Sigma announces 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS super-telephoto for E- and L-mount: Digital Photography Review
Sigma announced a pair of lenses at CP+ in Japan, and the larger of the two (literally) is the 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS “Sports”. Despite that range, the lens is relatively compact and light. It’s 234mm (9.2″) long and weighs in at 1.4kg (3 lbs). It will be available for Sony E-mount and bodies that support L-mount glass.The 500mm F5.6 has 20 elements in 14 groups and has both FLD (similar to fluorite) and SLD glass. The focus groups are driven by an “HLA” linear motor, which Sigma claims is quick and quiet. You’ll want stabilization on a lens like this, and the “OS2” algorithm reduces shake by up to 5 stops, according to the company. The lens supports Sigma’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters as well as its USB dock.The lens is sealed against dust and moisture and has a number of switches on its left side, one of which is customizable. A button near the aperture ring is also customizable.You’ll be able to pick up the 500mm F5.6 for yourself in March for $2999.
SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS
The crystallization of technology. A whole new ultra-telephoto experience.
Perfect for hand-held shooting, a 500mm lens with unparalleled optical performance
Compact, lightweight and excellent build quality
A wealth of functions to assist in a variety of shooting situations
Clear, sharp images and amazing mobility
A handy-size 500mm that offers a whole new shooting experience
The SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports is an ultra-telephoto prime lens exclusively for mirrorless cameras that features a 500mm focal length with outstanding image quality in a remarkably compact and lightweight body. By incorporating multiple large-diameter, exclusive low-dispersion glass elements that are challenging to process, SIGMA succeeded in significantly downsizing the lens construction without the use of diffractive optical elements. At the same time, the lens has achieved high resolving power that meets the expectations for a 500mm prime lens. The lens body, composed mainly of high-precision engineering plastic parts, has excellent build quality and weather resistance, including dust and splash resistant structure*, despite its compact size. With its rich descriptive power and incredibly compact size for its focal length, the handy-size SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports offers a whole new photographic experience for wildlife, aviation, sports and other fast-action photographers.
* The structure is designed to be dust and splash resistant, but not waterproof. Be careful not to bring the lens in contact with a large amount of water. Water inside the lens may cause major damage and even render the lens unrepairable.
[Key features]
1. Perfect for hand-held shooting, a 500mm lens with unparalleled optical performance
The latest optical design using exclusive low-dispersion glass elements has succeeded in achieving both an extremely compact lens construction and high optical performance with excellent correction of aberrations. In addition to its size that allows hand-held shooting, the high-speed AF with HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) and the OS2 optical stabilization algorithm support comfortable shooting.
High optical performance and compact lens construction
The latest optical design has succeeded in significantly downsizing the optical system for a 500mm ultra-telephoto lens. By utilizing exclusive low-dispersion convex elements at the front of the lens, the lens delivers both a high aberration correction capability and a short overall length. The high level of production technology at SIGMA’s only manufacturing base, the Aizu factory, provides the exacting precision necessary for processing the exclusive low-dispersion glass elements with a large aperture. The lens has excellent correction of all aberrations, especially axial chromatic aberration, which cannot be corrected by the camera body, ensuring a stable high resolution from the center to the periphery of the image.
Excellent backlight resistance
The SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports 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. Furthermore, measures are taken against all conditions of incident light based on state-of-the-art simulation technology.
High-speed AF with a linear motor HLA
A linear motor HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) is used for the actuator, which is characterized by its high driving accuracy owing to the advanced electronic control, as well as its quietness. The HLA enables fast and accurate autofocus even in ultra-telephoto photography, such as sports and bird, where extremely precise focusing is required.
OS2 algorithm in optical stabilizer function
The latest OS2 optical stabilization algorithm provides an outstanding image 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. In Mode 2, SIGMA’s Intelligent OS, an algorithm specially designed for panning shots, enables effective image stabilization even when the camera is moved vertically or diagonally, irrespective of the horizontal and vertical orientation. This ensures that the subject’s movement can be captured without losing the panning shot effect.
* Based on CIPA guidelines (Measured at 500mm with a 35mm full-frame image sensor)
2. Compact, lightweight and excellent build quality
The lens body has been designed to be small and lightweight in line with the optical system, which has been made significantly more compact. Not only is the lens easy to handle in hand-held use, but it also has the weather resistance of SIGMA’s Sports line specifications and the excellent build quality that SIGMA prides itself on in terms of texture and the operating quality of each ring and control.
