Sigma 150-600mm review

This Sigma 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG HSM has a lot to offer. It features an impressively versatile range complemented by a portable form factor. This EF-mount manufactured by Sigma is a contemporary telephoto zoom that features sophisticated optics and employs flexible handling.

It is sports FLD and SLD elements to reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing. It has Super Multi-Coating applied to its elements to suppress ghosting and flare for improved contrast and color accuracy when working in strong lighting conditions.

Sigma 150-600mm review

Not only does this lens has a fantastic optical design, but it also features a Hyper Sonic Motor. This makes its autofocus performance fast and quiet. It also gives it a full-time manual focus override capability. Moreover, it also employs an Optical Stabilizer, which reduces the appearance of camera shake to a bare minimum.

A removable tripod collar can rotate to make this lens suitable for working atop a tripod. It is one of the most compact and lightweight lenses in the 150-600mm range and the most durable and reliable one!

Let us look at this Sigma 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG HSM features in detail to understand what makes it so special:

Product overview:

When this lens was first introduced, we couldn’t believe our eyes. The long list of features with such a reasonable price tag surprised us. This lens, introduced as a part of Contemporary Sigma’s Global Vision series, does deliver a lot while costing little.

It is indeed designed in a balanced way so that both convenience and performance can be achieved. Not only are the optics on point, but the build is also exceptional. It is a perfect compact package that is built to both lightweight and versatile at the same time. So with notable optical attributes and convenient handling, this telephoto zoom has become our favorite.

First, discussing its format, this lens is manufactured for a full-frame Canon EF-mount camera, but it can also be used with APS-C models where it will attain a 240-960mm equivalent focal length range. Now coming onto the optics, this lens employs one FLD element (F Low Dispersion) and three SLD elements (Special Low Dispersion) in its design to minimize both color fringing and chromatic aberrations so that clarity and color accuracy can be enhanced.

Super Multi-Layer Coating

It also features a Super Multi-Layer Coating applied to all its elements so that lens flare and ghosting can be minimized to produce color-neutral and contrast-rich imagery, even when shooting in backlit conditions.

Now let’s talk about its performance. This lens sports an Integrated Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) complemented by a rear focus system, making its autofocus performance both quick and quiet. This performance is further enhanced by an optimized AF algorithm, which leads to even more smoother focusing.

The HSM employed also allows full-time manual focus control, which can be achieved by rotating the focus ring whenever required. Additionally, to enhance functioning, this lens also has an Optical Stabilizer System embedded in it to reduce camera shake’s appearance so that sharper imagery can be achieved when shooting handheld.

It also features a Rounded nine-blade diaphragm, which results in a smoother and more pleasing bokeh quality.

Dust and splash resistant

Coming on to its durability and reliability, this lens excels in these aspects as well. It is designed to be dust and splash resistant, making this lens suitable to be used in inclement weather conditions. It also has water and oil-repellent coating applied to its front element to help in cleaning.

Then it is constructed using a TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) material to give it greater precision and make it capable of being used in wide temperature variations.

It also has a brass bayonet, which leads to better mounting accuracy and rigidity. There is also a Zoom lock switch, which can be activated at all focal lengths to prevent accidental and unwanted zoom adjustments.

Additionally, it also has supplementary features like a removable, rotating tripod collar, which gives it the ability to offer balanced support for hooting atop a tripod or monopod with both vertical and horizontal capturing orientations. It is also compatible with the optional Sigma USB Dock so that different lens characteristics can be tuned and its firmware can be updated.

Compact and lightweight

The next feature which makes this Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM stand out is its size and weight. It is both compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and pack. It is a dream come true for many wildlife and sports photographers who need a convenient to carry lens and that too on a budget.

Normally, such lenses that offer anything close to the 600mm range and are compact translates to a substantial price tag. But unlike other brands, this Sigma gives a huge focal range to work within less than half the price. It is beneficial for those who want to photograph subjects at varying distances with the flexibility to shoot at both close and long distances without the high cost and weight concerns. It is perfect for budget-conscious enthusiasts.

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 has many direct competitors like Tamron and Nikkor, which have introduced lenses with the same aperture ranges and focal lengths.

But what sets it apart is both its price and reliability. From built and weigh to optics and performance, things are quite similar as they all have a total of 20 lens elements and nine diaphragm blades, and even the lens construction together with manufacturer-provided MTF charts are surprisingly similar.

Moreover, it is also compatible with Sigma TC-1401 1.4x and TC-2001 2x teleconverters.

Even though Sigma stands out with so many resemblances, it costs considerably less, having the same features, and is durable as the material used to make it is top-notch.

Great autofocus

This lens performs beautifully in all aspects. Be it mechanically, electronically, or optically, and it is ideal for photographers. It is consistent and reliable at varying focal lengths, and both operation and autofocus performance is surprisingly good. Even though we are dealing with a huge range of 150-600mm, which is huge to work with, but this lens design doesn’t compromise anywhere and works well at all focal lengths.

This lens has a design that enables it to produce exceptional images, generally. It is extremely versatile because it offers sharpness that one often cannot match using teleconverters and shorter focal length lenses. There is no dramatic drop of AF reliability at the long end with the 1.4x TC, as well. Thus, this 150-600mm lens is indeed the best for getting closer to the action than any other in the market.

So like always, the Sigma brand has proven its worth by creating this 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens. They have put everything on offer at such a reasonable price that they have stomped their competitors out flat.

From being superior optically, to smooth performance and sharp finish, this lens has won many hearts. And the best part is that it costs way less and allows tweaking of autofocus operation without touching the AF-Fine tune camera parameters without additional cost or time! So it has ruled many pockets as well. What more can you ask for?

What’s In the Box?

•  Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Lens for Canon EF
•  Rear Cap LCR II for Canon EF Mount Lenses
•  LCF-95 III 95mm Lens Cap
•  Sigma LH1050-01 Lens Hood for 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Lens
•  Protective Cover PT-11
•  Sigma TS-71 Tripod Collar for 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Lens
•  Lens Case
•  Shoulder Strap
•  Limited 1-Year Warranty

Sigma 150-600mm specification:

• Focal Length: 150 to 600mm
• Max Aperture: f/5 to 6.3
• Min Aperture: f/22
• Format Compatibility: Full-Frame
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• The angle of View: 16.4° – 4.1°
• Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:4.9
• Min Focus Distance: 9.19′ / 2.8 m
• Max Magnification: 0.2x
• Optical Design: 20 Elements in 14 Groups
• Focus Type: Autofocus
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• Diaphragm Blades: 9, Rounded
• Tripod Collar: Removable and Rotating
• Filter Size: 95 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L): 105 x 260.1 mm / 4.13 x 10.24″
• Weight: 1830 g /4 lb.

Conclusion

Summing it up, the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 OS DG HSM is indeed a finely tuned contemporary lens that has many advantages over its competitors. It may have some lacking, but the biggest advantage is that any AF issues can easily be resolved by attaching it with Sigma Dock and adjusting the AF parameters.

While it offers so many features, the price is not skyrocketing high like its counterpart, nor is the quality compromised. The manufacturers of this Sigma lens know how to keep their customers satisfied and give them the best value for their money.

That is why I keep wondering why people are waiting to try it out. It is one of the best lenses of this day and age, and photographers shouldn’t hesitate to add it to their equipment. It surely adds a great deal more potential and new perspectives to your photography.

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