Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sports Review
At $5,999, the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sports seems like an extravagantly priced lens. That is until you check out the competition: the $8,999 Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM and the $10,299 Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4E FL ED VR. The Sigma suddenly becomes a great value proposition in the super telephoto lens space. For significantly less than the competition you get a lens that's exceptionally sharp, superbly constructed, and ridiculously heavy. Its performance and price earn it Editors' Choice honors, but make sure you set aside some money for a visit to the chiropractor.
It's Huge
The 500mm F4 ($5,999.00 at Amazon) is big, which is the nature of the beast when it comes to telephoto lenses. But it's exceptionally big. Without the hood mounted, it's 15.0 by 5.7 inches (HD) and 7.3 pounds. Adding the hood increases the height by about 6.5 inches, so the lens will extend from your camera mount by almost two feet. The hood is light and tough—it's made with carbon fiber. The lens itse...
The Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sports is a bright, super telephoto prime lens built for professional photographers, but boy is it heavy.
Very sharp; Large aperture; Super telephoto reach; Optical stabilization; No visible distortion; Sturdy, dust- and splash-resistant design; Costs less than the competition; Available for multiple camera systems
Huge; Heavy