SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens Launched

SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS I Sports close-up view
 

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

 

SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS I Sports with stand

 

Key features

 

Unparalleled performance

 

By utilising exclusive low-dispersion glass elements the lens has been significantly reduced in size and weight compared with SIGMA’s previous 500mm prime, making it easy to carry and use and ideal for hand-held shooting. The built-in HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motor delivers fast, smooth, accurate and near-silent autofocus, ensuring that the subject remain sharp, even when using subject tracking modes. The built-in OS provides 5 stops of effective stabilisation thanks to SIGMA’s proprietary OS2 algorithm.

 

Small size, big results

To reduce the size of the lens without compromising optical quality, the lens uses convex low-dispersion elements towards the front of the lens barell. 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 impressively small and a whole lot lighter, all achieved without using conventional diffractive optical elements.

SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS Sports lens horizontal view with no hood

Advanced AF and stabilisation

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. The lens 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.

 

*Based on CIPA guidelines (Measured at 70mm and 200mm with a 35mm full-frame image sensor

 

Impressively robust and lightweight

 

The touch but compact design of the 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports ensures it can be used on the go whatever the location or weather. Constructed with a combination of lightweight materials such as TSC and magnesium, the lens is easily light enough for shooting hand-held over long periods, reducing the need for a tripod. Its weather-resistant construction prevents dust, dirt and water droplets from entering the lens, ideal if shooting in light rain or on a sandy beach.

 

TSC construction

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.

 

Weather resistant sealing

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. 

 

SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS Sports lens with water resistant

 

Professional feature-set

 

Tactile aperture ring

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.

 

Detachable tripod socket

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.

 

Custom set-up with customisable functions

The lens is equipped with 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 three AFL buttons* found around the lens barrel can be set to a preferred camera function for easier handling. L-Mount users can customise the lens further by using a SIGMA UD-11 USB Dock to change how the OS operation works or fine-tune the Focus Limiter range.

 

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

 

Compatible with Teleconverters 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) for AF-enabled shooting at ultra-telephoto focal lengths of up to 1000mm.

 

Cover-type lens hood included

A strong and lightweight cover-type lens hood made of TSC is included. The tip of the hood is rubberised to protect the lens from damage when standing the lens nose down.

SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS Sports lens vertical side

Feature summary

 

  • Lens construction: 20 elements in 14 groups (3 FLD, 2 SLD)
  • 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, set all aberration correction functions to ‘ON’ (AUTO).

 

  • Supports DMF and AF+MF
  • Compatible with AF assist (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)

 

* Only on compatible cameras. 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 minimise 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

SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS I Sports lock switch side

Key specifications (The figures below are for L-Mount)

 

Lens construction: 20 elements in 14 groups (3 FLD, 2 SLD)

Angle-of-view: 5.0° Number of diaphragm blades: 11 (rounded diaphragm)

Minimum aperture: F32

Minimum focusing distance: 320cm

Maximum magnification ratio: 1:6

Filter size: 95mm

Dimensions (max diameter x length): 107.6mm × 234.6mm

Weight: 1370g 

 

Barcode

L-Mount: 0085126 186692 | Sony E-mount: 0085126 186654

 

Supplied accessories

Lens Hood (LH1034-02):                                            0085126 941239

Front Cap LCF-95 III:                                                  0085126 930042

Tripod Socket TS-151                                                 0085126 941109

Rear Cap LCR II            L-Mount                                0085126 937256

                                       Sony E-mount                      0085126 929879

 

Optional accessories

SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 for L-Mount:                      0085126 878696

SIGMA PROTECTOR 95mm:                                      0085126 931124

SIGMA WR PROTECTOR 95mm:                               0085126 930998

SIGMA WR UV FILTER 95mm:                                    0085126 930738

SIGMA WR CERAMIC PROTECTOR 95mm:              0085126 931858

SIGMA WR CIRCULAR PL FILTER 95mm:                 0085126 930851

SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1411 for L-Mount:     0085126 825690

SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-2011 for L-Mount:     0085126 826697

 

For more information on the SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports lens – Visit SIGMA UK.

Have a look at our latest lens reviews where you’ll find our opinion on these Contemporary Sigma lenses and more. 

Source: https://www.ephotozine.com/article/sigma-500mm-f5-6-dg-dn-os-sports-lens-launched-36796