Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN: New BENCHMARK in Super Telephotos!
Sigma knocked this one out of the park.
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Great video! We appreciate the support with this lens 🎉
Well-deserved! 👊🏼
Nikon released the 500mm 5.6PF 6 years ago and it was sold out for a long time (crazy bargain now selling for ~$1800 on used market). I think this sigma lens will be just as popular. If only Sony didn’t limit the lens to 15fps and restrict TC.
So much for Sony E for everybody mount
Hugh- For Nikon 500 PF is a wonderful lens. F mount but easily adaptable. Plus.. inexpensive used given those trading them in for native Z 600 6.3.
I noticed that omission. I am still using my 500 PF on the FTZ adaptor and Z9 and I am still in love with it. The 600mm f6.3 didn't tempt me in the least.
I hear good things about it! Thanks for bringing it up! 😊🖖🏻
Well I’ve found the lens, I just need to figure out whether or not to put it on a Sony A7RIV or a Panasonic S5IIX now that I’m moving away from Fujifilm. Thank you for all of the wonderfully informative, inspirational and educational content you put out, it is most sincerely appreciated by so many of us - we’re lucky to have your voice in the community. Warmest regards from North Yorkshire, UK
Thank YOU for your kind encouragement! 😊🖖🏻
Great review! The comprehensive comparisons make this review a great reference for those with different budget constraints across most of the popular mirror less systems. Thanks!
So all we need now is a Panasonic S1R ii with phase detect auto focus. 🤔🤠
This
I need to figure out how to strap something like this onto an X2D. Brilliant intro. Love this.
Ah, the Sony cripple hammer strikes again! I'm one of the odd balls that love friction screw lens hoods. On my Nikon 500 f/4 lens the hood never loosens up or falls off like click on hoods can. This Sigma lens is brilliant!
Exciting review!
Excellent!
That is one helluva lense Hugh. That's a nice bird lense. Thanks very informative as always.
A game changer! Thanks!
😊🖖🏻
Thanks as always for the insight! Question. Are there restrictions from Fujifilm that limits Sigma (and others) from making more XF mount lenses?
I do not know the answer, sorry!
Being a newbie in the hobby I did not understood 3/4 of what you said buy I LOOOVE YOUR VOICE! 😜😉. I can listen to you all day. I am sure I’ll learn a thing or two with you about photography! Cheers!
😉🖖🏻
Thank for review, this is a great lenses for L mount use. However, L mount allinace have a big problem, lenes can be exchange to use, but DUAL IS doesn't work with not same brand of body . (I have tried the sigam 100-400 DG DN on my SL2s)
I recently used the Panasonic Leica 100-400mm for some sneaky street photography. For the size and weight I go some exceptional unique photos that no one on the photo walk got. So much so that the other participants on the walk gasped at the different perspective. Even more that I could hold the setup for 4 hours straight with no tiredness. Pixel count didn't matter what so ever!
Thanks for the discussion Hugh. I’ve been slowly exploring telephoto lenses for my Leica SL2. The Leica 100-400 zoom is decent. I recently got its dedicated 1.4x tele extender, which by definition increases the lens’s reach, but at the expense of a bit of spherical aberration. It’d be curious to check out the new Sigma 500.
The 500/5.6 is an entirely different class of glass. 😊🖖🏻
This would make a great lens for Fuji x mount, complementing the generally lighter weight its users like. However, Fuji is also said to be working on something like it. Hope the Sigma being around accelerates this plan or that we'll get the Sigma sooner rather than later...
Another exquisite video, Hugh! Thank you. Would you mind saying a bit more about how this lens compares to the Sony 200-600 on an A7RIVa?
Please go back to our reviews on the other super telephotos we’ve tested, and you’ll see for yourself as we use the same real world test scenario as often as possible. 😊🖖🏻
Hugh, how about the olympus 300mm f/4 IS PRO? Actually, really looking forward to using the 500mm on my SL2 and SL3 in a few months. But I also love my lighter Olympus gear for wildlife!
I’ve never had success interacting with Olympus, so I gave up, sorry!
For birding, this lens with the A7cr would be a great pairing with 500mm at 61mp FF and equivalient FL 750mm at 26mp APSC. Those are two great FLs for birding.
Or the A9III
Great review as always. The Nikon 400mm 4.5 you mention gives a similar crazy light for the image quality experience. Cheers, and keep on keeping on!
😊🙏🏻🖖🏻
Incredible inspiring video review my friend. Would happy to cross a thought for a moment. Im thinking of getting this lense to add to my son a9 iii along with the two lenses i currently own ( sony 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8). Would it be bad idea to get this sigma gorgeous lense for the sony a9 iii ? I shoot birds and streets photography, wildlife and portraits. Happy to hear ur thought on this matter. Thank you
I think it makes a GREAT birding lens. The only issue is whether or not you intend to take advantage of the a9 III’s crazy high shutter speeds - Sony gates the burst rate on non-Sony lenses to 15fps.
