Amazing Value or WASTE OF MONEY? Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Review for Bird Photography

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

You can buy the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary here (Affiliate Link): B&H Photo: bhpho.to/490rvRH Amazon: amzn.to/3HsdoJq

[@IndrajeetRana-mq1de]

Want to Sell same in india at arround 600$ Brand New Unused

[@trevor9934]

Hi Fabian: Thank you for this - as always, a well-balanced, comprehensive and detailed evaluation and comparison. I have the Sigma 150-600c, along with the 60-600s and the Canon EF 100-400MkII, EF 70-300L, and the RF 100-500, which I use on my 5DsR, R5, R6 (MkI and II). I shoot mostly wildlife and am retired after over 40 years but am happy to be an amateur now! I hope you will forgive some observations of my own: 1) Market and output: To me, these are aimed at two different markets and the performance and prices vary accordingly. Much depends on the specific subjects, who is going to view the image, and how it will be viewed. For small subjects like birds, or macro predators, it is likely that one will be at a distance, so reach can be quite significant. Most people don't pixel peep, they look at an image from a comfortable distance and will admire the image overall. How the image is presented will also have a major impact. The resolution required for large, commercial, Fine Art prints will be much great than that for fairly large prints of say A2 or A3, canvasses of greater size, and posting on social media or digital displays, where most people will likely present their images. So, the level of detail for the average non-professional photographer is not so critical. 2) Price: In NZ, the Sigma is about 1/4 the price of the Canon, so that is a major factor and puts it in reach of a different group of photographers. For that difference, with the Canon, one gets a weatherproof construction, dual Nano USM focus, combined OIS and IBIS, for blazing fast performance and the latest optics - all the things a professional would want, but at a big price differential. In that context, I would consider that the 150-600 still represents brilliant value for money for most amateurs. 3) Focus: I have seen some folks complain about pulsing of focus on R-series bodies, but have never experienced that myself, something I put down to how the focusing is configured. The focusing system on the R bodies is much more sophisticated than that of the DSLRs and needs some study and possibly adaptation to get the best out of it. I have no issues with focus on my R5, R6 & R6II, but I have avoided the R7 as my experience is that the focusing on this camera is much more prone to losing focus with either lens, possibly because the pixel density is significantly higher than for the FF sensors and it flips between points more easily. I suspect the pulsing is that multiple focus points are attracted to elements that dynamically appear closer or further away as an object moves within the focus area. I have always used Back Button Focus and Back Button Exposure Lock, and on my R-series bodies I have my focusing system configured for eye tracking, using a single point for both focus and exposure. I find my subject and lock focus using the centre button on the back wheel. Once focus is locked, I have found the focus point stays reliably on the subject as it moves across the frame. This is how I have always shot as it is advantageous for locking in on an eye of an individual in a flock, or surrounded by bush, and the same goes for the exposure. 4) Image Stabilization: Since I started my career back in the 80's I have pretty well always shot hand-held. I would be out in the wild for weeks on end and could not afford the weight and bulk. I have a steady hand, and I do weights regularly to ensure that I do not fatigue (so the technique is good for my health too!) - this works for me but that's a personal thing. Sigma offers a docking station that allows one to customize focus and stabilization features and update firmware and I used those capabilities to customize the lens to my subject type and technique and it does make a difference. I might add that Sigma have issued multiple firmware updates for their lenses, so that can have an impact on stabilization too. I found that with the configuration I have, the stabilization made significant differences on my DSLR and MILC bodies and most of my images were keepers at quite low shutter speeds - I am regularly getting sharp hand-held shots at 1/60sec, in the 500-600mm range. One advantage the Canon has over the Sigma is that its optical stabilization works with the IBIS to offer outstanding performance, (so I can go even slower, down to 10th sec in the same range) but again at a price. Finally, few people have reviewed the Sigma 60-600s against the RF100-500. That Sigma is built to a higher standard, and the focal range offers the possibility of one lens to do it all, perfect for someone who is travelling overseas to shoot wildlife but doesn't want to check their lens into the hold or carry multiple lenses. It's an amazing unit.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the lens. I agree, the pricing is quite different from the RF100-500. Here i Switzerland the Canon costs about 3x as much as the Sigma. Regarding the AF, I had this pulsing behavior also with single point or spot AF, but not as pronounced as when using the animal eye detection. Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford buying the 60-600 just for testing and know nobody that has one and could give it to me for a month

[@tonycain1497]

Could you supply the settings you for configuration of the lens please. Also what buttons to you have for back focus and and exposure lock. Going to pick up these lens this weekend and praying not to have any issues.

