Sigma is introducing an update to one of their most popular lenses, the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens. Designed and developed under their Sports line of lenses, this lens features a high degree of customizability, comprehensive weather-sealing, and a robust build that can handle the elements.
There are many refinements that make the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens a compelling choice for photographers. It has improved focus motors, a new optical formula, and better ergonomics. The lens is offered in Sony E and Leica L mounts and can handle everything from standard to ultra-telephoto angles of view.
Key Features of the Sigma 60-600mm Lens
There are many notable features of the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports. Some of which include:
- Lens construction of 27 elements in 19 groups (2 FLD and 3 SLD)
- 9-blade rounded diaphragm
- HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motors, compatible with high-speed autofocus
- Dust and Splash Resistant Structure
- Water and Oil Repellent Coating (front element)
- Newly designed “OS2” Optical Stabilizer function: 7 stops at the wide end and 6 stops at the telephoto end
- Rotary zooming using the zoom ring, and zooming grasping the end of the lens
- Minimum focusing distance at 60mm is 45cm, with a 1:2.4 maximum magnification at 200mm
- Three AFL buttons for easy customization and operate in any orientation
- Weighs 5.5 pounds
What’s New About the Sigma 60-600mm Lens?
New Optical Design
Sigma has introduced a completely new optical formula for the 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 lens. Its construction is built exclusively for mirrorless cameras, and features both SLD and FLD glass elements. These new elements are used to effectively correct the chromatic aberration that tends to occur in the ultra- telephoto range of lenses. This results in consistently high optical performance throughout the entire zoom range. In addition to improved lens elements, the minimum focusing distance at the wide end has been improved to 45cm. Meanwhile, the lens can provide an impressive 1:2.4 macro magnification ratio at 200mm. Those who have demanding image quality requirements would greatly benefit from the new optical formula on this lens. Having the ability to get great close-up macro shots is another valuable benefit to this new optical formula.
High-Response Linear Actuator Motors
Sigma has updated the motors on the 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports to accommodate the current generation of ultra-fast focusing mirrorless cameras. Autofocus technology has evolved greatly since the previous version of this lens was developed. Cameras like the Sony A1 can perform a whopping 120 autofocus calculations per second. This necessitates the need to have focus motors that can keep up with those calculations. The HLA motors on this lens are designed to keep up with flagship cameras, while also providing focus accuracy. The new motors are also very quiet. This can be beneficial when shooting wildlife, weddings, and anything else where minimizing noise would be important. Photographers who shoot fast-moving subjects would greatly benefit from the new motor refinements of this lens.
Newly Designed Optical Stabilizer (OS2) Algorithm
One of the most important features of an ultra-telephoto lens is undoubtedly the quality of its optical stabilization system. The longer the reach of the lens, the better the stabilization needs to be to compensate for movement. Sigma’s OS2 stabilization algorithm significantly improves upon the previous version of this lens, providing 7 stops at the wide end, and 6 stops at the telephoto end. It’s also equipped with two OS modes. Mode 1 is suitable for general shooting. Mode 2 is best suited for panning shots. Photographers that need to consistently capture sharp shots at long focal length would benefit greatly from the improved optical stabilization features of this lens.
High Customizability and Build Quality of Sigma’s Sports Line
Robust and lightweight materials like magnesium, CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic), and TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) allow the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports to remain portable yet durable. The mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, switches, switch panel and exterior connection are all dust and splash resistant. The focus limiter switch, three AFL buttons, and optional USB dock for L-Mount provide additional options for photographers who need to customize the ergonomics of this versatile lens.
Dual Action Zoom
This ablility to zoom a telephoto lens can make the difference between capturing a decisive moment, or missing a shot entirely. Photographers who shoot in environments where subjects are quickly moving around the scene would benefit from the dual action zoom features of the lens. This handy feature allows for rapid changes in focal length. This is by either turning the zoom ring on the body of the lens, or grabbing the barrel and quickly pumping the zoom to your desired field of view. This a useful feature that is also included on other Sigma lenses, like the 150-400mm DG DN OS C Lens.
Who is Sigma 60-600mm Lens For?
There are a wide variety of use cases for a lens like the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens. Classified as an “ultra-telephoto” zoom lens, it’s designed to be a versatile lens for travel, outdoor sports, wildlife and safari. It’s hard to replace a single lens that can cover everything from standard focal lengths, to ultra-telephoto, and even macro close-ups.
Photographers can cover all of these photographic genres without ever needing to swap out a lens. In order to cover this range of focal lengths, photographers would need a set of 70-200mm, 100-400mm, and 200-600mm lenses. That would not only increase the cost of the overall kit, but would also significantly increase its weight.
Having a lens like this is essential for photographers who can’t afford to have any missed opportunities. One example of such a situation could be a professional sports game where the action is changing rapidly. You’ll need the ability to capture shots at standard focal lengths, while quickly adjusting to capture the action downfield at the telephoto end of the zoom. The same can be said for bird photography. The erratic movement of a bird in flight can quickly cover the entire range of focal lengths provided by this lens.
With those considerations in mind, the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens is the perfect lens for photographers who need to stay in the moment, keep their kit lightweight, and reduce the overall costs for covering a significant range of focal lengths.
Comparable Products
The Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens is the second lens in Sigma’s full-frame mirrorless Sports zoom lineup — with the first one being the 150-600MM F5-6.3 DG DN OS. Compared to that lens, the 60-600mm offers a better focal range, a wider aperture, better optical stabilization, better close-focus and magnification, and a more advanced optical formula.
The DSLR versions of the 60-600mm are still available and may be able to be used with mirrorless adaptors. Although, they have slower focus motors, are heavier, and use dated optical formulas that aren’t optimized for modern high-resolution sensors.
Sigma does offer one other compelling telephoto zoom lens in it’s Contemporary lineup, which is the 100-400mm DG DN OS C. Photographers who want a compact and ultra-lightweight lens that can deliver amazing images should consider that lens as an alternative. You can read all about it in our review here: Lens In Focus: Reza Malayeri’s Favorite Lightweight Zoom Lens.
Here are some more photos taken with the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 lens:
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Conclusion
The Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 lens focuses on premium optics, build, portability and versatility. It can cover everything from close-up macro shots, to long distance tracking shots, without compromising on performance or reliability. Improved stabilization and blazing-fast silent linear motors will ensure even the most demanding sensors will reach their potential. With so many benefits and features, the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens is poised to become an essential lens for photographers of all genres.
