Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sport | Definitive Review

[@unclefart5527]

I'll stick with my 150-600 C - my chiropractor and bank manager insist on it.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - fair enough.

[@belliraghav]

😂

[@Jeo-What]

Amazing how well these long zoom lenses performs and this Sigma 60-600mm is definitely a very good lens event compared with the Sony GM 200-600mm. I don/t know if I would ever get to the point to have one as I am quiet satisfied with the much lighter/smaller Tamron 50-400mm that fits easily in a sling bag now.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's definitely a factor.

[@stevocem]

Another spectacular review, Dustin. The best! Many thanks. I will think about this lens, as the focal range is really very flexible and the 200-600 is a bit limiting sometimes, when it comes to shorter distance and wider shooting.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Exactly.

[@bananabear009]

Capture some air shows, and this one is just the best for that kind of purposes.

[@aliendroneservices6621]

I appreciate the extra effort you seem to have put into this review, Dustin. This is one of your better reviews. I look forward to more content from you like this!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you.

[@Jwitherow1964]

Dustin would you rather have the Sony 200-600 or this lens??

[@Lifetogo]

What camera backpack can you recommend for a larger setup like S5 II or EOS R6 with 60-600mm + second body + 24-70mm and maybe 50mm lenses? On top batteries, filters and a dji mini 3 drone would be awesome.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I still use this BIG backpack when I need to pack a lot of gear: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqTHfKyPYqmrfKc

[@Lifetogo]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you Dustin

[@boristahmasian9604]

Hi Dustin, thank you for the in-depth review. I have the Tamron 150-500 and I am letting it go for now. When coming back to longer zooms later, I will have a choice of two top lenses. The Sony 200-600 is more appealing to me because I can put a 1.4X extender on it and make it even longer. Otherwise, optically, it is a wash between this Sigma and the Sony.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The choice has definitely gotten more difficult.

[@jurban3a]

I ALWAYS go to Dustin for these definitive reviews before I buy!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you for that!

[@huibalbers5287]

Best review about the lens, I own the 200-600 with tele converter. The stability you get in the body and lens collaboration is amazing. The Sigma OS is only from the lens but damn good and uses less of the battery.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you

[@jeffreymodesto168]

great review, just not sure we will be shooting like the one image on 25:35 nobody will be shooting with that zoom process range with that kind of flare. thank you for the videos all great.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's fair. In a review process you look for flaws.

[@jeffhampton6972]

That you yet again for another incredibly informative review!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Bo_Hazem]

Wonderfully reviewed, as always. Despite owning 200-600mm G, I'm considering this one as well. Maybe the 200-600mm G is slightly sharper and more robust with much better handling and weather sealing, but the zoom range in this one is just insane for filmmaking or even sport video even at night.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The zoom range coupled with this kind of optical quality (+AF and OS) makes this a really strong lens.

[@Bo_Hazem]

@@bondgabebond4907 Yeah the 200-600mm is glorious, but the range and macro capabilities of the sigma makes it an all-rounder if you hade to hike with one.

[@MrRFasters]

On the first dslr lens it locks on any x00 position: @ 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 mm. Sure it doesn t still does that? I use it quite a lot when I want to lock in a tele setting to stabilize framing series for f stop and conposition. It s quite handy. It makes the lens a sort of series of prime lenses.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

This is a whole new design, and I did test for it.

[@Jwitherow1964]

I would like to thank you for another great review! This is a lens that’s going on my wish list for sure.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@AndrzejZalewskiYT]

excellent work Dustin, thanks! looks to me like the perfect combo for wildlife foto/video

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely.

[@supertaufiqr]

great review. i am very interested given the versatility, and not much of a difference in terms of image quality compared to 200-600.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Exactly.

[@bondgabebond4907]

If I didn't have the Sony version, I'd be looking at this seriously. Since I like to shoot pix of birds, animals and airplanes, the Sony does great. Plus I absolutely love the internal zoom feature and its one finger operation. The feature of the effortless zooming is zooming in to locate the object, that is moving, then zoom in to get the close up, all with the touch of a finger.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Sony is a real joy to use in the field for some of the reasons you describe.

