Quick answer
A stabilized 500mm f/4 super-telephoto for full-frame DSLRs, built for sports and wildlife work. It has HSM autofocus and a minimum focus distance of 3.5 m.
Pros
- f/4 at 500mm
- Optical stabilization
- HSM autofocus
- Quiet, quick focusing
Cons
- Very heavy
- Minimum focus 3.5 m
- Needs a sturdy support
Verdict
A serious wildlife lens that offers 500mm at f/4 from a third-party maker. Weight and handling are the costs of that reach.
About this lens
A 500mm f/4 full-frame telephoto prime lens, the Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sport is designed for Canon EF mount bodies, from the Sigma Sports line with Optical Stabilizer and Hyper Sonic Motor autofocus. It brings distant subjects closer for sports, wildlife and events.
Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sport specifications
- Brand
- Sigma
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 500mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/4.0
- Lens type
- Telephoto
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Optical construction
- 16 elements in 11 groups
- Aperture blades
- 9
- Image stabilization
- Yes
- Autofocus motor
- HSM
- Minimum focus distance
- 3.5 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.15x
- Filter thread
- 46 mm
- Length
- 380.3 mm
- Diameter
- 144.8 mm
Specification source: sigmaphoto.com
What can you shoot with the Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sport?
- Birds and wildlife
- Sports from the sidelines
- Motorsport
Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 500mm | 4.1° | 5° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 800mm | 2.6° | 3.1° |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Sigma 500mm f/4 Sport have image stabilization?
Yes. Its optical stabilizer has two modes, one for static subjects and one for panning.
Can the Sigma 500mm f/4 Sport be used handheld?
It is heavy, so most users rely on a monopod or gimbal head. Short handheld bursts are possible with practice.
Does the Sigma 500mm f/4 Sport work with Sigma teleconverters?
Yes, Sigma's APO teleconverters are designed for this lens, at the cost of a stop or two of light.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
