Camera Labs

Hi everyone, some time ago while testing the Olympus E-510, I had a chance to try it out with the Sigma 50-500mm 'Bigma' zoom lens. I intend to publish a review of this lens once I have a chance to also try a version on a Canon or Nikon body, but in the meantime, thought you might like to see some of the results.

This lens does not have optical stabilisation, but of course the E-510 has it built-in. When mounted on a Four Thirds body, the equivalent range becomes 100-1000mm, so when zoomed-in, you'd normally be looking at a shutter speed of 1/1000 to eliminate camera shake.

As you'll see from the results below, I achieved much slower shutters thanks to the E-510's built-in stabilisation, although that didn't help the shaking through the viewfinder! (and sadly handheld Live View isn't that practical with a massive lens attached!)

Below: Sigma 50-500mm at 500mm f6.3 with E-510, 1/200, 800 ISO



Above: uncropped original



Above: 100% crop


Below: Sigma 50-500mm at 500mm f6.3 with E-510, 1/30, 800 ISO



Above: uncropped original - notice streaks from sleet / snow!



Above: 100% crop - shows some movement, but remember this was 1000mm effective at a handheld exposure of JUST 1/30!!!


Below: Sigma 50-500mm at 500mm f6.3 with E-510, 1/250, 400 ISO



Above: uncropped original



Above: 100% crop.

Remember all of the above were handheld shots at 1000mm effective, using the E-510's built in stabilisation. I'd say it was very effective, but again it didn't help the wobbling view through the viewfinder - and the AF speed was quite slow and frustrating at times for the bird shots...

But it was still an impressive combo for the money. I just wish the lighting had been brighter, allowing me to shoot at lower ISOs, but then low light is a good test for this kind of thing...

Gordon

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That's quite a testament to the E-510's built in image stabilisation that it can tune itself for such long focal lengths.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Oh Dear God...... THAT is the lens I have been looking for...

Its a Sigma, its LOOOONG and with your post, I know it will be perfect for my Oly.

Im just wondering how much this is actually set me back.... time to check the price grabbers.

Just a quick question concerning the lens - why is it that almost all the reviews I see of the olympus talk about how the IS isnt so great at longer focal lengths on different lenses since that you cant manually input the focal distance?

Also, you shot at ISO 800 and I dont see the noise ppl complain about. The 100% crops seems really good IMO.

Leo

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1) Olympus OM1 [Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.8]
2) Pentax MZ-60 [Sigma 28-90 & 100-300]
3) Canon 7D [EF-S 15-85 & 70-200mm f/4 IS]

Leo's Flickr Page

Nice "preview" Gordon for this interesting lens!

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Just goes to show that image stabalisation does work on the E510, I am really impressed with that Lens.

That's a good demonstration of the effectiveness of Olympus' IS... and your hand-holding abilities Gordon.

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Graham
Flickr

Well believe me, I'm not the steadiest person for handheld photography, but I couldn't believe the 1/30 shot at an equivalent of 1000mm! Even at 1/200 though, I'd be quite happy - so given conventional wisdom to avoid camera shake, that still equates to over 2 stops.

You want to check prices? Here ya go! But remember to choose the right model for your particular body...

Sigma 50-500mm in the USA

Sigma 50-500mm in the UK

Gordon

Any Aussie stores or website selling this lens? I really dont wanna spend for currency conversion and shipping... although the cheaper, the better and I'll be happy to get it shipped over if I have to...

Thanks Gorden, I know exactly what my first lens will be for my new E510

Leo

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1) Olympus OM1 [Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.8]
2) Pentax MZ-60 [Sigma 28-90 & 100-300]
3) Canon 7D [EF-S 15-85 & 70-200mm f/4 IS]

Leo's Flickr Page

So at 1/30th and 1000mm that's a 5-stop gain?! Yikes!

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Leica M9, Nikon D300s, Leica X1, Canon S95, Zero Image 6x9

This is a very interesting lens! Extreme range, reasonable price and appears to be able to make reasonably good quality-shots under difficult circumstances.

I suspect though, that unless you're an investigator for an insurance-fraud or divorce attorney, you'd bring your tripod regardless..lol

One of my friends is an avid hunter and one of his friends is a nature-photographer. Because it's not always convenient to set up a tripod, they experimented with making an old rifle-stock into a camera platform for fast and stable photography. I understand that he now never leaves home without it..lol.

I look forwrad to reading you full review of this lens, Gordon - and to see some great long-range shots that are under less marginal circumstances.

Cheers

I have one of these I use when shooting in the open and my tripod is still in the boot........ works OK but could be better

www.bushhawk.com

Images using the Bigma on a Nikon Body here......

http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2945

these people will price match...... http://www.europeancameras.com/

I have found then very good to deal with with a lot knowledge........

What is the weight of that monster?

It's a hefty 4lbs (1.8kg)

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Leica M9, Nikon D300s, Leica X1, Canon S95, Zero Image 6x9