Sigma EX 500mm f/4,5 HSM APO DG Review

General information

This is a prime lens manufactured by Sigma and the model was launched 2005.
The lens belongs to the category  telephoto prime lenses, a telephoto lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon and Nikon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 500 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/4,5.

This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. 

Filter and Lens Hood

If you want to use filters on this lens the slot-in filters  (46 mm) would be the ones to use, which is very common at these larger telephoto lenses.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "LH1236-01 184".

Tripod Mount

This lens is equipped with a tripod mount, which makes use of a tripod easier and more stable.

Pictures (product and sample images)

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • Long focal length with its 500 mm
  • Works on all sensor types
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • A tripod mount is included
  • No built-in image stabilizer
  • Poor aperture value with its f/4,5
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
  • Heavy (3150 gr)
  • The price (more info)

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Sigma EX 500mm f/4,5 HSM APO DG .

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

Best deals on Sigma EX 500mm f/4,5 HSM APO DG

Make sure to check out our price information page for best offers on this lens.

Reviews

sefotosidan.se (reviews by users)
usephotozine.com
usfredmiranda.com
usshutterbug.com
usslrlensreview.com

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Pictures (product and sample images)

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.

Alternatives to Sigma EX 500mm f/4,5 HSM APO DG for Canon photographers

Below you will find four interesting alternatives to Sigma EX 500mm f/4,5 HSM APO DG . Make sure to compare these (and other) options before deciding which lens you will buy.

Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM
Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM
Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS USM Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS USM
Sigma EX 300-800mm f/5,6 DG APO HSM  Sigma EX 300-800mm f/5,6 DG APO HSM

Alternatives to Sigma EX 500mm f/4,5 HSM APO DG for Nikon photographers

Below you will find four interesting alternatives to Sigma EX 500mm f/4,5 HSM APO DG . Make sure to compare these (and other) options before deciding which lens you will buy.

Nikon AF-S 500mm f/4 D IF-ED II Nikon AF-S 500mm f/4 D IF-ED II
Nikon AF-S 500mm f/4 G ED VR Nikon AF-S 500mm f/4 G ED VR
Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4 D IF-ED II Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4 D IF-ED II
Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4 G ED VR Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4 G ED VR

Popular searches for this lens

If you want do dig deeper and look for more information about this lens you can be prepared that other photographers name and search for this lens in a lot of different ways. Here are a few of the most popular search strings:

  • Sigma 500 mm f 4,5
  • 500 mm Sigma
  • 500 mm Sigma
  • Sigma 500 mm f 4,5
  • Sigma 4,5 500 mm
  • Sigma 4,5 500
  • Sigma 500 mm
  • Sigma f 4,5 500
Because of this we also created a special page for this.