Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens (Sony E-mount)

The SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports is an ultra-telephoto prime lens exclusively for mirrorless cameras that features a 500mm focal length with outstanding image quality in a remarkably compact and lightweight body. By incorporating multiple large-diameter, exclusive low-dispersion glass elements that are challenging to process, SIGMA succeeded in significantly downsizing the lens construction without the use of diffractive optical elements. At the same time, the lens has achieved high resolving power that meets the expectations for a 500mm prime lens.

The latest optical design using exclusive low-dispersion glass elements has succeeded in achieving both an extremely compact lens construction and high optical performance with excellent correction of aberrations. In addition to its size that allows hand-held shooting, the high-speed AF with HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) and the OS2 optical stabilization algorithm support comfortable shooting.

High optical performance and compact lens construction

The latest optical design has succeeded in significantly downsizing the optical system for a 500mm ultra-telephoto lens. By utilizing exclusive low-dispersion convex elements at the front of the lens, the lens delivers both a high aberration correction capability and a short overall length. The high level of production technology at SIGMA’s only manufacturing base, the Aizu factory, provides the exacting precision necessary for processing the exclusive low-dispersion glass elements with a large aperture. The lens has excellent correction of all aberrations, especially axial chromatic aberration, which cannot be corrected by the camera body, ensuring a stable high resolution from the centre to the periphery of the image.

Excellent backlight resistance

The SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports uses refractive lenses in its optical system to prevent flare and ghosting that are characteristics of diffractive optical elements, allowing for clear images without concern for flare or ghosting even in backlit conditions or when a light source is included in the image. Furthermore, measures are taken against all conditions of incident light based on state-of-the-art simulation technology.

High-speed AF with a linear motor HLA

A linear motor HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) is used for the actuator, which is characterized by its high driving accuracy owing to the advanced electronic control, as well as its quietness. The HLA enables fast and accurate autofocus even in ultra-telephoto photography, such as sports and bird, where extremely precise focusing is required.

Weatherability of Sports line specifications

The mount connection, manual focus ring, switches and exterior connection are all dust and splash resistant to prevent dust and dirt from entering the lens. Further, the front element of the lens features a water and oil repellent coating to facilitate maintenance when water droplets or dust adhere to the lens

OS2 algorithm in optical stabilizer function

The latest OS2 optical stabilization algorithm provides an outstanding image stabilization effect of 5.0 stops*. The lens is equipped with two OS modes: Mode 1 is suitable for general shooting, and Mode 2 is ideal for panning shots of motorsports and other sports. In Mode 2, SIGMA’s Intelligent OS, an algorithm specially designed for panning shots, enables effective image stabilization even when the camera is moved vertically or diagonally, irrespective of the horizontal and vertical orientation. This ensures that the subject’s movement can be captured without losing the panning shot effect.

* Measured at 500mm with a 35mm full-frame image sensor

High-precision TSC** parts enable both high performance and compact, lightweight design

In order to achieve such a compact, lightweight and robust body, materials such as TSC and magnesium have been used in appropriate places. In particular, the production of a large TSC part that integrates functions as an internal structure, as well as an exterior part to reduce size and weight of the lens are manufactured with micron-level precision and they also have a sleek finish that gives the lens its premium feel. The sophisticated processing and production technology of the Aizu factory, SIGMA's only manufacturing base in Japan, enables the high degree of precise production and ensures the high performance and durability of the lens.

** TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) is a type of polycarbonate with a thermal expansion rate similar to that of aluminium. It has a high affinity to metal parts which contributes to high quality product manufacturing

Small size, Big results

To reduce the size of the lens without compromising optical quality, the lens uses convex low-dispersion elements towards the front of the lens barell. The design of these glass elements also keeps chromatic and axial aberrations to a minimum. Flare and ghosting are prevented by refractive lenses, ideal for when shooting in backlit environments such as sporting arenas or when strong light sources are in or close to being in frame. When compared to the SIGMA 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports for DSLRs, the lens impressively small and a whole lot lighter, all achieved without using conventional diffractive optical elements.

Advanced AF

The SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports is perfectly suited to fast-paced action such as birds in flights or high-performance cars on a race circuit. Its HLA motor delivers extremely fast, accurate and near-silent AF that far outperforms traditional stepping motors.

Weather resistant sealing

The mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, switches, switch panel and exterior connection are all dust- and splash-resistant to prevent dust and moisture from entering the lens. The front element of the lens has a water- and oil-repellent coating that helps keep the optic clear of contaminants.

Custom set-up with customisable functions

The lens is equipped with a Focus Limiter switch that shortens the focus driving range. This stops the lens incorrectly focusing on objects either in front or behind the subject, speeding up focus acquisition. The three AFL buttons* found around the lens barrel can be set to a preferred camera function for easier handling. L-Mount users can customise the lens further by using a SIGMA UD-11 USB Dock to change how the OS operation works or fine-tune the Focus Limiter range.

* Only on compatible cameras. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used.

Tactile aperture ring

Take control of the depth-of-field using the built-in aperture control ring. The ring can be de-clicked, which is useful for film-makers, and locked so that it cannot be changed accidentally.

Detachable tripod socket

An Arca-Swiss-compatible magnesium alloy tripod socket is included to keep the lens compact and lightweight. The socket features a standard 1/4” screw and can be detached when required, especially useful when shooting hand-held.

Compatible with Teleconverters for L-Mount (1.4x / 2.0x)

The L-Mount version of the lens is compatible with the SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1411 (1.4x) and TC-2011 (2.0x) for AF-enabled shooting at ultra-telephoto focal lengths of up to 1000mm.

Cover-type lens hood included

A strong and lightweight cover-type lens hood made of TSC is included. The tip of the hood is rubberised to protect the lens from damage when standing the lens nose down.