On our recent visit to Portugal, my Sigma 150-500 unfortunately gave up while photographing an Alpine Accentor, on the Monchique summit. I'd had that lens for a number of years, it was beginning to look worse for wear, and when the focus drive and stabilisation gave out - a new lens became a necessity. This is not, by any means, a review of the new lens' performance. My images are an ideal record of sightings I've experienced, enhancing my enjoyment of birding - and I don't profess to having photographic knowledge at a technical level. Having said that, with new lens duly attached to the camera, it was off to the local park after lunch to get cracking. I acquired some useful comments from web reviews, in particular relating to weight and the option of using a monopod. The Sigma lens is heavier than a Canon, but having carried the 150-500 for numerous miles, this lens is only a couple of ounces heavier and all the images here are 'hand-held'. I have a monopod and it will certainly accompany me in the future, as it is quite comfortable when assembled and slung over the shoulder! I found I was shooting at far higher aperture values, typically f11 or f13 at speeds of around 1/500sec, and obtaining remarkably crisp results. Obviously, as I'm also testing the extra 100mm zoom, I'm nowhere near this Goosander - try getting close to one, they soon clear off! This Coot was close (10 metres) and the result is very pleasing. I should say at this point that, not being made of money, the lens is attached to an obsolete Canon camera. This Dunnock had a shutter speed of 1/120sec.
I took loads of images on a bright day, just clouding over - including a remarkably sharp airliner at 36,000ft over Hull. I'm really looking forward to birding with this new lens and it has extremely good reviews on the Internet. 4/3/2016 09:40:01 pm
Impressive results from that new lens, Nigel. You'll enjoy that superb piece of equipment I'm sure! Comments are closed.
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