New Lens...Big Bertha

[Robinhood4x4]

The extended family decided to go on a cruise to alaska this summer so in preparation for those long distance shots I started looking around for a new lens. Well, a used Sigma 80mm-400mm popped up on the canon forums and for the price I couldn't resist.

I got it in the mail a couple days ago and couldn't help but laugh at just how big the thing is. I knew it would be big, but I didn't think it would be this big! Oh well, it should be fun. Now I have to buy a bigger camera bag.

For reference, that "little" lens is my 55-250mm kit lens. Both are fully extended.

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/New%20sigma%2080-400mm/P1090546.jpg

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/New%20sigma%2080-400mm/P1090545.jpg

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/New%20sigma%2080-400mm/P1090543.jpg

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/New%20sigma%2080-400mm/IMG_2159m.jpg

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/New%20sigma%2080-400mm/IMG_2019m.jpg

[4x4mike]

Wow, that is a big one. Sounds like you have time to start strengthening your arm and neck muscles.

[paddlenbike]

Wow, that is a big one.




I knew it would be big, but I didn't think it would be this big!

"That's what she said."

Seriously nice lens and a good choice in range. You wouldn't think a cruise ship moves around much, but once you zoom out past 300mm you realize just how unsteady the ship and your hands can be. My 200mm isn't quite enough for whale watching, 300-400mm is perfect without being unusable.

[Erich_870]

Wow, that is a big one.




I knew it would be big, but I didn't think it would be this big!

"That's what she said."


LOL! Classic!



The extended family decided to go on a cruise to alaska this summer so in preparation for those long distance shots I started looking around for a new lens. .


Alaska you say!!!

Where will you be stopping?

Erich

[04 Rocko Taco]

Wow, that is a big one.




I knew it would be big, but I didn't think it would be this big!

"That's what she said."


LOL! Classic!



The extended family decided to go on a cruise to alaska this summer so in preparation for those long distance shots I started looking around for a new lens. .


Alaska you say!!!

Where will you be stopping?

Erich


I stopped in Juneau, but we never worked anything out, I think you were at work or something.... I cant remember its been so long. :)

[Erich_870]

I stopped in Juneau, but we never worked anything out, I think you were at work or something.... I cant remember its been so long. :)


Yeah, I worked as a construction inspector at the time so summers were always fast and furious and I never knew when I'd have a day off. :(

Erich

[Good Times]

steve ya compensating for something there? ;)

haha

:)

nice toy! looks like a mono/tri pod is a must! unless you've got some big guns to support that piece of glass.

cool find! now take more pix!

[Robinhood4x4]

Seriously, that thing is heavy. My original plan was to only take my 18-55mm and this 80-400mm, thinking I could get by with switching off between the two, but now I can see that I won't be leisurely carrying around this lens. I'll have to take all three lenses now and only bring out Bertha once in a while.

Looks like we do stop in Juneau, but I have no idea what the family is doing that day. Got any suggestions? We haven't done any research on the excursions yet.

Lance, funny...Miki keeps telling me the same thing for some reason... :headscratch:
Yeah, my cheap flimsy tripod isn't going to cut it. For the trip, I'm going to modify a hiking pole with a stud so I can use it as a monopod. I've been trying to get out and shoot some more, but I keep getting home too late and it's dark already.

[4x4mike]

I've got a Manfrotto that I've used a ton and like a lot.

http://www.manfrotto.com/photo-monopods

The only other design out there were rapid mounts but I didn't like the block that had to stay on the camera. I used to have a 300mm that I used with the monopod for snapping pics at kart races and criteriums and I preferred the monopod over my tripod because I could get up and move much quicker while carrying less.

[Erich_870]

Looks like we do stop in Juneau, but I have no idea what the family is doing that day. Got any suggestions? We haven't done any research on the excursions yet.



Cool! It depends on when in the summer you come, but there are some cool musiums downtown. You can go fishing, whale watching, hiking, fly out in a float plane to a salmon bake that takes you past 6 glaicers. Visit some gardens, go down a zip line, etc.

Let me know as it gets closer and once you and your family start to talk about what you want to do. I know people in all of activities I listed. :thumbup:

Erich

[Good Times]

Steve,

I've used this monopod.

http://www.manfrotto.com/neotec-monopod-with-safety-lock

This one is David's (cooldry) and has come in handy holding the 200-400 and the 600 that I have.

I also have a few Gitzo carbon fiber tripods too. They all work. Whenever you have glass over 200mm I think it's always a good idea to use a mono or tripod.

[4x4mike]

One of the things I don't like about tripods is that you can set up a camera and walk away from it. I know that's what they're for but if you leave it to chance that MF'er will fall over. It's much harder to do with a monopod but be careful with a tripod and giant lens, especially on a boat and with people walking around.

[Robinhood4x4]

Finally got a chance to test out the new lens.

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/New%20sigma%2080-400mm/IMG_2214-1m.jpg

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/New%20sigma%2080-400mm/IMG_2249m.jpg

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/New%20sigma%2080-400mm/IMG_2265m.jpg

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/New%20sigma%2080-400mm/IMG_2324m.jpg

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/New%20sigma%2080-400mm/IMG_2366m.jpg

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/New%20sigma%2080-400mm/IMG_2372m.jpg

A few more pics here:
http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff380/antinode4x4/New%20sigma%2080-400mm/

As always, please feel free to critique my photos and let me know how I can improve.

[Robinhood4x4]

Question...actually two questions...

do I need to get a circular polarizer for a lens like this?

For a monopod, is it better to get a ball head or just a tilt head good enough?