[@marknongkhlaw1674]

Ref. kzbin.info/www/bejne/omi3dqhnicyka6s and hope it helps

[@nikandnature]

Respect for the language switch. It was definitely the right decision and i‘ll do it as well!

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks! It’s still a small channel but I hope it will pay out long term

[@nikandnature]

You deliver super value from day one, that always pays off! I hope the best, see you in the field👌🏼

[@marvinbeatty]

One of the most comprehensive reviews I've seen for any lens. Real-world advice helps ... I'm considering buying one. Thank you.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks

[@RVNmedic]

Thanks Fabian. That was the most concise and honest opinion I've heard. I have the R6mkll and I was using the Tamron 150-600 and had all the issues you talked about with the Sigma. I may have to swallow and buy the Canon 100-500.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks for your comment! I think you would not regret it

[@jeffolson4731]

I originally got my Sigma 150-600C for my Canon 6D MKII. I then used it on a M6 MKII, then finally my R7. I liked the lens a lot. I got some pretty good images with it. Very few that weren't good could really be blamed on the lens. For the price I don't think it can be beat but I have never had the RF100-400. I have considered picking of the this up because of how light they are. I currently use the RF100-500. For me the deciding factor was the minimum focus distance. I occasionally had birds get too close with the Sigma and I could no longer do any unless I had another camera and lens with me, sometimes I did, sometimes I didn't.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks for your comment. Once you have the RF100-500 I think it would be hard getting back to the Sigma 150-600 😉

[@jeffolson4731]

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography At 3x the money it is out of a lot of peoples reach. But, if you can afford it, it is a great lens. I haven't used the 150-600C since I got the RF100-500.

[@fgb3126]

Jeff, I got my Sigma 150-600 many years ago now to go with one of my 7D Mk 2s (the other cohabits with my Canon EF 100-400 Mk 2). When all I had was the superb but a bit short 100-400 I realized I needed "reach" for birds. That was when my photography teacher recommended the Sigma simply as a way of getting 600mm w/out buying a 600mm prime - and having to rob a bank to pay for it. 😂 So I have used my Sigma to take a lot of pictures. In fact I am on my second one. The first was never the same after a bad fall (me and it), so I sold it locally and then turned right around and bought a second one, which I have now. Coincidentally, the other day I slipped and fell and knocked the dial off of it (the one that shows you what function you are in, like M, etc.). Lens is perfectly fine fortunately. So I've been around the world a few times with this Sigma Contemporary 150-600mm. It is quite good with my dSLR 7D Mk 2. At one time, when I was contemplating the cost of an R5 or even an R6, I realized that I could still use my Sigma with a Canon adapter, as well as my EF 100-400 mk 2. But then I began to really study the R7 b/c I had realized that there was the major issue of full frame vs. APD-C. I've never used a full frame. And one KZbin reviewer said he got his R6 and returned it. He was coming from an APS-C on his dSLR too - like me. So I switched my buying decision to the R7. Now there is a good video out by our Aussie friend Duade Paton wherein he reviews the R7 with the Sigma 150-600. And he complains about the mating of those two things. Apparently, at least for him, the Sigma does not auto-focus at times on the R7. Classic case of a 3rd party component on an original? Likely. So at that point, looking at the savings the R7 gave me from the R6 Mk 2, I decided to put that extra US $1,000 into buying the RF 100-500mm. Best decision I've made in a long time. The RF 100-500 has gotten sterling reviews across the board. Basically the worthy successor to Canon's impeccable EF 100-400 mk 2. And of course down the road if I do buy one of the Canon mirrorless full frames, there is my 100-500 waiting for it. Bad weather here in the States has kept my R7 and RF 100-500 from arriving. When it does I'll report on my experience.

[@fredfred2019]

I've had this lens for 10+ years (Nikon version). Mine is excellent.....very sharp, a great bargain, but a little heavy. BUT...I use it hand held and shoot wide open with great success. I always have the IS engaged and try to maintain a reasonable shutter speed.I use it on a D850 and a D7200. 400mm and 500mm is simply not long enough! It's terrific!

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Glad to hear that you enjoy it!

