COMPACT SONY WILDLIFE LENS! Sigma 500mm f/5.6 Review for Sony

[@WaterfallJoe]

Sigma taking a note out of Nikon's game plan, light weight super telephoto options! Go Sigma!

[@angeloplayforone]

Is this lens available in the Z mount

[@ThyWorshipMetal]

@@angeloplayforoneno, you could use a Sony to Nikon adapter though

[@MarkReese]

Sure seems like it! Smaller, lighter, sharper, faster 💯

[@knowyouryoga]

If Sigma releases 800mm 6.3 for Sony that would sell like hot cakes

[@pentagramyt417]

I would like to see something between 600 and 800, like... 750 mm f6.3

[@BigFoot-w4d]

Naa … the price alone will be restrictive.

[@Jay-sr8ge]

I actually wish this was a 600 6.3. Either way its still not compatible with teleconverters + limited framerate

[@pentagramyt417]

@@Jay-sr8ge Yeah, I wish it was 600 mm f6.3, that is still 900 mm at crop...

[@ScreenFiends]

This is also available on the Panasonic S5II where it is unrestricted and teleconverters can be used.

[@cameraprepper7938]

I love compact and light weight prime Lenses, I will get this 500mm, I have preordered it ! I SOLD my Sony 200-600mm which is too big and heavy and have IBIS issues on A7R cameras. I do NOT need 30 fps, not even 10 fps !!! I hope that Sony soon will come with a "pro" APSC Camera with the Sony 40 megapixels sensor that sits in Fuji X-H2 and X-T5 ! I did hope that Tamron would have come up now with their patented 350mm 4.0. I got the Sigma 500mm 5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens in March 2024, though the specs said is was small and light weight, I was very surprised when I got it in my hands, it is really small and light weight ! Very well built, easy to operate and handle, excellent optical image quality, it fits in my small camera backpack, though I most often carry it in my hands, I can hike with this Lens for hours carrying it my hands without problem, I can highly recommend the Sigma 500mm 5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens !

[@idol031808]

Seeing you shooting in the snow, I now understand your comment in the Thursday live show when you said you appreciate me shooting the geese in the snow scene.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

haha yeah it's pretty tough, but worth it!

[@margaritorios4983]

That shrinkage comment had me dying! 😂

[@lackoliver55]

Chelsea Costanza

[@johnhann1852]

Wow, beautiful bird shots at the end!

[@PhotoTrekr]

I'm all about light weight gear these days. I love my 200-600mm G lens. But, this Sigma interests me.

[@Vantrakter]

Same here, the new Sigma would be easier to hand hold. But not any simpler to carry, a black rapid sling attached to the point where the foot usually attaches is how I walk around with the 200-600 if not shooting from a hide or transporting it somewhere. I'm not sure that would even work with this Sigma and you've got to carry it for easy access somehow. Well, it helps that the Sigma is more than 2x the price of a new 200-600 where I'm at (norther europe) so I'll keep my 200-600. And of course targets are easier to acquire with a zoom, especially one that zooms as easily and quickly as the 200-600

[@PhotoTrekr]

@@Vantrakter I used to carry my 200-600 in a Pelican case with other lenses. Now I use a small PD Zip bag just for that kens. When I want to use it, it's always on a tripod.

[@PhotoTrekr]

Preordered the Sigma 500mm f5.6 to see how it compares to the Sony 200-600 G lens. If it's as good as advertised, I'm thinking the Sigma 500mm 5.6 on an A7CR will make a great combo for travel and wildlife.

[@Autumn-Foxxo]

I would like something like this designed for APSC. I wonder how much more compact it would be, also I'm missing a compact backpack bird lens for my Fujifilm. Would be better if it weren't $3000 haha

[@Jay-sr8ge]

Probably wouldn't be that much smaller. Judging by m43 lenses, the front element would be about the same size for a given focal length and f stop when it comes to telephotos.

[@aliendroneservices6621]

5:16 Really smooth drone panning, Tony!

[@1980bajaj]

very nice.Poor Chelsea could not stop shivering! Impressive dedication!