[@jan-hendrikbussmann4644]

Oh wow. If I did not already have the Sony 200-600, this would be a must-have lens for me. I am mostly an amateur zoo photographer, so that versatility between large, close animals and small and far away critters would be perfect. I just started carrying a second camera body with a standard zoom to get all the shots below 200 mm. Also very impressed that it is so close to the optical performance of the 200-600. Lenses have come such a long way in just a few years. If I think back to the DSLR "budget" telephoto lenses...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Absolutely true.

[@wildlifehouse]

Great review! For wildlife videography, would you choose to use this lens with the Sony FX30 or A7IV?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not familiar with the FX30 firsthand, so I'm not the right guy to answer that.

[@wildlifehouse]

@@DustinAbbottTWI okay thanks for letting me know!

[@tideschanged]

Hybrid or photo a74 Video only fx30

[@Hunterwelshwild143]

Hello Dustin, I am a wildlife photographer that does a lot of wildlife photography and videography in the backcountry of Colorado. I am planning to buy either this lens or the Sony in the near future. Due to my shooting style I really am interested in the sigma more because I like to shoot wide images of wildlife to show context and a scene as well as portraits of animals. The only thing possibly keeping me from pulling the trigger on the sigma is I’ve heard mixed thoughts about image quality. I will gladly switch back and forth lenses if it means the image quality will be noticeably better especially at the tighter zoom ranges 400-600. In your experience shooting with this lens in real world scenarios do you think it would be a noticeable difference in image quality that will make me regret not opting for the Sony?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

In my tests there was only a minimal difference between the Sigma and Sony, and, considering your needs, I think the Sigma is definitely a valid option for you.

[@Hunterwelshwild143]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you so much! I can’t wait to pick one up and start using it

[@LED682]

Thanks! This seems to be a great lens especially for L Mount shooters, where the only existing (native) competitor >400mm is Sigma’s own 150-600. The only thing I find annoying is the rather flimsy looking (short) tripod foot.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Exactly. This is a huge release for L mount.

[@esongun]

Great review as always. Thank you. As someone being not so interested in the wide end of the lens, I'd be very interested in hearing your view about the IQ comparison of this lens vs the Tamron 150-500 for the Sony E-mount. Thanks a lot. (I have the 35-150 Tamron and I'm extremely happy with that.)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Looking back at my results I would say the two are very close optically.

[@esongun]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you so much. Appreciate your support and guidance. In that case, also taking into account that I have the Tamron 35-150, 82mm filter thread and relatively better portability of 150-500, the Tamron seems like a better fit for me giving me 35-500 with 2 lenses. Thank you so much.

[@PaulBienvenu1]

Thanks for this very detailed review. What's the issue with the TC 1.4? Mechanical issue or electronic ? I would be ok it i can mount it and the AF doesn't work. Thanks !

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Unfortunately on mirrorless cameras manual focus doesn't work if there isn't problem electronic communication as all focus is actually done by the focus motor (even when manually focusing). So, you can physically mount the TC 1.4, but you won't get any kind of focus.

[@PaulBienvenu1]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you very much for your answer. I will consider the EF version + the sigma MC11 adapter + the TC1.4 !

[@marknongkhlaw1674]

What tripod do you use and where can I get the replacement collar from? And would the sigma 150-600 dock fit with this lens too for setting the c1, c2 options? Thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

This is my main tripod for heavy lenses: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmGYe3h3hsyKock | The Sigma USB dock doesn't fit Sony E-mount, unfortunately.

[@marknongkhlaw1674]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks

[@alyousuf]

Do Sony bodies use both IBIS and the lens OS in tandem or is it a one or the other?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

With Sony lenses the answer is definitely in tandem. The answer is less obvious with third party lenses. I'm not sure if the systems work in harmony or if just the lens OS works with third party lenses. I do know you can't turn them off independently. The switch on the lens barrel turns on/off both.

[@stans5270]

Another excellent review of a good lens. I was wondering what the image quality of this would be at 600mm and in cropped APC mode. Would the tradeoff of no 2X convertor be offset by the crop factor?

[@longingbydesign]

Using the cropped APS-C mode on a full frame camera only has a single benefit - smaller file size. There are no other benefits compared to cropping in post.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The quality wouldn't be any different as the APS-C mode is just cropping the full frame result.

