Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Review for Bird and Wildlife Photography
I took 10,000 images testing the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary lens, check out what is possible from this affordable lens. Cheers, Duade
**Update Settings Video: • Sigma 150-600mm BEST S... **
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🎞️Sigma 150-600 Autofocus Issues - • Mirrorless AF Issues S...
🎞️40D + Sigma 150-600 Field Test - • You DON'T need EXPENSI...
🎞️90D + Sigma 150-600 Field Test - • BIRD Photography is HA...
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Chapters
00:00 Sigma 150-600 Intro
01:17 Lens Specs
02:41 Aperture
03:42 MFD
04:11 Price
04:50 Digital Calendar
05:49 Image Quality
13:32 Poor Shots
15:40 Zoom Range
17:51 Teleconverters
19:16 FPS
19:41 Optical Stabilisation
21:16 Focus Limiter
21:38 Lens Calibration
22:15 Autofocus
26:41 Mirrorless Body
31:47 BIF
35:16 Value/Comparison
40:23 Owners Thoughts
41:27 Conclusion
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Cameras
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🛒Canon RF35 1.8 geni.us/1JDKPL
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G'day all, I have released a video with updated AF settings to reduce the pulsing on Canon Mirorless bodies. kzhead.info/sun/n5uNddlpi5mnaIE/bejne.html I hope you enjoy, Cheers, Duade
I have to watch this 🦉
Your honesty and humility are much appreciated. Very valuable for those with old cameras, looking to upgrade to the newer models (R5, etc.).
@@alohamark3025 My pleasure Mark, Cheers, Duade
Hiii
Hi
I really really love how you show the RAW/edited photos so it is so much easier for me as a young amateur to understand what aspects you touch upon to get those beautiful results! Thank you, subscribed just a couple of minutes into this video :D
That is great to hear, I will continue to show the Raw conversion, Cheers, Duade
I really like that too.
I really like your comment about sharpness - I sometimes obsess over taking super sharp images and overlook a really nicely composed photo because it's grainy or not as sharp as I think it should be.
Sigma have responded that the Sigma 150-600C is not compatible with the Eye Tracking Servo mode of the Canon mirrorless bodies. You will need to use single shot AF to get accurate autofocus. The AF will still work in tracking mode but you will get inconsistent focus as I have demonstrated. Cheers, Duade
Thats very bad news, for now what lens do you reccommend for a new R7? Canon RF 100-500 it great but a little above budget.
@@photo_shoot_travel very good point
I use M6 mark II (APS-C sensor same as in 90D 32Mpix) with Sigma 150-600 and unfortunately there is the same problem as in R5 sharp, sharp, sharp, soft (in single spot AF-C mode)
@@photo_shoot_travel Yeah kinda disappointed, just got the 150-600C to use with the R7 when I get it so i'll have to change lenses eventually if the focus proves to be too inconsistent
Hi Duade. I have the 150-600. I wonder will Sigma make a compatible 150-600 for mirrorless R7?
Man, Sigma should approach you with an award only for making this video. Managed to see it till the end (birding patience kicked in). Thanks for that refocus tips. Gotta come handy for me. 🙂
Thanks mate, you did well making it until the end without falling asleep :-) Cheers, Duade
@@Duade how are you so modest...?♥️
That is without a doubt the best review of a camera lense that I have seen posted on any channel. The fact that I own the lense is definitely a plus. The time and effort you put into this video is amazing. I own all three of the lenses that your friend owns and totally agree with him on the quality of the equipment and its results. Thank you for the video. I plan on purchasing the 90D at some point after the new year.
Guy, thanks for such nice feedback, I appreciate it. Nice to hear you are enjoying your Sigma lenses. 90D is great for its price, the AF lacks behind the mirrorless bodies but it does take nice shots. I am looking forward to an APSC mirrorless body from Canon with Eye AF, that will be great. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Agreed. I really am used to APS-C and don't know if I'd like full frame. Of course I "suffer" from age - you know, 'old dog, new tricks'?
One of the best in-depth reviews of any lens. Great job!
Mark, thanks for the feedback, I'm glad you enjoyed it, Cheers, Duade
great review! the spar bill image is epic!!
this is the very best video i have seen explaining a lens...ty for it
I REALLY appreciate that you share the OC shots and outline how you cropped them. it's so beneficial for those learning!!!
It is my pleasure Jessica, Cheers, Duade
Excellent video Duade. It's helped me make my mind up about this lens, so thank you! I often struggle getting close enough to skittish small birds - particularly Kingfisher and Bullfinch here in the UK - with my 70-300, so this should help me immensely. Looking forward to using it on my 90D.
James, it will be amazing going from your 300 to the 600, good luck with it. Cheers, Duade
I agree, here in the UK my 75-300 is just not close enough and have felt down about my photos, not being able to get close to the subject. Think I will splash out and get the Sigma 100-600. wish me luck.
I am going to be testing this lens from a friend shortly. Your video was hugely informative, though. I was debating between this and the 800 RF and I know you said you’d probably pick the latter, but honestly, the focus pulsing is something I have already encountered with my older 300 f/4L and - like you - have been able to account for that. I really appreciate how thorough you were in your review. Thank you for taking the time to do this!
