SIGMA 500mm f5.6 for SONY - Real World Review
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Sigma just announced their new 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS Sports lens. I was lucky to try it out before the release and this is my thoughts about it, and how I think it performs for bird and wildlife photography.
Note: This is not a super technical review, with sharpness charts etc. This is more a "real world review" of how I think this lens performs in real life.
The weight of the lens without the lens hood is 1370g - forgot to put that in the video!
Sigma did NOT sponsor this video, all words are my own and they have not watched the video before posting it :)
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SIGMA 500mm f5.6 Sports ▶ geni.us/RoWBSjM
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Lenses:
FE 200-600 mm f5,6-6,3 G OSS ▶ geni.us/RUqO5P
Camouflage Lens Cover ▶ geni.us/zb0PSU5
Sigma 500 F4 Sport ▶ geni.us/i37dLgH
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Sigma EX 300 f/2.8 DG HSM ▶ geni.us/5cWmQos
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:21 First Impressions & Weight
01:14 Design
03:30 Handling
05:00 Image Quality
07:24 AF for Stills
08:21 AF for Video
09:40 Image Stabilization
10:50 Pricing
12:55 Quick Summary
We´re so glad you like this lens! 😃 Thank you for wanting to try it out! Great video and amazing photos, as always! 😍 Take care! / the Team at SIGMA Nordic
Can someone at Sigma state why they haven't bothered there backside in releasing any firmware updates for the 150-600c . I wasted 40 quid on the USB dock . I have the EF version
Speaking of USB Dock, every reviewer is saying good things about how you can program this new lens, but hey Sigma, when do we get a USB Dock for Sony E-mount? Seriously! I use a 150-600 Sports with a Sony body. I desperately need to customize the focus range for the C1 and C2 buttons. It's ridiculous to offer uncustomizable custom buttons. The last rumor I saw about your USB Dock for E-mount was four years ago. Come on!
@@Ianin964 When was a reviewer every brutally honest . When a Guitarist reviewed a Chapman's ...lol But when it comes to Camera's n gear . Don't count on it ..
Hello SIGMA!
Hopefully it comes to fujifilm
Many, many years ago Sigma used to make telephoto prime lenses, I remember my Sigma 500 mm f7.1, it was along time ago but I remember it fondly! Very happy to see Sigma being brave and releasing lenses we actually want, I’m sure we’ll see more in the future! 😀👍👏
Great lens from Sigma. Great video from u as always! Bra jobbat!
Great video it looks like I will be getting one . Very useful in the field for scouting an area 👍
Yes yes yes!!!🎉 I was waiting for your video😊
Hi Olle! I really enjoy your videos. I’m a 13 year old bird photographer and these videos inspire me to take more photos and grow my KZhead channel!
I did not realize how small this lens was! Great review.
The difference in size compared to the 500 mm F4 is ridiculous considering it is only one stop slower!
One whole stop in telephoto lenses is quite a lot!
doesn't the light double/halve per stop!?
Thank you so much for having a great introduction of the lens. 😅😊
Awesome video as usual, thanks! They didn't disappoint with a quality lens, and the size is definitely the biggest selling point. However, already owning the 200-600 I'm struggling to justify it at that price point. Curious to know if you plan on keeping/adding it?
Amazing video as always Olle, missed these
Thank you, I really appreciate it!❤️
@@ollenilssonen Been a fan for ages! You inspire me to do my videos! Just wish I could go to these sorts of places :)
Thank you for a great video review Olle! Mostly for the size comparison with Sigma 500mm and Sony 200-600. I like this lens very much, it is exactly something I would consider buying for wildlife photography. Now just hope they will release it later also with X mount for Fuji. We greatly miss such a lens and Fuji did again let us down on the Summit not even mentioning new lenses planned.
Nice to see something from you again... and as always a nice Video and amazing Photos. Take care and I can't wait for the next amazing and "making my day better" Video.
Glad to hear that you enjoy the videos, thank you!🙏🏻
Love your content and really value your opinion
That was a very good video! Amazing images and review.
Nice! I'm on a really tight budget, have you tried tokina (vivitar) 400mm 5.6?
Hell yeah! Another Peace of Mind 🌴
Awesome mate 🎉
Great video as always! Seems like an interesting lens. Maybe not something I might get at the moment tho :)
Looks great! And how about the fps with a sigma lens on a Sony body. Would love to try is. Thank you for the video.
My confused face when Sigma is the company that releases a small and light lens.
After the Bigma we now get the Smallma.
