Sigma has just announced the Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN OS Sports, a compact fixed aperture telephoto prime lens for E and L mount cameras. One of its biggest competitor in the E-mount is surely going to be the popular Sony FE 200-600 F5.6-6.3 G OSS. Comparing a prime and a zoom lens may not actually be very fair but I am sure many users will still compare these two anyway especially for bird and wildlife photography.
Probably the biggest selling point of the Sigma 500mm over the Sony 200-600mm is going to be its compact size and relatively lightweight. In addition, from the first reviews we can see that its image quality is better than Sony at 500mm which is expected.
Here is a size comparison of these two lenses:
Sigma 500mm F5.6 vs Sony 200-600mm F5.6-6.3
On the other hand, the Sony 200-600mm offers the focal flexibility and versatility that the Sigma can't. Another advantage of the Sony is the capacility to use with teleconverters. While the Sigma 500mm L-mount version is compatible with Sigma 1.4x and 2.0x TC's, the E mount version doesn't have this option.
Another deciding factor is going to be the price. Sony 200-600mm has an MSRP of $1999 where as the Sigma 500mm F5.6 has an MSRP of $2,999!
Here is a specs and feature comparison of these two lenses:
| FEATURE and SPECS COMPARISON | |  |  |
| Model | Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN | Sony FE 200-600 F5.6-6.3 |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Focal Length | 500mm | 200-600mm |
| Max Format | 35mm FF | 35mm FF |
| Image Stabilization | | |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 11 | 11 |
| Optical Elements | 20 | 24 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 17 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 3.2m | 2.4m |
| Max Magnification | 0.17x | 0.2x |
| Weight | 1365g | 2115g |
| Length | 236mm | 318mm |
| Diameter | 108mm | 112mm |
| Filter Thread | 95mm | 95mm |
| Weather Sealing | | |
| Aperture Ring | | |
| Price | Amazon, B&H Photo | Amazon, B&H Photo |
Check the Price and Availability of Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS Sports at: B&H Photo / AmazonUS / AmazonCA / AmazonDE / AmazonES / AmazonFR / AmazonIT / AmazonUK / AmazonIN / AmazonAU
