I've read a lot about the BIGMA on the Minolta/Sony Forums on DPReview.   Examples shown are impressive, as the lens enables you to get up close & personal with birds/wildlife in general. 

Many owners of this lens appear to handhold it much of the time, even though it is on the heavy side.

I tried out a used Sigma 135-400 APO and that was a monster of a lens to me.  When its fully extended, it look like a bazooka or rocket launcher.  Detail captured was awesome though .

Looking forward to seeing some of your captures with the Bigma

Oh and my A700 is shipping today!  Woohoo!

J:biggrin:E