Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is a Fixed aperture Auto Focus (AF)
Super Telephoto Prime lens with 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with
F(FX) Mount cameras.
What type of photography is the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM lens good for?
The choice of photography type for which you intend to use the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is a crucial decision factor. Below, we have assessed its suitability for various photography scenarios:
Reasons to Buy the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM Lens
Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM lens in a list form to assist you in determining whether it offers the features you need.
Autofocus |
Distance Scale |
Hood supplied |
Full-time Manual Focusing |
Covers Full-Frame Sensor |
9 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh |
500mm reach great for Wildlife Photography |
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Slow Aperture for a Prime Lens |
Heavy |
Pricey |
Lens Mount
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is compatible with cameras that have a Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF and Sigma SA mounts.
Size, Weight and Filter Thread
The size and weight are crucial factors to consider when searching for your next lens. Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM has a maximum diameter of 123mm and total length of 350mm. It weighs 3150g / 111.1 oz.
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM has a Drop-in type filter holder with a filter thread of 46mm.
Focal Range
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM has a fixed focal length of 500mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 750mm.
Optical Image Stabilization
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM doesn't have an optical image stabilization system so the only option to stabilize the image taken with this lens is to mount on a camera body with IBIS (sensor based In-body image stabilization).
Alternatively, you can check the Nikon 400mm f2.8G ED VR II , Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR and Nikon 600mm f4G ED VR. in Nikon F (FX) mount that have similar focal range but features Optical Image Stabilization.
Lenses Similar to Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM With Optical Image Stabilization
Maximum Magnification Ratio
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.13x and has a minimum focusing distance of 4m. 0.13x means that the max magnification ratio is very low and not suitable even for modest close-up shots.
Below are the 3 Super Telephoto Prime type Nikon F mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:
Aperture
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM has a max aperture of F4.5 and a minimum aperture of F32.0.
Optical Formula
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM's optical formula consists of 11 elements in 8 groups . Special elements used in this design is 2 ELD glass elements.
Lens Hood
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM comes with a removable lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos.
Popular Comparisons of Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM
Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM amongst Camera Decision readers.
Top Alternatives of Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM Lens
Model |
|
Coverage |
Weight |
Focusing |
Street Price |
|
Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport
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|
35mm FF
|
3,310 g / 7.28 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f4G ED VR
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|
35mm FF
|
3,880 g / 8.54 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR
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|
35mm FF
|
1,460 g / 3.21 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 600mm f4G ED VR
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|
35mm FF
|
5,060 g / 11.13 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 600mm f4D ED-IF II
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|
35mm FF
|
5,900 g / 12.98 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR
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|
35mm FF
|
3,090 g / 6.80 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR
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|
35mm FF
|
3,800 g / 8.36 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f4D ED-IF II
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
3,800 g / 8.36 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f2.8G ED VR II
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
4,620 g / 10.16 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 600mm F4E FL ED VR
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
3,810 g / 8.38 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f2.8D ED-IF II
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
4,800 g / 10.56 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f1.4D
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
550 g / 1.21 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
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