Sigma 50-500 or Zuiko 50-200 + zuiko EC-20?

[Mauribix]

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Hello folks, I'm looking for a long tele kit, so I'm looking for comments and suggestions too.

What you think about 'em?

 

Sigma 50-500 f4+6,3

or

Zuiko 50-200 f2,8-3,5 + EC20 = 100-400 f5,6-6,3

 

Pros and cons?

Did you noticed problems using tele extenders? CA?Flare?

 

Samples are welcome, obviously!

 

Thanks

[DonQuijote]

Buon Giorno, Maurizio

 

I have the Zuiko 50-200 f2,8-3,5 + EC20 combination, which provided me with an 800mm 35mm equivalent reach. Pro - will be the quality of the Olympus lens (I cannot talk to the Sigma quality). With these size lenses you will have to use a tripod in any case especially the Sigma, I have done some hand-held shots with my Oly.

 

Olympus advantages:

- handheld shots possible (especially at the shorter end, I have also done some at the long end

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/other/51740-digilux-3-oly-50-200mm.html

- lens is probably lighter than Sigma

- more flexibility with EC20 & 50-200 as the EC20 can be used with other lenses;

- no problems using the EC20 with most other Olympus lenses (does not work with Leica Summilux fast prime);

- very nice lens carry bag with shoulder straps comes included;

- does the Sigma lens have weather protection like the Olympus??

 

Good luck, please let us know what you decided to do and the thinking behind it. Always willing to learn.

 

Regards, Michael

 

P.S. I've been to Italy 12 times - beautiful place & people - mostly Venezia, Roma, Firenze and Pisa.

[Mauribix]

Ciao Michael!

Thanks for you points.

You made me think about weather protection... I didn't before!

I have some more questions for you:

Does the EC-20 maintain the SWD characteristics of the lenses attached on?

I had the 50-200 before with an Oly-E500, and now i was thinking about a newer (faster) E3 + the new 50-200 SWD... so it would be a pity to loose the fast focus.. Have you got any info about it?

 

Today I'm gonna look for a Sigma to test at my dealer, I really can't imagine what the weight should look like...

 

I'm glad to hear that you visited Italy so many times.... but I'm sorry to hear that you didn't ever see Turin (my city)!

Next time you come here, just contact me, I would be glad to guide you here: Turin ahs been the first Itay's Capital, and we're proud of it (just before Firenze and Roma).

[DonQuijote]

Ciao Maurizio,

 

good question! I cannot comment on how the SWD performance might be impacted by the EC20. I guess SWD performance would be maximised on an Olympus E3 body (body AF system is optimised for SWD lens design) vs other 4/3rds body (like my D3). Also I would think that the longer the focal length the higher the impact on focusing speed as less light is available to assist with fast focusing unless of course you have very expensive equipment like the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm 1:2.8 (600m 35mm equivalent). Combined with the EC20 this gives you 1200mm focal length 35mm. This is a very long reach! The EC20 has been designed to work with SWD lenses. Here are some related links that may be of interest:

 

50-200 SWD plus EC-20 @ 200mm img: Olympus SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Olympus Australia | Digital Cameras | Digital SLR | Digital Lenses | xD Cards - EC-20 Teleconverter Lens details

Olympus Announces Three New SWD Zuiko Digital Lenses

 

Weather, humidity, dust, weight, physical dimensions (length,...), type of glass used in the design (ASPH, no of elements and groups of elements, type of anti-glare coating), diameter of lens (larger diameter = more light), depth of field characteristics of lens, where is the lens made? (I prefer lenses made in Japan over China :-)

 

It also comes down to what sort of photography you are planning fast cars/sports has different requirements than hiking through Papua New Guinea to photograph rare birds (weather seals, noise, humidity, weight). I live in New Zealand so it is an option.

 

I only purchased my 50-200mm lens two months ago so I am still getting to know the lens. Here is some other user feedback

Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Digital Cameras reviews in Camera Lenses - Buzzillions.com

 

One user found the combination of EC20 & 50-200mm too soft.

 

Good luck with your decision, talk to more people the wider the range of input the more information you will have to base your decision on plus you might see a trend emerge. The other option might be to try out both lenses at the shop on your camera confirm which image quality, handling etc you prefer. I went for the EC20 & the 200mm as I do not need a very long lens that often.

 

Regards, Michael