@@3BMEP did not know this very important piece of information! I rarely shoot above 15fps, but still might sound a lot of money to limit myself to that burst speed, shame all other similar or better sharp lenses are so big and heavy. I guess that only option is double converter on the 70-200 2.8
Another good one
😊🖖🏻
Good evening (where I am) Hugh. Loved the review as always. I want to raise the issue of Apples v Oranges. I'd really like to see the results from taking those same shots (conditions allowing) on a Sony A7R IV or V. Methinks that the extra Mp of the Sony sensor would deliver a boost to image quality when pixel peeping, cropping or printing big. I can't say for sure as I'm not a Panasonic shooter. The laws of physics are as they are. I'd bet that for about 2 Kg total either of those bodies and the Sigma would make a weight for a just about bearable set of kit for those of us who have reached a certain age and level of decrepitude. I'm thinking here of carrying ones kit for any distance along with food, beverage and all the other crap that is 'needed' for a day out in the wilds. (Add in stuff for ones pooch if that is your bag).
See our other super tele reviews! 😊🖖🏻
Hmm, big apertures also equal creamy backgrounds. And in my book the minimum focal length for birds is 600mm, and as a BIF hunter I usually shoot at 800 or equivalent FoV. So as a bird shooter I have to take the light and the backgrounds as they come and wide apertures mean fewer compromises. What's painful is indeed the weight that you mention. 4.5kg for an A1, 400/2.8 and 2xTC (little acuity loss with the TC) . Handheld I do miss shots because the workout gets tiring. I'm now playing around with a Z8 and 600mm PF which is a mere 3kg. And Nikon make an 800mm PF. Yeah, f6. 3 and then f9 with the 1.4xTC. So there goes the creamy backgrounds but the high ISO images come up remarkably well. Ain't it great to have all these choices.
Is theere a fujiversion, would mean 750 mm equi, so great for bird watching, i suppose.
The only hold back is the 15fps which will be a pain for Sony a93 users. Even for a1 user, only 15 fps is only half of the speed.
Another great review, thanks Hugh! Dammit I'm ordering 1 tomorrow! Been using the Canon 400 f4 DOll with a Sigma L mount adapter for wildlife on the SL2 and now on the SL3. The Canon's going now.
👍🏻😊🖖🏻
Not that I have the choice, but if it was available for Z-Mount, I'd still get the 500 PF. It's ridiculously sharp, and I kind of trust it more with AF and stabilization. But if I was a Sony shooter, I think this would be a no-brainer for me. Fantastic lens, I wonder if this will prompt Canon to also think about affordable primes for sports and wildlife, ones that aren't f/11.
Thank you Hugh. Would it be possible that you provide the RAW's of you comparisons or at least the out of Cam JPG's. On first glance it seems The Sigma is far beyond the Sony 600mm.
I generally don’t make our RAW files available to anyone. It’s the line in the sand between being a KZheadr and being a photographer. 😊🖖🏻
Sounds like an amazing lens... having already sprung for the Canon RF100-500 (oh and not mountable) I guess I'll stick with that :) Aways enjoy listening. Thank you for this review.
😊🖖🏻
Hi. Did u use a tripod for these shots?
Nope! Didn’t even bring one: that WAS the primary test!
Does it mean I canot use Sigma 1.4 extender wiht this lens on Sony camera?
Correct.
@@3BMEP that is wrong!
Time you discovered OMD ( not the band ) and their 300f4.
the band was (is?) pretty good, too.
The difference in maximum aperture of the really high end primes and this lens is - to my mind - not so much one of light gathering capability, but rather subject separation from the background. I'm keen to see what the Sigma 500/f5.6 has to offer in this regard! Looks like it could be a real dream lens. Thanks for the video.
My pleasure!