[@VBITS97]

I've got the Sigma 500 on order. I have the Sigma 150-600mm and it is a great wildlife lens. For small birds, such as warblers, it has a huge advantage over the Sony 200-600mm. The minimum focus distance of the Sony 200-600 at 600mm is around 17 yards by my measurement. That explained why I couldn't get focus on shots which were easy with my old A99i and Sony 70-400 GSM II. Since I got really sick of missing nice shots I sold it and got the Sigma 150-600, which as a minimum focus distance of a bit over 3 yards at 600mm. That's a huge advantage for small bird shooters. The Sigma 500mm prime has a minimum focus distance of 3.5 yards (320cm), so that's great news. Add in extra sharpness and lighter weight and its almost a no brainer. Another option I see is the Sony 300mm f/2.8 prime with a teleconverter but that is twice the price of the Sigma.

[@Rickyp0123]

Where did you get 17 yards? Isn't that like 50ft? I've shot insects with the 200-600 @ 600mm from much closer than that. The stated MFD is 7.88ft. At 600mm it might be a foot farther than that but it's still definitely less than 10ft.

[@arnaudmilner238Wildbillhickock]

Tony you are exactly correct about the camera manufacturer wanting you to buy lenses with the camera. That element has not changed since 35mm film cameras. All 2ed and 3rd party lenses will be made where they will not operate 100% with lenses other then theirs.

[@brunovitoriodossantos7378]

I traded my Nikon 200-500 for a 500 PF and it was a huge quality of life improvement for both the size and weight. Sony shooters having a similar option sounds great!

[@lcador9]

I did also but then came the 180-600 and away went the 500mm.

[@travissaunders4686]

Thanks for the focus breathing comparison. That was the only consideration for me as a 200-600 owner.

[@enricomarconi8358]

Sigma has colours that don’t can only dream about… nice footage guys!

[@willherondale6367]

Damn, this wasn't on my radar whatsoever but what an awesome package. Sony not letting it use teleconverters is scummy af though.

[@dj_laundry_list]

How do we know it's a deliberate move on Sony's part?

[@willherondale6367]

@dj_laundry_list Because it's a well-known fact, like how they crippling fps. And because on L mount cameras, it can be used with teleconverters.

[@jeroenvdw]

@@dj_laundry_list From what I understand is that Sony licences these companies to make lenses for their camera's but teleconverters are not in the contract. So they can't be made compatible.

[@dj_laundry_list]

@@jeroenvdw Hmm might look into that more. Thanks

[@orendo]

I don't regret moving from Sony to Nikon. I'm really enjoying my 400mm f/4.5 S lens, the lightest and sharpest wildlife lens on the market.

[@GV2755]

I loved the Nikon 500mm PF. Their tiny 300 and 500 kept me with their DSLR longer than I should have been. This is almost as expensive, but my shoulder is worth something.

[@liamdoran2149]

Nice review. Yeah its a pretty amazing lens and the 3 pound weight is just amazing!

[@datdudeinred]

Fucking sony still capping at 15fps on a 6k camera is crazy & unacceptable.

[@Carl83839A]

The 500mm f5.6 is sorta already filled by the 200-600. It definitely interests me because of it's sharpness. But unlike nikon and canon theres no $3k-6k 500 or 600mm f4 (canon 500mm f4 mark ii etc) for the E Mount. Why in the world doesnt sigma make an emount version? They already havs an EF 500mm f4. Thats literally the main reason i stay with nikon. Id have to shell out 12k to get such a lens on sony.

[@aliendroneservices6621]

0:20 0:30 And the Sony 200-600 is only around $1,500 used.

[@pmitchell54321]

I would love to see how the sigma 500mm compares to the upcoming sony 300mm F/2.8

[@andrewlamberson539]

Does this lens take the Sony TC’c? Is this lens a better option than the new Sony 300 with the TCs??

[@lafonevc5663]

No third party lens takes either the Sony 1.4 or 2.0 TC on the E Mount

[@NickDolgy]

Nice video. Something has been fixed too!

[@thezodiac597]

Background!

[@donstravelsandrants.]

Thanks for the great review, Tony and Chelsea. 👍😊🇮🇪🇺🇸

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Our pleasure!

