Pulsing on the sigma 150-600mm contemporary EF mount

[Prior83]

Hi everyone, 

I own the R6 mark 2 and want to buy a telephoto lens for wildlife photography. Honestly, my biggest issue is the expense. I cant afford the Canon RF 100-500 new or used, so have been looking at alternatives which as you all know are seriously limited on the RF mount. I have been looking at the Sigma EF mount 150-600mm Contemporary lens but have heard consistent issues with pulsing/hunting when paired with the R6 Mark 2. Its much better value for me but if I'm missing shots constantly due to this issue it could still feel like a waste of money. Any advice, views or recommendations. 

TIA

Mark

[jrhoffman75]

https://community.usa.canon.com/t5/EOS-DSLR-Mirrorless-Cameras/Autofocus-on-EOS-R6-with-the-sigma-15...

[ebiggs1]

First choice is the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens. If the new cost is too much look for a good used one or a perhaps a Canon refurb. Second choice is the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 not the SIgma C which I would put in third place.

In either case I would also buy the appreciate dock if you go off brand. Using the dock you should be able to eliminate or lessen to manageable any focus issues.

IMHO, the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens is overpriced for what you get VS the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens. Although, it may have (and it's subjective) slightly better IQ that is a huge penalty for giving up the last 300mm in FL. Especially when that IQ advantage may not be readily apparent.

[Waddizzle]

There is a content creator on YouTube who has blown this topic out of proportion. To make a long story short, his videos demonstrate his inexperience, which he has admitted to in later videos.

Do Sigma super telephoto lenses with Sigma IS have issues with Canon bodies? YES!

But Sigma corrected the issues with a major firmware update in 2017.  

The YouTube content creator has made several videos about several Canon bodies going back to the 40D.  The videos are a master class in how to use the gear improperly.

He uses a tripod without disabling the image stabilization in the lens. As a result, the AF pulses. He calls it a bug. It’s user error.

He has also made videos about pulsing when he’s trying to focus on subjects too close to the lens.  He blames the gear. It’s user error.

[Prior83]

Thank you for the advice, I'll look into the RF 200-800. 👍🏼

[shadowsports]

+1.  Don't believe everything you watch/read from Duade Patton 🤣. 

[Prior83]

Thank you for your help on this. 

[ebiggs1]

Of course I admit right up front I don't own a R series camera but I never turn IS, OS, or VC off. I have never seen an issue.

Also my post above may have suggested to not buy the Sigma C but I simply meant I would try to get one of the others first. I have the Siggy C and can say it is a very nice super zoom lens. My personal favorite and a lens I have a lot of seat time with is my Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens.

[SignifDigits]

I do own the 200-800.  Got it refurbished from Canon for $100 less than they sell for currently.  I submitted "Notify Me When Available" and acted quickly when it showed up.  It was worth the wait. 

  

Love the lens.  Here are some sample pics - all handheld connected to the R6 Mark II.  Other than the moon the pics were from early Nov in or near Biscayne and Everglades National Parks.  I took only the 200-800mm with me for that trip to learn it and I had a blast.