Wow, the size is incredible and I'm not surprised by the quality of the lens itself and the footage it produces, Sigma got it! I don't see myself selling my Sony 200-600 to get this one though. Tack Olle!
Wow that's incredibly compact and lightweight! Kind of feel I want one :)
Would be perf for your photowalks!
Do you miss the possibility to use a teleconverter? because I use the 100-400 because of that but i am not sure if I would miss the teleconverter really (because i use the a7rV and have the APSC-Crop Mode as well)
Great new lens from Sigma. Nice review and thanks for sharing. 1 LIKE and greetings from Singapore.
Thanks for watching🙏🏻
Right now I'm getting by with my 70-200 GM2 + 2x TC, but this thing would be a massive upgrade for wildlife. I don't think I've seen anything sharper at 500mm for $3k. Well done Sigma!
I'm considering that as my setup too. Do you mind if I ask how the macro capabilities have worked for you?
@@YTsurferr It certainly isn't a macro lens, but it works in a pinch. I've used it for ring shots and then cropped in to get a macro look.
the photos look amazing!
Thanks a ton ❤️
Awesome lens, I'm going to have to get one once I've saved some cash up. Ideal for my hobby of taking Motorsport images, and wildlife when I get chance. Love my 70-200 f2.8 Which is great for cars, and I love using my 150-600mm sport for bikes. But it is a heavy lens hand held, this has plenty of range, but similar size and weight as the 70-200. There really is nothing else of this size, weight and professional build and images quality of a Tele prime on the market for E-mount in my case at what i consider a very respectable price. And il add that if I was using my DSLR version of the 150-600 sport I'm at f6.3 from around 300mm range so ever so slightly wider in that case, yes I know the old sport lens has a 105mm main element but still. Mega lens, sigma thank you.
How do you feel that the 500 f5.6 compares to the ef 500 f4 in focus speed? I’m using the 500 f4 with an mc11 and I feel like the auto focus leaves a lot to be desired. At least my copy seems to hunt and struggle to obtain eye AF on most small birds. BIF is almost out of the question, maybe it’s just my copy.
A question from a photography novice. Does a lens like this make sense on a basic Sony a7? If so, would I be able to take advantage of the stabilization and autofocus?
You can switch out the lens foot with a longer or further away from camera one, I did that on my 500 F4.
can you use a telescope for bird photography..?
God dag, can you tell how sony extenders work with this lens? BTW as always beautiful and helpful video
They don't
The sales for this are going to be off the chart!!
Good afternoon, I am also a photographer and videographer. Say please? Which is better for photos and videos: SONY XPERIA PRO-I or the new SONY XPERIA 1V, 5V models, please advise, tell me which one to take? Thank you very much in advance!
Really interesting lens! Looks really small and smooth to handle. 😀
Can you make a video in Samsung s24
Is 500mm close enough for bird photography?
One thing I'm curious about is how it matches up to Sony's 200-600mm (which I have) for sharpness on the a7R5 (which I have). If I cropped the 500mm a little at f5.6 to 600m equivalent, would it still be sharper than the Sony 200-600mm at 600mm f6.3?
Your videos are awesome .
Thank you so much!
Is there an EF version?
Hi, Im new in land photography, im aerial photographer. Wgat you think about super cheap Sony A3000 and SEL 55210 at the beginning of that journey? I think about upgrade to Sony 6100, if it's made me happy. Sry for my English 😅
Based on some chatter on the Sony forums, seems many enjoy and are sticking to the the Nikon 500PF adapted.
Very good!
3k is just a bit too heavy... great content!
Not that Nikon needs more choice when it comes to telephoto but this lens would be a good candidate for the Z-mount.
The Sigma docking station helps, it makes a difference especially when setting up the fantastic Sigma 500mm f4 sports, which I own the F-mount version of, which works great with the D500/D850 and Z9. This new lens looks fantastic, but unfortunately will not be coming to Nikon Z-mount or for Canon's new mirrorless mount. The other thing when used with Sony cameras, Sony won't allow third party lenses like the new Sigma to shoot past 15 fps, 15 fps is still fast, but it's a shame that it can't take full advantage of what the camera body is capable of.
Sony don’t allow teleconverter with 3rd party lenses which this lens could be useful.
"Ice is cracking, I should get of of here" ! Very good review, thank you very much.
