Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens
This Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Lens is for digital SLR cameras with a Nikon lens mount. The lens has a standard to ultra telephoto zoom range that is ideal for nature, wildlife, or sports photography. The range translates into an equivalent 75-750mm when used with digital SLR cameras with an APS size chip. The lens is also compatible with full frame cameras. You can even increase you telephoto range by using the Sigma APO teleconverters.
The OS (Optical Stabilizer) system minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed 3-4 stops faster. This allows handheld telephoto zoom shooting even in poorly lit conditions.
The use of the OS (Optical Stabilizer) system, HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), APO apochromatic design, four elements of SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass, and multicoated optics all enable this lens to provide a high level of performance throughout its entire zoom range. A rear focus system ensures quick, convenient manual focus and a non-rotating front barrel.
The improved DG lens design corrects for various aberrations. This lens is specially coated to get the best color balance, while cutting down on ghosting caused by reflections from the digital image sensor. The lens provides the utmost correction against lateral chromatic aberration, which is a serious problem for digital SLR cameras.
Note! If the camera body does not support the HSM motor, auto focus will not work.
- Designed for use with full frame digital SLR cameras. May also be used with smaller APS-C size sensors with a corresponding effective increase in focal length to about 75 to 750mm with most cameras.
- Standard to ultra telephoto zoom range makes this the perfect to carry when you only have room for one lens.
- The OS system uses two sensors inside the lens to detect vertical and horizontal movement of the camera. It works by moving an optical image stabilizing lens group, to effectively compensate for camera shake. It automatically detects movement of the camera and compensates for camera shake when shooting a moving subject such as motor sports.
- The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) system ensures quiet and high-speed auto focusing with full time manual focus override.
- Four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements provide excellent correction for chromatic aberration.
- The improved DG lens design corrects for various aberrations.
- Super Multi Layer (SML) coating reduces ghost and flare.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50 - 500 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4.5 - 6.3 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View | 46.8° - 5.0° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.64' (49.99 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.32x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:3.1 |
| Groups/Elements | 6/22 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 95 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 4.1 x 8.6" (10.41 x 21.84 cm) |
| Weight | 4.33 lb (1.96 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 42 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (18)
- Consistent output (17)
- Strong construction (14)
- Rugged (13)
- Durable (10)
Cons
- Heavy (23)
- Poor in low light (8)
- Lens creep (3)
Best Uses
- Wildlife photos (27)
- Sports/action (15)
- Landscape/scenery (11)
- Macro photography (4)
- Night photography (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (15), Semi-pro photographer (10), Pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (29)
Most Liked Positive Review
Tremendously versatile stunning quality
Let me start by saying that as a professional photographer, I was very hesitant to purchase this lens, a divergence from my all Nikon equipment. After reading volumes of reviews and the recent history...Read complete review
Let me start by saying that as a professional photographer, I was very hesitant to purchase this lens, a divergence from my all Nikon equipment. After reading volumes of reviews and the recent history of Sigma Bigma problems, I was even more weary. That said, I am entirely delighted with my purchase.
My bread-and-butter business is sports and action photography. I also do events, portraits, landscapes, and creative work but I have prime lenses in my increasingly heavy kit to provide the quality results I need for predictable environments. Anyone who shoots sports, especially field sports, knows there are few lenses on the market that can really "do it all". As a socceraholic (player, coach, and eager spectator), I can be found on fields regularly capturing images at medium to long ranges at rapid pace. I'm also an avid outdoorsman who loves high-risk sports like extreme kayaking, climbing, and snow sports. Choosing which lenses to carry has always been a challenge when compromise in weight, portability, speed, and durability is a daily decision.
Before the Bigma, my workhorse was the stable favorite Nikon 70-200 VR mounted to a D3S. It's a great lens and I have only positive things to say about this faithful and trusted product that will always be found in my bag. As reach became an issue, I'd pull out a 1.2x or 2.0x (the new aspherical) and could grab the distance shots without relocating and loosing the moment. But, like life, sometimes the action came too close. Switching big lenses in sometimes nasty field conditions has cost me some serious tune up money in cleaning fees as well as ruining the rest of the day's shots if I didn't bring a back up camera.
