Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM

Canon EF

Review

The Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM is a versatile super-telephoto zoom lens designed for Canon EF mount, making it a popular choice among wildlife and sports photographers. This lens combines a long focal length with a relatively compact design, offering the ability to capture distant subjects with impressive detail.

Build and Design

The build quality of the Sigma 150-500mm is solid, featuring a durable exterior that can withstand the rigors of outdoor photography. The lens is equipped with a rubberized grip for easy handling, and its design is somewhat lightweight for a lens of this class, weighing in at approximately 2,000 grams. The tripod collar is an added bonus for stability during extended shoots, although it does add some weight.

Optical Performance

Optically, the lens performs quite well, offering sharp images across the zoom range, especially at the lower focal lengths. However, as you push toward the longer end (500mm), sharpness can diminish slightly, particularly when shooting wide open at f6.3. The lens exhibits some chromatic aberration and barrel distortion at the extremes, but these issues can often be corrected in post-processing. The built-in Optical Stabilization (OS) feature helps to counteract camera shake, making it easier to shoot at slower shutter speeds.

Autofocus

The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) provides fast and quiet autofocus performance, which is essential for capturing fast-moving subjects. The autofocus system generally locks on reliably, although in low light conditions or with intricate backgrounds, it can occasionally struggle. A full-time manual focus override allows for quick adjustments when precise focusing is necessary.

Versatility

With its extensive zoom range, the Sigma 150-500mm is extraordinarily versatile, enabling photographers to shoot wide landscapes as well as close-up wildlife shots without changing lenses. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who may not want to carry multiple lenses during outdoor excursions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Solid build quality with rubberized grip
• Versatile 150-500mm focal length range
• Good optical performance with decent sharpness
• Built-in Optical Stabilization for reduced shake
• Fast and quiet autofocus system with manual override

Cons

• Slightly reduced sharpness at maximum focal length
• Some chromatic aberration and distortion at the extremes
• Autofocus can struggle in low light or busy backgrounds
• Heavier than some alternative options

Verdict

Overall, the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM is an excellent choice for photographers seeking a budget-friendly super-telephoto lens without compromising too much on quality. While it has some limitations, particularly in terms of maximum sharpness at longer focal lengths, its versatility and reliable performance make it a worthy addition to any Canon EF mount camera kit. Whether you're capturing wildlife in their natural habitat or shooting fast-paced sporting events, this lens provides the reach and flexibility needed for those challenging shots.