Ok so IF I didn't already have a 200-600 I would consider this for work. I'm a full time photographer (about 30 years in total) for a newspaper and I also am the team photographer for an MLB Draft League team. Yes that lens does look sharp and the AF does look nice BUT. 1. The 200-600 is much cheaper (only 2000.00 new and now MUCH cheaper used BTW) and practically speaking neither are very heavy. **Advantage to Sony.** 2. At 500 mm my 200-600 is at 6.3, the Sigma is "only" at 5.6... not much of a different practically speaking. **So there's no real advantage to the Sigma.** 3. One massive issue you didn't mention is the fps. Because this is a non-Sony lens on any Sony body this lens will limit the FPS to "only" 15 fps, which if you have a9 or now maybe the a9iii you're putting yourself at a disadvantage (yes it's only 5fps in my case because i only have the a9 and an a7riii I shoot with) but if you're trying to get the max fps, and if you are a sports photographer you ARE trying to get that WHEN you want it... you're at a big disadvantage. And the new a9iii (when you need ludicrous speed FPS) you can't have it if you have this lens. **Advantage to Sony in a BIG way.** 4. I don't see the "hand holdable" much of an advantage because let's be honest WILL you hand hold it for more than a few seconds... or a minute.... on a subject while shooting? No. So there's no real world advantage for much real world shooting aside from a photo here or there really. **at best a "push" in favor of neither option** I CAN see myself buying one of these used for less than 2k once they become available used. Aftermarket brand lenses drop a lot and Sigma's are no exception. I love fast(er) prime lenses and I love the 500mm length for baseball, football and golf photography and this would be a solid lens for that if I found one at a good used price somewhere down the road. I do see this lens and having a lot of appeal for non-working-professional shooters, so don't get me wrong I do think it will sell "ok" but it won't grab much of the professional market at all. The 200-600 has a GREAT reputation among Sony's professional sports photographer community. If this is really aimed at a "sports market" it's hard to see, in the real world for E mount that it accomplishes much of anything honestly except impressing people not actually in the "sports market" But as you say, and I do agree, your mileage may vary. -Dave K
Yes, people walk with lens sometimes a 4-5 hours like me, and shoot wildlife, this lens is a miracle. Sony 200-600 is too heavy for such things. I am not the type of the guy who sit and wait. Also sony 200-600 is not sharp (not that I would like to) and darker, and 5.6 makes much difference in ISO values, I still prefer 10.000 over 12.800, or third of a stop shutterspeed. There different people and different needs. If you have back problems you won't walk with sony 200-600 all day, because you get tired after 40 seconds of holding that lens. Professional use doesn't mean you sit all day.
He did speak to your #3.
With 200mm focal lenght and 61MP FF cropping to APS-C (300mm), M43 (400mm) or 1" (540mm) works wonders. Four in one! So much for all the talk about image quality and smaller image sensors and reach. Just for fun streching my arguments like you stretch yours... 😊
See my review of the G9 II and Leica DG Vario 100-400 II!
From a wildlife and bird shooter’s perspective, Nikon Z600mm f/6.3 S VR PF is a better lens as it is able to shoot at the highest frame whatever the body offers and be used with teleconverters. And, it’s as light/ heavy as this Sigma 500mm f/5.6.
Sigma is hot. I bet when your wife saw your review of this lens, she has never seen you so excited. The burst rate limit bothers me not at all. I shoot at a rapid rate of how fast I can press the shutter button. Even with a motor drive on my Nikon FE2 or F2, I never shot more than three or more shots at a time. I'm one of those who wait for that very moment and get my shot with one press of the shutter button. I have a number of excellent Sony lens, a couple of Tamron zooms and six Sigma lenses, three being zooms. Coming from shooting film cameras last century, I used a lot of primes and two zooms on my Nikons. Now, after a lull I entered the digital world and the super excellent lenses, I'm excited about zooms. Why settle for an expensive fixed focal lens when I can have 200-600mm on one lens, 70-200 on another, 10-20 on the wide end, etc. But I appreciate the third-party vendors giving us excellent products, sharp as a tack for a price I can afford. If I shot more sports, then that Sigma 500mm would be in my collection. But what I really like is that this may be a start of more super telephoto primes. Good review.
I'd be more interested in this lens in m4/3, because that's when pixel level IQ makes more difference, and not many full frame bodies have enough pixels to crop in 2x and get the 20MP you get from a G9. (Edit: In fact, I don't know if any FF bodies have a legitimate 80mp.)
I would love something like this for my Z8. I've shot F1 with my D850 while hand holding a Nikon 200-500mm.
I am using the Nikon 500mm f5.6 PF lens with the FTZ adaptor on my Z9 and love it. This Sigma lens looks very similar to it. Pity Nikon doesn't update the 500 PF to the Z mount, but it works great on the adaptor.
The Sigma 100-400mm DG DN is not a 1.4 kg lens, but a 1.0 kg lens :)
For birding, 5.6 seems a bit slow and 500mm short. Price seems also too high for what you get.
Canon’s 400/5.6 was a classic back in the day.
This and Nikon's small primes are really REALLY making me want to switch platforms.....
