Sigma 500mm f4 DG OS HSM + Nikon D500

[John G]

I have been watching for the release of the Sigma 500mm F4 since photokina.
There are now images appearing on flickr under the Lens name and there are images to be seen paired with the D500.
On another line of investigation,
Brad Hill is just about to begin, a comparitive field test of the Nikon 500mm F4/E, Sigma 500mm F4 DG , Nikon 400mm f2.8/E ,
Sigma 150 - 600mm Sport.

[Frank Fremerey]

I have been watching for the release of the Sigma 500mm F4 since photokina.
There are now images appearing on flickr under the Lens name and there are images to be seen paired with the D500.
On another line of investigation,
Brad Hill is just about to begin, a comparitive field test of the Nikon 500mm F4/E, Sigma 500mm F4 DG , Nikon 400mm f2.8/E ,
Sigma 150 - 600mm Sport.

and the 200-500 Nikkor?

[John G]

Hi Frank
.            The Nikon 200 - 500mm has been field tested by Brad Hill, it was compared against the Sigma 150 - 600mm
and the Tamron 150 - 600mm. The lens that was the retained model was the Sigma 150 - 600mm sport.
I hope this is the answer to your query.
I keep my readings limited to hands on field reports on kit, and find Brad Hill as a good source of knowledge.
Much of his photography is on location in Canada, in very trying environments, wet, damp, with dull light.
How much of his new lens comparisons are done in these non ideal conditions will be seen in the near future.

[PedroS]

The 200-500 has a great ratio price/IQ, but for some it's just not enough.

I have used the 200-500 shortly so no big comments, but was surprise Brad prefers the Sigma, not because is a third-party but knowing his taste for fixed aperture lenses. I have tried also the Sigma, again shortly, but didn't bring any bells, neither one.
I praise Brad Hill's field observations, and from his writings, he's someone that knows what he's doing. So his findings are a great source of info for wildlifers.
But around here we also have great photographers that test lenses. Not brick photographers but real life testers.

[PedroS]

Brad's new release about this lens comparative to Nikon 500FL
Good read

[John G]

Brad Hills Blog
                       There is now a new entry, about the settings the D5 / D500 selected using AF Fine Tune on all the test lenses.
                        The differences from the Zero setting are of interest.

[John G]

I have revisited flickr, to see more of the uploaded images from the Sigma 500 f4 DG OS HSM + Nikon D500.
There are images with the lens attached to a Sigma Body as well.
There are a collection of images appearing from different environments, light and focus distance.
I am finding the quality of the Nikon/Sigma combination impressive.
Has Sigma produced a true competitor to the leading brands, in a performance/cost ratio to help the
serious enthusiast photographer enter the Super Telephoto Lens field at a more affordable outlay ? 

[chambeshi]

Brad Hills Blog
                       There is now a new entry, about the settings the D5 / D500 selected using AF Fine Tune on all the test lenses.
                        The differences from the Zero setting are of interest.

here is the concluding posts by Brad Hill's exhaustive comparisons of the 500 f4E Nikkor and Sigma f4 Sport
http://www.naturalart.ca/voice/blog.html#sigma500withTC

http://www.naturalart.ca/artist/fieldtests/500mmwars_sigma_nikon.html

Apart from this thread, i cannot see any discussion of the Sigma 500 f4 Sport here on NG. After long process of evaluation and budgeting, I aim to get this prime by mid-year, after much WWW research. Weighty decision in all respects! Here are the links for the record for those interested

Soon after Launch of 500 with Mr Yamaki, CEO of Sigma (new 85 and 12-24mm f4 Art)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqaRD-Ysvrc

insightful interview with Mr Yamaki https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlVqGlb_nsg

https://digital-photography-school.com/review-sigma-500mm-f4-sport-lens/

https://www.canonrumors.co/sigma-500mm-f4-dg-os-hsm-sports-lens-dxomark-tested/

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sigma-500mm-f-4-DG-OS-HSM-Sports-Lens.aspx

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/sigma_500mm_f4_dg_os_hsm_sports_review/

https://www.canonrumors.co/sigma-500mm-f4-dg-os-hsm-sports-lens-dxomark-tested/

[John G]

I read all of the Sigma 500m F4 DG OS HSM comparison tests by Brad Hill, and followed up by sending him a PM with a appraisal for his valuable record of comparisons made available.
There is in my view, a distraction pulling interest away, when it comes to committing to purchase a Sigma model of this quality, for me it is a 500mm f4G, this model can be purchased as a used lens at a very attractive price, and a pristine model will be a very similar performer to the Nikon 500mm f4E / Sigma 500 f4 and only carry a little more weight than the Sigma.
When evaluating this type of lens as a purchase it is hard to pull away from the lure of Nikon and their proven performance in the field.
The Sigma has a very attractive user interface with the Dock, and there may be more available through firmware updates.
It is very much a Individuals Wrestle with New vs Used vs Brand vs Functions. As performance of any the 500mm models will be very close on a Nikon Body .
     

[chambeshi]

I read all of the Sigma 500m F4 DG OS HSM comparison tests by Brad Hill, and followed up by sending him a PM with a appraisal for his valuable record of comparisons made available.
There is in my view, a distraction pulling interest away, when it comes to committing to purchase a Sigma model of this quality, for me it is a 500mm f4G, this model can be purchased as a used lens at a very attractive price, and a pristine model will be a very similar performer to the Nikon 500mm f4E / Sigma 500 f4 and only carry a little more weight than the Sigma.
When evaluating this type of lens as a purchase it is hard to pull away from the lure of Nikon and their proven performance in the field.
The Sigma has a very attractive user interface with the Dock, and there may be more available through firmware updates.
It is very much a Individuals Wrestle with New vs Used vs Brand vs Functions. As performance of any the 500mm models will be very close on a Nikon Body .
     

Dear John
Invaluable synopsis of the variables that this investment magnifies. My position is to try and pare down BOTH cost and weight of the lens - on a  D850 or D500. A knotty nexus! so I have decided to commit to the Sigma 500 f4 Sport

most grateful for your wise words

best woody