Mark Ellington
Sigma 50-500mm Ultra Telephoto Zoom Lens
Introduction
The Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM SLD Ultra Telephoto Zoom Lens is a versatile lens designed for Canon Digital SLR cameras. Manufactured by Sigma, a renowned name in the photography industry, this lens is categorized as an ultra-telephoto zoom lens and is intended for photographers looking to capture distant subjects with clarity and precision.
Product Overview
With a focal length range of 50-500mm, this lens caters to a wide variety of photography styles, from wildlife and sports photography to landscapes and portraits. It boasts features that enhance usability, including Optical Stabilization (OS) and a Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM) for quick and silent autofocus.
Appearance and Design
The Sigma 50-500mm lens has a sleek, black finish that gives it a professional appearance. It is constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring durability while maintaining a relatively lightweight profile for its class. The lens features a unique zoom lock mechanism that helps prevent accidental zooming during transport. Additionally, it comes equipped with a lens hood, which aids in reducing flare and protecting the front element from scratches and dust.
Key Features and Specifications
- Lens Construction: 22 Elements in 6 Groups, including 4 Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements.
- Maximum Aperture: f/4.5-6.3.
- Minimum Aperture: f/22.
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 50-180 cm (19.7-70.9 in).
- Angle of View: 46.8° to 5.0°.
- Filter Size: 95mm.
- Maximum Magnification: 1:3.1.
- Optical Stabilization: Yes.
- Auto Focus: Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM).
- Included Accessories: Lens hood, hood adapter, front & rear lens caps, and carrying case.
- Warranty: 3 Years.
Experience Using the Product
During extensive testing, the Sigma 50-500mm lens performed admirably in various scenarios. In wildlife photography, the lens’s long reach allowed for detailed shots of animals from a safe distance, with the optical stabilization significantly reducing blur caused by camera shake. The autofocus was quick and accurate, making it easy to track moving subjects.
In lower light conditions, the lens still held up well, although users may need to be mindful of the slower maximum aperture at the longer focal lengths. When capturing landscapes, the lens’s color correction and sharpness were impressive, showcasing the SLD glass elements’ capabilities.
However, in certain situations, the lens’s size and weight became a consideration, particularly during prolonged shooting sessions. A tripod is recommended for the best results, especially at the maximum focal length.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Versatile focal range (50-500mm) suitable for various photography styles.
- Outstanding optical stabilization for handheld shooting.
- Fast and quiet autofocus with Hyper-Sonic Motor.
- Solid build quality and professional look.
- Includes useful accessories like a lens hood and carrying case.
Cons
- Relatively heavy, which may require a tripod for extended use.
- Maximum aperture can be limiting in low-light conditions.
- Only compatible with Sigma teleconverters for extended reach.
Conclusion
Overall, the Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM SLD Ultra Telephoto Zoom Lens is an excellent choice for photographers seeking versatility and performance. While it has a few drawbacks, such as weight and aperture limitations, its strong optical stabilization, fast autofocus, and impressive image quality more than make up for them. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, sports photographer, or simply love capturing distant landscapes, this lens will serve you well in your photographic endeavors.
