens and it would 'pop' back to where it was. The zoom was stiff too, I suspect it was put together 'too well!' At least too tight.

So I sent it back.

It was nice and quiet though.

[Wilm]

Roel,

congrats and welcome in the user-group user of 50-500 HSM.

I´ll be on business-travel the next 2 days and that lens is a must in my car :D

Looking forward to see your results

:cheers:
Wilm

[Tom Nolle]

Rich, I've had that aperture stick problem on the Sigma 70-200EX as well; mine has done it in very cold weather. Sigma "fixed" it once and it froze up again on the next cold trip; I'm waiting to see what happens with their most recent fix. None of my other Sigmas has the problem, so you should be ont he positive side of the odds with a replacement.

Tom

[ballroom_boy]

Hi Gang,

Well, I got it today. I bought it used and the glass is very clean and overall, the lens is in excellent condition. A few things I need help with:

1) It did not come with the lens hood... do you know where I can get a replacement hood (other than contacting Sigma!)?

2) The tripod collar won't move... I loosen the knob on the tripod base that says "LOCK ->" but it doesn't budge. Even if I use a little bit of force. Am I missing something? Is there anything I can do?

3) The zoom ring is a little stiff (not much though - maybe I am spoiled by my f/2.8 Nikon zooms)... is this normal?

On the bright side, I got a couple 86mm Tiffen filters thrown in (86mm filters are expensive, aren't they?) and I paid a total of $US 530.00 for this lens. I think I got a pretty good deal... what do you think? :rolleyes:

[Igor]

Hi Roel,
and congrats!

I'm not sure if you can find a hood other than via Sigma.

Zoom ring is even a bit loose on mine.

My tripod collar rotates pretty stiffly, but it does with a bit of extra effort.

Anyway, I hope yours takes great pictures, that's all that counts! :)

[Ol'coot]

Hello Roël

The tripod ring on my lens is tight as well but once you get it to move mine moves freely, I have to loosen the clamp screw allot to get it to move. My zoom ring is also snug but I like it better than being loose. The only place I know to get the hood is from Sigma direct. It is listed on their website for $25.00. Enjoy your new lens and post some shots.
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/sigmaonlinemall/

[bushman]

Sigma charged about £14.00 for a replacement lens hood fo my wide angle zoom, so I'd guess they would charge about 8-10 dollars over there. It came next day after a call to their service centre.
Cheers, John