The Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary lens offers an impressive 19x zoom range, designed specifically for APS-C sensor cameras. With a 35mm equivalent of 24-450mm, this lens delivers remarkable versatility, making it appealing for those who need a wide range without constantly changing gear.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this detailed video highlights both the strengths and compromises of the lens. Frost points out the solid build quality, noting its plastic construction still feels robust and has decent weather-sealing, including a gasket at the mount. He emphasizes its effective image stabilization, particularly useful when fully zoomed to the equivalent of 450mm, making handheld shooting feasible even at maximum focal lengths. Autofocus performance is also commendable, described as quick, quiet, and reliable in both single-shot and continuous modes. Notably, Frost appreciates the absence of significant focus breathing, beneficial for those who shoot video.
On the flip side, Frost doesn't shy away from pointing out the lens's optical limitations. Sharpness is outstanding at the wider 16mm end, even at the maximum aperture, though significant purple fringing appears in the corners. As you zoom in, image quality becomes progressively softer, with a notable drop at around 150mm, where even stopping down doesn't fully resolve softness issues. At 300mm, center sharpness improves slightly, but corner performance remains soft, regardless of aperture adjustments. Frost suggests that while the zoom range is impressive, photographers should consider these compromises carefully if image sharpness at longer focal lengths is critical to their work.
Key Specs
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Focal Length: 16 to 300mm (35mm Equivalent: 24 to 450mm)
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Maximum Aperture: f/3.5 to 6.7
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Lens Mount: Sony E, Canon RF, Leica L, Fujifilm X
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APS-C coverage
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Image Stabilization
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Filter Size: 67 mm (Front)
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Minimum Focus Distance: 6.7" at wide, 41.3" at telephoto
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Maximum Magnification: 0.5x (1:2 Macro)
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Optical Design: 20 Elements in 14 Groups
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Weight: 21.7 oz (615 g)
Frost also tests the lens's distortion and vignetting, reporting typical barrel distortion at wide angles, transitioning to pincushion distortion around mid-range focal lengths, with notable vignetting wide open across the zoom range. Close-up image quality is weak at maximum aperture, improving slightly when stopped down significantly. The lens demonstrates strong resistance to flare and handles bright lights well, with minimal coma. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Frost.
