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

£1329/$1999 This Sigma’s a bit of a beast

From the Sports sector of Sigma’s Global Vision line-up, this lens aims for all-out performance, with no concessions. It’s nearly a kilogram heavier than the Contemporary version, weighing in at 2860g. As with its lighter sibling, there’s a 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 autofocus speed, the amount of stabilization that’s visible in the viewfinder, and more.

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

Performance

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

N-photo verdict

It’s a handful in terms of size and weight, but it has particularly good build quality and delivers superb all-round performance.

Sharpness Close-range lab results for sharpness don’t look outstanding, but real-world performance is excellent.

Fringing Colour fringing is less obvious than in Sigma’s 150-600mm Contemporary lens, especially at mid-sector zoom settings.

Distortion Distortion is well controlled throughout the zoom range, with amounts of pincushion generally being unnoticeable.