[@AndrzejZalewskiYT]

I use this lens with R6 for almost a year now. Very happy with results, images are sharp, video qty excelent, handling is nice, IS & AF work just fine. What I don't like - the hood mount is very loose, it constantly drops; the tripod mount is not arca-compatible, like f.e. in Sport version - you have to attach another plate, and there is just one hole so the plate needs to have some blockers to prevent the twist.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

I had the same issue with the hood

[@KatouMiwa]

i have efs 55-250mm cannon lense on my eos sl3 ... the sigma would still be better then what im using ? i really like what you said in the video and how u mentioned you didnt need a tripod , which is awesome because bringing a tripod would make me more anxious lol . i like the cannon but i do this for fun so the cannon one is out of the question since its like 3-4k but the 1k for the sigma doesnt seem to bad

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

It would certainly help to get the animals (or whatever you photograph) bigger in the frame

[@19ab59]

Hi Fabian, you also recommend the RF100-400. How do you think are the results with the 1.4 extender? Or would you rather advise the RF600 F11 in that case. I'm not in the position to opt for a lens like the 100-500. Looking forward to your opinion. I do like the fact that you react to many questions. Happy shooting

[@nykwraizen]

Hi, Fabian, I already own the Canon R + RF 100-400mm. I want to reach the 600mm focal length. What do you recommend, should I switch to the Sigma 150-600mm or the Canon R10 (+ RF 100-400mm that I already have)? Animal detection would also help me a lot, which the Canon R does not have. Thank you.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

If you want more reach, faster camera and better AF, it might be a good option. Be aware that the viewfinder is smaller, battery life shorter and you will notice an drop in image quality

[@spidersj12]

The question is, is it 3x better considering the RF 100-500mm lens is 3x the price. If someone has the money for the more expensive lens they can of course purchase it, but for those on a budget or non-professional, where they can't write off the cost of the lens as a business expense, the more affordable lens gives the a focal range and length that is hard to beat.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

You are completely right. I think it’s a general phenomenon that for premium/professional equipment you pay a lot more. Also true for a R3 vs R6 or a Dacia vs a BMW. I think in the end depends how much you enjoy the hobby and are willing to spend on it 😊

[@nordic5490]

The answer is easy. The shot of a lifetime, that bird carrying the prey flys straight towards you, but your Siggy refuses to focus correctly. Opportunity missed. I still show of photos I took 10years ago. You either nail focus or you dont.

[@danielschmaderer]

I’m about to switch over to Canon soon and thought the same thing, though I also heard the 150-600mm didn’t focus well Vs the 100-500, which is a native RF lens and will work miles better than adapted glass. That being said, I think the 150-600 might be the lens I get.

[@Jakutz74]

@@danielschmadererand did you get it? And are you happy with it?

[@alansach8437]

Hoping to see an RF version. Should offer improved performance and autofocus. If it's even close to the 100-500 in sharpness (especially considering the incredibly good sharpening software availble nowadays) it would be a no brainer. Cheaper, faster, longer. Rumors are going around that Sigma may soon receive a license from Canon. We'll see.

[@davidch8618]

I was thinking it would be more worth it. I have a Canon R10 and I want a telephoto lens for animals. I automatically thought of the RF 100-400mm. Native and with high focusing speed in addition to the low price (in my case 600 euros). On the other hand, there is the option of the sigma 150-600 contemporary, with a higher price (800 euros) + adapter (70-100 euros). What do you think is more worth it, losing those important mm in bird photography or the focusing speed in addition to perhaps other problems you have for not being Native?

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Both have their advantages and disadvantages, I tried to illustrate them in the videos. In the end you need to decide what is more important to you

[@adude394]

Excellent review; thanks for posting! Having added a Canon 100-400 to my kit bag recently, the last lens on my wish list was a 500mm. I was assuming that I'd be waiting for a year or so, until I started to watch reviews of the Sigma 150-600c here on KZbin. I then did my due diligence reading reviews, and also posted a few questions about the lens on the Canon forums. Long story short, my wife is getting a new bathroom for Christmas. In return, I'm getting the Sigma 150-600c. I would describe myself as a semi-advance hobbyist, with some decent gear (all DSLR; I'm not interested in moving to mirrorless). I expect the Sigma to pair well with my 1DX Mk III, and, assuming that I take my beloved 24-105 off of my 7D Mk II, I'm looking forward to trying it out on that body as well. Gotta be honest, I'm 60, but this year I'm looking forward to Christmas like I used to do 50+ years ago!