Always appreciate you telling us all the not so good bits, thankyou
Hi Duade, this was a top quality video, it covers absolutely everything that any photographer could wish to hear, the downfalls were great to listen to due to user error etc, so detailed, i love mine its pin sharp on my 40D, 7D, 90D & my 5D mkIII you covered a lot of variants that i have also come across which made me smile a few times, thank you once again for a quality video.
It is my pleasure, I am glad to hear you enjoyed the video, Cheers, Duade
Amazing review Duade! Detailed, real-world, an incredible testimony to your skills, and also an honest proof of the lens' limitations. Your review was like a breathe of fresh air... head and shoulders above the armchair pundits raving and ranting without any real experience in the art of photography. Thank you!
Golam, you are too kind, thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it. Cheers, Duade
How poetic! I just got my lens last week and its a sharp lens even with APS-C body
Great Review! Thanks Duade!
What a detailed video man. No nonsense, just onto the point. You have put on so much work, kudos.
Thanks for the feedback, it was a fun lens to test, Cheers, Duade
I watch a lot of camera gear videos on KZhead and yours are definitely the best. Your knack for good explanation and depth of real-life testing sets you apart. Even with its faults, I will probably buy this Sigma lens to mate with my older Canon 5D Mark II. I am a retired professional studio photographer but an amateur bird photographer, and it looks like this lens would be perfect for my new hobby. I'm glad I discovered your channel.
Ron, welcome to the channel, I am happy to hear the video helped in your decision. Good luck with the lens and your bird photography. Cheers, Duade
I love the fact that you tested the lens with an old 40D. Makes an intriguing proposition for someone interested in getting into wildlife photography for the first time. I've recently dipped my toe with a used 7D mkii (USD$500) and a used Canon L 400/5.6 (USD$700), and I am hooked. I think this is a good time for budget-minded novices.
Thanks Rick, yes, there are some great DSLR and Lenses on the used market with many switching to mirrorless. That was the kit I used for a long time 7D/400 5.6. Cheers, Duade
I completely agree with everything you said in your review particularly with the focus issues. Great review BTW Thanks
Thanks! Great review
Incredible review on this lens! I just got this lens about two weeks ago for my 90d. I have only used it minimally, however the times that I have had time to use it, it has given me great results. I will agree that the auto focus seems to lack slightly in low light conditions, but overall it is a great lens that has given me some tack sharp shots! I would highly recommend this lens for anyone getting started into wildlife photography. At a very affordable price, it is well worth the money for this nice of a lens.
Braxton, congrats on the lens and thanks for sharing your experience. Cheers, Duade
I have it also, and like you, seldom use it. It's a great piece to have in your toolkit, though, for when it is needed
Hopefully all reviews were made with this level of analysis. Not only is it a lot of valuable information about optics, but also how to technically take good photos, compose, etc. I'm going to watch it several times to assimilate all the information. Many, many thanks, Duade.
It is my pleasure and thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it. Cheers, Duade
Love the bright bird with dark background!
Great review of this Lens both practical and technical thanks for your great efforts Duade
Hi Duane, it’s videos like this that keep people coming back to this channel, really well done. I’ve had the sigma 150-600 for just over a year and I’ve been both very pleased, and extremely frustrated with it. Under ideal conditions, good light, optimal distance, little movement etc it works great and produces excellent images. In other situations, like a dull overcast early morning, I’ve come home with a bag of noisy, blurry images. I shoot on a 6D mark 2, (saving for an R6), and balancing high ISO and shutter speed sometimes feels like a game of attrition. The focus hunting has me grinding my teeth sometimes, (thanks for the tip on SS). If you live in a country like Australia, with bright sunny days and lots of light that’s great, but if you like somewhere like the UK or Ireland this lens can be difficult.
Yes, I am very fortunate to live in a country with plenty of sun that is for sure. Thanks for the great feedback and sharing your experience, Cheers, Duade
I'd really recommend getting hold of the dock and tuning the lens. You can adjust the acquisition speed and the accuracy and the OS. It can make a lot of difference.
I appreciate this video a lot. I actually have purchased this lens after doing a bit of research and looking at what I wanted to get. I currently own a Nikon 75-300mm 5.6-6.3, and the Sigma 150-600mm fits what I was working up to. You actually going into detail about user error and fixing the ISO/Aperture/etc really helps me understand the limitations of the lens and how you shoot your photos. There are other KZhead videos where others are quick to blame the lens without providing the appropriate background information, while going straight to, "you wouldn't have this issue if you were using x lens or y lens." To me, this video fully encompasses an understanding of the limitations of the lens, while also showing just how capable of a lens it is, and I appreciate actual photos rather than just an explanation. Overall, very detailed information, and I'm going to have to come back to this video a few times to make sure I understand your explanations. I still consider myself more of a hobbyist when it comes to photography, but I'm getting there with understanding all the settings. Thank you again Duade!
