Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 DG DN OS Sports
Zoom Lens Full Frame
SIGMA’S 150-600MM TELEZOOMS for DSLRs – there have been a number of versions – provided supertelephoto capabilities in a manageable package at an affordable price. Now there’s been a complete redesign to take advantage of what’s possible with a lens created specifically for mirrorless cameras.
The 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 DG DN OS is part of Sigma’s Sports line and is available in the L and FE full-frame mounts. There’s a new optical design which means some physical changes including a shorter barrel length compared the DSLR version – reduced by 26.6mm – and a massive 760g reduction in weight. This makes the 150-600mm even more manageable for hand-held shooting, assisted by the optical image stabilisation that gives up to four stops of correction for camera shake. Mind you, at 2.1 kilograms, this is still a reasonably heavy lens and a tripod-mounting collar isn’t there just for show.
The new optical design comprises 25 elements in 15 groups, including six special types – two with extra-low dispersion (ED) characteristics and four of Sigma’s FLD or F Low Dispersion types which have ultra-low dispersion capabilities similar to fluorine-type elements (which are very expensive to make, hence the devising of an alternative glass formulation). These special elements collectively correct for both longitudinal (or axial) chromatic aberration and lateral (or magnification) chromatic aberration. Sigma’s newer Super Multi-Layer Coating is used to minimise ghosting and flare.
Sigma has also taken the opportunity to give the 150-600mm a new autofocusing drive using a stepping-type motor for increased speed – primarily to match improvements in AF tracking – and quieter operation. The new drive works in conjunction with a high-precision magnetic sensor to give more accurate positioning. The minimum focusing distance is shortened to 58cm at 100mm, giving a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:2.9 (or a little over half life size), meaning this lens also has useful close-up capabilities.
As you’d expect, the external construction is weather-sealed and the zooming collar offers the choice of push-pull or rotational operation, take your pick. Additionally, you can also adjust the torque to balance feel and controllability (or to minimise zoom creep).
There’s a lot of things going on optically with a telezoom like this and Sigma has worked hard to deliver the sort of performance required for applications such as wildlife and nature photography. Overall sharpness is good across the entire focal range and the lens is well-corrected for both distortion and chromatic aberrations. Fast AF, effective stabilisation and comfortable handling also add to the versatility and usability… and it’s a whole lot of lens for your money too.