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Sigma 500mm f/7.2 APO lens

Discussion in 'Sony Chat' started by Neil007, Oct 25, 2009.

  1. Oct 25, 2009
    #1
    Neil007

    Neil007 Member

    Looking at buying a 2nd hand one for my Sony A350. Anyone out there give me any advice or information on this lens and what price I should pay for one.

    Cheers Neil
     
  2. Oct 25, 2009
    #2
    Roger_Provins

    Roger_Provins Well-Known Member

    Never had the 500mm but I did have for some while the quite similar 400mm f/5.6 macro APO. I actually wish I'd never parted with it as it was an excellent (if cumbersome) lens. Note I'm talking of the "macro APO" version - which was the last of the many incarnations of this lens. There lies the problem with these lenses - including the 500mm f/7.2 - their compatibility with modern dSLRs is not guaranteed. I wouldn't get one without first trying it on my camera. Sigma can re-chip some, but not all, versions to work with dSLRs.
     
  3. Oct 25, 2009
    #3
    Steve52

    Steve52 Well-Known Member

    I've got the 170-500mm Sigma, but prefer to use my Sigma AF Tele 400mm F/5.6, which I got off of ebay for just under £300. Works well on my A350 and I don't usually have to carry a tripod or monopod to use it.
     
  4. Oct 25, 2009
    #4
    Neil007

    Neil007 Member

    Thanks for your comments but I've bid on it and won it on ebay for £242 which i think is a good price. I'm hoping to get some good wildlife pictures with this, so time will tell.

    Any more advice or information on this would be gratefull.
     
  5. Oct 26, 2009
    #5
    RonM

    RonM Alpha Napper

    Don't think the 500 sigma will be chipped in the first place Rog it is after all a M/F mirror lens
     
  6. Oct 26, 2009
    #6
    Roger_Provins

    Roger_Provins Well-Known Member

    I assumed it was <this> lens (click on picture for a larger view).
     
  7. Oct 26, 2009
    #7
    Gordon_McGeachie

    Gordon_McGeachie In the Stop Bath


    I have the 400mm f5.6 non apo/macro in grey and love it, but I have never seen one go for £300..........

    Mine only cost £209 when I bought it back in 1990
     
  8. Oct 27, 2009
    #8
    RonM

    RonM Alpha Napper

    Ahh, a lens I didn't know about, and considering the comment "Not all versions are compatible with 7D / 5D cameras" possibly more so then with Alphas
     
  9. Oct 27, 2009
    #9
    Roger_Provins

    Roger_Provins Well-Known Member

    Which is what concerned me about Neil's purchase. Let's hope his particular lens will work with Alphas :)
     
  10. Oct 30, 2009
    #10
    Neil007

    Neil007 Member

    Thanks for all your msg's. I've played around with the lens and it works perfect with my camera. As a novice I was getting worried that it wouldn't work. The wife didn't want me to get it but I went ahead and when she started to read your comments I could see me getting it in the neck if it didn't work lol. Taking it out at the weekend so will post some pic's on my flickr page.

    Cheers Neil
     

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