I used this lens paired with the eos r at a Blue Angels air show. I was able to get some fantastic shots. I also use it for some deep space Astro, though I’m still working on technique. Looking forward to trying it with birds and wildlife. Only had the lens for 6 months and loving it.
I am a wee bit jealous. I think it would be so awesome to live where there is so much diversity in wildlife. I find your videos are so informative and just extremely detailed. Thank you sir
I love the photo with the dark background. I own three Sigma lenses and the 150 - 600 C is one of them. I normally use it with the Canon 90D but have tried it with the R6 also. I like to shoot most of my bird photos at f/9. As long as there is enough light to keep my ISO at no more than 4000 that is. I truly love the 150 - 600! Great video by the way!
Thanks for sharing your experience and glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Cheers, Duade
Duarde! One of the few that doesnt sugar coat his reviews.
Thanks Cedric, I try to give an honest review. Cheers, Duade
Thanks for taking time to share your experience
Darin, it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Great review as always, very impressive lens.
I've had the sigma 600 for over a year now. I use it with my r6, it has gotten me some amazing results. The focus pulsing is real and can be frustrating at times. It did open up a world of wildlife photography that never existed for me before. If you are on a more limited budget I highly recommend!
Garret, thanks for sharing your experience, I agree for the price it delivers amazing quality that would cost 10x more for an f4 prime lens. Cheers, Duade
I store mine in a plastic box with a dehumidifier but every now and then a white dot appears inside! What do you do to avoid it?
Great review Duade. I've had the Sigma 150-600 C for over a year now which I use on my Canon 70D. I use it primarily for wildlife but also for military aviation - particularly fast jets. I can really relate to the auto focus issues that you have highlighted. The number of shots that I find out of focus when I get back to my computer can be really frustrating. However, when I do get shots that are in focus, they are pin sharp. I have just ordered the dock to see if I can improve the situation.
Matt, sounds like tough conditions that is for sure. Good luck with it, Cheers, Duade
Did it improve?
This was a very thorough review! Extremely helpful… thank you!
Thanks Mr Reynolds, glad you enjoyed it, Cheers, Duade
Amazing review, Thanks
Great video Duade, I have had my 150-600 for around 18 months and pair it with my 7D mk2, as you say autofocus can be a bit slow especially in low light but that is easily outweighed by the fact it is so light as I very rarely use any support as I prefer going out lightweight!
Andy, that is great to hear, that does make for a great kit. Cheers, Duade
Thanks a lot for making such a comprehensive review. I've used this excellent lens for over 3 years, both with a Canon rebel T7i and a Canon 5D IV. It is a very versatile lens and even thought I use it mostly for wildlife, it is a reasonable choice for easy astrophotography targets (e.g. Orion Nebula, Andromeda, Neowise, etc.), it is great for some landscape and even portrait. There are a few additional things that I find important enough to be worth mentioning. First, at close distance, it is definitely not 600mm and for small bird close-ups a short extension tube does go a long way in getting back to the expected magnification (not too much otherwise the autofocus is quickly limited to LiveView only). Then, the autofocus is really borderline for BIF. It can work with profile shots of larger, slower birds, but with faster birds, head-on shots will frequently fail because the AF is too slow closing in and eventually will find something more contrasty in the background. Finally, as this is supposed to be a camera for wildlife, chances are that it will get exposed to sand, dust, dirt and wet weather and this is something that might become a problem because this lens is really not dust & weather sealed. With the accumulation of dust, the autofocus on my lens has become really temperamental and I can't use it at all at altitude (over 3000m/10000ft).
Thanks for sharing your experience, it is very helpful, yes, I should have mentioned the weather sealing etc. Cheers, Duade
Such a great in-depth review! Thanks
Duade, Nicely done. Thanks for all the work that went into this. The Cockatoo with the dark background is wonderful. Merry Christmas Bill
Bill, thanks for the feedback, yes, the Cockatoo is a highlight for sure. Cheers, Duade
I bought my 150-600mm about a year and a half ago. I used to have an older Sigma 150-500mm EX DG OS HSM that I bought back in 2012 to shoot my son's high school soccer games. Then I sold it to buy it's successor when I started birding in the summer of 2020. I also paired it with a 90D and got excellent results - eventually. The 90D was a little more advanced than my old Rebel T3i (600D) and I had a lot of soft shots early on due to my inexperience. I wish we could share photos here - I would show you some of my favorite shots with both Sigma lenses. Duade, I just wanted to add that I really enjoy your videos! I like learning from your experience and seeing your photos of the birds and other wildlife of Australia. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Craig, thanks for sharing your experience and the lovely feedback, I really appreciate it. Feel free to send me some shots at duade.paton@gmail.com Cheers, Duade
My experience has also matched yours. I started using the Sigma 150-600 on an 80D, and it was such a step up from the kit 70-300 that I was thrilled with it. It can take amazingly sharp photos, but it is a bit slow and not always easy to focus. I just recently purchased an R6. I am able to get a fairly good keeper rate on birds in flight, if they are 20 meters and beyond, but little birds and birds close up... it just can't keep up. On birds that are stationary though it is really good, far from perfect (but then again, so am I) but for the price, I am satisfied and will keep it until I can find something that works better that I can afford. I appreciate your channel and your work. Watching one of your videos feel like hanging out with one of my buddies. Thanks for all you do!