After shooting now well over a thousand shots with the Bigma, I'm comfortable enough to leave my other lenses comfortably resting in my Pelican box in the car. Near or far, I can capture everything. Sure, it's not the crisp of a prime and no some might not make the Geographic cut but I'm capable of capturing far more "keepers" to sell and put food on the table. I shoot everything RAW and post-process through Lightroom so adding a bit of sharpening here and there is not a big deal. Speed and light are the playmakers in my field and matched with a camera that can shoot high ISO with little grain this is a great match. Plus, if I drop it off a precipice, the replacement cost is chump change compared to my 200mm Nikon f2 prime.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
This Lense locks up when zooming
I have had this lense lock up three (3) times, the first two (2) times it left score marks in a spiral pattern on the front barrel. The last time it locked ...Read complete review
I have had this lense lock up three (3) times, the first two (2) times it left score marks in a spiral pattern on the front barrel. The last time it locked up for good, sent it in for repair and Sigma said it would not warranty the repair due to physical damage to the lense. My son takes pictures at car races and has also seen other people with the spiral score marks on their Sigma 50-500 lenses.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 42 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Super-Tele
Cons
- Heavy
- Lens Creep
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Giant-Pan-Shots
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
I wish I could give this lens a 4.5 stars, but as is it gets 4. This lens would be perfect (and cost 3 times as much) if it were faster. I do caution other purchases that the lens is heavy, and slow. You will need a tripod or monopod. You will need a camera which can take great pictures at 1000ISO. If you are not getting clean pictures of object at reasonable distances, you are not shooting fast enough. At long distance shots will have a little haze to them (it is not the lens, it is water in the air). It took me a while to get good with this lens, but once I figure out what I was doing wrong, this is the lens to have in the bag. One last thought, the 2x Tele is not going to autofocus.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Affordable
- Wide zoom rangeUnique
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Airshows
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
I use the lens for photographing airplanes, flying birds etc with Nikon D300 and D700 bodies. Very sharp at midrange and good at the long range too. Very satisfied an supplements my Nikon lenses nicely. Nice lens to have when traveling to airshows supplementing standard zoom lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
I love nature and enjoy nature photography. This lens is perfect for what I enjoy doing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
I started to check this lens out before it had OS. Since Sigma added the OS function I have been researching it for more than a year reading everything I could find about it, the good, the bad and the ugly. Two weeks ago I ordered it for my Christmas present from my wife. I did not have time to work with it until the Baltimore Grand Prix. I shot over 1,500 pictures with this lens over a 4 day weekend. I love this lens!!! Works well with my Nikon D90 camera. It got a little heavy after about 6 to 8 hours of walking around the track and pit area, but I got shots that nobody else could get and I did not have to fight the crowds to get them!!! I would recommend this lens to everyone!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
Cons
- Heavy
- Lens Creep
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
I bought this specifically for a vacation trip to Alaska, and it stopped auto-focusing two days into the trip. I've just sent it off for repair, so I can evaluate their service too!
Even with manual focus the wildlife was brought in sharp and clear.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
I opened the box and I could see why it's called the BIGMA. At first I though did I make a mistake? After using it was very happy that I purchased this lense. I got it for shooting wildlife and sports. I have a Nikon D90.
When I received the lense I first used it to shoot Photos of my grandson at football practice. I was impressed with the quality of the pictures and how easy it was to hand hold. I went on a cruise to Alaska I used this lense 80% of the time. My friends wanted to see and try it. One friend orderded one for her husband and when we all whent out bird shooting she desided to order another for herself. Another friend liked how close everthing was and orded one for herself. Fourteen of us our going to South Africa in September and so far we will have four Sigma 50-500 lenses. I am very please with this lense and looking forward to great shots in Africa.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
This is the best purchase I have made for my photo hobby. Brings everything I shoot almost to life!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Short min focus distance
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
I've had one serious outing with this lens and find that it meets me expectations. The images are sharp (though not amazingly so, but very respectably so), the auto-focus is quick and accurate, and the optical stabilization seems to work pretty well.
I use it with a monopod to provide stability t long focal lengths while staining mobility in the field chasing birds. This proved to be a good combination for me.
Focusing on a small bird at 500mm was often best done by hand but if enough of th field of view is filled, the auto focus works very well.
The lens lock to fix it in th 50mm posting is nice for moving to the next location. Th lens is heavy but not so heavy that you can't hand hold it in a pinch. At long focal lengths this is difficult but not impossible.
Using the light shields ( it comes in two pieces for APS sized camera) makes for a very imposing attachment to your camera.
