Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports

 
Lens Reviews / Sigma Lenses i Not yet tested
500mm $5,774
average price
image of Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports

(From Sigma lens literature) The flagship Sigma super telephoto 500mm F4 Sport lens incorporates the very latest in Sigma optical technology and innovation. Designed for the professional sports and wildlife shooter, the ultra-durable lens features magnesium alloy components, a carbon fiber hood, a water and oil resistant front element, and is dust and splash proof. The 500mm F4 features a drop-in rear filter slot for polarizers, UV and other critical filters. To help prevent damage during shooting and maintenance, the lens is also compatible with the exclusive SIGMA Protector LPT-11 (sold separately).

The lens incorporates two FLD and one SLD glass elements, while the optimized power distribution helps minimize spherical aberration and axial chromatic aberration. The optical system also effectively minimizes transverse chromatic aberration, which can affect the edges of the shots taken in the telephoto range. In addition, image quality remains exceptional when the lens is used with a Sigma Telephoto Converter (sold separately).

Other key performance features include Sigma's two-mode Optical Stabilizer for enhanced performance when shooting handheld for still subjects or panning and tracking for moving subjects. There is also a customizable AF "return" function for setting the focus position of one's choice and returning to that preset distance.

The all new Sigma 500mm F4 supports Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts. The Nikon mounts feature the brand new electromagnetic diaphragm.

The Sigma 500mm F4 Sport lens, in Canon and Sigma mounts, will be available in late October. The Nikon mount will be available in late November. The 500mm F4 will retail for a recommended street price of $5999.00 USD.

Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports User Reviews

8.3/10 average of 3 review(s) Build Quality 8.3/10 Image Quality 8.3/10
  • 6 out of 10 points and recommended by bananitax (45 reviews)

    https://forum.m5stack.com/user/raponchi

    reviewed June 18th, 2023
  • 9 out of 10 points and recommended by DJBee4920 (3 reviews)
    Very good image quality. Highly customisable. Excellent fine-tuning available using the Sigma USB Dock. Solid build.
    Heavy but they all are!

    I used to own a Nikkor 500mm f4 VR - the one before the latest PF version. For some reason this lens and I did not bond. It was a little heavier than the Sigma and really did not like TCs, even the TC1.4 was not great on it. By contrast, my Nikkor 300mm f2.8 is wonderful with the TC1.4 and TC2.0.

    So, I sold the Nikkor, waited a while, researched a lot and eventually splashed out and bought the Sigma. I have not had the time to use it as much as I would have liked but am getting on with it much better than the Nikkor. I use it on two bodies, the D810 and D500 and it works really well. The weak point in the quality cycle is me, not the lens! These big lenses are difficult to use and vicious in pointing out your own flaws! Nonetheless, I have managed some decent bird and mammal shots on both bodies and love the challenge of using it. Not for the faint-hearted though and considering how much money it costs, you need to think hard before buying!

    It is much happier on a tripod and gimbal head but you can hand-hold it for short periods. I often compromise with a monopod but in all honesty much prefer the tripod option when everything is much more under control - if you can carry everything to wherever you are going!

    It really is sharp even at f4 but of course does improve if you stop it down a stop, especially if using the 1.4TC. With the 1.4 TC (Sigma's own) it is better I think than my Nikkor was with the Nikon TC1.4 but I never did side-by-side comparisons. The AF is excellent, just as good as the Nikkor was and reliably getting things in focus if you do your job properly! The AF and IS tune-ability on the Dock and the alternative AF and IS couplings available on the lens itself are very clever. It is very solidly made and the tripod foot is better than the Nikkor's I think, although I replaced mine with the Jobo, Arc-Swiss foot anyway, as all my supports have Arca Swiss plate fittings.

    It comes with a genuinely useful carrying pack that carries the lens and a body in a rucksack design, rather like the excellent Lowepro bags. This is in contrast to Nikon's bullet-proof, hard box that no-one ever could carry into the field!

    reviewed September 3rd, 2018 (purchased for $6,436)
  • 10 out of 10 points and recommended by skaslusky (1 reviews)
    Sharp Crisp Pictures Fast Focus Beautiful Bokeh Very Little Image degrading with 1.4 Converter Very Good Image Stabilization Global Dock offers customization and firmware updates at your computer.
    Heavy but similar to other f4 500mm lenses. 1/2 pound heavier than new Nikon 500mm.

    I am a Amateur Bird Photographer. I've owned this lens now for 5 months and I am using it primarily for wildlife and bird photography. I took a leap of faith purchasing this lens after reading a very thorough review from a Canadian Wildlife Photographer. I find the lens to be very sharp creating those 3-d quality prime images. My birds in flight are mostly spot on. Still working on my technique to get a better capture rate. I used the Global dock to adjust focus very slightly as I felt it was forward focusing. This can be adjusted very easily with the dock. I find my images excellent wide open but seem to improve at 4.5 and higher. I was also able to customize the focus speed to faster focus. I have been using the lens on a Nikon D750 with tripod and gimbal head. I've hand held the lens but I can't hold it up for very long (I'm 70 years old) I've taken it on short hikes with a monopod which works very well. The build quality is excellent and I can't imagine the Nikon or Canon equivalents to be worth the additional $5,000+ price tag. Being retired and having put the kids through college, I could have afforded the Nikon at $10,500 however I decided on the Sigma and don't regret it. I bought mine from Adorama - Excellent service.

    reviewed September 15th, 2017