[@orangeofmars2835]

Appreciate the excellent review. I currently have the Tamron 150-500 (with Sony a7RIV) which is a nice lens but would like more reach and looking for a lens that I can get that without going over $2000. Also looking at the Sony 200-600. The zoom ratio is helpful but not enough of a thing to want me to go there. I have even considered the going to Canon R7 with 100-500 which is a possibility but to get to 600mm I would have to use a teleconverter. Anything over $2000 means going over $10000 to get a dedicated prime which won't happen.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad to help out.

[@marknongkhlaw1674]

What about the focal range viz a viz the 150-600 and what are the implications? For example, would it be a better lens for wide landscape shots? Whag is the minimum focusing distance in inches. Thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I like this lens in general better than the 150-600mm. The basic specs for things like MFD are readily available.

[@Wistbacka]

While I really like my Tamron 150-500 for its (relative) light weight and small size and super fast AF, I really also desire the Sigma 60-600 (after testing it in my local store) because of that incredible OIS, the colors and (imho) better sharpness. And with the 60 mm, you can actually leave any normal zooms at home and use it essentially as a " -nifty- _hefty_ fifty". Such versatility. But I am a bit hesitant to upgrade due to the sizw difference. And obviously a much higher price tag.

[@T-Slider]

Thanks Dustin, I have an R6. How does the EF version work on Canon’s EF 2 RF converter?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't tested the EF version in that application, so I can't really say.

[@jakewerth9614]

Really like my Tamron 150-500. How does the sharpness and focus speed compare to the Tamron?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I really would have to compare them side by side, but I think the new Sigma is probably a little faster.

[@Audit-The-Auditors]

The Sigma is unquestionably sharper than the Tamron.

[@careylymanjones]

You can use an APS-C body as a 1.5x teleconverter, if your APS-C body matches your full-frame body's resolution.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes, though the handling wouldn't be great.

[@careylymanjones]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Easier than hanging a 900mm lens on a full-frame camera. 😀

[@Wistbacka]

Why is it so difficult for öens manufacturers to make it possible to lock the lens at multiple positions? Every focal length that is indicated on the lens should be lockable imho.

[@marjangresl7436]

Hi Dustin, Tks for nice nttroduce this new lense. I have a Nikon Z9 and a Nikon 200-500. After watching your video, I am in doubt about the purchase my new lense . With the Megadap ETZ21 adapter, I have the option of Z9 and Sony 200-600 combiners. Of course, now also the Sigma 60-600. I would call this a Franksestain combination. I'd rather get a Sony. What do you think about the idea. Do you think the Sony is better for this combination with the Z9, considering the advantages it has.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Unfortunately I don't have any experience with that adapter, so I can't say how well either lens would work.

[@marjangresl7436]

@@DustinAbbottTWI ok, thank you, I think I will buy Sony

[@flitetym]

Great review, and I’m “sold” on the 60-600. I’m ready to trade-in my near-new Sigma 150-600 Sport.

[@longingbydesign]

Other reviews claim the 150-600 beating the 60-600 (and even the Sony) in sharpness.

[@flitetym]

@@longingbydesign Maybe … but as an amateur sports photographer, I *really* appreciate the 10X range. I’m even to the point of “whittling-down” my stable of various lenses down to just 2 or 3. So yes, “pixel-peeping” aside, I think the single 60-600 would suit me well for everything from ground level to the “nose bleed” seats. 😊

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Phil, it's a very nice option. Too bad you've recently invested in the 150-600, though.

[@flitetym]

@@DustinAbbottTWI don’t get me wrong, the 150-600 is an excellent design, but as a sports photographer, I need a closer range for my work “… in the bleachers” from down below up to the “nose bleed section.” 😁

[@alvarocfoto]

the best review, thx from spain

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad you liked it!

[@BrianHallmond]

Does it go on Canon? EF?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

There is an EF version, but it does differ from this one in some key areas.

[@harshaadigas]

Which Nikon camera body (model) best fits for this lens?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't think this particular lens has been released (yet) in a Nikon Z mount. There is an older version of the lens available in an F mount.

[@harshaadigas]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Yes, what is the best F mount Nikon camera body that best fits this lens?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not a Nikon reviewer, but, from what I do know, the D850 is probably a solid choice.