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Amazing, I hope you will have fun with the lens 😃

[@manabendragogoi]

Hi! Thanks for the review. Was contemplating this lens. However, will you also be able to review the Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens on a Canon mirror less camera? That is my next option since RF 100-500 is way out of budget for me. Thanks!

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks! So far I had no opportunity to test this lens. But I would definitely like to in the future

[@lawrencelam1820]

Hi Fabian, may I have your comment on the performance of RF100-500 after adding its 1.4 extender of the RF family? As 500mm reach won’t be enough in some situations.

[@philiptheobald2145]

Hi I had connection issue with the sigma dock,I used a different usb cable and it works fine now.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks for your comment! Was it also showing an issue with the sigma server?

[@philiptheobald2145]

No ,my pc failed to see the dock using the supplied cable. I used the cable from an old Fuji bridge camera.

[@ozanaktas8064]

Sigma's focus problem is a big problem. I was using it on 5D M3 and it was a fun setup. But there was a terrible front or back focus shifting problem. I am now using it on R6 M2 and it's even worse! There are some in lens (with Sigma dock) and camera setup options to make it a bit better, still Sigma's AF isn't reliable. It's sharp and fast yes, you need to take lots of photos to get accurate and really sharp photos. I think Sigma 150-600 C's AF is %60-70 working. Maybe they can fix it with a simple firmware soon.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

I somehow lost hope, the R5 has been out for almost 3 years now. That should have been enough time to update the firmware

[@marknongkhlaw1674]

Ref. kzbin.info/www/bejne/omi3dqhnicyka6s and hope it helps

[@ozanaktas8064]

@@marknongkhlaw1674 I follow Duade for a long time :) I did this settings and the lens pulsing issue is better but still there. Thank you for the help and tips!

[@harrison00xXx]

As i tried the RF 100-400 and bought a RF 800 F11, also the short time i tested a 100-500L + 2x TC, i was also a handheld only shooter, video and photo. But since i switched from EOS RP to the R7, i just needed something different than the RF 800 F11, the 150-600C Sigma looked like the perfect alternative, especially due to its price. For photo and 1/500 SS and faster its stabilizer is good enough, also for 120fps slowmo video it stabilize good enough, but 24, 30 or 60 fps video? either stabilization in post or better: Tripod. Another issue with the Sigma and its stabilizer: when you shoot electronic and with a slower sensor readout such as the one in the R7, you also NEED the tripod, since its effectively like 1/30 shutter speed where the Sigma barely would get a sharp shot at all. In electronic, all the good stabilized RF lenses shine compared to the Sigma. You also said the Sigma is more expensive than the RF 100-400. True, when it comes to retail prices, whoever would buy a DSLR Sigma 150-600 nowadays new. But when you look 2nd hand, the Sigmas are slightly cheaper. I for example got a Sigma for 600€ 2nd hand, the seller got it once as gift but never used it except once (it looked completely new). These days the 100-400 wasnt even sold 2nd hand, and if.... in a "like new" condition for a price similar to retail. Also, at least here in austria... Canon prices are ridiculous, and with cash-back or other discounts its at best getting close to the regular US retail price, otherwise Canon upsells here at least 10-20% since it seems European people are rich and dumb enough to pay those prices

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks for your comment! Seems like you really have high prices in Austria. Even without cashbacks you can sometimes pick up an RF100-400 for around 525€ in Switzerland

[@tcartist_studio]

Can you use contemporary lens on sports? I don't want to purchase expensive lens obviously if this works why not. Thx

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

I see no reason why not. The lens is just in some ways not as good as the sports version

[@Salaaran]

Thank you for this review! I am currently looking at getting new glass for my canon RP (I FINALLY decided to switch from an ancient 450d). Now the thing is that I am quite new to photography and I am currently stuck with APS-C lenses. And so for me I have been really interested in the 150-600 because it means that I would get massive versatility for a decent price. At the moment my current thoughts are to get the RF 35mm and the sigma 150-600mm (contemporary or sport), and then expand with nicer zoom glass at wider angles. Of course, by doing this I am signing up for having a heavy lens, but I hope this means I wouldn't have to quickly upgrade the glass. I don't know if my thoughts are flawed? In either case, thank you so much for the review, it's always nice getting different perspectives on the different options :D

