Sigma 300-600mm F4 DG OS | Sports

The Sigma 300-600mm F4 DG OS Sports is a full-frame super-telephoto zoom with a constant F4 aperture for Sony E and Leica L-Mount. Sigma presents it as 600mm F4 reach with the option to zoom out to 300mm. It is aimed at wildlife, sports and motorsport photographers who work from a tripod or monopod.

Optical design

The construction has 28 elements in 21 groups, including 6 FLD and 1 SLD element, plus anomalous dispersion glass and high refractive index glass per Sigma. The diaphragm has 13 rounded blades and the smallest aperture is F22. Minimum focus distance is 2.8m at 300mm and 4.5m at 600mm, with a maximum magnification of 1:6 at 470mm. An inner zoom keeps the center of gravity stable across the range.

Autofocus and handling

An HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) drives the focus. Optical stabilization uses Sigma's OS2 algorithm and, according to Sigma, offers 5.5 stops at 600mm by CIPA guidelines, with Mode 1 for general use and Mode 2 for panning. A new function ring can work in Focus Preset mode or Power Focus mode. Controls include four AFL buttons, a focus mode switch, a focus limiter, an OS mode switch and a custom mode switch. Sigma says the L-Mount version works with its TC-1411 and TC-2011 teleconverters.

Build and size

The lens weighs 3,970g in Sony E and 3,985g in L-Mount form, is about 470mm long and 167mm wide. The main barrel parts are magnesium alloy and the hood is carbon. A thermal insulation paint is meant to limit heating in sunlight. The tripod socket rotates on bearings with 90° clicks and takes Arca-Swiss clamps. There is no front filter thread. Instead, a drop-in holder takes 40.5mm filters. The structure is dust and splash resistant.

Where it fits

There is no direct predecessor in the database. Within Sigma's own range, the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S and the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS are lighter zooms with less light and more flexibility at the wide end. For Sony E, the Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS is the common telephoto zoom, and the Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS is the prime counterpart at 600mm.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Constant F4 over a 300 to 600mm range
• Stabilization rated at 5.5 stops at 600mm by Sigma, with a panning mode
• Function ring with Focus Preset and Power Focus
• Drop-in filter holder and Arca-Swiss tripod socket
• Dust and splash resistant, with thermal insulation paint

Cons

• Nearly 4kg, so a tripod or monopod is practically required
• Long minimum focus distance of 2.8 to 4.5m
• Large 167mm diameter and about 47cm length

Verdict

The Sigma 300-600mm F4 DG OS Sports targets users who need F4 light at 600mm and who work from support. Compared with 150-600mm zooms, the extra light and the function ring come at the cost of weight and size.