Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM
Announced February 20, 2010
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM is a versatile superzoom that offers full-frame users impressive reach and solid image quality for the price. While its extensive zoom range is highly useful for wildlife and field photography, the lens is notably heavy and requires careful consideration of its slower aperture and performance limitations on APS-C sensors.
Weighted from 6 reviewer scores
Pros
- Surprisingly sharp image quality and color reproduction on full-frame cameras
- Fast and quiet autofocus operation with full-time manual override
- Robust build quality with non-rotating front element
- Highly versatile 10x zoom range suitable for wildlife and landscapes
- Effective optical stabilization system
Cons
- Heavy physical weight and large size
- Autofocus hunting and speed degradation at longer focal lengths
- Sharpness concerns on APS-C sensors and vignetting at extreme zoom
- Expensive and non-standard 95mm filter size
- Limited light intake due to a slow maximum aperture
- Launch price $1,699.95 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3
- Mount & coverage Sigma SA Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Filter thread 95mm
- Autofocus motor Ring-type ultrasonic
- Weight & size 1970g (4 lb 5.5 oz) · 104.4 x 219 mm (4.11 x 8.62 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 6 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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People who are using APS-C cameras might be disappointed by its lack of sharpness, but owners of full-frame cameras get a lot of picture quality for their money here, so to them this is a very recommendable lens indeed, especially if you have a big enough camera bag.
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[T]he Sigma 50-500mm 1: 4-6.3D HSM EX APO is a worthwhile lens. It is difficult to find a lens with a 500 mm focal length and 10x zoom for such a price.
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The Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM is a capable lens that fits a niche. It’s not for everyone but if you shoot outside and are looking for a longer lens to capture wildlife or distant subjects, this lens is well worth your consideration.
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The bottom line is that the Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM is a very useful lens.
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Having the option of 50-500 mm in one lens will always appeal to the active field birder, as it enables quick record shots in many different circumstances, without having to change lenses.
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In that regard, anyone considering this lens and knowing that its features will suit their needs should definitely jump at it, as its quality does not disappoint.
