Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S

£1329/$1849 This Sigma’s not to be taken lightly

From the Sports sector of Sigma’s Global Vision line-up, this lens aims for all-out performance, with no concessions to compactness. It’s nearly a kilogram heavier than the Contemporary edition, weighing in at 2860g. As with all other Sigma lenses on test, it has the full range of dual AF modes, dual stabilization modes, a two-position AF range limiter switch and two custom modes. With these, you can alter AF speed, the amount of stabilization that’s visible in the viewfinder, and more besides.

More robust than the Contemporary lens, this one has a metal barrel and hood, and is comprehensively weathersealed. There are four extra elements in the optical path, including largerdiameter elements and two top-grade FLD elements rather than just one.

Performance

Sharpness and contrast proved top throughout our real-world testing, despite the lens not performing as well in close-range lab tests. Colour fringing and distortions are well-controlled, and the customizable AF and stabilization systems are a bonus.