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Sigma 170-500mm f/5-6.3 APO DG
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Full frame sized imageLenses that create APS-C sized image are designed for digital only. They cannot be used on cameras that have image sensor larger than the APS-C format. These lenses are not suitable for film cameras either. No Ultrasonic AFLenses with ultrasonic focusing mechanism tend to be quiter and faster than traditionally focusing lenses. No stepping motor AFLenses with stepping motor focusing mechanism are better for contrast based focusing, and are quiter and faster than traditionally focusing lenses. One or more Low Dispersion lens element is usedLow Dispersion lens elements help to reduce chromatic aberration. Not stabilizedImage stabilization helps to reduce blur caused by hand shake, especially at high focal length or in low light situations. Image stabilization can give 1 to 3 stop advantage over none stabilized lens, based on the reciprocal rule. Metal mountCheaper lenses are usually equipped with plastic mount, while more expensive, professional lenses have metal mount. In general, metal mounts are more durable, and a good thing to have when lenses are changed a lot. When a camera is used mainly with one lens, the material of the lens mount is not that important. Internal FocusingInternally focusing lenses don't change their size while setting focus. The front lens is fixedThe fixed front lens is not rotating during zoom and/or focusing. This allows the photographer to use petal shaped lens hood. Fixed front lenses also make the use of polarization filters a lot easier. No drop-in filter supportDrop-in filters are used in those lenses where either the front lens is too large, or the field of view doesn't permit the use of traditional filters at the front of the lens. Usually bright tele and ultra-wide angle lenses support this filter type. |
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This digitally opimized compact apochromatic ultra-telephoto zoom lens is ideal for taking sport, nature and landscape photographs. The five group zoom and rear focus systems ensure stability and ease of use. The use of asperival lenses reduces distortion aberration to less than 1%. Three pieces of Special Low-Dispersion (SLD) glass compensate for secondary color aberration. High image quality is obtained throughout the entire zoom range. A removable tripod collar is included as a standart component, as a tripod should be used to prevent unintentional movement.
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Sigma 170-500mm f/5-6.3 APO DG Specification
| Available mount(s) | Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony / Minolta A, Sigma |
| Application(s) | Portrait, Wildlife |
| Category(s) | Tele zoom |
| Multiplier | 1× |
| Stabilizer | no |
| Focal length | 170 - 500 mm (2.9× zoom) |
| Lens construction | 13 elements in 11 groups |
| Angle of view |
35mm: 14.5-5° digital: 8.4-2.9° |
| Number of blades | 9 |
| Maximum aperture | wide: f/5 tele: f/6.3 |
| Minimum aperture | wide: f/32 tele: N/A |
| Minimum focusing distance | 300 cm |
| Magnification | 0.17× |
| Filter size | 86 mm |
| Size | ∅ 92.5 × 232 mm |
| Weight | 1345 g |
| Notes |
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| AF speed | N/A |
| AF sound | |
| Internal focusing | yes |
| Internal zoom | N/A |
| Fix front lens | yes |
| Mount type | metal |
| Weather sealed | N/A |
| Drop in filter | no |
| Ultrasonic AF | no |
| Stepping motor AF | no |
| APS-C sized circle | no |
| Low dispersion lens element | yes |
| Hard case | N/A |
| Soft case | N/A |
| Lens hood |
LH925-01 printable lens hood |
| Tripod adapter | N/A |
| Discontinued | yes |
Sigma 170-500mm f/5-6.3 APO DG Reviews
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Sigma 170-500mm f/5-6.3 APO DG Owner Reviews
Most useful owner reviews from Amazon
Excellent Tele Zoom for the money
Apr 14, 2006
After reading many mixed reviews on the web, I wasn't too sure about the picture quality when I received it. But it turns out to be an excellent big zoom for the money. I have no other 500mm lenses for comparison. But the pictures I took in dark night outdoor (tripod) and some indoor shots (hand held with flash) on Canon Rebel XT turned out to be really sharp, comparing to shots I took with Canon 50mm/f1.4, Sigma 10-20mm, or Canon 70-200L/f4 under very similar conditions. Color is balanced and contrasty and details are superb! The weight is very reasonable. The collar is excellent. The AF works beautifully indoor in regular household light. Very fast and quiet, unlike anything I've read on the web ("noisy, slow, hunting"). In fact, my other two above mentioned Canon lenses seem to hunt more sometimes under the similar condition. This lens doesn't have zoom lock, so it does creep if not careful. But for about $500 less than the Bigma and tons less than similar Canon's, it's a very small price to pay indeed. The focus ring is kinda loose, but so is the Canon 50/f1.4. My Canon L and Sigma EX don't have this problem. You get what you paid for. The lens hood feels plastic, but reasonable. The collar is very solid and smooth. The carrying bag that comes with the lens is of reasonable quality but looks like it's not for serious outdoor abuse. As a amateur enthusiast, I am totally happy with it. 5 stars for the value/price ratio. I am waiting for my $80 Quantaray 2x Teleconverter to arrive to try it on this Sigma. Maybe this time I am really pushing my luck :) If you are on a budget and looking for a 500mm, This Sigma definitely worthes a closer look. Highly recommended.