The sort minimum focus is a plus. I could easily photograph insects at close range.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Moon shots
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
I love this lens! It has a huge range and is sharp throughout. Yes it's heavy but manageable. I have been able to hold it and take pictures as well as use it on a tripod and monopod. Been using it mostly for wildlife and shots of the moon. Lots of detail. Out of the box it was a little stiff and no lense creep, now there is some lens creep but hey I expected it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Price
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
I wanted a zoom lens for my Nikon D90 with more reach than my Nikon 70-300mm lens and this Sigma 50-500mm lens does that. I enjoy bird watching and I am closer than ever. The focus is pretty fast, the images are sharp. I was debating between this lens and the Sigma 150-400, but it's nice to go wide with 50mm.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
I bought this lens for birding. I use it on Nikon Dx format camera giving my an equivalent 750mm magnification. I am satisfied with the lens. It seems solidly built. The autofocus is fast. The manual focus is smooth and the image stabilization is very effective. It seems sharp enough. The drawback is speed. The lens is not fast. But the price per millimeter is outstanding.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
As yet another photographer who can't afford the multi-thousand-dollar long lenses provided by Nikon (and other top camera manufacturers), the Sigma 50-500mm lens with it's far-more-reasonable price tag enabled me to enter a whole new world of long telephoto imagery! I used this lens' predecessor for five years, capturing images that I'd show in Los Angeles area galleries and various publications. I was drawn to this new lens by the OS (Optical Stabilization) promise. I hand-hold almost exclusively, and when used on my D300s (DX) Nikon, that can be as long as an equivalent 750mm...IMO, an ideal situation for OS!I use this lens primarily to photograph animals in the Los Angeles Zoo and wildlife when I travel. The long zoom provides one-lens convenience at the zoo and variable long-range reach in the wild.I've noticed an increased sharpness to my images. I'm not sure if it's entirely due to the OS crispening up my almost-sharp attempts, or if the lenses themselves are optically better than the previous model. In any case, it's a welcome improvement, and I have been able to shoot sharp images under conditions that probably would have produced a soft image without OS.The new lens is a few ounces heavier, and IMO, has no noticeable affect. I find that heavier camera/lens combinations offer their own form of stabilization through inertia where the heavier unit will pan more smoothly (less up-and-down movement) and stay stable in still shots, unmoved by minor body shakes.The auto-focus is faster in this new model, and in the dyamic world of animal photography, that's a definite plus. This lens also focuses much closer than the old one, and I've already captured images that would have been missed before. Macro or near-macro images are possible.All in all, I'm very happy I spent the [$], a figure that's at least 1.5 times what I spent on the non-OS model five years ago. Sigma has done a wonderful job of upgrading an already awesome product!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Heavy but manageable
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
I have used this lense for nature photography and for sports photography in a gym. It worked great in each application.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
- Surveillance
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
Back in late 2006 early 2007, I wanted a 500mm for Nikon. After much researching online, I settled on the BigMa because of its Focal Length range (50-500) which no other lens maker had offered and for so much cheaper than the Nikon. I bought it here from B&H! If you're a big guy (which I'm not), I suppose you can handhold this lens. Sometimes I get lucky handholding shots, its much better using a monopod or tripod. This lens is sharp barring any shaking. Focusing is not as fast as my Nikon 400mm f2.8. If you dont mind 'slower' focusing like I do. If speed is your requirement, you're better off getting Nikon I think. I mostly use this lens in the 400+mm focal lengths to shoot. I've done some of my best moon shots with this lens. Its great for taking sunsets too. IMHO I prefer to use my Nikon prime lenses for shooting below 200mm fl. This lens is of professonal quality, very heavy, the focus ring is smooth, no VR (I dont use VR though). Its seems for me that its harder to mount on the camera than Nikon lenses.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
Cons
- Heavy
- Lens Creep
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
I have been using this lens to make photos of small birds at a neighborhood park. The focus is quick, quiet, and accurate. I am not able to hand-hold this lens when mounted - a disadvantage - but I'm quite pleased with its performance when mounted on a tripod.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
This lens has far exceeded my expectations! I photograph nature in all her glory and this lens has given me the extra range without the massive price. If there is a single drawback, I wish it were just a bit faster in low light conditions. With that said, I have been using this lens for about two weeks now, almost every day and I don't know if I was just lucky or what, but even the images taken at full zoom are nice and sharp. For the price, I really don't think you will find a better lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
I rented this lens for 3 weeks before deciding to purchase it. This lens works well when you need the extra reach - tested it using a Nikon D90 and Nikon D7000 - works well on both. I'm happy I bought the lens and pleased with the purchase.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
I have not experienced the slow focus that some are talking about. The only draw back to this lens that I see is the filter size. A CPL costs an arm and a leg and you can not put a CPL on the step-down ring or you will not be able to get it off of your lens. Also, if you use the step down ring, you will have to buy another lens cap as the one supplied will no longer fit. I have used this lens for the last couple of days and I am impressed. Nice clean photos at all focal lengths. The included photo was taken at about 30 yards and at 500 mm, f 6.3, 1/320s. [@]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Great Zoom
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- LONG RANGE
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
I USE TO TAKE LONG RANGE PHOTOS OF LOCOMOTIVES. IT HAS PLENTY OF ZOOM AND IS CLEAR, A BIT ON THE HEAVY SIDE AND LIVES UPTO ITS NICK NAME THE BIGMA BUT WHEN YOU AD THE SIGMA 2X TELECONVERTOR ITS ABLE TO PHOTOGRAPH THE ANTS ON THE MOON, OK MAYBE NOT BUT ITS GOT ZOOM! NICE LENSE, GREAT PRICE, I LOVE IT.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens:
Bought this mainly to take close up photos of the many eagles that we have around here. I have not been disappointed. This lens does require good lighting. Have used it on cloudy days, but like any lens, sunlight is always better. A little heavy when hand holding, but got some great flying eagle shots. Easier to use manual focus than auto when trying to capture something flying by. Very happy with this lens!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $94.75
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
Rain Capes (Covers & Slickers)
- Price: $99.99
Tripod & Support
-
- Original: $329.95
- Save: $32.99
- Price: $296.96
What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Caps
- Lens Hood
- Tripod Collar
- 95mm to 86mm Step Down Ring
- Case
- Strap
- 3-Year USA Warranty
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