Verdict

The Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN is a very welcome super-telephoto lens for those who prefer to use primes over zooms. It delivers a step-up in sharpness and brightness over the big zooms, with a considerable saving in weight, making it tempting to anyone shooting distant subjects who values portability.

At just under 1.4kg, it’s much easier to carry around than zooms which include this focal length, and unlike those models, I found it possible to shoot all day mostly handheld without the need for a tripod or monopod. And while it lacks the ultimate separation of the f4 and f2,.8 super-tele primes, it’s considerably lighter and cheaper than any of them.

But there’s no getting away from the fact it’s pricier than the big zooms, while also lacking their flexibility. Sigma’s own 60-600 and 150-600 both extend beyond 500mm, giving them greater compositional flexibility while also costing two thirds and half the price respectively. Likewise, Sony’s 200-600 reaches further, has greater flexibility and costs two thirds the price of the Sigma prime.

But all are larger and weigh over 2kg, or in the case of the 60-600, closer to two and a half kilograms, making them much less portable. When testing them, I loved their flexibility and affordability, but hated carrying any of them for long. 

What you’re willing to carry is a personal thing, but those hefty zooms rooted me to mostly fixed locations and tripod or at least monopod use. In contrast the Sigma 500 felt much more like a handheld lens, the irony being it may be less flexible as a prime, but you’re more able to move freely with it.

Ultimately it’s a mature market with lots of choice, and I’m delighted Sigma has targeted the middle ground here, a little like Canon’s old 400 5.6 and Nikon’s recent 600 6.3. All offer a taste of a bright super-telephoto prime without the cost and weight of those you see lugged around pro sport venues. Again if your budget is tighter, go for a zoom, but if the 500 length fits your subjects and you greatly value portability, I’d say it’s worth spending the extra. Highly Recommended!