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Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM Canon EF Review

Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM

Main Features

  • 500mm Focal Range
  • F4.5 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 46mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 3150g.
  • Diameter: 123mm
  • Length: 350mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 4m
  • Max Magnification: 0.13x
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Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM Overview


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 EF Mount cameras.

What type of photography is the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM lens good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Suitability
Bird/WildlifeExcellent
SportsExcellent
PortraitFair
TravelPoor
StreetPoor
WeddingFair
Walk AroundPoor
VloggingPoor
LandscapePoor
MacroPoor

Reasons to Buy 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 help you determine whether it offers the features you need.

PROs
Autofocus
Distance Scale
Hood supplied
Full-time Manual Focusing
Covers Full-Frame Sensor
9 Diaphragm Blades
500mm reach great for Wildlife Photography
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Buy Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM from Amazon or B&H PHOTO


CONs
Slow Aperture for a Prime Lens
Heavy
Pricey


Lens Mount

Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is compatible with cameras that have a 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 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Pentax KAF and Sigma SA mounts.

Size, Weight and Filter Thread

Size and weight is a very important decision factor 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 filter thread of 46mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM:

  • 46mm Variable ND Lens Filters
  • 46mm Circular Polarizer Lens Filters
  • 46mm Clear Protection Lens Filters



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 1.6x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 800mm.

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 Canon 400mm f2.8L IS II USM , Canon 400mm f2.8L IS USM and Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM. in Canon EF 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
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF 400mm f2.8L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 400mm f2.8L IS II USM
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35mm FF 3850gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 400mm f2.8L IS USM Lens Canon EF 400mm f2.8L IS USM
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35mm FF 5370gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM Lens Canon EF 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM
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35mm FF 1940gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 500mm f4.0L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 500mm f4.0L IS II USM
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35mm FF 3190gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
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Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM
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35mm FF 2840gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport Lens Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport
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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 Canon12 mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:

  • Canon 400mm f2.8L IS II USM: 0.17x - (Compare)
  • Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM: 0.17x - (Compare)
  • Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport: 0.15x - (Compare)

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
Canon EF 500mm f4.0L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 500mm f4.0L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 3190gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 500mm f4.0L IS USM Lens Canon EF 500mm f4.0L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 3870gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM Lens Canon EF 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 1940gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 400mm F4 DO IS II USM Lens Canon EF 400mm F4 DO IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 2100gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM
Compare
35mm FF 3050gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM
Compare
35mm FF 2840gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 600mm f4.0L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 600mm f4.0L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 3920gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
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35mm FF 4900gr 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 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM Alternatives in Canon EF Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF 400mm f2.8L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 400mm f2.8L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 3850gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 400mm f2.8L IS USM Lens Canon EF 400mm f2.8L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 5370gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM Lens Canon EF 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 1940gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 400mm f5.6L USM Lens Canon EF 400mm f5.6L USM
Compare
35mm FF 1250gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 500mm f4.0L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 500mm f4.0L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 3190gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 500mm f4.0L IS USM Lens Canon EF 500mm f4.0L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 3870gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 600mm f4.0L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 600mm f4.0L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 3920gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 600mm f4.0L IS USM Lens Canon EF 600mm f4.0L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 5360gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 400mm F4 DO IS II USM Lens Canon EF 400mm F4 DO IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 2100gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM
Compare
35mm FF 3050gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM
Compare
35mm FF 2840gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport Lens Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport
Compare
35mm FF 3310gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM Detailed Specifications


General
Brand Sigma
Lens Type Prime
Lens Type Telephoto Prime
Lens Mount Canon EF
Max Format 35mm FF
Focal Range 500mm
Image Stabilization No
Colour Unknown
Zoom Method No Zoom
Power Zoom No Zoom
Zoom Lock No Zoom
Zoom Ratio 1.0X
APERTURE
Max Aperture F4.5
Min Aperture F32.0
Aperture Ring No
Diaphragm Blades 9
Optics
Optical Elements 11
Optical Groups 8
Special Elements 2 ELD glass elements

FOCUSING
Min Focus Distance 4m
Max Magnification 0.13X
Autofocus Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes
Focus Method Internal
Distance Scale Yes
DoF Scale No
PHYSICAL SPECS
Weight 3150g
Diameter 123mm
Length 350mm
Weather Sealing Unknown
Filter Thread 46mm
Filter Notes 46mm drop-in filters
Hood Supplied Yes
Tripod Collar No
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM
is the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM a Weather-sealed lens?
What is the Minimum Focusing Distance of Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM
is the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM an Autofocus (AF) lens?
What is the Filter Thread Size of Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM
Does Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM have Image Stabilization?
Does Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM have Aperture Ring?
What is the Maximum Magnification Ratio of Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM


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