The new SIGMA 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports lens is “the world’s first” 10x focal length, ultra-telephoto zoom lens designed specifically for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
Not an everyday kind of lens, the Sigma 60-600mm Sport is for photographers who shoot outdoor sporting events, airshows, motorsports, travel, wildlife, etc. and that are looking for a single lens option offering focal ranges from standard up to ultra-telephoto, including the ability to shoot close-ups when necessary.
SIGMA says that the lens delivers “high optical performance” throughout the entire zoom range and features a newly developed linear motor that delivers “unprecedentedly fast and precise” autofocusing.
The lens utilizes a newly developed “OS2” algorithm that provides 7 stops of optical image stabilization at the wide end and 6 stops at the telephoto end.
There are two OS modes, Mode 1: Normal (general shooting) and Mode 2: Panning shooting with an OS View Mode that can be set to standard, dynamic or moderate.
Autofocus utilizes a newly developed High-response Linear Actuator (HLA) system providing quiet autofocus and high-speed focus-following performance.
There are 27 lens elements arranged into 19 groups, including two FLD and three SLD elements with an aperture range of f/4.5 to f/22 at the wide end and f/5.6 to f/32 at the telephoto.
Thanks to a minimum focusing distance of 45 cm (17.7 in) at the wide end, and at the end of the focal length of 200mm, the lens boasts a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.4, making it a great telephoto macro lens as well.
Dual Action Zoom is also supported, allowing for both rotational zooming using the zoom ring and/or straight zooming by grabbing the tip of the lens. There is also a zoom Lock switch that can be locked at each focal length scale.
The lens features a multi-material structure construction that is composed of magnesium, carbon fiber, reinforced plastic and thermally stable composite. The benefit of using these materials is that they help keep the weight of the lens down to an relatively light 2,495 g (5.5 lbs).
In terms of weather proofing, a dust and splash resistant structure is applied to the joints of the mount as well as the manual focus ring, zoom ring, switches, switch panel, and exterior parts and a water and oil repellent coating applied the front element of the lens helps to keep it drop and fingerprint free.