Haha! Thanks mate, glad to hear that!😊
@@ollenilssonen Thank you very much for your review, I bought the Sigma 500 DG DN OS Sports Lens, I was very surprised when I opened the box and saw how small it is, I was also surprised when I took it up, it is so light weight, I tried to take a walk in the nature for several hour just carrying it in my hands, no problems, I can very highly recommend this Lens to Sony and L-mount users !
When you gonna review the new S24 ultra? Im waiting for your video. If they improved S24 camera compared to the last year S23 ultra I'm buying it. Hope you gonna do a video for this soon ❤
As a 200-600mm lens owner, I might not need it but if I stumble on one, I'll try it
Is it much sharper than the Sony 200600 g lens, this is what I mainly wat to ask.
I was interested in a smaller wildlife lens, but the price of this makes the Sony 100-400 GM comparable. Do you prefer this or the 100 400? (The 200 600 is just too big for me)
Honestly never tried the 100-400! Didn't think of it but they are similar in price! :D
It seems this lens is sharper than the 100-400 and 200-600. Just missing out on the range.
Need s24 ultra wild photography video
I have no idea about cameras and lenses but if this one cost €2000 would be a good price?
The only big problem with this lens is it's price! I'm not sure what was sigma thinking. With this price I can get good deal of Sony GM ii 70-200 with the couple of teleconvertors! Even sigma has the 100-400 at third of the price of this lens white the same weight. Bad marketing decision Sigma! With this price I could only be happy if it had a built-in teleconvertor.
I was thinking about either buying the Sony 400 or 600 prime for my A7RV... But now this Sigma is announced. I'm not a huge fan of the Sony teleconverters as they degrade the image to the point you could just take a photo without it and crop for an equally sharp image. The question is do I want to lose 100mm and 1 stop of light for €11k less money or gain 100mm, lose 2 stops of light and save €9k lol. And save weight and bag space. Seems like a no brainer, but if money wasn't the issue I think people would still prefer the Sony primes. Edit: Seems like the Sony primes are still sharper so that's also a consideration
On sigma's website it says the weight is 1370g but you said 1550g, is their weight without the lens hood or tripod foot or something?
Yes I noticed that. I put it on my scale with the lens hood and lens foot on (because that’s how I carry it) 😄
All the manufacturers strip their lenses to get the lowest weight possible... so thank you Olle for wighting it the right way with lens hood and tripod collar :) I would also add a camouflage cover... my XF 100-400 wight officially 1375 grams but with everything attached it is near 1600g.
@@ollenilssonen thanks, makes sense.
Что вы думаете, если использовать эту линзу с режим APS-C/S35 на фотокамере? Мы увеличивать фокусное как на 200-600, но объектив будет всё так же легче чем SONY! Но качество и резкость, это повлияет? Спасибо.
Very nice 👍
Looks nice, but the lack of TC support is a bit meh. I am holding out for Sony to release a 400mm F4 GM that has similar performance to their 300mm F2.8. That would give 400mm F4 + 560mm F5.6 + 800mm F8 at around $7K (including TCs), and an assumed weight of around 3.75lbs. To me that would be enough differentiation from a 100-400 or a 200-600, and a sensible compromise from the big primes..
Would this lens be compatible with nikon D7200? I tried looking on adorama and couldn’t find info besides Sony what it would be compatible for.
Unfortunately not. Just Sony E-mount and L-mount
@@ollenilssonen thank you!
Nice idea with the lens, sadly the price is off. I enjoy a Canon RF 800 F11, more reach is impossible at this size and weight with any interchangeable lens camera. On my Full Frame camera once, the 800 F11 were pretty nice, since i have the R7/APS-C, 1280mm is a bit.. "long" so i have a Sigma 150-600C additionally. As much i like the lightweight RF 800, the Sigma 150-600C is just so much more versatile, just harder to get fast focus on something and pretty heavy, still the 150-600 is my allrounder and the 800 F11 mainly for jumpy songbirds etc where i know i need 1000mm+ anyways.
Great for Sony. My 500 Nikon pf lives on my z6 II
How about low light?
Hey Olle! I am using a Sony A7RIIIA with a Sony 70-200mm 2.8 GMII (i know, 200mm is way to short for wildlife), and i also have focusing issues with kingfishers :D I have no issues with other birds tho. I guess the camera doesnt really like the brownish orange colour on the belly :D
A 2x teleconverter would help for wildlife
@@mrmonday42 It would help for sure but im planning to buy the 200-600. Idk which one would be better.
@@vajas28 I would start out with the 2x teleconverter because it's so much smaller and cheaper than the 200-600mm. Obviously there's a big difference between 400mm and 600mm but the 200-600mm G isn't the sharpest lens. In fact, this 500mm Sigma prime is sharper at 500mm cropped in to 600mm than the 200-600mm G is at 600mm.
