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

£849/$899 The least expensive of the big hitters

This lens goes the full distance, stretching to a 600mm focal length, yet it significantly undercuts direct competitors for price. Not only easier on your wallet, it’s also easier on your back than the Sigma Sports edition on test, being around a kilogram lighter.

Specialist glass includes one top-grade FLD element and three SLD elements. You also get the full range of dual AF and stabilization modes, an AF range limiter and two custom setup modes. It’s not as extensively weathersealed, but still has a rubber gasket on the mounting plate, along with fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements. The zoom lock switch can be engaged at any zoom setting that has a marked focal length.

Performance

All aspects of performance are very respectable, from autofocus speed and stabilization to image quality. It’s a little sharper than the pricier Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens at most zoom and aperture settings, but doesn’t match Sigma’s 150-600mm Sports lens.

N-photo verdict

With a host of high-end features, impressive performance and generous telephoto reach, it’s unbeatable value at the price.

Sharpness Levels of sharpness drop off gradually as you extend through the zoom range, but are impressive overall.

Fringing Colour fringing is worse than average in the short to medium sector of the zoom range, but minimal at the long end.

Distortion Pincushion distortion can be noticeable, the amount remaining almost exactly the same across the zoom range.