Sigma’s 50-500mm f4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO AF Lens: Reader Q+As
We’ve gotten a number of great reader questions since we’ve opened up the [email protected] hotline, and many of these relate to the very popular Sigma 50-500mm f4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO AF Lens. Here’s a sampling of questions from our readers about this great 10x superzoom!
Robert B. asks:
I recently purchased the Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens.
My question is: With a weight of approximately 4 pounds, I’m having trouble being steady while hand holding the lens for long times during a shoot of a sports contest i.e. Baseball / Football.
Is there a technique to be had for hand holding the lens during a 2 -3 hour game or is it better to just rely on a monopod for some help?
Our answer:
Hi Robert!
A monopod (or tripod) certainly helps with managing the weight of long glass, but does interfere a bit with free and quick shooting.
Question about your shooting ergonomics: What is your normal shooting position with telephotos: Left forearm parallel to your collarbones or parallel with your spine? You will be more stable with your forearm under the lens (parallel with your spine), and this position is usually more comfortable for photographers on long assignments.
Sal D. asks:
Is the Nikon D40 fully compatible with the Sigma 50-500mm f4.5-6.3 lens?
Our Answer:
Yes this will work fully with the D40, as this is an HSM (Hypersonic motor) lens, meaning the lens has its own motor, and will therefore autofocus on the Nikon DSLRs without internal motors.
Keith P. asks:
I have a Canon 550D and have recently purchased a Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 APO DG OS lens and wish to purchase a teleconvertor.
Is there a Sigma teleconvertor that is compatible and is this only manual focus and if so is this a problem, please specify exact specification for this compatible lens.
Our answer:
Click here for details on the two teleconverters that are compatible with the 50-500mm lens. And yes, you are correct, with either the 1.4x or 2x extender, you are limited to manual focus only.
From Jerome F.:
Hi: Just bought the above Sigma lens and I find that the zoom ring feature which is very much toward the FRONT of the lens is very awkward to use.
I find myself trying to position my shooting hand where the focusing ring is instead.
Can Sigma correct this?
Our Answer:
Thanks for the email and the feedback on this lens.
I am not quite sure what you are asking when you say: “Can Sigma correct this?” Do you mean in terms of future design consideration, or something specific to your lens?
For future design consideration, this can be sent to the lens design team as user feedback.
As far as changing the gearing and such on your unit, I do not believe that is possible.
Do note that one reason the zoom ring is located closer to the front of the barrel because this lens barrel extends, and this hand positioning gives more stability, both when the lens is retracted and extended.
Have a great afternoon!
Got a question about your Sigma gear? Drop us a line at [email protected] and we’ll do our best to answer it!
