Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM SLD Ultra Telephoto Zoom Lens
| October 21, 2010 | Posted by admin under Sigma Lenses |
This APO lens, which replaces an earlier model, gains an image stabilizer said to provide a four shutter-speed step advantage and a new optical formula. It’s large, heavy, rugged, and accepts a tele-converter, but switches to manual focus when the accessory is used. Owners of small-sensor DSLRs will appreciate the adapter for using a smaller 86-mm filter.
This lens has a robust feel and offers excellent handling that is complemented by an efficient two-mode optical stabilization system and Sigma’s high-speed HSM AF mechanism. There is no escaping the fact that this is a heavy lens but its mass gives a sense of confidence in the zoom’s build quality and provides a comfortable balance when a mid-weight camera body is mounted at the rear.
Focusing is both very quick and quiet, while manual interventions can be applied in AF mode. The only disappointment is a severe drop in MTF performance at the 500mm setting, as testing across the rest of the zoom range returned some good results.
Pros
- Sturdy feel to the lens
- Impressive focal length range.
- Good picture quality throughout the range (speaking as a non-pro)
- OS pretty good. Taking acceptable quality hand-held shots at full extension in bright sun.
Cons
- Autofocus not working out-of-the-box. Of note that this lens was NOT in the serial number range specified by SIGMA’s customer alert.
- Very poor response time on queries to SIGMA’s tech service.
- Some (minor) vignetting noticeable at longer focal lengths.
- Heavy
Bottom Line
Although it impresses, this would be a much better performer if it were a 50-400mm zoom, especially given that it is compatible with Sigma’s 1.4x and 2.0x tele-converters for when extra reach is needed. This would also reduce the lens’s price.
Sample Photos
Image color is great, with vivid contrast.
Bigma2, 7D, M, 1/125 @ f/8, ISO 100, autofocus, 100% crop, 5/19/10 @ 10:39 PM, OS off, Giottos GT9180 tripod w/Manfrotto 410 geared head, full raw processed in LR3 B2.
Specifications
| Focal Length | 50 – 500 mm |
| Aperture | Maximum: f/4.5 – 6.3 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility | Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View | 46.8° – 5.0° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.64′ (49.99 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.32x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:3.1 |
| Groups/Elements | 6/22 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Physical | |
| Filter Thread | 95 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 4.1 x 8.6″ (10.41 x 21.84 cm) |
| Weight | 4.33 lb (1.96 kg) |
Sigma 50-500mm Product Features
- Designed for use with full frame digital SLR cameras.
- 10x high zoom ration ultra telephoto zoom lens
- Offers Sigma’s OS System allowing handheld photography even in low-light situation
- HSM ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus
- Four SLD glass elements provide optimum color correction & sharpness throughout the entire zoom range
Similar Lenses from Sigma
This ultra-telephoto zoom lens covers a telephoto range up to 500mm and allows photographers to bring the subject close and short perspective. Sigma’s original OS (Optical Stabilizer) function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower. It is ideal for sports, wildlife and landscape photography with handheld shooting. This lens is equipped with a rear focus system that minimizes fluctuation of aberration caused by focusing. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting.
The addition of the (optional) 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters produce a 210-700mm F7-9 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens or a 300-1000mm F10-13 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens respectively. A removable tripod socket (TS-31) is included as a standard component.
Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM
This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 80cm (31.5) and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:6.3. The rounded 9 blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out of focus areas of the image. The addition of Sigma’s TELE CONVERTER 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO produces a 70-210 F4 AF telephoto zoom lens or 100-300 F5.6 AF telephoto zoom respectively.
For use with smaller chip APS-c cameras only HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus Minimum focusing distance of 31.5 inches & with a maximum magnifications ratio of about 1:6.3 Compact design is only 7.8 inches long Compatible with Sigma APO Tele Converters A lens hood, front & rear lens caps and carrying case are included with the lens.
The Sigma APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG telephoto zoom lens is an outstanding lens in this category, an excellent optical performer with Optical Stabilization and a high speed Hyper-Sonic Motor to help you shoot amazing photos. Three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide optimum color correction & sharpness throughout the entire zoom range. Rear focusing system corrects for fluctuation of aberration due to focusing. Compatible with the Sigma APO Tele converters.
Its reach relative to its size makes handheld photography easy to track moving subjects and it fits easily in most common camera bags for the ultimate convenience. Its close-up focusing ability makes it handy for shots of small objects such as flowers without having to change lenses.
- 50-500mm f/4 5-6 3 DG OS HSM APO