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks! Hmm, difficult question. Depending on what you want to do I would also have a look at the much lighter RF100-400

[@Salaaran]

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography Yeah that's also one on my radar. My good mate has one, though he is complaining that it's not really reaching as long as he'd like for wildlife. I guess for me I'd just like to try as much as possible with the lens. Though I know for sure I'd love to take pictures of lure coursing (sight hounds running a course), which generally speaking is very fast dogs running as though they are chasing something. But I would also like it to be able to do some initial work in landscape as well. By previous experience has been that when I am out traveling 35mm is about enough for 80% of stuff I'd be trying my hands on inside the city limits (as a tourist). which is why the 150-600 + 35 have been my initial plan, especially if I can find a used sigma lens for cheap

[@ollielowe4725]

no way i just found a fellow old 450d user i have to say mine was awfull and 1600 iso was a challenge at the least let alone the noise you got if you went above 800iso

[@Salaaran]

@@ollielowe4725 Oh right you are there, my user experience has gotten so much better switching to the RP!

[@basilbcf]

I have this lens, and use it regularly with my R5. I am very happy with this lens, but could see myself selling it and getting the RF 100-500 one of these days.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

You would probably not regret getting the RF100-500

[@basilbcf]

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography My only real concern is losing 100mm of reach and a bit of aperture (6.3 vs 7.1).

[@roberthughes2452]

The images of the Northern Goshawk were awesome Fabian. Did you bait the area in order to attract it?

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks! I went in a a hide (the first time I went in a paid hide)

[@wanneske1969]

The fact the RF 100-500 has a better stabilisation is because it's especially made for the Canon R-series. Maybe the IBIS of the R5 doesn't cooperate with the stabilisation of a Sigma lens ?

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

I think that plays a part. But from my experience even with cameras without IBIS, the stabilisation of the RF100-500 is much better than the one of the Sigma

[@jjseandxcefree]

canon 200-800..thoughts?

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

I did a complete review about the Rf200-800, check it out (on my channel)

[@danielcronk1848]

I'm curious, and maybe I missed it, but did you calibrate the lens prior to performing your test? I know that often times it focuses either before or after your focus point and by calibrating the lens you can increase the sharpness of the lens.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

The sigma dock was not working 😕

[@willparsons32]

Listening to your tone of voice - forgive me if I'm wrong!! It sounds like you're a bit intimidated by the Canon brand of lens vs. the Sigma... I refuse to purchase Canon lenses - especially the L series. SIGMA is an tuff competitor for Canon so with that said, the only brand I buy is that of SIGMA and I don't regret it!! I've been told by several camera repair specialists that the 150-600 Contemporary is an exceptional lens. Canon lenses are good quality but I wouldn't spend the money they charge when I can get tack Sharp images from a great quality lens 1/3rd the cost.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks for your comment. I actually hesitated quite a bit before buying the RF100-500, mainly because of the price point. But after having used it intensively in many different countries and in tricky lighting conditions, I need to say I definitely don’t regret it. I would have missed some of my favorite shots with the Sigma - that’s totally worth the extra 2k of the Canon lens to me. But in the end this is about personal preferences

[@dangold2595]

Great review , I have also found all these problems with my 150-600 sigma , I have been considering moving up to the cannon 100-500 . After your review I will move up to the cannon .. mind you if your just starting out in photography the sigma for the price is great value . Thanks again for your vidio Fabian 😄

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks. Hope you will enjoy the new lens!

[@mrraffz4394]

Hi. Are u using canon RF TO EF ADAPTOR OR third party one ?

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

I use the Canon version

[@mrraffz4394]

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography I also faced delay in focusing and also the hunting in focus while using viltrox adapter. Now planning to buy canon adapter.

[@wasil3k]

Hello, thanks for video! Will it work with Canon 1300D or Canon D90 ?

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

It should work, but I can’t tell much about the performance

[@sexysilversurfer]

I would not recommend the 1300D with this lens. The AF and the amount of battery drain doesn’t quite match.

[@higinoe-tv7014]

can you do review of Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sport and the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary video and photo stabilization put the milimeter how far and distance the video and photo take lake video & photo in 200mm , video & photo in 300mm in video in 400mm , video & photo in 500mm and video & photo in 600mm how it perform in video and photo stabilization thanks

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Unfortunately, I don’t have access to that lens

[@torsrive8920]

I own Sigma 150-600C and the sharpness is not superb but if the subject is not too far away you are able to capture really great photos/videos. I always focusing full manually.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Enjoy it!

