When we work for Fstoppers, we often have the opportunity to test and evaluate new devices. When an exercise to try out the new Sigma 150-600mm came out, my ears immediately perked up. Super zoom is my secret weapon and I’m happy to share my test results with you.
I’ve spent my career traveling the world, photographing wildlife, from great gray owls to wild horses, peregrine falcons, red foxes, wolves, puffins and more. You ask what I photographed all these animals with? Except when I’m testing equipment, the tool in my kit is a Sigma super photographic zoom lens. All this time, one lens has made up nearly my entire wildlife portfolio, and that’s the Sigma 50-500mm. Tried and true, these glasses have survived the harshest conditions from snow to salt and are reliable. However, this lens is many years old and I had to use an adapter to mount it on my mirrorless camera. So how does the latest and greatest update of the iconic “Bigma” in the fashionable E mount fare in my hand get out into the wild? Well, let me tell you a story about one epic thunderstorm, two hurricanes, and the little me in the field, getting through it all with this versatile lens.
overview
Behold Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens for Sony E, a monster of lenses in a compact package compared to an equal prime lens. The advantage of the 150-600mm lens is not only in weight and size savings, but also in the flexibility of having an optical zoom to adjust to changing compositions in the field. Part of the challenge and fun of photographing wildlife is that they move, and zooming allows you to “move” with them. I also find this particularly useful when quickly zooming in for narrow shots and then zooming out to create a more environmental portrait that shows wildlife in their habitat.
main function
- Electronic mount lens, full frame format
- Aperture range: f/5 to f/22
- Four FLD elements, two SLD . elements
- Super multi-layer coating
- Operating System and Custom Mode Switch
- Dual action zoom system
- OS Image Stabilization
- Zoom Torque Switch, Arca Style Foot
- Round 9 blade diaphragm
- Durable brass bayonet mount
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS . Specifications
- Focal length: 150 to 600mm
- Maximum aperture: f/5 to 6.3
- Minimum aperture: f/22 to 29
- Lens mount: Sony E
- Lens format covered: Full Frame
- Viewing Angle: 16.4° to 4.1°
- Minimum focus distance: 22.8″ / 58 cm
- Maximum Magnification: 0.34x
- Macro reproduction ratio: 1:2.9
- Optical design: 25 elements in 15 groups
- Diaphragm blade: 9, round
- Focus type: Autofocus
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Tripod stand: Detachable
- Filter size: 95 mm (Front)
- Dimensions (ø x L): 4.3 x 10.5″ / 10.9 x 26.7 cm
- Weight: 74.1 oz / 2.1 kg
The new Sigma 150-600mm is a big upgrade from my old 50-500mm. Sigma has completely overhauled the lens, and “a redesigned autofocus system provides both speed and precision by incorporating an AF actuator driven by a stepping motor, as well as a magnetic sensor. high accuracy.” As someone who has used both lenses, I can feel the difference in speed. The Sigma 150-600mm quickly selects the target, and in my camera’s continuous mode, which is my favorite for flying birds or wild horses, autofocus remains locked to the subject. . Precision gear like this can be the difference between capturing or missing an important moment.
What I like best about the Sigma 150-600mm
My favorite aspects about the Sigma 150-600mm lens are its compact size which allows it to fit easily in my carry-on camera backpack, its versatile zoom capabilities, and its portable weight. manually, with the backup of a powerful optical lens. stable system. It also has some extra features that photographers can enjoy including a zoom torque switch to customize the anti-zoom, OS mode switch, focus limiter and three customizable AFL buttons. The luxury of customizable zoom and AFL buttons feels great. Sigma has noted how valuable a telephoto lens tool is to us, and adds a plethora of ways to adjust and fine-tune the lens to suit your specific needs.
What doesn’t work for me
When using the Sigma 150-600mm for a few months, the only part that I wish I could change was the included tripod stand. This is definitely a nitpick, as it has nothing to do with the excellent optics but the exterior design. As a hobbyist of mine, the tripod stand is much smaller than my older Sigma 50-500mm. I use a tripod foot as a grip and the older, much longer version even has finger indentations for precise use. I did some digging and found that Sigma offers an optional replacement pin for purchase. The Sigma TS-81 Lens Stand for Sport Lens 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM much longer, but it still has the same flat design, no finger dents. It can perfectly function as a handle, but I was comforted by the grip of the tripod leg with the indentations for your hand.
In the field
So, what adventures have been had with this lensed monster? Well, first of all, I took my lens around just to get a feel for it. With many trails close to home, I was able to test it on some of the local birds and wildlife like deer and squirrels. As the journey was about to begin, I went for a hike, where I hoped to see deer and came across a beautiful fawn crossing the river. A few nymphs in tall grass was a good test, and the lens correctly selected the nymphs on swaying blades of grass. This is a great first impression.
Next, I plan to go on a mission with me, and then disaster strikes, literally. Two hurricanes behind me completely ruined my plan. I was able to reschedule, and that’s where the fun begins. The rescheduling meant that all my rides had to be pushed back, so the lens was tested in all conditions, from salty sandy beaches, to photographing wild horses, to the mountains. mountains in New England for alpine wildlife.
While on an island, taking pictures of wild horses, a storm hit the sea. You can feel the pressure drop and the air have an odd moisture and stillness. The clouds rolled in, and I was knee-deep in the tidal marsh, photographing the horses. The Sigma 150-600mm handles low light like a champ, and the zoom allowed me to step back down to 150mm and get shots that show off beautiful clouds. I quickly hit the high ground, and as a pleasure in addition to reviewing the 150-600mm lens, I brought out the Sigma 17-50mm to capture the epic lightning storm that lasted all night.
Over the next few days, I tested the Sigma 150-600mm on wild horses as they galloped across the beach, scrambled for territory, and even ran through the surf.
Next, I took two trips back to New England to admire the wonderful sight of autumn colors. I look forward to these trips every year, and nature did not disappoint. While traditionally a landscape trip with a wide-angle lens, I found the 150-600mm lens used in creating a tighter image. While on the lake teaching a photography workshop, this lens is perfect for capturing kayakers passing by and the distant mountains ablaze in autumn colors. I also take it hiking in search of the smaller wildlife we see in the iconic New England jungles. Small and fast flying birds, red squirrels and chipmunks were all present to test this lens.
Epilogue
Returning home with multiple memory cards full of shots from testing this lens, I can say that in all kinds of weather, lighting, time of year and subject, it will work. As a full-time wildlife and landscape photographer, Sigma 150-600mm Fits my set perfectly. If you want to choose one for your kit, you can find them In stock at B&H.