Edward, congrats on the lens and the R6, a great combo for sure. Thanks for the feedback, that is the exact feel I am going for. Cheers, Duade
Ed, I have a Canon 80D, I was thinking of buying this lens. It's at the limit of my budget so I'm wondering if you would recommend it for the 80D. I want to shoot wildlife photos. Thank for you reply in advance!
Most thorough and seemingly honest review of this lense. Thanks for your time. Great shots.
Thanks Alan, it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Fantastic in-depth review Duade. Merry Christmas.
Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Duade
Excellent walk through/review as always. For context I photograph wildlife and warbirds (prop airplanes) I owned this lens for 3 years upgrading from the Canon 100-400 Mark 1. I think I put about 600k photos thorough it on my old 7D2 - and still recommend this to others when they are looking for that win for their money. Hands down I think this is a great lens for those stepping into wildlife and are budget conscious. What I can say is if you are one that can stretch the budget, upgrading to the Sport version of this focal length, or even the 60-600 that I upgraded to, you are in a higher performance and capability bracket for the money. Same f/6.3 on the long end, but the 60-150 focal length range is a game changer for a single lens. You can even pull some landscape shots off with it if you are in a pinch. It is about 2x the cost, but for what it is still a very positive price point with what I feel more than twice the performance.
and thanks for sharing your experience, it sounds like it is a real winner for people starting out. Glad to hear you are enjoying the 60-600. Cheers, Duade
Great review on this sigma lens. I own one of these and I agree with everything you mentioned in this video including the pulsing issue in continuous AF mode. For the price is a great choice to have that reach. I also owned the canon 100 to 400 version 2 and yes it is a wonderful lens. I still have the canon 400f5.6 prime which I reach for when I just want to go light and have some fun. I'm a huge fan of the channel and I would like to find out more about the fujifilm xh2s with the fx 150 to 600mm if you could make a video that would be great. Cheers from Canada
Thanks Laszlo, sounds like we have used very similar lenses. I will try to get the Fuji, Cheers, Duade
Great video. This video cover everything. Really good review. This took you a while to create, and the end result is really pro!
Thanks for the feedback, yes it too awhile but a good resource for those looking at the lens. Cheers, Duade
Thanks, I subbed, not only because of the comprehensive review but also for going as far as slipping in a 40D!
and thank you, gotta love the old 40D :-)
@@Duade Yeah, I have the 10D 20D 30D 40D 50D as a prize collection. When the 60D came out, I barfed.
I have this lens and everything you said in your video was spot on. Ive had exactly the same experiences. I have been blown away with how sharp this lens can be. The reach of 600 is bar far the biggest selling point along with getting sharp images. The down side as you experienced is the auto focus it is very hit and miss but not a huge amount. I recently took some action shots of bears play fighting and when I got back to edit I was a bit disappointed due to it missing focus even though it seemed I was in focus taking the shot. You are right in the fact that you need to burst shot a lot to get anything action wise and sometimes its just luck, but when you do hit the sweet spot boy does this lens take some fantastic shots. Low light is an issue compared to my canon 70-200Liii even when using flash. For instance when I have a flash and use live mode in the dark on the canon it displays on screen and also focuses better, but with the sigma its just dark and I can't focus. Overall though for the price I use this lens more than any other I've used and I tried using a 2x converter on my canon L70-200iii lens and it just was so bad at focusing so bought the sigma and love it. Great detailed vid covering everything and have subscribed :) Ive just bought a gimble to use with it at an air show next month so that will be a good test, great tip on turning image stable off when on a mount as hadn't thought of that.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with the lens, I am happy you found the video helpful and useful. Good luck with your photography. Cheers, Duade
I've owned this lens for 2,5 years now, started out using it on my Nikon D7200 then on a Nikon D800 and a Nikon D810, now I'm using it on my Nikon D850 and it has delivered crisp and sharp images on all the cameras I've used it on. I'm keeping this lens for sure and as a complement to it I have the Sigma EX 120-300 f2.8 wich is also a great lens, I've had the same auto focus issues you mentioned in the video but still not so much it's a headache so to say... Thanks for a great video I really enjoyed watching it! - Best regards, Stefan from Sweden.
Stefan, thanks for sharing your experience, I appreciate it. Stay safe in your part of the world. Cheers, Duade
Fantastic shots, Duade.
Thanks Peter, Cheers, Duade
Thank you very much, it's the best review of this lens!
I've been a pro photographer for 45 years and this the very best zoom (in this range) that I've ever used. The best.
Thanks for sharing your experience, I appreciate it, Cheers, Duade
Great review - really appreciate the honesty and objectivity.
Roger, it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
This review helped me choose my lens. The best I've ever watched. I am just starting my adventure with photography. Great examples and clear information. Thank you!
