A couple of moon shot lenses compared updated 3 oct

[philslizzy]

I like to try my hand at photographing the moon but I had a real chance to try out a lens recently bought off Lloydy and one that I have had for some time.

No lenses have been to this standard - in my hands. let the photos speak

The Contenders: Canon Zoom lens FD 100-300 f5.6
SigmaDG 70-300 f4-5.6 (in manual mode)

Both at f11 and 300mm on my Sony A6000. I took several shots with each and this is the best of both, no PP apart from cropping the image



The Canon



The Sigma



Not an exhaustive test by any means, but I've seen a few 300's come and go as none have been up to the standard of the Sigma. The Canon is no exception but its the best of the rest.

oh yeah, the Sigma had a no-name UV filter stuck on the front.

[inombrable]

IMO the shot with the FD is lacking sharpness and detail (maybe not reaching proper infinity focus??) compared with the sigma one, which by the way is not a bad picture at all!!

[Aanything]

I had that sigma in nikon mount and sold it, because it didn't get any use when I switched to sony, but I remember it as very good, especially considering the price.

[kenetik]

I like the Sigma better too. I have the same Sigma lens, it was one of the first AF lenses I ever bought and I think I took my first moon shots with it on a Sony Alpha. It's an early model of that lens, but I've always had a fond place in my heart for it.

I also got one of my first shots with a nice OOF background with that lens, a pic of a rose with water droplets on it using the macro at 300mm mode. It's nothing real special now, but at the time I can tell you I was thrilled.

[philslizzy]

I use my Sigma on both of my Sonys with an apertured adapter with no problem, it is easy to focus in manual and is light weight. The A6000 has zero shutter shake compared to the NEX5 and is better for this type of shot

The Canon lens focuses to infinity no problem but its hard to nail the focus. I have used (all 300's) a Tamron Adaptamatic 300, a Soligor, Prinzflex and another who's name I forgot (I foisted it upon Lloydy) none of which compare to the Sigma. For only a hundred quid new. I'm extremely happy with it and even if I get rid of the Nikon, the lens will stay.

A full frame of one of these shots

[philslizzy]

Now the Tair 3PhS


I'll have to do a side by side with the Sigma!!

[Olivier]

[philslizzy]

I know they must be done same night, I shot the last one on the day I got the Tair, a rare occasion this week of a clear night. Its easier to photograph the moon from the side of the flat as I can poke the lens through the kitchen window, this shot was taken from the front of the building through the gap in a fence in a communal area. I will use all three next time.

I love the focusing on the Tair 3, once its set, its hard to unfocus when you are handling the lens, very easy to do on the Canon and it only needs a nudge on the Sigma as there is no resistance.

I'll post another set of pics soon.