Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary

The Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary is an APS-C all-in-one zoom with an 18.8x range, available for Sony E, Leica L-Mount, Fujifilm X and Canon RF. A Nikon Z version has been announced for release on 5 November 2026. The focal range corresponds to about 24 to 450mm in 35mm terms (roughly 25.6 to 480mm on Canon RF). Sigma calls it the first mirrorless lens with this zoom ratio. It suits travel, wildlife, sports and general use with a single lens.

Optical design

The lens has 20 elements in 14 groups, including 1 FLD, 4 SLD and 4 aspherical elements. The diaphragm has 9 rounded blades and the smallest aperture is F22 at 16mm and F45 at 300mm. According to Sigma, the maximum magnification is 1:2 at 70mm, 1:3 at the wide end and 1:4 at the telephoto end. The minimum focus distance is 17cm at the wide end and 105cm at the long end. Sigma also says focus breathing is suppressed, which helps with focus stacking and video.

Autofocus and handling

An HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) drives the autofocus. Optical stabilization uses Sigma's OS2 algorithm and offers 6 stops at 16mm and 4.5 stops at 300mm by CIPA guidelines, measured on an APS-C camera according to Sigma. A zoom lock switch holds the lens at the wide end so the barrel does not extend.

Build and size

Sigma quotes 615g for Sony E, L-Mount and Fujifilm X, 625g for Canon RF and 630g for Nikon Z. Length varies by mount between 121.4mm (L-Mount, Canon RF) and 125.4mm (Nikon Z), with a diameter of 73.8mm and a 67mm filter thread. The structure is dust and splash resistant and the front element has a water and oil repellent coating.

Where it fits

In the database, the Sigma 18-300 F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary is Sigma's earlier long-range zoom for DSLRs. For Sony E and Fujifilm X, the Tamron 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD is the direct competitor. The Sony E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS and the Fujifilm XF 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR cover a shorter range, and the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a lighter, brighter option with far less reach.

Pros and cons

Pros

• 18.8x zoom from 16mm to 300mm in a lens of about 615g
• Optical stabilization with up to 6 stops at the wide end by Sigma's rating
• Maximum magnification of 1:2 at 70mm
• Dust and splash resistant, with zoom lock

Cons

• Aperture closes to F6.7 at 300mm
• Not suited to shallow depth of field or very dim light
• The barrel extends when zooming to the long end

Verdict

The Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary is a one-lens travel solution for APS-C owners who accept a variable aperture in exchange for reach and a wide start at 16mm. The built-in stabilization is a practical advantage on camera bodies without in-body stabilization.