Thanks Katarzyna, it is my pleasure, be sure to watch this video on settings if you get a mirrorless camera, kzhead.info/sun/n5uNddlpi5mnaIE/bejne.html Cheers, Duade
I've had the lens for two years now and I find it amazing..,I use it on a D500, owing to the lack of light here in the UK I find myself consistently using it at ISO 3200,that is my ceiling I won't go higher,and people cannot believe it, the photos are consistently sharp, I had an accident with it a year ago and had to send it off to Sigma,when it came back ,they had calibrated it and it was even sharper,! it doesn't like low contrast and will hunt a bit and also in certain low light situations. But all in all a great lens, I have neck problems and mostly use it on a Gimblehead on a tripod , and this gives it the advantage,no camera shake ever, I consistently shoot at f6.3, even when I don't have to..no problems, if you pull the lens back from the long end it goes sharper still. Hope this helps, Chris.
Chris, thanks for sharing your experience and it confirms my findings. It is also interesting how correct calibration can make all the difference. Thanks for sharing, Cheers, Duade
Great job Duade! You did such an awesome job with this video! I do have this lens and still use it regularly, but I am saving up for the Sony 200-600mm. I use the Sigma with the Canon 80D and Sony a6100. I get better results with the Sony for whatever reason. I use them on a monopod, stabilization always on.
Hi, May l learn your EF to FE adopter for Sony? Thanks!
@@liting3944 I use Sigma MC-11, Canon mount. Make sure to get the one that fits your lens mount. For example, If your lens is the Canon mount, make sure to get that one.
Thanks for sharing, it appears that mirrorless bodies do deliver sharper shots than DSLR, I suspect this is to do with calibration issues on DSLR and the AF systems. Good luck saving for the 200-600, you will love that lens. Cheers, Duade
I wanted to wish you the best for the New Year!!! I loved having being in touch with you! Let's hope next year will bring us all around again!
Daniela, thank you for your ongoing support, I appreciate it. Happy New Year to you also. Cheers, Duade
Thanks for this amazing, detailed review! I bought this lens a while ago to go with my Canon 90D. Haven’t had much time to play with it yet but this video encourages to just go out and make it work. Thanks again !
Rajinder, that is great to hear, good luck with it next time you are out. Cheers, Duade
Great review! I own this lens, but haven't had all that many opportunities to shoot with it yet. One benefit that I don't recall you mentioning to these super-zooms vs a prime lens is that (at least in my experience) it's a lot easier to scan for a bird at 150mm and then zoom in to capture it once you've found it in the viewfinder, than to find the bird with a locked long focal length prime lens and have to essentially sweep the landscape with a magnifying glass to figure out where your bird is (especially if you're trying to find a flying bird). My eyesight is godawful, even with glasses, so maybe folks with sharper vision find this easier to manage with a prime than I do? Regardless, it's great to see the kinds of shots you were getting out of this lens, it's given me some incentive to get back out there in the spring and see if I can improve my skills :)
Thanks Kanin, very good point and very true, I do the same, I will be sure to mention that in future zoom lens reviews, Cheers, Duade
Hi. A really good review. I’ve had the Sigma 150-600 C for about 6 months and use it on my 5D IV. I initially rented a lens and was very impressed. For the money it’s excellent. What you say about learning how to a) use this particular lens and b) learning the craft is spot on. I’ve had some super results, but also many soft or out of focus efforts. As you say the bad ones are invariably user error. I’m sure some more expensive kit would be better, but may well be wasted on me. Likewise, when I eventually go mirrorless, I’m sure I’ll benefit from things like the eye detection. However I’m sure the experience I get with my less sophisticated kit will help me there. Overall your review is almost exactly what I would say, so prospective buyers would be well served by your comments. Thank you for putting this together and I look forward to checking out your other videos.
Martin, thanks for sharing your experience and great to hear it echoes my findings. Cheers, Duade
Hello from Idaho. Thank you so much for posting this very informational video!! I have this lens on my radar and have been searching about how compatible it is with the 90D. You have convinced me that it will be a great addition to my camera bag. Your photos are wonderful and enjoy viewing your videos
Marcy, thank you for such nice feedback, it makes me happy to hear the video is helpful for those looking at the lens. Good luck with it and I hope you capture many beautiful shots. Cheers, Duade
Merry Christmas Duade - another great video.