That owl freaked me out
This looks like a fantastic lens, but it feels too niche to justify the purchase. It's main competition is the sony 200-600 which is a thousand dollars cheaper, has more reach, only a slightly worse f-stop, isn't limited to 15fps, and has the flexibility of a zoom lens. If this were a new 500 f4 that didn't require an adapter for sony cameras, or a 600 f5.6 then I'd understand who it's for. I don't know many people who would order a lens like this based on size and weight alone, because that's really the only big upgrade over the 200-600.
I think the same, if I already owned a 200-600 there is no justification. But I was just about to buy one, now I'm very confuse because the smaller format and superior image stabilization is very tempting on an apsc body.
I wish sigma would make it easier to make software changes to their lenses instead of having to buy another accessory
This lens is suspiciously close in spec to the Nikkor 600m f/6.3. Almost same lens grouping, nearly identical dimensions, weight...makes me wonder.
Now we just need better bodies(in terms of af) from Panasonic & leica. Because sony anyways limits their bodies to 15fps. Latest Panasonic phase detect gives me hope especially considering it was their 1st attempt.
You are right this lens is sharp for an 500 mm F5.6 aperture range.
Review Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Please 😊 ...
Still no real comparison between this and 200600 in a controlled environment. Just reading over specs and showing bird photos.
It’s not a comparison video, it’s a real world review😊
I'd say most Sony wildlife users have the 200-600 and are tired of the bulk and want a lens thats sharper and lighter. This is the first lens in years that can replace it, so a comparison video is absolutely vital. Pixel peeping comparison in a controlled environment. honestly the lack of direct comparisons is so blatant that I am wondering if Sigma prevented reviewers from making any comparisons at all.@@ollenilssonen
Линза замечательная. И для астрофото тоже подойдет.
It would be more fun if the widest aperture was F4 😗 for the price 3k😅 but...🤐 Awesome ❤️🩹
Holy Grail
I feel like back button focus is a waste of time in 2024 with focus points all over the sensor. No need to focus and recompose any longer.
I can back button focus and recompose faster than I can move the AF point.
The biggest problem with this lens is that it can't be with a sonysel20tc, 500mm is not enough🤣
Shame that its magnification ratio is so bad, with 0.16x is even lower than 200-600 wich was already weak in that regard. If it was at least 0.3x I would buy it.
Why do you think they (Sigma)picked 500mm and not 600mm?
They are rumored to be releasing a 700mm prime later this year, so they’re probably avoiding overlap in their lineup. But to your point, I don’t know why they couldn’t do 600mm and 800mm
@@timothysteenwyk2978 thanks
So glad I am a Sony shooter 😊.
Zooms don't compare to primes in image QUALITY. Remember, you only get one chance at capturing that moment, then it's GONE.
So it’s basically twice the price of the native Sony 200-600… lol. I know what I’d rather have. You will be significantly lighter because you will a lot less money to carry around.
loool
What a lens What a price 😅
2024 & no one able to come up with 500/2.0 without hurting your back companies have geared up for beginners & amateurs with slow f5.6, f6.3 & beyond
I agree with you, it may be a great lens, but I don't think it will be successful one. The only real advantage is it's weight and size, however compared to Tamron 150-500mm or Sigma 150-600mm is not that much smaller. It's only tiny little bit brighter than Sony and Sigma zoom and you loose quite a lot of versatility, because you are limited to just one focal lenght... And it's not even longer than those two, so... And it's way more expensive than Sony and I think 2x or even more than 2x more expensive than Sigma 150-600mm. I can't find any other reason to buy it for someone that is not strictly limited by weight and size; who travels or hikes a lot with telephoto lens. Becasue photographically (and money), you sacrifice a lot.
“Review” for a sponsor
It’s not sponsored.
bassza szájba a szigma és a sony is!!!!! (meg a többi gyártó is) amikor csak A bajonett volt le se szarták a gépeinket!!!! Most meg.....
Cries in Canon 😢
Yeah that is a bummer 😢
Would be a great contender to canons 100-500mm with that aperture. Although the canon has its pros as well and I tend to prefer zooms for wildlife.
🤍
:D
:D ✌️
So small and yet soo beautiful ❤️ wishhh!!🥲
Seeing your video makes me want to buy a Zoom more and more every time, but I will keep my cash in my pocket and watch your video instead🤍
Primes all the way