As someone who birds and has the Fujifilm xf 150-600mm, Sony 200-600mm, sigma 150-600mm sports in l mount, and the venerable Nikon z 600mm f/6.3 I can attest that a lot of us *can* see the difference in quality in these lenses, especially while cropping bird shots. I’ve also owned the Fuji 100-400mm, Panasonic-Leica 100-400mm MFT, Nikon 200-500mm F, and Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF (sorry, no canon). I’ve owned a couple of super primes but these are generally in a different class for price and performance so I won’t compare them. Within that pile of lenses I would say the Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 PF, Nikon F 500mm f/5.6 PF, and Sigma 150-500mm dg dn sports are all within a reasonable range of excellence and sharpness. The two Nikons are noticeably better but all are going to make birders happy. The Fuji 150-600mm gets an honourable mention for reach and portability, it is also very sharp and especially quick on a X-h2s. The panny-leica 100-400mm was great at reach but very disappointing in sharpness; im sure the primes from OMD were better. Perhaps the most dissatisfying experience is the Sony, while an excellent lens in general, lacks a sharpness compared to the cheaper sigma and starts to look mediocre compared to its cheaper equivalent in Nikon, the newer z 180-600mm f/6.3. After using the z 600mm f/6.3 PF I have started to shift back to Nikon for wildlife. Also, Sony’s pro telephotos are amazing but pro priced (which is fair) and leave little room for serious enthusiasts in their line up. The introduction of the sigma 500mm f/5.6 would really make me think about trading my high frame rate on my Sony a1 for a sharper image and a lighter lens in a sub-$3000 price point. It’s simply a no-brainer for the l mount where $5000+ lenses are already common anyway, it even makes me think that the sl3 could make a decent sports camera (price /performance aside). Anyway, just ramblings, perhaps they will help someone. Thanks for doing a great video Hugh and bringing to light Sigma’s almost typical excellence in lens design these days.
Geez man you’ve used em all lol recently sold my Fuji gear probably switching to Nikon mainly for reasons you stated. Have to replace my entire kit so considering Tamron 150-500 to start (which I used on Fuji with satisfactory results)… any thoughts on that lens for Z mount? It feels almost criminal not using native glass especially on the long end but the $600 difference completely pays for another lens… unless the 180-600 is that much better? Appreciate any feedback.
Thanks for such a rich contribution to the conversation!
There is no Nikon F or Z mount. Sad Sad. Sad.
Time for a new l-mount camera so we can finally do sports…… like a new S1R mark II….. Lumix please hurry up!!!
Oh… it’s $3,000? ….oh. Ok.
That’s almost two x100vi!
@@thebitterfig9903 Excellent point.
Subscribed to join you in New York Street Photography in May. Sent you an e-mail regarding my need to arrange flights and accommodation. Can you please reply to advise. Many thanks. Mike
You got the email, Mike?
I'm sure it's impressive in its own right, but I doubt it can match either the Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S or the Nikkor Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S. Of course, both of those lenses are considerably more expensive. Nikon is the reigning king of mirrorless superteles right now.
@@phillipbanes5484 "Why do you say that?" Because it's true. No shade on the Sigma; seems like an outstanding performer, especially for that price point. But Nikon's new Z series superteles are heralded for having next level IQ. The Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S, for example, offers a built-in matched teleconverter that, when engaged, doesn't degrade image quality at all. No surprise, of course - Nikon have traditionally dominated the 200mm+ ecosystem in both variety and image quality.
@@Broskisnowski I don't ride horses, and facts are facts. Deal with it.
@@phillipbanes5484 A simple search for reviews of the new Z Nikkor super telephotos corroborates what I'm saying. So if it's objectivity you're looking for, go and read or watch some of them for yourself. You don't have to take my word for it.
@@RobertFalconer1967 oooh not sure that nikons super expensive primes hold any iq advantage over sonys and canons in fact the sonys are the best sharpness levels but nikons now have built in t/c and here is where the advantage swings ,convienence
Restricted to 15 fps in all Sony cameras.
And mentioned. 😊🖖🏻
Only 500mm. Only f/5.6. Only 15 fps. Cant use with extenders. And way too expensive. Get the 200-600 G lens instead
exactly i own the zoom but still want a the lightweight option
@@lumenspaulwho can buy, will buy, who can not will cry about pricing, still dreaming to have it.
@@pentagramyt417 I will be buying it also wether it replaces my 200-600mm is to be seen
Paying that price to be stuck at 500mm in full frame, for serious wildlife or sport shooters, is laughable. Somewhat like being the highest jumping midget in the NBA where the basket is still at 10 feet.
could be worse you could be stuck at 6.3 on a zoom with sub par performance ,know your gear and what works
You can say the same for every prime lens. “ paying that price to be stuck at xxx in full frame” Ok… so whats your point? Just use zoom lenses? Or what
@@sgpork these people have no money to fullfill their dream so they cry about it.