Sigma has announced a new 60–600mm F4.5–6.3 DG DN OS Sports lens that unlike their SLR version has been designed specifically for mirrorless cameras and is available in both Sony E-mount and L-mount versions.
I did review the Canon EF version of this lens using the MC-11 adapter way back in 2019. Even with the adapter it was a cracking lens so I’m fairly confident that Sigma will have only improved this lens further.
However, it’s priced at $1999 in the US and £1999 in the UK. The US price matches the price of the fantastic Sony FE 200-600 (B&H Photo) but in the UK the Sony lens sells for £400 less at £1599.
I think at this price unless you really need that 60-200mm of focal range it’s going to be a very tough sell over the Sony 200-600, especially with all third-party lenses restricted to 15 FPS and the Sigma also weighing in at 370g / 13 oz. more than the Sony.
Anyway, that’s food for thought, let’s take a closer look at the key specs of this monster lens.
Key Specifications
- Lens construction: 27 elements in 19 groups
- Angle-of-view: 39.6-4.1°
- Number of diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm)
- Minimum aperture: F22-32
- Minimum focusing distance: 45-260cm / 17.8-102.4in.
- Maximum magnification ratio: 1:2.4 (at 200mm focal length)
- Filter size: φ105mm
- Dimensions: φ119.4mm×281.2mm / φ4.7in.×11.1in. (E-mount)
- Weight: 2,485g / 87.7oz. (E-mount)
- Lens hood: Included (LH1144-02)
The lens is constructed of 27 elements in 19 groups, including three Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements and two ‘F’ Low Dispersion (FLD) elements.
It’s made of a ‘multi-material structure’ that consists of magnesium, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) and a Thermally Stable Composite (TSC).
For the first time in a Sigma lens the autofocus is powered by a High-response Linear Actuator (HLA) autofocus system. It also features Sigma’s Dual Action Zoom which allows you to adjust the zoom either by using the zoom ring or pushing/pulling the front of the lens.
As you would expect for a large telephoto lens, optical image stabilization is built in and powered by Sigma’s new ‘OS2’ algorithm. Sigma claims the updated algorithm offers up to seven stops of exposure compensation at 60mm and up to six stops at 600mm.
Sigma says the ‘mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, switches, switch panel and exterior connection are all dust and splash resistant’ while the frontmost optical element has a coating to repel dirt, oil and water. So if you spend a lot of time shooting in challenging conditions then hopefully this lens shouldn’t let you sown.
Other features on the lens body include a Focus Limiter switch, three customizable AFL buttons, an interchangeable tripod socket and compatibility with Sigma’s 1.4x and 2x L-mount teleconverters. Although not confirmed I don’t expect Sony’s E-mount teleconverters to be supported, Sigma has never added support to their 100-400 lens for Sony’s teleconverters.
The lens foot is compatible with Arca Swiss platforms and screw knob clamps. However it’s not the largest of lens feet which could make balancing on a gimbal tricky (see Tony and Chelsea’s video below).
The lens is manufactured in Sigma’s Aizy, Japan production facility and it should start shipping mid-February 2023 for $1999 in the US and £1999 in the UK.
If you wish you can watch the full announcement from Sigma here:
Early Reviews
Here’s a collection of early reviews on YouTube.
Tony & Chelsea
DPReview
Christopher Frost
Dustin Abbott
Arthur R
Gordon Laing
PhotoRec TV
Sebastian Mittermeier (Sigma Ambassador)
Andrew James (Sigma Ambassador)
Further details and sample images can be found on Sigma’s website. DPReview also have a sample gallery up here.
If it’s the same price as the Sony 200-600, which is stunningly sharp (I own one), I can’t imagine why any Sony user would choose the Sigma lens. It also weighs more and is external zoom? They may sell some in L mount, but I can’t imagine they will sell many in E mount. They would have to cut the price almost in half to make it appealing.
If it’s the same price as the Sony 200-600, which is stunningly sharp (I own one), I can’t imagine why any Sony user would choose the Sigma lens. It also weighs more and is external zoom? They may sell some in L mount, but I can’t imagine they will sell many in E mount. They would have to cut the price almost in half I would think to make it appealing.