Verdict
Pros
- Impressively quick and quiet automatic-focusing
Cons
- Significant softness at wide aperture
Key Specifications
- Review Price: £899
The Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM superzoom has the most important aspect of any modern long-focus lens – an efficient AF drive system. This is very much the Sigma superzoom’s forte. As well as being quick its motor is also quiet and acts internally, so the manual-focusing ring remains motionless but can still be used at any time to make adjustments.
The Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens is fairly bulky: in part this is probably due to the Optical Stabiliser that is fitted inside the newer Canon, Nikon and Sigma versions (but not the older Pentax and Sony models). The OS has two modes to accommodate both static and panning situations but did not always improve the MTF figures recorded during testing. It does, however, settle the image for more accurate composition and easier manual focusing.
The manual-focusing ring is heavily obstructed when the tripod platform is attached. This is obviously a design trade-off: the tripod platform has been generously sized and shaped to provide a comfortable grip. Removing the tripod platform means taking the lens off the camera, after which additional steadying will be available only via the camera’s tripod-screw. This would result in poor balance, so manual-focusing (or focus adjustment) is easiest carried-out with the tripod platform in place, using an unnaturally high grip on the ring with the left elbow almost horizontal.
The zoom ring has a fairly short throw but the extended tripod platform also obstructs this a bit.
Sample images
Verdict
Overall, the Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM superzoom works best in AF mode and its Optical Stabiliser is best reserved for improving viewing rather than the quality of captured images. The heavy-duty padded case is a useful addition but it is a shame that some aspects of handling are rather awkward.
Trusted Score
Score in detail
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Value 9
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Design 8
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Image Quality 8
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Features 9
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Professional conduct
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
