I have used the Nikon 500mm f4 and the Sigma is just as sharp as the Nikon. The color is probably just a tiny bit more accurate with the Nikon, but without seeing the pictures side by side and of the same subject I don't think you would every notice anything.

OK, so it is not the Canon f4.L lens, but it is less than 1/2 the cost. I use this lens to shoot wildlife, mainly BIF. Tracking with this lens took a while to get use to because of its size and weight. Now that I have used it for a while I love it!

Consistent Output; Durable; Fast / accurate auto-focus; Nice Bokeh; Rugged; Strong Construction

Heavy

An impressive 10x zoom range for just over ￡1100, but has Sigma been a little over-ambitious with this superzoom optic?

A very versatile lens

Poor performance at 500mm

[Please note: this review is for the previous version of this lens. The review below is for the Sigma 500mm, f/4.5, EX APO HSM lens, with aperture ring. The current marketed lens has a DG designator. It is very similar in design and construction but lacks an aperture ring.

Fast AF; easy access to controls; capable of sharp images

AF irratic with 1.4X converter; f/4.5 max

Rear insertion 46mm filters with provision for easy rotation of polarizing filters. Also, compatible with the Sigma APO Tele Converters to provide additional focal length as a 700mm F8 or 1000mm F11 lens.

With a 10x focal-length range, Sigma's 50-500mm lens truly deserves to be called a ‘super-zoom'. It has a robust feel and offers excellent handling that is complemented by an efficient two-mode optical stabilisation system and Sigma's high-speed HSM AF mechanism.

A very versatile lens

Poor performance at 500mm

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

A long list of pros. One flaw but of smaller calibre. A price two times lower than that of rival Canon and Nikon lenses. I suppose it’s the best write-up of the tested lens you can imagine. We don’t want to prolong this summary because it’s pointless.

Solid, stylish, weather-sealed casing,, Excellent image quality in the frame centre,, Brilliant image quality on the edge of the APS-C sensor,, Very good image quality on the edge of full frame,, Lack of spherical aberration-related problems,, Negligible longitudinal chromatic aberration,,...

Noticeable vignetting at the maximum relative aperture on full frame.

The Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports lens is a much more affordable alternative to similar lenses from Canon and Nikon without any sacrifice in image quality or performance. With the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM retailing for £7600 and the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR priced at £8000, the...

It’s easy to look at the price of expensive lenses such as the Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sport and immediately disregard them from your radar. While the price implies working pros specialising in sports and wildlife are the only ones ever likely to purchase such a lens, it’s possible to get it in...