Thanks mate, hope you had a great day yesterday and got some camera related presents. Cheers, Duade
OK I watched this entire video Duade. I watched it with GREAT interest because I own a Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary and have it on my venerable Canon 7D Mark II. Actually I have owned two Sigmas. My first one got knocked pretty badly when I fell and thereafter, even using micro-adjust, it never was the same again. So...I sold that lens and bought...wait for it...ANOTHER Sigma 150-600mm. That's the one I have now and it has been much better than my first one even before I knocked it. I could not agree with you more. My bird photography teacher recommended this 150-600mm zoom as a way for me to get out to 600mm without having to pay an arm and another arm to get a Canon 600mm prime. I value the flexibility of zoom which you touched upon. Recently I was out in the field and an immature Bald Eagle appeared about 50 yards away from me and proceeded to fly right at me. I started to shoot it at 600mm but as it got closer and closer, I hastily took my zoom ring and backed out! Because of that I got a super image as the eagle flew literally right past me - I'd say it was about 5 yards away. I would never buy a prime lens given my age, arm strength, income bracket, and lens needs. Okay. Now - I have two Canon 7D Mark IIs, one I bought new and one used. I keep this Sigma on my best one and have my wonderful Canon 100-400mm Mark II lens on the used one. This is a permanent arrangement (I could never get the hang of switching lenses in the field). As a result I can compare the two lenses almost every time I go out. If I am going to be in the woods photographing small passerines I definitely want the Canon 100-400; it can auto-focus INSIDE of twigs and branches to get the bird. If I am going to be on the seashore, or open country, where I expect to see birds at some distance I use the Sigma. Frankly the Canon 100-400mm is in a class of its own. I bought mine soon after I began to photograph birds in about 2018 and that was a superb investment. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Built like a tank, probably nuclear bomb proof. Heavy. But I just love it and if/when I got to Canon's mirrorless cameras I can still use it. The Sigma is up against stiff competition as a result but I am more and more surprised and pleased with it. It's a perfect adjunct and when you put it on the Canon R5 I really perked up! I would be wanting to do that for sure b/c the cost of the Canon camera alone would be a big investment for me, and hence I would not initially be able to buy the Canon RF 100-500mm; although down the road I would be looking forward to it - esp. since it appears to be a worthy successor to the 100-400mm (which as I'm sure you know was specifically designed for the Canon 7D). So that's my tale. I hope this helps.
Thanks for sharing and your use case highlights the power of both the 100-400 and the 150-600. We often need different tools for different jobs and you have that sorted. Thanks for sharing your experience. Cheers, Duade
This the sharpest lens I have ever owned. It even out-performs my 50mm fixed focus lens. Amazingly, in decently bright light, the max'd-out OIS is enough to hand-hold at any FL. My only nit (true for every zoom lens) is how '600mm' is only true for the closest focus distance. When shooting at infinity, the max FL is only ~560mm.
Thanks for sharing your experience Ken, great to hear you are enjoying it, Cheers, Duade
love your pics!
Great review Duade. You are the best wildlife photographer on youtube! Cheers from Portugal!
Hugo, thank you for the kind feedback, I appreciate it. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade I also have a question. Does the R6 record in 1080p clog at 10 bit or you need to record in 4k for that 10bit juice? I have a small budget, but I would love to get the R6 somehow, because I would like to get at least 12fps and good video quality and double cardcslots, just for safety, so the eos R is a no-no, I guess ;(
Thoroughly enjoyed the video, very thorough! I shoot the Sigma 150-600 on a Nikon D5, and I love it, and your video confirmed that. I have used it a bit for shooting birds, but mostly larger animals (not a lot of opportunity to shoot pretty birds in Western Canada this time of year (-22C here today). Where the lens has really impressed me has been with lunar photography. I have some amazing shots of the moon using that lens. I've used the Nikon 200-500, and find that the Sigma is its equal for the most part. The Nikon might be a touch quicker to focus, and if I'm honest its a tad sharper at long focal lengths. I've also used the Nikon 500mm prime, and I like the variability of the Sigma more. One downside I've noticed, that when paired with the D5, it can get a little heavy, so I've begun using a monopole. I would like to find someone who shoots the sigma and has fine tuned the focus using the docking port and would be willing to share the adjustments they made. Great work Duade!!
Rick, thanks for sharing your experience, -22 sounds tough, we are a nice 32 today. Cheers, Duade
I own this Sigma 150-600mm Lens now for over a year and agree on the focus pulsating is real on mine also and can be aggravating. That being said, I use it on a Canon 6 D primarily and also use it on an EOS Rebel SL2 at times. This was a great video and one that really showed the highs lows of this lens. I wanted to get into bird photography as the reason I bought this lens and its price point was very agreeable. I wanted to improve my picture taking and once I feel I have improved (I am my worst critic) I might move to the Mirrorless Camera R5/R6. I really do like the lens and it is light enough to not always need a tripod. Fits in my Camera Backpack good enough also. The picture quality I think is very good - I will say at full 600 length, the focus sometimes is an issue so I have dial down to say 590 or 580 - or could be user issue. Thank you so very much for providing this video and all the links.
Bruce, thanks for sharing your real world experience, it is very helpful to others. Great to hear it is allowing you to enjoy bird photography. Cheers, Duade
I gave you a thumbs-up for showing your edits versus the original shot. And you can even see the crops too. Well done!!
Thanks for the thumbs up, I find the crop and raw are a good learning tool to show how I edit my shots. Cheers, Duade
masive long explination of this great lens!! thanks for the review!
It is my pleasure; I hope it was helpful. Cheers, Duade
Great review! I have had this lens for 7 years now, and use it on Nikon D7000, D7100, D610, D500, and D850. Never noticed any focus pulsing on any of these bodies, but D500 is definitely best for AF speed. I used the Sigma dock to program their "Speed Priority" AF instead of using the default "Standard" AF to get faster AF with latest firmware. The lens definitely needed the focus fine-tune calibration (4 focal lengths, 4 distances per focal length) on DSLRs. Sharp images, but even sharper using Topaz Denoise AI 'Clear' algorithm on the RAW files. Thanks Duade!
