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Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG Canon EF Review

Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG

Main Features

  • 200-500mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 72mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 15700g.
  • Diameter: 237mm
  • Length: 726mm
  • Min Focus Distance:5m
  • Max Magnification:0.13x
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Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG Overview

Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is a Fixed aperture Auto Focus (AF) Super Telephoto Zoom lens with 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with Canon EF mount cameras.

What type of photography is the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG lens good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Suitability
Bird/WildlifeVery Good
SportsVery Good
PortraitFair
TravelPoor
StreetPoor
WeddingFair
Walk AroundFair
VloggingPoor
LandscapeFair
MacroPoor

Reasons to Buy Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG Lens

Here, we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.

PROs
Autofocus
Hood supplied
Tripod Collar
Full-time Manual Focusing
Power Zoom
Fast Aperture at Wide end
Fast Aperture at Tele end
Constant f2.8 aperture throughout the range
Covers Full-Frame Sensor
9 Diaphragm Blades
500mm reach great for Wildlife Photography
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CONs
Lens Extents while zooming
Heavy
Pricey

Lens Mount

Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is compatible with cameras that have Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.

Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is also available in Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.

Size, Weight and Filter Thread

Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a maximum diameter of 237mm and total length of 726mm. It weighs 15700g / 553.8 oz.

Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a filter thread of 72mm.

Focal Range

Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a focal range of 200-500mm and 2.5X zoom ratio. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 320 - 800mm.

Tripod Collar

With a total length of 726mm and a weight of 15700g, the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is a large lens. Fortunately, it comes with a tripod collar which you can use to attach the lens directly to a tripod or monopod instead of attaching the camera. This connection helps to better balance the lens/kit combination.

Optical Image Stabilization

Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG 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 Canon 200-400mm f4L IS USM Ext 1.4x in Canon EF mount that have similar focal range but features Optical Image Stabilization.

Lenses Similar to Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG With Optical Image Stabilization
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF 200-400mm f4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens Canon EF 200-400mm f4L IS USM Extender 1.4x
Compare
35mm FF 3620gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Power Zoom

Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a Power Zoom feature which consists of a rocker switch and a internal zoom motor where you can change the focal length of the lens by pushing this switch. This method of zoom is smoother and generates less shake than zooming in and out using your hand, especially beneficial while recording video.

Maximum Magnification Ratio

Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.13x and has a minimum focusing distance of 5m. 0.13x means that the max magnification ratio is very low and not suitable even for modest close-up shots.

Aperture

Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is a fixed aperture lens with a constant max aperture of f2.8 from 200mm all the way to the 500mm .

Focal Length Max Aperture Min Aperture
200mm F2.8 F22
500mm F2.8 F22

Optical Formula

Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG's optical formula consists of 17 elements in 13 groups . Following special elements are used in this design:

  • 1 SLD glass element
  • 3 ELD glass elements

Lens Hood

Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG comes with a removable lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos.

Popular Comparisons of Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG amongst Camera Decision readers.

Top Alternatives of Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG Lens
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF 200-400mm f4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens Canon EF 200-400mm f4L IS USM Extender 1.4x
Compare
35mm FF 3620gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 200mm f2.8L II USM Lens Canon EF 200mm f2.8L II USM
Compare
35mm FF 765gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP AF 200-500mm F5-6.3 Di LD IF Lens Tamron SP AF 200-500mm F5-6.3 Di LD IF
Compare
35mm FF 1237gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 1590gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 1490gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 200mm f2L IS USM Lens Canon EF 200mm f2L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 2520gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM S Lens Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM S
Compare
35mm FF 2700gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III Lens Canon EF 75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III
Compare
35mm FF 480gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

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**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG Alternatives in Canon EF Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF 200-400mm f4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens Canon EF 200-400mm f4L IS USM Extender 1.4x
Compare
35mm FF 3620gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP AF 200-500mm F5-6.3 Di LD IF Lens Tamron SP AF 200-500mm F5-6.3 Di LD IF
Compare
35mm FF 1237gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG Detailed Specifications


General
Brand Sigma
Lens Type Zoom
Lens Type Telephoto Zoom
Lens Mount Canon EF
Max Format 35mm FF
Focal Range 200-500mm
Image Stabilization No
Colour Unknown
Zoom Method No Zoom
Power Zoom Yes
Zoom Lock No Zoom
Zoom Ratio 2.5X
APERTURE
Max Aperture F2.8
Min Aperture F22.0
Aperture Ring No
Diaphragm Blades 9
Optics
Optical Elements 17
Optical Groups 13
Special Elements 1 SLD glass element 3 ELD glass elements

FOCUSING
Min Focus Distance 5m
Max Magnification 0.13X
Autofocus Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes
Focus Method Internal
PHYSICAL SPECS
Weight 15700g
Diameter 237mm
Length 726mm
Weather Sealing Unknown
Filter Thread 72mm
Filter Notes Rear holder for 72mm filters
Hood Supplied Yes
Tripod Collar Yes
Optional Accessories Matched 2x teleconverter
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG
is the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG a Weather Sealed lens?
What is the Minimum Focusing Distance of Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG
is the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG an Autofocus (AF) lens?
What is the Filter Thread Size of Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG
Does Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG have Image Stabilization?
Does Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG have Aperture Ring?
What is the Maximum Magnification Ratio of Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG
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