Sigma unveiled the “SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports” at CP+ 2024 at their booth. The selling price at the official online shop is $3,300. The lens will be available for full-frame mirrorless L mount and Sony E mount on March 14, 2024
This lens is a super-telephoto single focal length lens exclusively for mirrorless cameras, condensing a 500mm super-telephoto and high descriptive power into a compact and lightweight body. By using multiple pieces of large-diameter special low-dispersion glass that is difficult to process, we succeeded in making the lens configuration significantly more compact without using diffractive optical elements. At the same time, it has achieved high resolution that meets expectations for 500mm single focus lenses.
The lens body is constructed mainly from high-precision engineering plastic parts, and although it is small, it has excellent build quality and a dust- and splash-proof structure that provides high weather resistance. It offers rich descriptive power and a compact, handy size at 500mm, offering a completely new shooting experience in all kinds of situations, from wild animals to airplanes and trains.
SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports features
High performance in a powerful setting
With the latest optical design, Sigma succeeded in significantly downsizing the optical system as a 500mm super telephoto lens. By placing a strong convex lens made of special low-dispersion glass in the front of the lens, Sigma attained both a shortened overall length and high aberration correction ability. Processing large-diameter special low-dispersion glass, which is technically difficult, was made possible by the production technology of SIGMA’s only production base, the Aizu factory. In particular, it effectively corrects each aberration, especially axial chromatic aberration, which cannot be corrected from the body side, and has uniform and high resolving power from the center of the screen to the periphery.
Excellent backlight resistance
SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports has an optical system composed of refractive lenses, which prevents the unique flare and ghost caused by diffractive optical elements, making it ideal for creating images in backlit environments or with a light source inside the screen. Photographers can also take clear shots without worrying about flare or ghosts. Furthermore, the company says it uses cutting-edge simulation technology to take measures against incident light under all conditions.
High-speed Autofocus with linear motor HLA
The actuator uses a linear motor HLA (High-response Linear Actuator). This is characterized by high drive accuracy and quietness due to advanced electronic control. Fast and accurate focusing is possible even in super-telephoto shooting that requires strict focusing, such as sports or wild bird photography.
OS2 Algorithm
By adopting the latest image stabilization algorithm OS2, it exhibits a high image stabilization effect of 5.0 stops. Equipped with two correction modes: Image Stabilization Mode 1, which is suitable for general photography, and Image Stabilization Mode 2, which is ideal for panning shots such as motor sports. In Mode 2, the algorithm and intelligent OS specifically designed for panning shots enable image stabilization to work effectively even when the camera is moved vertically or diagonally, regardless of the horizontal or vertical position of the composition, impairing the effect of panning shots. It is possible to express the movement of the subject without any distortion.
Compact and lightweight body
Performance in a lightweight lens
In order to achieve both a compact and lightweight body and robustness, the SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports uses materials such as TSC and magnesium in appropriate places. In particular, the production of large TSC parts, which consolidate functions by serving as internal structure and external parts to reduce size and weight, required micron-level precision and beautiful finish. Sigma applies this coating at their AIZU factory.
Weather resistance performance of Sports line specification
The mount joints, manual ring, switches, and exterior joints are dust- and drip-proof. A water-repellent and stain-resistant coating is applied to the front surface of the lens. This coating makes maintenance easier to clean when water droplets or dust get on the lens.
Cover-type lens hood included
Comes with a special lightweight and high-strength cover-type lens hood made by TSC. The tip is coated with rubber to protect it from scratches and scratches when the lens is placed upside down.
SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports – Functionality
Complete customization features
Equipped with a focus limiter switch that limits the focus drive range during AF as necessary and enables quick focusing. There are three AFL buttons that can be assigned any settings from the camera side. The design makes them easy to operate. For L mount, by using SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11, it is possible to set any OS operation and focus limiter range to the custom mode switch.
Equipped with aperture ring
Equipped with an aperture ring. It also has an aperture ring click switch and an aperture ring lock switch. This allows users to adjust the aperture according to their shooting needs.
Built-in detachable tripod mount
Built-in lightweight and durable magnesium alloy detachable tripod mount compatible with Arca-Swiss. The tripod mount ring has clicks every 90°.
L mount teleconverter (1.4/2.0x) Compatible
Compatible with L-mount teleconverters TC-1411 (1.4x) and TC-2011 (2.0x). When combined with a teleconverter, the focal length can be increased by 1.4x or 2x. That makes it possible to shoot with AF at super-telephotos up to 1000mm.