[@sanjayvijayanathan5038]

Curious why you picked the A7CR to use it with- I have one but never thought to use it with a zoom, how was it?

[@jakelindsay6251]

Probably to highlight the compactness that can be achieved

[@Zomlies]

Do you have any advice on which lens for Sony FE (full frame) would be good for the solar eclipse in April? I am going to rent one and I want to put my order in soon. I already have a 95mm solar filter on the way from ThousandOaks, I just need to rent the appropriate lens and step up rings if necessary. I was leaning towards the Sony 200-600mm G lens or the Sony 100-400 GM lens, and getting a 2x teleconverter. I know the GM is sharper so I think I might go with that one, but I’m not sure if the extra 200mm would be beneficial. My camera body is the A7RV so I should be able to crop a little bit, but I’d like to preserve as much detail as possible. I’m also going to shooting it on a 4,000 foot mountain, which I’m sure would feel like it makes a difference to me but realistically wouldn’t change much for the focal length because of how far away the sun is. I would love to know what your thoughts and advice are. Thanks for all you do! Mark

[@davidallen3490]

Wonder if it out shines the 500 and 600 pf lenses from nikon ? I would think it could pair well with a74 or even a6700.

[@drumtro11]

I think sigma has a winner here... Even with 15fps cap.. the linear motors is a win.

[@american_document2626]

Need it lol. It will be a perfect wildlife lense.

[@wkmpellucid]

I'd love to use this new lens on my Sony FX30.

[@alexzahnd2642]

I would love to see from you two a detailed review of the Sony Alfa 7CR you have been using over the last months. I am asking as I am using several a6500 due to the weight, along with several, mainly APS-C high quality lenses, though also a few full frame lenses such as the Sigma 100-400mm. It still would give me the less weight (as I carrying over weeks all the gear when I am on travel), but as well the 60Mb sensor as well as the APS-C mode. How does the 7CR performs in its crop mode with its 27 Mb? Would love to hear you verdict!

[@TheWarder500]

Very interesting lens. I wonder if it would have been better if they just could have made a 600mm lens. I feel like that’s the more popular focal length? Just my opinion, love seeing competition in the market place though!

[@horolographer1]

Hi! Great comparison review. Much needed because most Sony birders already own the 200-600. I note that the Sony 1.4X does not work on the new lens, but does Sigma have a compatible 1.4X telecon that works on the Alpha bodies?

[@horolographer1]

And BTW I think if I were going on an African Safari, the Sigma 500mm f5.6 would be brought along due to its weight and size savings. Whether it would displace the 200-600mm though depends on the Alpha body used I guess. As you mentioned, if one has the A1 or the new A9iii the sigma wont go max speed frames.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

No, Sony does not allow third-parties to make teleconverters for E-mount :(.

[@dpfreedman]

I wish someone could answer this for me: Can this lens be used with Nikon teleconverters when mounted on a Nikon Z body via the Megadap adapter? Apparently, higher than 15 fps is accessible when used on Z bodies with the adapter.

[@MrModerate_kane]

ok so when it coming to Z mount? or maybe a 600mm?

[@Herbridge]

Incompatibility with 1.4 tc is a huge disadvantage to me. Honestly a 500 mm prime is too short for smaller and shy birds.. That is reason there are 600/6.3, 800/6.3

[@TonyAndChelsea]

yeah this was a huge bummer. I wish Sony would lighten up on their restrictions.

[@ElMundoDuro]

L mount version has teleconverters available. I suppose it is a limitation Sony puts on 3rd party lenses.

[@SkyStudioWest]

Great video!

[@Zap09060]

Tony & Chelsea, Request you to compare this lens with Nikon z 600mm PF f6.3 lens and also Nikon Z 400mm f4.5 with and without 1.4TC 🙏🏻 😁

[@hoodie3810]

I feel you Chelsea, clicky aperture rings are 👌👌👌 The Nikon 28mm f2.8 SE having a single (programmable) smooth focus ring and only a fake, aesthetic aperture ring was one of the biggest disappointments of recent gear launches for me. I can't believe they've gone to all the effort of launching two different retro bodies, and still don't have a single lens with a proper aperture ring. Sony are doing it and they don't even need the aesthetic! PLEASE can you guys reach out to your Nikon contacts and talk some sense into them. If they want to compete with Fuji, they need lenses to properly complement the bodies.

