Sigma has announced the 300-600mm f/4 DG OS | Sports, a large-aperture ultra-telephoto zoom lens designed for professional sports, wildlife, and action photography. The lens is built exclusively for full frame mirrorless cameras and will be available for Sony E-mount and L-Mount in April 2025 at a retail price of $5,999.
This 300-600mm f/4 DG OS | Sports combines the optical performance of a 600mm f/4 prime with the versatility of a zoom, allowing photographers to frame shots from 300mm to 600mm without swapping lenses. Key features include a High-response Linear Actuator (HLA) autofocus system, 5.5 stops of optical stabilization, and a rugged, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body.
Key Features
- Ultra-telephoto zoom lens: Maintains prime-like image quality throughout the zoom range.
- Bright constant f/4 aperture: Ideal for low-light situations and subject isolation.
- Optical stabilization: 5.5 stops of stabilization at 600mm, optimized via Sigma’s OS2 algorithm.
- High-speed autofocus: HLA-driven AF for fast and accurate subject tracking.
- Professional build quality: Magnesium alloy body with a thermal insulation coating to reduce heat absorption.
- New function ring:
- Focus Preset Mode: Instantly shift to a registered focus position.
- Power Focus Mode: Enables controlled focus shifts for video shooting.
- Inner zoom mechanism: Maintains center of gravity for better balance.
- Advanced optical design: 28 elements in 21 groups, including 6 FLD and 1 SLD elements to reduce chromatic aberrations.
- Weather-sealed construction: Dust- and splash-resistant with a water- and oil-repellent front coating.
- Drop-in filter system: Supports 40.5 mm filters, including a circular polarizer and variable ND (sold separately).
Specifications
Optical System
- Lens Construction: 28 elements in 21 groups (6 FLD, 1 SLD)
- Angle of View: 8.2° - 4.1°
- Diaphragm Blades: 13 (rounded)
- Aperture Range: f/4 to f/22
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 280 cm (wide) - 450 cm (telephoto)
- Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:6 at 470mm
Physical Dimensions
- Filter Size: 40.5 mm (rear drop-in)
- Size: 167.0 mm x 467.9 mm (6.6 in. x 18.4 in.)
- Weight: 3,985 g (140.6 oz.)
Autofocus and Stabilization
- AF Motor: HLA (High-response Linear Actuator)
- Stabilization: 5.5 stops at 600mm (OS2 algorithm)
- OS Modes:
- Mode 1: General use.
- Mode 2: Optimized for panning shots.
Build and Handling
- Material: Magnesium alloy body with carbon fiber hood.
- Tripod Mount: Rotating Arca-Swiss compatible foot, with optional interchangeable sockets.
- Sealing: Dust- and splash-resistant with front water- and oil-repellent coating.
Additional Features
- Drop-in Filter Holder: Accepts standard 40.5 mm filters.
- Custom Switches: Focus mode, focus limiter, OS mode, AFL buttons (4 locations).
- Compatibility: Supports Sigma Tele Converters (TC-1411 / TC-2011) for 1,200mm f/8.
- Sigma USB Dock UD-11: Supported for firmware updates (L-Mount only).
Availability
The Sigma 300-600mm f/4 DG OS | Sports will be available in April 2025 for Sony E-mount and L-Mount and can be preordered now for $5,999.
If it performs well in terms of optics Sigma just completely changed the game for wildlife and sports shooters. Especially if it finds its way to other mounts.
The true kicker will be how well it takes a TC though. Typically zooms dont handle TCs very well so that could be a weak point but even without a TC option that zoom range is perfect.
A few weeks ago I saw rumors galore that they were gonna drop an 800 6.3 and my argument was that its too niche and that they should do something more like this. I guess Sigma was a step ahead. ;)
Well this already sounds a killer lens, I'm super jealous as this won't be for the Nikon Z mount though I wish it would be. This for me as " enthusiast " sport photographer would be a perfect lens that could apply to a number of sports I photograph from football (soccer) to cricket. The 300mm - 400mm would be perfect for football and the 600mm for cricket. I have a 600mm f4 adapted to my Z9 and a 400mm f2.8 also adapted . I loose a stop of light compared to the 400mm but I tend to stop down anyway so one lens rather than two bulky lenses.
Looking forward to some real use reviews to see how this performs I don't doubt the AF and image quality is going to me exceptionally good.
Ditto, this paired with my Z9 for sports is EXACTLY what I could use and $6k isn't cheap but it's the price point I could definitely work with!
This lens looks absolutely amazing, but imagine the same with built-in 1.4x TC.
I wonder if it was too hard to make, the lens would be too heavy or would it be too expensive?
I suspect the quality isn’t good enough and would drive the price too high. They are trying to hit the market with this as a massive win in terms of getting a 600 f4 for such a cheap price.