Ed, that is great to hear it is working well on your Nikon gear, for its price it is great value. Cheers, Duade
What do you do to prevent fungus! I keep it with dehumidifier but it still shows little white dots! I keep it more at night because during the day I use it often, sometimes not! Does fungus proliferate in this range outside the box? Note: when it comes out of the box/dehumidifier, it always faces the light!
@@rui7773 Fungus is more like creeping moss with tendrils going out I think. It sounds like you are doing everything right. If it doesn't impact your photos then I wouldn't worry too much about it. Likely sending it to be professionally cleaned is the only solution which is likely expensive. Cheers, Duade
I have this on a d500. How do you fine tune ?
Anna, you need to purchase the Sigma Dock which allows you to update firmware and make adjustments. Cheers, Duade
I use this lens almost every day on my Nikon D7200 for bird photography. Budget combo that has given me a few images used in calendars etc, and outperforms a lot of newer and more expensive lenses. Even Sigma have used a couple online
Thanks for sharing this...I have an old D7000. It's just fun for me and not a prof by any means. I live in CO and have lots of wildlife opptys and can't wait to put it to good use. This review and your comment helped me make my decision. I have three baby big horn owls in a huge cottonwood tree in our neighborhood and the kit lens I have to 105 just doesn't cut it. Will get a chance to practice with them first!
I have used that combo. I love my D7200 with this lens. I have a Z9. I need to really try that combo!
Thanks so much for this video. I bought this lens about a year ago, but have only recently started to use it. I really appreciate knowing that the majority of the problems I have had (particularly with focus) are more MY PROBLEM then the lenses problem. I obviously need to practice MORE. I have a Sony A6500 camera. Your explanations were very clear and I learned a lot! Thanks.
Anita, that is great to hear, yes it can be a real challenge, the lens does have some AF inconsistency so it can get it wrong at times. Good luck, Cheers, Duade
I have to say a massive thank you! I watched your video on this lens which has helped me out tremendously with my birds in flight shots. This weekend I have taken some of the best photos I’ve taken since buying the sigma 150-600mm lens. If I could hug you I would do !!!! Thank you so so much 😊
Oh Deborah, that is too kind, I am happy to hear the videos are helping and you had a good time. Virtual hugs from this part of the world. Cheers, Duade
I've had mine for about 18 months now and have used it on Canon 80D & R6 and really can't complain. The AF isn't perfect, but it does represent amazing value for money (although when I checked out the exchange rate, I nearly fell off my chair at how cheap it is in Australia compared to here in the UK). I have found that with the eye tracking on the R6, it holds focus much better when moving horizontally across the frame than when coming towards me, but I suspect that this would be the case for most lenses. I'd love to try the RF 100-500, but at 4 times the price it would have to be a huge improvement to justify the cost for a amateur such as myself. For the time being I'll make do with deleting the soft images, knowing that in most circumstances I will come away with some wonderful pin sharp images as well.
Paul what a great post and I totally agree with what you have said. Cheers, Duade
If you have a uv filter on the lens take it off. My auto focus got better immediately and so did my photos.
@@chadolson5537 so did mine. Good advice.
Hi Duade, your review is really not bad. For me this is the best budget zoom over 400mm. The RF100-500 is of course faster and in a different class, but not suitable for everyone in terms of price. So I find the Sigma to be the best solution for photography without going into excessive prices. I've had it on the 7D Mk II for 3 years and now on the R5 and find - you get more than you paid for. At least compared to native RF lenses and their prices. Cheers, Allan
Thanks Allan, I agree, for its price it can't be beaten. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Cheers, Duade
great video, I just got one a few days ago, and lets hope it clears up soon so I can start practicing
This review is very exhaustive and detailed. Very helpful. Thank you for making this video!
Earl, it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
That 100-500 vid was definitely the most stable video you’ve ever taken handheld hahaha Great video mate
*LOL* I was indeed wondering why Duade took soo many images with the sigma when his 100-500 should have been superior .. but it was busy doing the other part of the job ;-)
Lol, thanks mate, that means a lot. :-)
Werner, Jan was ribbing me due to how shaky my footage usually is. I used the Sigma extensively for this review, I would usually use my prime or 100-500. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade @Jan Wegener Yeah, I follow both of you long enough to pick up that internal joke ;-) Actually you both are down under, but also very down to earth with your feet. You both aim for perfect bird shots, but you are not too vain to show it takes effort, patience and failure to achieve it, rather than being just great and affording the best gear. My professor used to say: In life you need to relativate everything, starting with yourself. And you seem to apply this principle👍. Happy holidays to both of you, and looking forward to enjoy more of your YT's in the next year. And hopefully a few YTs with you combined, even when I fear the distance between has grown a bit.