[@sjaakcoppens1000]

Like the lens very much; could be my (very) long lens on a6700. However still no possibility to rent it at “my” store. AND: question Why would sigma (or Sony) not make a speedbooster so that makes the lens for the APSC sensor cameras two lenses: > one with extra reach 750mm > one with gaining 1 stop light at 500mm. In that way it’s price is more “bang for the buck”.

[@garymeredith2441]

Tony is Sigma going to come up with this in the RF Canon mount .????

[@gabedamien]

I think this lens looks superb, but even if it did come to RF, it would face very steep competition from the RF 100-500 f/4.5-7.1, which is the same price, same size and weight, comparably sharp, only 2/3 stop dimmer at the long end, native, takes teleconverters (albeit with that annoying zoom restriction), has a terrific max magnification of 0.33x (compared to something like 0.17x if I recall correctly), and of course the huge versatility of zooming all the way out to 100. Not saying that the RF 100-500 is absolutely the better choice for all people, but it would be quite a tough battle for Sigma sales. On the other hand, if you only ever use the longest focal length, the Sigma is definitely better IMHO!

[@canmtb4676]

Are you going to do a full review of A9III soon ?

[@AndreiGrigorean]

Tony, I heard some rumours that the limitations on the a9III has been lifted to 25 fps, is this true?

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Oh, I haven't heard that, but it would be great news. When I tested it, it produced only 15 FPS, but maybe there's a new firmware update.

[@miguelortiz5270]

3:49 That's a lot more sharp!

[@srinivasanwildlifephotography]

Still waiting to see review of the canon 200-800 and a comparison of it to the sony/nikon 200-600 or even 100-500 from canon

[@rxdgaming1]

great comparison video, thank you for doing this. Currently have the 200-600, dont think its worth the switch. Thanks again

[@homesandloans]

Thanks

[@daviddouglasuk]

I'd like to see Z8 + 600Pf & 800PF vs A1 + 300 F2.8 +x2.0

[@mattpacker4372]

how does it pair with the R5?

[@gabedamien]

There are no third party autofocus lenses for full frame RF. Sigma only recently announced that Canon has licensed them to produce some APS-C lenses. I would like to see this lens mountable on an R5, but don't hold your breath.

[@gamebuster800]

Why did you choose to bring an A7Cr? Seems like such an odd choice for birding. Edit: Oh right, for the 60MP sharpness tests. Still, don't you have the A7RV?

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Yeah we have an a7RV. Same results.

[@ElMundoDuro]

It makes for one of the smallest full frame birding setups. Only full frame setup smaller would be using the L mount version with a Sigma FPL which has the same size sensor.

[@gamebuster800]

@@ElMundoDuro worse stabilization, low fps, small viewfinder. Full size A7 isn't that much larger

[@MarioKilian]

I Love you reviews !!!

[@christoschatzimanolis6456]

Lightweight babyyyy

[@roninrtist560]

Sony doesn't even make a FE 500mm prime anymore and when they do, it'll be a f/4 at $10K+. The artificial limits are BS (especially the TC use) , since Sony will never make affordable primes to begin with. We all do not have $13K+ to drop on a FE 600 f/4 or 400 f/2.8.

[@jeroenvdw]

With crypto going up I actually have the money do buy any of them at the moment, but such a small 500mm is actually pretty interesting, I can't make a decision

[@ElMundoDuro]

Most also don't have the cash to drop $6,000 on an A1 or A9 III. I picked up a S5 II for $1,300 and don't use my more expensive Sony anymore.

[@Zakna]

Sony 100-400 + 1.4x for me :D

[@LukeLu74656]

me too. One thing of this combination bothering me is maxmium aperture which drops to F8. It will be difficult while shooting wildlife after 4 ~ 5pm which causes high iso noise... T_T

[@iransirijillo]

I immediately noticed the CA was non existent, the Sony has red fringing, big win and of course the fact that it’s lighter and smaller

[@carterjohnson25]

is this a APSC lense?