High-precision TSC* parts enable both high performance and compact, lightweight design
In order to achieve such a compact, lightweight and robust body, materials such as TSC and magnesium have been used in appropriate places. In particular, the production of a large TSC part that integrates functions as an internal structure, as well as an exterior part to reduce size and weight of the lens are manufactured with micron-level precision and they also have a sleek finish that gives the lens its premium feel. The sophisticated processing and production technology of the Aizu factory, SIGMA’s only manufacturing base in Japan, enables the high degree of precise production and ensures the high performance and durability of the lens.
* TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) is a type of polycarbonate with a thermal expansion rate similar to that of aluminum. It has a high affinity to metal parts which contributes to high quality product manufacturing.
Weatherability of Sports line specifications
The mount connection, manual focus ring, switches and exterior connection are all dust and splash resistant to prevent dust and dirt from entering the lens. Further, the front element of the lens features a water and oil repellent coating to facilitate maintenance when water droplets or dust adhere to the lens.
Cover-type lens hood included
A lightweight, high-strength, exclusive cover-type lens hood made of TSC is included. The tip of the hood is rubberized to protect the lens from abrasion and scratches caused by placing the lens upside down.
3. A wealth of functions to assist in a variety of shooting situations
The SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports is equipped with a full range of assist functions including an aperture ring and three AFL buttons* ready to be assigned to preferred functions using the camera. The L-Mount version is also compatible with SIGMA’s tele converters for AF-enabled shooting at ultra-telephoto focal lengths of up to 1,000mm.
* Function available on supported cameras only. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used.
Full range of customizable functions
Equipped with a Focus Limiter switch, the lens enables users to limit the focus driving range during AF when necessary, allowing quick and precise focusing. Further, the lens features three AFL buttons which can be assigned to a range of functions via the menu on selected cameras. The AFL buttons are easy to operate regardless of how the camera is oriented, and make accessing important settings quick and easy. For the L-Mount version, the SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 can be used to set OS operation or the focus limiter range for the Custom Mode switch*.
* The assigned setting for lenses for Sony E-mount cannot be changed from the default setting because a USB DOCK for the mount is not available. The default setting allows users to switch the visibility of the OS effect in the viewfinder and live view.
Equipped with an aperture ring
In addition to an aperture ring, the lens is also equipped with an aperture ring click switch and an aperture ring lock switch, allowing for aperture operation suited to the shooting application.
Detachable tripod socket
The lightweight and sturdy magnesium alloy tripod socket is Arca-Swiss compatible. The detachable socket comes with a ring that clicks into position at 90° intervals.
* The tripod socket TS-151 is compatible with the SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports.
Tele Converter for L-Mount (1.4x / 2.0x)
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 1,000mm.
[Additional features]
Lens construction: 20 elements in 14 groups (3 FLD, 2 SLD elements)
OS (Optical Stabilizer) function with the latest “OS2” algorithm
Inner focus system
Compatible with high-speed autofocus
HLA (High-response Linear Actuator)
Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction
* Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections or auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model.
* On cameras where lens aberration correction is controlled with ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ in the camera menu, please set all aberration correction functions to ‘ON'(AUTO).
Supports DMF and AF+MF
Compatible with AF assist (for Sony E-mount only)
Super Multi-Layer Coating
Water and Oil Repellent Coating (front element)
Aperture ring
Aperture ring click switch
Aperture ring lock switch
AFL button (3 buttons)* Function available on supported cameras only. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used.
Focus Limiter switch
Focus Mode switch
Support for switching between linear focus / non-linear focus ring settings (for L-Mount only)* Function available on supported cameras only.
OS switch
Custom Mode switch
Dust and Splash Resistant Structure
LENS HOOD LH1034-02
TRIPOD SOCKET TS-151 *Detachable lens foot type
Compatible with SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1411 / TC-2011 (sold separately / for L-Mount only)
Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only)
Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
Every single lens undergoes SIGMA’s proprietary MTF measuring system
11-blade rounded diaphragm
High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount
Mount Conversion Service available
“Made in Aizu, Japan” craftsmanship