I have had this lens in the nikon mount for just over 2 years. I use it on my D500 mostly. I noticed some things in common with what you found. First I haven't had to calibrate it at all it worked great straight out the box. Image quality is great and mine is just as sharp at 600mm. I to have tried a 1.4x tele and while it worked I was not a fan it seemed to lack clarity or crispness to the image when compared to images with out a teleconvertor. I have also used Nikons 200-500 and I prefer the Sigma 150-600mm c focus is about the same that is to say I didn't notice any difference in speed between them. I have a extra 100mm to play with and it's just as sharp if not a tad sharper at least with my copy. For value I don't think it can be beaten its the cheapest option for a 600mm. I have managed to get great results with birds in flight and even Dragonflies inflight with this lens love it. Lastly if I need more reach instead of a teleconvertor I stick a m4/3 adapter on it and use my Panosonic GX9 it looks absolutely ridiculous but it gets the job done lol
Barry, thanks for sharing your experience, sounds like you have been very happy with the lens and nice to hear the comparison with the Nikon 200-500. Cheers, Duade
Your continued success and the quality of your videos is just awesome man! Such good reference tools for a learner like me, thank you for the quality content!
Thanks for the comment and that is great to hear, Cheers, Duade
Great work!
Excellent assessment of this lens' strengths and weaknesss. I have been using it for 6 years, with a Canon 60D and an 80D. Sharp results are possible, but low light or rapidly moving subjects such as flight shots are challenging for consistently accurate autofocus. I also stop down to f7.1 when lighting is good, but I have periodically gotten sharp results at f6.3. My Canon 300mm f4, even with a 1.4 extender is better for flight shots.
Thanks Ronald, I appreciate you sharing your experience, I agree with what you have said. Cheers, Duade
When I was a kid we didn't get 10,000 pictures, we got something like 36 shots on a roll and you made every shot count (hopefully).
Yes, we have come a long way, I remember sending off a roll of 24 photos and waiting a week for them to come back. Cheers, Duade
Excellent review - thanks for that - Merry Christmas
Rob, thanks for the comment, Merry Christmas, Cheers, Duade
My Tamron 200 -500 has been a love hate with the auto focus. A friend passed over to me this Sigma 150-600 your reviewing here . Surf shots are alot like birds. Cleaning up furry shots is a major preoccupation. It will be interesting to see how well the Sigma does after years running a Tamron on the 70D. You made the best vid to help me digest what I'm in for with the new toy. Thankyou. Well done 👏
That's a lot of work! One of the best review ever, Bravo! I'm very pleased with the lens on an EM1.2 after recent tests 1.200 mm handheld, pro capture, 18fps, good IQ, fast AF (better than 400/5.6L on Olympus), single AF only but as it is fast and reliable you can play around with it : BIF is doable. And a lot of fun. Not too Frankenstein on the semi-dwarf Olympus, the lens is (somewhat) light and compact (@150 mm). I'm considering a speed-booster (105-425 mm f3.5-4.5). It won't replace my main gear (Nikon), but is ready to go on a R5 (perhaps?) despite the unfortunate pulsing issue Merry Xmas !
Thanks for sharing how you use the lens, great to hear you enjoyed it. Cheers, Duade
i own a sigma 600mm too and YOU GAVE a pretty good review on that lens!!! TX for the video!!! :D
Great thorough review, thank you
Thanks Marcel, it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
brilliant video Duade! Merry Christmas :)
Ben, thanks, and Merry Christmas to you. Cheers, Duade
Great info great photographer I love this guy thank you
Hi I enjoyed your video I purched this lens for going on a safari a lot of the animals are still. I have have the Canon 70-200 that I love last time I visted Africa the pictures were great but I must master the Sigma lens. Thanks for a great video and I will be watching you for your skills.
Great video Duade! I've had mine for about 2 yrs and use it mostly on my Canon SL2. Great results, when you hit focus. Mine too, will pulse to find focus. I did get better results when I used it on an eos R that I rented.
John, thanks for sharing your experience, great to hear you are enjoying the lens. Cheers, Duade
Thank you Duade, very timely for me, I'm sold. As well as wildlife, I'm planning on using it for motorsport events, speedweek on Lake Gairdner is in a couple of months, I really wanted that extra reach for that in particular on the salt lake. I have the 70-300mm Sigma which I love but always wanted to stretch it when taking bird shots, so very much looking forward to trying it out.
Lisa, great to hear, good luck with it I am sure you will love that extra reach. Cheers, Duade
Great video as always Happy Holidays...
Tel, thanks for the comment, happy holidays back to you. Cheers, Duade
Great review! I actually got the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary after watching your video and I am really happy with it so far after a faw weeks of using it 🙂
That is great to hear, thanks for giving me the feedback, Cheers, Duade
I have this lens now, your review is one of the view which really helped me make a choice on camera vs lens upgrade. So happy I chose the lens
That is great to hear Daniel, I am happy to hear it is working well for you. Cheers, Duade
The best Sigma 150-600mm review I could find period. That Sigma can deliver wassent something that I was surprised at. I own the 85mm art, and its a beast, specially if you look what you get for the money. That's a trend that's relevant for most of the Sigma lenses. Great job mate!
Thanks for the feedback, I was surprised with the results I got with this lens. Cheers, Duade