[@TonyAndChelsea]

It's full frame

[@joshcruzphotos]

Tony, the 200-600mm weighs a ton, come on!

[@markroscoephotography]

A review of z8 firmware 2.0 please 👍

[@RichartAsia]

Dream lens need to save up for it 😅

[@thomebau895]

I don't get this lens at all if there is the 150-600 for Sony E. Why bother with a fixed 500mm that is almost the same size?

[@TonyAndChelsea]

It's significantly smaller and lighter... but yeah, zooms are better for most people.

[@thomebau895]

@@TonyAndChelsea not really: Sigma 150-600: 260mm x 105mm (LxD)1.9 Kg Sigma 500: 236mm x 108mm (LxD) 1.4Kg I don't see a size/weight advantage even close to compensating the loss in versatility.

[@PatrickWithCamera]

@@thomebau895 now extend sigma 150-600 to 500mm and then compare size, 500g difference is significant, also sigma got better sharpness, less fringing, better bokeh, especially on crop sensor sony 200-600 and sigma 150-600 are struggling to resolve detail, sigma 500 doing it much better. Only thing I would cry about sigma 500 is magnification ratio, really crap.

[@thomebau895]

@@PatrickWithCamera extended size is completely irrelevant as you don't transport it like that.

[@meibing4912]

Another kick in the balls for us Canon shooters... together with the 300mm f/2.8 that you cannot even get as an RF mount.

[@fofopho]

Ima get it🎉

[@jakelindsay6251]

Sony limiting the burst rates is such a bummer.

[@ryantang8146]

Are we only getting 15fps for all Sony bodies ?

[@ElMundoDuro]

High end Sony bodies. But many of the mid range Sony bodies don't even do 15fps anyway, most do like 10fps max anyway. L mount version can get 30fps on S5 II.

[@thrallingFRglory]

Why not test it on the L Mount? All the damn reviews are on the Sony E Mount :/

[@fromia1]

That's what most ppl own.

[@thrallingFRglory]

@@fromia1And? How does that matter - it doesn’t take much to simultaneously test it on the L mount. Especially given when it’s not as crippled as the E Mount version.

[@MitchelWhite]

If this could accept a 1.4x, Id pick it up.

[@angelguzman8737]

I’m torn between the 150-600, 60-600 and this 500mm 😢

[@PatrickWithCamera]

If weight is not an issue then 60-600 is superb and versatile, wide 60, long 600 and superb macro capabalities up to 0.42x magnification ratio.

[@LisaRSArt]

Wow! 😊

[@lawyerz88]

lightweight and compact is really relative, isnt it.

[@zulfika_]

Sigma move

[@johnrohde243]

I have the SAL-500F80 Sony 500mm F/8 reflex super telephoto lens. Even smaller than the sigma 500mm. Only F8, but works well for me. I can't afford to upgrade anymore. My camera is the Sony A65.

[@OracleTestlab]

Aperture ring is totally useless, price is too high. Sure Nikon Z mount will also be available soon, for me I would rather buy a 500mm pf and use with FTZ, than this sigma 500mm lens.

[@yeanisch]

I'm regretting committing to canon more and more lmao Laughing in pain

[@ElMundoDuro]

The other benefit is that the Sigma is black, so you don't have to cover an ugly white lens.

[@sfiron]

The 200-600 is not sharp enough for Sony flag ship camera. This 500 prime was really missing from the Sony lineup. Disappointing to see the issues Sony have with this 500 third party glass. So much like Sony. 😮

[@aryanenzo]

All you had to do was test the lenses at 600mm and 500mm in a controlled envrionment so we could see how the sharpness differs between the 200-600 and the 500 F5.6, but instead you used a panning shot of a heron to compare lol what the actual hell.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

We also took controlled shots of the bird feeder. The results are what we described.

