Product Comparison: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR vs Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary
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- While heavy, compared to virtually anything else with 500 or 600 mm focal length it's pretty light and as a consequence, given the excellent image stabilisation.
- The Sigma has the significant advantage of the extra 200mm in focal length and is also a highly portable lens compared with prime lenses.
- This is an exceptional lens, it is fast and sharp at all focal lengths. I love using it.
- As many have pointed out, with its unspectacular maximum aperture the lens isn't great in low light.
- You can see here that at max aperture the depth of field is insanely narrow, so when doing wild life stuff it's better to go up to F11 or so and have a higher ISO.
- It's a pity, but it's too heavy for me.
- Lens is bulky.
- The Optical Stabilization is fast, solid and dependable, and when coupled with the compact size and relative light weight, it becomes an exceptional handheld super telephoto lens.
- Quite big and heavy, but not as heavy as the Sigma Sport 150-600mm version, and not heavier than other comparable lenses.
- I'm loving the light-weight and the speed of autofocus. Also purchased the USB dock, which allows access to custom settings, and is recommended.
- 1st thing I noticed was the size, it's huge. Especially at 600mm. Now I knew it was big, but using it daily I realised how big.
- This is a good lens, and I like it a lot but I don't bring it as many places as I thought I would due to its size and weight.
- The focus limiting switch, with three positions of full range, closest focus to 10 metres and 10 metres to infinity is really useful, - if you're trying to shoot a bird through gaps in branches.
- The other feature I like is the manual focus override. If you have the time, and birds are not very patient usually, you can fine tune the autofocus manually.
- Focus is excellent, really fast. And zooming is a bit of a chore, in that you have to twist to zoom then release and twist again to full zoom.
- Auto focus is OK but a little slow. Fine for birds on the ground but flight shots are less easy.
- The OS (Optical Stabilizer) drains the camera's battery within a very short time. Sent mine back in exchange for a Sigma 50-500 a much better lens.
- Fully compatible with Sony A7R2 cameras, with the MC11 adapter. All focus settings are maintained, I couldn't see any issues at all.
- Certainly with higher resolution crop sensor cameras, this lens will be able to deliver in low light and tracking capabilities.
- Autofocus is quick and accurate - even with a (big 95mm!) protector filter screwed on the front.
- At 600 mm there is already hardly any light reaching the sensor and a CP filter cuts out most of it.
- You need a good 95mm filter for about $100US or so, to protect such a big lens.