SIGMA has announced its new 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports. This is a long tele-photo prime lens that balances speed with weight and portability.
The SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports lens is a full-frame, ultra-telephoto prime lens exclusively for mirrorless cameras. It is claimed to have outstanding image quality in a remarkably compact and lightweight body. The new lens combines fast HLA-driven AF, high-precision OS, and an optical design featuring low-dispersion glass elements, along with splash- and dust-proof construction.
You can see Sigma’s announcement video above.
The 500mm F5.6 has physical dimensions of 107.6 x 234.6mm / 4.2 x 9.2 in. and it weighs just 1,370g / 48.3 oz. (includes tripod foot).
SIGMA states that they have used the latest optical design to significantly downsize the optical system for a 500mm ultra-telephoto lens. By utilizing low-dispersion convex elements at the front of the lens, the lens is claimed to deliver both a high aberration correction capability and a short overall length.
The optical construction of the lens consists of 20 elements in 14 groups (3 FLD, 2 SLD elements) and an 11 blade aperture. The front filter diameter is 95mm.
The lens also uses refractive lenses in its optical system to prevent flare and ghosting that are characteristics of diffractive optical elements, allowing for clear images without concern for flare or ghosting even in backlit conditions or when a light source is included in the image.
The OS2 optical stabilization algorithm provides a claimed stabilization effect of 5.0 stops. The lens is equipped with two OS modes: Mode 1 is suitable for general shooting, and Mode 2 is ideal for panning shots of motorsports and other sports.
According to SIGMA, a linear motor HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) is used for the actuator, providing high driving accuracy as well as quietness. The HLA enables fast and accurate autofocus even in ultra-telephoto photography, such as sports and bird, where extremely precise focusing is required.
The L-Mount version of the lens is compatible with the SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1411 (1.4x) and TC-2011 (2.0x). Using a tele converter, the focal length can be multiplied by 1.4x and even 2x, for AF-enabled shooting at ultra-telephoto focal lengths of up to 400mm.
Price & Availability
The SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports will be available for purchase in mid-March 2024, in Sony E-Mount and L-Mount versions for $2,999 USD.
Competition
TTArtisan makes a 500mm f/6.3 Lens (Sony E) that retails for $329 USD.
The Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens retails for $2,498 USD.
Sigma’s own Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens for Sony E retails for $1,499 USD.
You could also argue that the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Sony E) could also be considered competition. It retails for $1,399 USD.
