SIGMA has announced a new super tele-zoom lens that might usher in a new generation for the Japanese manufacturer and arguably for the entire market. The SIGMA 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports Lens offers the desirable 600mm f/4 range in a relatively compact yet robust chassis. On top of this, the company added an optical image stabilizer (OS in SIGMA’s lingo), a High-response Linear Actuator (HLA) to drive the auto-focus elements and a thermal insulation paint that will regulate internal temperatures. As a bonus, it also gives the lens a white finish—which, for some, might be the real selling point (no judgment!). Oh, and it will cut about half the price of some of its direct competitors.
300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports Lens (Sony E)
all prices excluding sales tax/VAT
The world of professional tele lenses was never mainstream. Hefty in both physique and price, these lenses were mostly seen in the hands of hardcore professionals, mostly around high-profile sports events or in the wild, capturing elusive fauna. While the new SIGMA 300-600mm f/4 will probably be seen in the same arenas, it is one of several new mirrorless tele lenses that blur this line with smaller, lighter, and more affordable options. Some manage to pull that off by compromising the max aperture. This was made possible thanks to modern mirrorless cameras’ auto-focus systems that can operate under such conditions, unlike most DSLR cameras. SIGMA, however, didn’t take that road with their current pro super tele-zoom.
What’s inside the SIGMA 300-600mm f/4
Under the thermal insulation paint-clad magnesium alloy shell, SIGMA has managed to cram quite a lot. The optical formula comprises 28 elements in 21 groups, including six FLD elements and one SLD element. These should combat every stray beam of light for uncompromised technical performance. 13 aperture blades will ensure round bokeh at all settings. The lens also includes an optical image stabilizer capable of reducing vibration equivalent to 5.5 stops. This should enable occasional hand-held capabilities, but with a total weight of almost 4 kilograms, I’ll hardly recommend such a practice. As with most of its brethren, the lens is robust and weather-sealed.
Ample control points
With few surface limitations, the super tele lens boasts numerous control points. The new SIGMA 300-600mm f/4 happily follows and adds some new features. A rear drop-in filter slot will accommodate a compact circular polarizer (CPL) and neutral density (ND). Various switches will limit the auto-focus range, choose stabilization modes, and more. Four AF-L buttons spread around the barrel, and a new custom control collar is a welcome addition. There’s even a click-declick switch on the tripod leg if you would like to set your Dutch angle shot with or without clicks…
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A 600mm with benefits
It seems as if SIGMA was opting for a new 600mm f/4 lens and, in a very “SIGMA fashion,” added some influential bonuses to it, mostly the incredibly useful zoom. Even without the wider 300mm angle, the lens poses a major challenge to other manufacturers’ 600mm f/4 alternatives. Most of those cost twice as much as the SIGMA, and they have a hard time offering much more. And that’s before we even realized that the SIGMA 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports boasts a 2x zoom range. While we will have to wait for actual testing, it seems that SIGMA managed to restructure the segment around its innovative design. It’s far from the first time.
Price and availability
The SIGMA 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports is available for preorder for $5,999 / €5,930.12 with either a Sony e-Mount or SIGMA / Panasonic / Leica L-Mount. No shipping time frame has yet to be disclosed.
Will this lens make you consider getting a professional super-telephoto lens for the first time? Is 6K still too much for the use case the lens may cover? Let us know in the comments.
