Hi all.
I just purchased a 170-500 Sigma and was wondering if you could give me any tips on getting sharp pictures with it? I have a Nikon D70 with a Bogen/Manfrotto 3021B Pro tripod and 488RC2 ball head. I am shooting birds and squirrels on my property as well as deer, wild hogs and birds of prey out on the Florida trail. I usually take my tripod and set it up as though it was a mono pod so I can use it either way. This my first big lens so I could use any advice I can get.
Thanks in advance, Big-V316
I found it performs best if limited to no more than 400 mm at f8. At the 500 end the AF is very slow. I have the old 170 -500mm so if you have the new version it may be improved in this area. Do some tests on a soda can at 20/30/50 meters.
Neil.
Hi,
I use the Bigma (50-500mm) and one thing i use is a Shoulder pod either handheld or fixed to a monopod, they are great for shooting wildlife and you can move pretty quickly (faster than a tripod) with practice they are almost as stable as a tripod.
In the States they sell Bushhawks etc over here its mainly Kaisers which i have been converting for use with digital slrs (see my other threads) also beanbags are very useful.
another idea is to get a metal 86mm lens hood (solid not petal shaped) not only will this protect your lens from knocks but cuts down on lens flare more than the standard petal shaped one which was supplied with my lens.
Cheers
Brian