[@jasona2305]

Hi Dustin! I would like to take this opportunity to ask for your opinion - if you have any experience with specific equipment in question: spotting scopes During a recent trip to Ecuador, I met a group of birders - who among other things - they had a Leica spotting scope. It was an old, but recently re-serviced APO-Televid 77. It was standing there, on a tripod, so I asked if I could have a look through it. I did - and it was unbelievable. I was blown away by the detail on this thing (and the color rendition). I didn't think it would be able to get even close to my 200-600 G lens, but it actually seemed better, as if I was right next to that 30m tree branch, next to those birds. I could even see in detail the ants walking on that branch, carrying food That made me think - how would a photo compare if taken from a really good tele lens (such as the 200-600mm) vs one of the current Televid scopes 82 W or 65 W (which according to reviews are even better compared to the 'outdated' 77 model) A premium scope like those, will cost aprox 1K more (compared to my 200-600mm), plus a Leica Digiscoping lens 35 mm (+500)...plus a T2 adapter for my Sony mount. Yes, almost double the price of the 200-600mm. Also, the fact I ll be losing the AF As for the weight - the 65 W weighs almost half of the 200-600, but the 82W is more less the same at almost 2kg Yes, the sacrifises are not negligible for most But what about the end result? Considering I m MF shooting more static/cooperative subjects, how would the end result compare to that of using the normal camera setup? Have you ever experiment with that? (scope on camera) I think this topic worths an in-depth review, if you could get your hands on such equipment! It would be most interesting

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't have experience with that scenario, but you are definitely limiting yourself to a pretty rigid usage. The 200-600mm is so good that I personally wouldn't think the little bit of extra image quality would be worth it.

[@jasona2305]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I know, I was just curious Years ago, I got an entry level telescope (Celestron C90 Mak). After I bought my first camera (a6300), I also bought an adapter, so I can try it out. Being a total novice at the time, I found it really hard using MF. Took ages to actually get the thing to focus on something. IQ, as expected from the glass and type of telescope at this price range, wasn't impressive But that Leica glass on the spotting scope - wow - didn't expect it to be that good. I ve always considered some brands of being 'overpriced', but after seeing this, no wonder the asking price

[@longingbydesign]

I've seen other comparison videos coming to a totally different conclusion regarding sharpness, with the Sigma 150-600 #1, 60-600 #2 and the Sony 200-600 on the third place.

[@georgedavall9449]

And your point?? 🤔🙄

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I can only evaluate what I see, but by looking at the MTF charts for each lens, I would say that my findings are more consistent with them.

[@georgedavall9449]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I’ve never known your evaluations / reviews, to be anything but thorough, and unbiased, and most importantly, accurate and right on point. Just MHO. 🤔👍😊

[@Jwitherow1964]

Still wishing for this one

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a nice lens.

[@Donbros]

What a big boi lens!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a big one.

[@immanuelabrahammathew8806]

How many FPS will be set on a Sony A7IV ?

[@ruhollahmotaharinejad9859]

It covers its burst rate. But for a9 and a1 you are limited to only 15fbs.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Ruhollah is correct.

[@jakewerth9614]

10fps

[@OhhhhhhhBugger]

Too bad the newer one is not on Canon mounts :(

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Talk to Canon about that.

[@OhhhhhhhBugger]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Yeah..they stopped listening to customers years ago XD

[@curtisb1824]

Hello Dustin ! How would one go about contacting Canon on having Sigma to have a version of this new 60-600mm lens ?

[@yspegel]

pffff this makes a very though choice! If only the 150-600 had the same performance as the 60-600 that would be my pick but now..... I just don't know 😅 Thanks for the review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Fair enough!

[@eviltango]

11:10 someone's been out and about

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

??? Not quite sure where you're going with this.

[@eviltango]

@@DustinAbbottTWI the cat’s foot prints. But Thanks for this review btw, been trying to decide between this and the Sony

[@6042833]

Thank you my friend, for me Sigma all the way.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy!

[@T-Slider]

Or get the S5ii, and bypass the Sony created cripple Hammer. And also get dramatically better stabilization than Sony!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not really very well versed with the Leica products, so I'll have to take your word for it.

[@Audit-The-Auditors]

The sharpness is acceptably sharp, but never reaches the biting levels of Canon 'L' glass.

[@driliagor]

Sony GM line is comparable to L glass. From personal experience

[@Audit-The-Auditors]

@@driliagor Okay, but the above is about Sigma lenses.