Update: Nov 22, 2006:
I've been using this lens for little less than a year now. I still stand by my words above. Only the 2x converter is really pushing it - killed the AF and got a big drop in sharpness. Happy shooting!
Can't afford the Bigma? Buy this!
Aug 3, 2006
Much has been written praising the Sigma 50-500mm zoom lens, often called the "Bigma." This lens is clearly its equal in everything but zoom range. I was very surprised when I purchased mine, used, and discovered that its sharpness was much better than I expected, and its autofocus speed every bit fast enough for challenging subjects like sports. The price I paid for this under-rated lens was about a third the price of a new Bigma, so I am extremely pleased with the bargain I got.
My only beef with this lens is the "zoom creep" that results when you tilt the camera/lens downwards. The smooth zooming action apparently results in zooming even when you don't want it to.
If you need a 500mm top end, and can live with a 170mm minimum zoom, this lens may be what you need. In my case, the 50mm short end of the Bigma wasn't wide enough, so I am happier with my 170mm-500mm zoom and a companion 18mm-200mm lens that together cover the full range I need.
This lens is available in a variety of mounts, including the Canon mount listed here, as well as fittings for Minolta and Nikon (my own choice.)
A great lens for the price.
Jul 9, 2007
This is an extremely versatile lens capable of handling many different shooting situations. I have been using this lens for a couple years now and my only complaint is that there is no zoom lock so in between shots where the lens is pointed up at a fairly steep angle you will need to make sure that the zoom is still in it's intended position. I'ts not exactly a walk around lens because of it's size and weight. It is a good lens to have for shooting wild life or taking photos of the moon. I compared it to the Tokina 400mm lens. This lens was far superior to the Tokina. and as good as the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Super Telephoto Lens. The only advantage is that the Canon had zoom lock.
This lens takes amazing photos. I am very happy with the quality of photos that I get, great color, sharpness and contrast. It comes with a tripod coller, a great carrying case and a hood.
I am very happy with this lens.
Great Performer
Mar 12, 2007
I own two lenses from Sigma, and I love them both. This ultra telephoto lens is possibly the best bang for your buck in the focal its focal range. If there is a better one in its class I've yet to see it. Manual Focus ring is well placed, easy access, we all like that, right? Sharpness has not been an issue for me at all; you will need a tripod in most situation, but you should be using one all the time, shame on you if you don't! jk, The only gripe I have with this lens is that it does not feature a "zoom lock" as this is a fairly heavy lens, creep can be an issue if you are carrying it around and not shoot. I highly recommend this lens. 5 stars no questions asked.
Great for sports
Nov 4, 2007
I bought this lens to shoot pictures of my son's football games. It has been fantastic and very clear. Lens creep is an issue but not one that has really bothered me. The price on Amazon was great as I had priced it in NYC and most retailers wanted twice as much if not more.
AWESOME!!
Apr 10, 2007
TOOK TO OPENING DAY PHILLIES 2007,,, THE PICS THAT I TOOK WERE CLEAR AND GREAT.... WILL STICK TO SIGMA LENSES OR NOW ON!