When Sigma announced the new 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports lens, it quickly caught attention due to its combination of extreme focal length and professional-grade optics. If you're serious about wildlife, sports, or nature photography, a lens like this can transform your approach.
Coming to you from Mike with North Borders, this practical video provides an in-depth look at the Sigma 300-600mm f/4 lens, examining its real-world capabilities through wildlife photography. The lens itself is substantial in size and performance, boasting features like 5.5 stops of optical stabilization, essential when hand-holding at maximum zoom. Mike emphasizes the magnesium alloy build and comprehensive weather-sealing, which ensure reliability under harsh outdoor conditions. This combination of stability, reach, and build quality makes it ideal for situations where precise, clear shots from considerable distances matter significantly. What sets this lens apart is not just its technical prowess, but also how these features translate directly into improved shooting experiences in the field.
Mike tests the lens in a challenging real-world scenario, venturing into Australia's wild terrain to photograph elusive subjects. Interestingly, rather than the usual wildlife, he encounters something unexpected—two dirt bikes roaming freely along the shoreline. Capturing them from afar showcases the lens' incredible reach and stabilization, allowing clear shots despite changing conditions. Mike humorously describes his encounter, using the bikes' "natural" behavior as a creative demonstration of the lens’ capabilities. Crucially, the autofocus performs impressively under pressure, quickly locking onto subjects even when they're moving unpredictably.
Key Specs
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Focal Length: 300 to 600mm
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Maximum Aperture: f/4
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Mount Options: Sony E, Leica L
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Image Stabilization: Yes, 5.5 stops
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Optical Construction: 28 Elements in 21 Groups
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Minimum Focus Distance: 9.2' (300mm) to 14.8' (600mm)
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Maximum Magnification: 0.17x
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Drop-In Filter Size: 40.5 mm
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Dimensions: 6.6 x 18.5 inches
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Weight: 8.75 lb (3.97 kg)
Throughout the video, the practical benefits of this lens are clear: its performance remains consistent despite difficult environments and unexpected situations. Check out the video above for the full rundown.