[@marknongkhlaw1674]

About focusing with a tripod, Sigma manual says to turn the optical stabilizer off. That said, I would like to know what is the best tripod to use with this lens, considering that the collar is too near to the camera end especially when the lens is fully extended, won't it topple the tripod ? Thanks

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

I usually turn IS off, if I fix the lens on the tripod (tightening all knobs). If it’s just loose on the gimbal or flexshooter than I tend to keep IS on

[@samhutchphotography]

i like this lens with my nikon d7500. very much an early intermediate kit which is the targeted range i think. have lots of fun with this one nonetheless.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Have fun!

[@steventriance8312]

Nice review, thanks for the hard work.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks ☺️

[@fy7589]

I had broke my right arm back in 2020 so having a gimbal and a tripod is necessary for me for this kind of lens so I'm not worried about stabilizing the image. If this lens is sharp enough at like 400-500 mm range, it's just a bargain at such a nice focal length and lighter body compared to the competition.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

I would also consider the RF100-500, it’s significantly lighter and sharper (but more expensive)

[@fy7589]

Thanks, appreciate it. I got an EF mount canon body with cropped sensor, didn't want to expand the spending budget a lot, also already got a 70-300 IS 2 Nano USM lens which works great for closer birds with it's super fast autofocus + AI Servo mode in the body. So I ordered sigma to get closer faraway things like the moon. For that purpose I also need a star tracker no matter which lens I get so this one won by the price.@@FabianFoppNaturephotography

[@viswanathijanagiri-x4y]

I am using Canon R5C and Sigma 24-70 lens. How do I change the aperture on the Sigma lens using the aperture ring on the lens? It is not doing anything. I have to use the Canon R5 screen or dial button.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

I don’t know this lens, sorry!

[@markgilder9990]

The pulsing on focus may have been caused due to focus range being set incorrectly.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

The focus range was mostly set to full, that should be fine

[@JohanJoosteMusiek]

The thing that I don't understand from pro wildlife photographers, is that many don't use a tripod or monopod. Why not? It is for me much better to use my tripod with video-head for two reasons, my arms don't get tired and I get sharp photos. I think any lens bigger than 400mm should be on a tripod. You can also follow a flying bird much better with a video-head in my opinion. I wish I could attach a few birds shots for you that I took with my rather old Nikon D7100 and my Sigma 150-600mm (C) lens all from the tripod, but I can't do it here. Hand holding a big lens is risky even with fast shutter speeds.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Here I disagree. I would miss so many opportunities with a tripod, because it slows me down. I can easily handhold 1/50 Sec with my big 600/4, so I rarely use a tripod. But everyone has a different shooting stylw

[@JohanJoosteMusiek]

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography You should know that at 1/50 sec. your subject should be dead still.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Of course, it only works in very few situation. But my point is that a tripod is not helping me (on the contrary). And if the bird moves a bit and I need a 1/800 Sec, then how should a tripod give me sharper images?

[@JohanJoosteMusiek]

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography No worries, I don't want to argue with you. Every photographer has their own methods that work for them, but I stick to my point that to handhold a 600mm, f4 is risky.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Of course, everybody has a different style of shooting. For some people the keeper rate with a tripod might increase, for others (like me) it will decrease in most situations

[@matthewaitken8551]

Excellent review. Thank you.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks!

[@KAREN_FALLS]

I have the Canon T8 I and that same lens Sigma 150-600 and I’m having the same auto focus issue

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Unfortunately, that seems to be an issue with the lens

[@fragmaka]

I love mine and I use it with my Nikon D780

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Habe fun! I heard that the AF works better with Nikon

[@df-fotografie3230]

Hallo Fabian,kommt das Review auch noch auf Deutsche ? Würde sicherlich einige interessieren. Grüße Karl

[@rickhofstede3451]

Thank you very much for your review!

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks!

[@stevep2430]

Cannon always have issues with third party lenses due to Cannon not providing the firmware to use third party lenses to full potential. On Nikon bodies the Sigma lens performs perfectly as do other lenses.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

I‘m nor sure if it’s Canon‘s fault. Sigma could also update the firmware, right?

