Sigma 50-500 testing

ElDude

ElDude

ElDude

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I've got the above lens to test for a friend in work. Basically she's been left a mountain of Pentax stuff and I'm testing it before it's sold on ebay.

I've not used any Pentax stuff for decades and definitely nothing digital. What sort of tests should I do with this lens to check it's working? What are the sweet spot settings for this lens?

She's accidentally given me a Pentax bridge camera and left the SLR at home, so I've got to wait to get the camera, so currently I can't even tell you what body this lens will be attached to.

All tips appreciated!

Hmm, it seems it's the 50-500 APO EX 1:4-6.3. I'm assuming this is the cheaper, older version?

http://instagram.com/p/g3q7pirNKS/#

I can't be bothered getting my camera gear out, so that image will do. Note the aperture dial at the base. I can't see this in any for sale on ebay or so far on any search I've done. The lens is in very good condition, no scratches on the lens, has an 86mm Hoya UV filter on it and has some signs of use, including a heavy scratch where it looks like someone has forced the barrel back in, but all focusing seems to work (as far as I can tell with no camera!).

All mounts I've looked at for Sigma for the Nikon, pentax, canon, Sigma don't seem to have the raised part you can see in the photo at the back so I'm at a loss what the mount actually is. There's no manual with it so I'm having real trouble identifying the mount. The woman I'm testing it for has no experience with photography so has assumed it's for Pentax as all the other gear is Pentax.

Anyone know for sure what the mount is?
 
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The serial number is 2005122 if that's of any help. It hasn't been to me though. I've emailed Sigma in the hope they can shed some light on this!
 
I'm 99% positive it's a Pentax mount, the pins set-up is almost identical.

For comparison have a look at this Ebay auction for a Pentax 50mm f1.4 and scroll to the bottom picture. The mount looks basically the same.
 
Yeah I found a few more images later. I'm still trying to find out when it's from. Apparently it was bought from jessops for £1200 in 2009 so I'm not sure which version of the lens it is, or why this has an aperture dial at the base when the ones I can find don't seem to have. I'm trying to find out as I need to know what it's worth so she can sell it.

Also she phoned a dealer in chester yesterday who amazingly tried to con her and offered her £37 for it!
 
Bah, annoyingly the Pentax camera has gone missing so I can't test it now. I'm half tempted to pick up a second hand camera just to get this Bigma :D
 
Just had a reply from Sigma confirming it's a Pentax K mount. They've asked for a clearer image of the full thing, so I'll do that tomorrow. I still can't find a lens online anywhere with this rear aperture dial, so I'm not sure what's going on there.
 
It sounds like she might have got a good collection of gear for free,if one of the lenses is a Bigma.

I also expect the camera body must have been one of the higher end ones too.

How can she have lost the body - does she have no appreciation of the stuff she has been left and how much it is worth?? If she does not care that much,you might as well make a cheeky offer on the best parts so it will go to a good home.

I wish I had a Bigma just lying around.
 
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the pentax mount evolved over time, so it might be a legacy feature for older k mount.

you might be able to get a plastic last gen film slr for cheap, and poundland does film...
 
pingu666 said:
the pentax mount evolved over time, so it might be a legacy feature for older k mount.

you might be able to get a plastic last gen film slr for cheap, and poundland does film...
Click to expand...

The lens is a Bigma 50-500MM which was purchased in 2009. It pretty much means it is a modern Pentax KAF mount.
 
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