Sigma 500 f/4.5 - anyone used it

I currently use a Nikkor MF 500 f/4P as my big glass. This lens is very sharp and works great for static long shots. However, without AF, it's a real crap shoot whether I'll get focus on anything moving. I'm currently looking at the big Sigma lens which is about half the cost of the nikkor 500 f/4 VRII.

Anyone had any shooting experience with this lens? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Geo

My experience with all 3 of my Sigma lenses is that the AF is slow if it has trouble finding your intended target. They like to back all the way out then start focusing from zero. The one time I rented a really nice Nikkor for a sporting event, I could notice a significant difference in being able to focus on moving subjects fast. But on the other end, if they don't need to back out to find the subject, then the AF is super fast.

I have the 100-300 F/4, 150 2.8 Macro, and 17-70 2.8-4.

Hey Geo,

Glad you asked the question. I have been bandying about with these same issues about cost and quality. It was the 500 F4.5 from Sigma that is what caught my eye. I also would like feedback on it if folks have it.

James