[@stevep2430]

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography Unlike other camera manufacturers Canon the company will not work with third party companies in resolving issues. This news came out I think last year, with a lot of owners of Canon camera bodies very disappointed.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

To my knowledge they just didn’t open up the RF mount for third party manufacturers

[@stevep2430]

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography You maybe correct but it seems that only Canon bodies have issues with this lens as far as I have seen, tho I might be wrong.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

I think it’s only Canon mirrorless bodies. I’m also not sure why it seems to perform well with DSLRs. But if you don’t use eye detection it’s already much more reliable

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

On a Sony A6700 that would be up to 900. Would love to see that.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Yes, could be a cool combo. But for the Sony E-Mount there are also much nicer alternatives I think

[@Ihavegumgum]

Amazing! Thank you very much

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Happy to hear that

[@Ihavegumgum]

just bought one today )

[@PepijnHazelhof]

the zoom ring works in opposite direction as other lenses

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

No, it works the same as all Canon lenses

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks for sharing another wonderful video like always 👍🤗

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Gracias 😊 Have a nice day

[@Alpsok]

Great video- thank you

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

You‘re welcome!

[@drones-argentina]

Hello, how do you remove the noise without losing sharpness, I have an R5 and a sigms 150-600 and with iso higher than 3600 it has a lot of noise.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

I have been using Topaz Denoise quite successfully, but now I‘m more convinced with DXO PureRaw 3. but both work great: DXO: tidd.ly/42l1Lwi Topaz: www.topazlabs.com/image-quality-bundle/ref/901/

[@drones-argentina]

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography 🥰

[@birdingnorthdevon]

Would this fit the Cannon 300D ?

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

It should! But for birds, I would consider upgrading the camera to something newer. You can get a 760D used quite inexpensive these days

[@birdingnorthdevon]

@FabianFoppNaturephotography thanks. It was meant to be 1300D not 300D

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

That’s a much more modern camera 😊

[@birdingnorthdevon]

@FabianFoppNaturephotography yep, I heard no good for bird photography though ? Any thoughts as I know little about all the specs. Cheers 🍻

[@glautermoulin]

Great review ! Thank you !

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks!

[@dongee1664]

Very good review...

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks

[@funknick]

I own this lens, use it regularly. If you need to zoom quickly, don't use the zoom ring, instead, pull out the lens. There is a convenient rubber grip texture on the move-able part of the lens past the focus ring. Just place a thumb and index finger on that large rubber part and pull the lens out like a sword coming out of a scabbard. This will not damage the lens and gets you full zoomed in less than a second. I regularly will push the lens back in, lock on to a bird in flight, and then push out the lens (zoom in) as I track the bird. This lets you find, follow, and zoom the bird extremely easily and you'll find you are capturing many great in-flight shots in no time. I only use the zoom ring for finer focal length adjustments and it is very smooth for that. Best of luck folks and if you buy this lens, I hope you all enjoy it.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks for the input. Have fun with the lens and „good light“!

[@Endogamy]

Your T-shirt is hilarious, I like it!

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks 😊

[@dy0]

Good video! The pumping is called focus breathing, it's a known issue when used with mirrorless and adapter 🙂 Cheers

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks! Luckily it’s not happening with my adapted Canon EF lenses

[@markrigg6623]

That's not focus breathing, though it's similar. Focus breathing does not involve this pumping back and forward, when , if the pumping fault was rectified it would still exhibit focus breathing.

[@TheLASportsNetwork]

Great Video!!! Thanks!

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks 😊

[@rokpodlogar6062]

that's a cool t-shirt.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks 😊

[@JeffBourke]

Thanks for this honest review.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@pink1899]

Thanks for the video

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

You‘re welcome

[@darthgroot4006]

I just got a Sigma 150-600 contemporary and I am having issues with autofocus. When i go to shoot a bird in the sky and the bird is not in the perfect spot, the lens is focusing all the way out and then all the way back in before recognizing a bird. The lens is heavy and I feel that manual focus is quite difficult while holding the camera. Canon Rebel T7 Sigma 150-600 Contemporary F11 - i was using F6.3 but someone told me that i need to use a higher F setting to fix the autofocus issues. That did not fix the issue. ISO - auto but will manually adjust if lighting needs to be adjusted. 1/2500 is what i like to shoot at to get crisp images of birds in flight. For some reason the autofocus just goes crazy, focusing in and out, which is annoying. Is there anything i can adjust?

