Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens for Sony E

Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens for Sony E in More Detail

Exceptional Performance

This Sony E-mount lens sets a new standard in performance by incorporating unique low-dispersion glass elements, resulting in a significant reduction in size and weight compared to Sigma’s earlier 500mm prime lens. Its compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable and perfect for handheld photography.

Equipped with a built-in High-response Linear Actuator (HLA) motor, the 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens offers quick, smooth, precise, and nearly silent autofocus, ensuring consistent sharpness, particularly in subject tracking modes. Additionally, the integrated Optical Stabiliser (OS) achieves 5 stops of effective stabilisation, courtesy of Sigma’s advanced OS2 algorithm.

Extremely compact with big results

To reduce the size of this super telephoto prime lens without compromising optical quality, Sigma employed convex low-dispersion elements towards the front of the lens barrel. The design of these glass elements also serves to keep chromatic and axial aberrations to a minimum.

Flare and ghosting are prevented by refractive lenses, which is ideal for when shooting in backlit environments such as sporting arenas or when strong light sources are within, or close to the edges of the frame. The mirrorless lens is impressively small and considerably lighter compared to the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports for DSLRs, which is achieved without using conventional diffractive optical elements.

Image ©Jim Koepnick. Taken with Panasonic Lumix S5 II. Camera settings: Exposure 1/1000 sec. f/5.6. ISO 400

Advanced Autofocus and optical stabilisation

The Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports lens excels in capturing dynamic subjects such as birds in flight or racing cars. Its High-response Linear Actuator (HLA) motor provides exceptionally fast, precise, and quiet autofocus, surpassing traditional stepping motors. This lens also thrives in low-light situations, such as concerts or floodlit sports events, thanks to its exclusive OS2 algorithm, which offers up to 5 stops of stabilisation with full-frame cameras.

Additionally, the lens boasts two Optical Stabiliser (OS) modes. Mode 1 is the most versatile, reducing camera shake during slower shutter speeds in various photography types. Mode 2 utilises a proprietary Intelligent OS algorithm, enhancing the smoothness of panning shots, particularly when tracking fast-moving subjects.

Stabilisation remains effective irrespective of the lens’s orientation, adeptly handling both vertical and diagonal movements without hindering the panning action.

Sony camera users benefit from the support of AF assist (Sony only), DMF and AF+MF, as well as featuring an inner focus system.

Image ©Liam Duran. Taken with Sony A1. Camera settings: Exposure 1/2500 sec. f/5.6. ISO 500

Robust despite the low weight

Shoot outdoors regardless of environmental conditions thanks to a combination of lightweight materials such as TSC and magnesium, with a weather-resistant construction. These prevent dust, dirt and water droplets from entering the lens, which is ideal if shooting in light rain or on a sandy beach. The lens is light enough for effortless handheld shooting over extended periods, reducing the need for a tripod or monopod in many situations.

Tough Thermally Stable Composite construction

As with many of the most advanced Sigma lenses , much of the exterior and some of the interior of the 500mm prime lens is built from TSC (Thermally Stable Composite), which is a light and strong material that increases durability and reduces weight.

TSC has similar thermal expansion properties to aluminium, which means that both the TSC and aluminium parts within the barrel expand and contract to the same degree as temperatures change. This innovative design ensures consistent performance whether shooting in a hot desert or the freezing temperatures of a polar environment.

Image ©Gerry Van der Walt. Taken with Sony A9 II . Camera settings: Exposure 1/1250 sec. f/5.6. ISO 500

Weather resistant seals

The lens mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, switches, switch panel and exterior connection are all dust and splash-resistant to prevent dust and moisture from entering the lens. The front element also has a water and oil-repellent coating applied, which helps to eep the optic clear of contaminants, whilst making it easier to clean the front element.

Responsive Aperture Ring

Experience direct control over depth-of-field with the lens’s integrated aperture control ring. This offers the flexibility to be de-clicked for filmmakers’ and can be locked to prevent unintentional adjustments.

Removable Tripod Socket

The lens comes with a detachable tripod socket made of Arca-Swiss-compatible magnesium alloy, maintaining the lens’s compactness and lightness. Equipped with a standard 1/4” screw, this socket can be removed, which is particularly beneficial for handheld shooting.

Jay Camera settings: Exposure 1/500 sec. f/5.6. ISO 1600

Customisable functions

A number of controls ensure a seamless workflow, which includes a Focus Limiter switch that shortens the focus driving range. This stops the lens incorrectly focusing on objects either in front or behind the subject, speeding up focus acquisition substantially. Three AFL buttons are found around the lens barrel, which can be programmed via the camera menu to any preferred functionality for personalised handling.

Cover-type lens hood included 

A strong and lightweight cover-type lens hood made of TSC is included with the lens. The tip of the hood is thoughtfully rubberised to help protect the lens from damage when standing the lens nose down.

Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens for Sony E Specifications