Outstanding performance meets portability

Capture wildlife, aircraft and sports in incredible detail with the all-new SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports, designed exclusively for full-frame mirrorless cameras. This compact and lightweight lens features SIGMA’s high-speed HLA motor and OS2 algorithm, delivering fast and precise autofocus with 5 stops of effective stabilisation. The use of special exclusive low-dispersion glass elements and precision engineered TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) materials reduce the lens’ overall size to 234.6mm and weight to 1,370g*, making it significantly smaller and lighter than the previous SIGMA 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports for DSLRs.

As well as being optically outstanding, the lens features a range of professional features, including a weather-resistant structure for superior protection in tough shooting conditions, a Focus Limiter switch, a de-clickable and lockable aperture ring, a detachable tripod socket and a Custom Mode switch. This extensive feature-set, exceptionally portable build and superb optical performance make the SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports for L-Mount and Sony E-mount systems the definitive ultra-telephoto prime for both enthusiasts and professionals.

*L-Mount specification

Outstanding build quality

Take control of the depth-of-field using the built-in aperture control ring. The ring can be de-clicked, which is useful for film-makers, and locked so that it cannot be changed accidentally.

An Arca-Swiss-compatible magnesium alloy tripod socket is included to keep the lens compact and lightweight. The socket features a standard 1/4” screw and can be detached when required, especially useful when shooting hand-held.

Much of the exterior and some of the interior of the lens is built of TSC (Thermally Stable Composite), a light and strong material that increases durability and reduces weight. TSC has similar thermal expansion properties to aluminium, which means that both the TSC and aluminium parts within the barrel expand and contract to the same degree as temperatures change. This ensures a highly consistent performance whether shooting in a hot desert region or the freezing temperatures of a polar environment.

The mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, switches, switch panel and exterior connection are all dust- and splash-resistant to prevent dust and moisture from entering the lens. The front element of the lens has a water- and oil-repellent coating that helps keep the optic clear of contaminants.

Effortlessly keep up with the action

The SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports is perfectly suited to fast-paced action such as birds in flights or high-performance cars on a race circuit. Its HLA motor delivers extremely fast, accurate and near-silent AF that far outperforms traditional stepping motors. Low-light environments such as concerts and floodlit pitches are no trouble thanks to the exclusive OS2 algorithm, providing an effective 5 stops* of stabilisation.

*Based on CIPA guidelines (Measured at 500mm with a 35mm full-frame image sensor).


 

Professional feature-set

The lens is equipped with an AF/MF switch and a Focus Limiter switch that shortens the focus driving range. This stops the lens incorrectly focusing on objects either in front or behind the subject, speeding up focus acquisition.

The 500mm also features two OS modes. Mode 1 can be used for all types of photography to help reduce unwanted camera shake at slower shutter speeds. Mode 2 employs SIGMA’s intelligent OS algorithm for smoother panning shots – ideal for tracking a fast-paced object as it moves. Regardless of the orientation of the lens, the stabilisation is effective for both vertical and diagonal movement and doesn’t interfere with the panning motion.

By default, the Custom Mode switch can be used to change how the stabilisation is viewed through the viewfinder, whilst L-Mount users can customise the switch further by using a SIGMA UD-11 USB Dock. The dock can also be used to change how the OS operation works or fine-tune the Focus Limiter range.

The three AFL buttons* found around the lens barrel can be set to a preferred camera function for easier handling.

*Only on compatible cameras. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used.

Expertly crafted with high-performance optics

To reduce the size of the lens without compromising optical quality, the lens uses convex low-dispersion elements towards the front of the lens barrel. The design of these glass elements also keeps chromatic and axial aberrations to a minimum. Flare and ghosting are prevented by refractive lenses, ideal for when shooting in backlit environments such as sporting arenas or when strong light sources are in or close to being in frame. 

When compared to the SIGMA 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports for DSLRs, the lens is impressively small and lightweight, all achieved without using conventional diffractive optical elements.

Technical Specifications

Lens construction

20 elements in 14 groups

Angle of view

Number of diaphragm blades

11

Minimum aperture

F32

Minimum focusing distance

320cm

Maximum magnification ratio

1:6

Filter thread

95mm

Dimensions (diameter x length)

107.6mm x 234.6mm

Weight

1,370g*