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Which AF area are you using? And no, choosing f11 will not help with the AF issues

[@darthgroot4006]

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography I am using AI Servo and Focus is set to AF.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Yes, but which area? This can make a big difference

[@billnu]

Great video.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks!

[@terenceflynn5125]

I bought this lens for wedding and landscape 😂 we’ll see how that goes aye.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Interesting choice 😅 But for some landscapes I really use up to 600mm 😊

[@omersad48]

Even if CANON is sharper in the comparisons, the price difference doesn't justlfy this marginal sharpness.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

For me it’s more about AF and IS then just sharpness

[@colintraveller]

Few points ... 1 Sigma Dock Waste of time .. Never a firmware update period 2 Tripod mount is useless offers zero stability to the lenses whereby lense shakes when you tighten the tripod 3 You are not garuntee sharp images ..expect soft captures it's an inconsistant lense ... 4 It's a flawed lense

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@colintraveller]

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography Not thoughts but facts i have had the lense for 2 yrs

[@michaelkaercher]

Always interesting that people blame the Lens for issues related to Autofocus. Canon just blocks 3rd party lenses from using modern AF features. It is a Canon issue. They want to sell those overpriced lenses. And btw. Image stabilizers are acting counterproductive on a tripod and should be turned off.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Well, some older lenses perform well. For the tripod: of course, if I fox the knobs I turn IS off. But if it’s just loose on a gimbal I had much better results with IS turned on

[@michaelkaercher]

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography The lens provide the optics and the autofocus motor. Once in focus, the only reason why a pumping could occur is, that the camera requests the lens to refocus.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

I‘m not an expert in this field. All I can say is that the AF works well with many other lenses

[@ceausescuGG]

Price, peice, and yeah price....

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Yes, that can be an important factor

[@captinktm]

Come on boss you are comparing two lenses at completely different levels and price. Here's a thing I have always done throughout my life. I never try anything I can't afford. Anyone who tries a 500 prime then buys this lens will always be disappointed so don't try them. Lastly, there is not a better lens on the market for the same money. Lastly lastly, you should see the smile on my face when I produce better images than Mirrorless Prime man. Oh lastly again, I bought my lens for 600 uk sterling.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

As I said, many people ask me about the differences of the two. And I disagree with you, I think for many people the RF100-400 might be the better choice and it’s even less expensive

[@alansach8437]

A lot depends on what you are shooting and what kind of reach you need. Personally I would rather have the Canon lens on an R7 to get the reach than the Sigma on an R6. In fact, that's the exact decision I made. I was getting ready to buy the Sigma for my R6 when the R7 was announced. I figured for a few hundred more.....get the R7 and use my existing EF 100-400 ii. Plus, with the pixel density of the R7 I could crop in even tighter if I had to. It would be interesting to see a Canon version of the 150-600, though from Canon it would probably be a five thousand dollar lens. More interesting might be how an RF version from Sigma would perform, if Canon ever allows that to happen.

[@mustachadon]

I wish the foot was better.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

I never really used it 😊

[@fgb3126]

I know it is supposed "common knowledge" that young people nowadays are poor. Maybe young people have always been poor. Anyway, you sir are not poor. If I begin (just in my head now) to add up costs: there are more than one long mm prime lens, two Canon R5s, trip to Botswana, and that Gitzo 800 euro tripod! The sum begins to really become substantial. Well it is not "polite" to ask someone, esp. in public, just where all these euros are coming from, but I'm not polite. Mostly not. So how do you do it? Judging by your KZbin numbers you aren't making that kind of money here, yet.

[@FabianFoppNaturephotography]

I have a normal daytime job, just as all my friends in my age (I‘m an ecologist). I reduced that to part time since I make money as a photographer as well, mostly due to workshops and my German youtube channel. Other people in my age have a car, eat outside multiple days a week, go for drinks etc. I just prefer to use that money for photography

[@aljentheexplorertv]

I want to buy good lens for my canon eos r10 for birding video and also for wild animal video. Pls recommended my budget below 1000 euro

[@ALIENdrifter66]

Most young people waste their money without noticing it. Small spends with a high frequency hurt your economy a lot. Young people should be saving money and investing it. Of course you also have to enjoy life but with a bit of sense.