Sigma 800mm F5.6 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 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM lens good for?
The type of photography that you are planning to use the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:
Lenses in Canon EF Mount with Same Focal and Aperture Range
Reasons to Buy Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Lens
Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.
Autofocus |
Distance Scale |
Hood supplied |
Tripod Collar |
Full-time Manual Focusing |
Covers Full-Frame Sensor |
9 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh |
800mm reach great for Wildlife Photography |
Report a correction
Buy Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM from Amazon or B&H PHOTO
Slow Aperture for a Prime Lens |
Heavy |
Lens Mount
Sigma 800mm F5.6 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 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is also available in Nikon F (FX) 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 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM has a maximum diameter of 157mm and total length of 521mm. It weighs 4900g / 172.8 oz.
Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM has a Drop-in type filter holder with a filter thread of 46mm.
Focal Range
Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM has a fixed focal length of 800mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 1280mm.
Tripod Collar
With a total length of 521mm and a weight of 4900g, the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM 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 800mm F5.6 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 800mm f5.6L IS USM in Canon EF mount that have similar focal range but features Optical Image Stabilization.
Lenses Similar to Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM With Optical Image Stabilization
Maximum Magnification Ratio
Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.11x and has a minimum focusing distance of 7m. 0.11x 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:
Aperture
Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM has a max aperture of F5.6 and a minimum aperture of F32.0.
Optical Formula
Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM's optical formula consists of 12 elements in 9 groups . Special elements used in this design is 2 ELD glass elements.
Lens Hood
Sigma 800mm F5.6 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 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM amongst Camera Decision readers.
Top Alternatives of Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Lens
**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.