[@leehyland2164]

no swans? 😂

[@hoodie3810]

If you're going to have a conversation about changing gear for weight and space saving, maybe it's time to do a proper review of the system you keep saying is dead? When I was ready to transition to mirrorless, I thought about my use cases and decided that size and weight were hugely important - I like to travel and hike, so I wanted a camera I could easily pack in my carry-on luggage, or take on a 20km hike to a remote campsite without busting my back. As I was shopping around, the OM1 was launched and it immediately caught my eye. Paired with the Olympus 100-400mm (200-800 equiv), which is about the size and weight of my old Nikon 70-200mm f2.8, the camera really has been a joy to use. The body has a really nice deep grip, the framerates are blisteringly quick, autofocus is great, and it has procapture mode so you can press the shutter and save shots from the second *before* you pressed it, which is fantastic for scenarios like waiting for birds to take flight. Add to that the industry-leading weather-sealing, and I've finally got a system I really feel like I can take anywhere. Even on days I'm not travelling far, I've found I've been picking up my camera and going for shoots far more often when I can shoot for longer before the camera weight starts to wear out my arms. The smaller sensor has a higher pixel density which can affect low-light performance, but it also has a really impressive stabilisation system which can coordinate sensor stabilisation with lens stabilisation on supported lenses, so I can get away with much slower shutter speeds than I used to - especially when I can shoot 50fps, one of them is almost certainly going to be crisp 😅 Honestly, the only real gripe I've had with it is how quickly the buffer fills up, but when I'm shooting at 25 or 50fps that's really not surprising. The new OMII is meant to have improved the buffer alongside some other minor changes, and while I can't justify buying an entire new body to fix a relatively minor problem right now, I'd be really interested to see how it performs.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

We recently did two wildlife zoom reviews that included the OM-1 and G9 II. Check our channel; they did well.

[@hoodie3810]

@TonyAndChelsea okay, that one's my bad, apparently KZbin has been messing with my notifications and recommendations again 😒

[@ElMundoDuro]

MFT is a great option. I recently found myself in a situation where I had a full frame L mount Camera, Full frame Sony Camera, and a Panasonic MFT camera all at the ready. It was the MFT camera that got the best images and video after using the same 150-600mm adapted lens on all 3 cameras. In good lighting with a good lens, MFT has the most pixels in the right place for extreme telephoto results. I still think Sigma should come up with a L mount teleconverter to MFT adapter. They can't adapt it straight out because of the flange distance, but they could do it with a teleconverter.

[@PhotoReddy]

"Let's talk about shrinkage...."

[@summonedfist]

I have such a strong dislike for the screw on the hood. It's quite a deal breaker for the 70-200 too

[@BabarJ]

@0:50 .... how many frames per second ..... on a lens review !!! Tell me you didn't say that ..... seriously !!!!

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Yeah the lens frequently limits the FPS. This can happen two ways: the autofocus motors in the lens are slow, forcing the camera to wait between shots while the lens catches up, or the camera body artificially limits the FPS, which is the case for this lens. My 120 FPS a9 III would only do 15 FPS with this lens.

[@yusufhalcol6553]

🫶👏👏👏

[@isthatxavier92]

tiny🤣

[@mchammer5592]

Yeah but what if I'm having an existential crisis regarding AI taking taking my place 🤔

[@classic.cameras]

Sorry Sigma but at $3000 USD (or $4000 CAD for me) I will never buy this no matter how good it is. At this price I will buy a Canon camera and the 600mm f11 and I am a Sony user. This is crazy money for a f5.6.

[@truthseeker6804]

good effort by sigma but if they reduced the price it would sell more. who needs a aperture ring on a wildlife lens that starts at f5.6. lol. the sony 200-600 is not a good benchmark in sharpness the canon 200-800 is sharper than that. this sigma lens is a no. maybe for sports it would be fine.

[@bngr_bngr]

5.6 is to slow for sports plus it’s frame rates is limited.

[@mbismbismb]

No one shoot wildlife with a fix focal length lens u really think animals move horizontally only? Hahaha

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Most pros use big primes.

[@evenhandedcommentor6102]

My 200-600mm is sharper than yours. Haha. I know this is true because...reason. Haha. I'm getting an A9III and I'm not limiting myself to 15fps. I use a 1.4x TC on the 200-600mm most of the time. Can't do that with this Sigma. And a $1000 more expensive? It's a hard pass for me.