Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG HSM APO RF Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

by Sigma

Product Details

• Item Weight: 4.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0009F3MPQ
• Item model number: B0009F3MPQ
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 14, 2005

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Sigma APO 50-500mm f4-6.3 EX DG HSM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras is a high-magnification zoom lens with a 10x zoom ratio. The advanced optical design of the lens is optimized for digital SLR cameras, and the super coating on each glass surface produces superb color rendition, while reducing flare and ghosting. This lens uses four pieces of Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass for excellent correction of color aberration throughout the entire zoom range. The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) provides quiet high-speed AF function, as well as full-time manual focus capability. This lens also features a Zoom Lock device to eliminate "zoom creep" when the lens is tilted down. When the lens is set to the 50 millimeter focal length, it is remarkably compact and provides easy handling. The tripod mount is composed of magnesium, to minimize total weight. It is also easy to grip and carry the lens due to ergonomic design of the tripod mount. Non-rotating front lens elements, due to the rear focus mechanism, make possible the use of a custom bayonet "petal-type hood," which prevents extraneous light from degrading the image quality. This mechanism also allows the use of circular polarizing filters, since the front barrel does not rotate during focusing or zooming.

Product Description

This new superzoom encompasses all popular focal lengths from the 50mm "normal" to 500mm ultra-telephoto; a 10:1 zoom ratio, providing tremendous versatility. The use of an apochromatic design and four elements composed of SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass, plus a seven group zoom system and multi-coated optics, enable this wide-ranging zoom lens to provide a high level of performance, as well as versatility. It also employs a rear focus system to insure quick, convenient manual focus and a non-rotating front barrel. This, coupled with Sigma's HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), provide quiet, responsive autofocus function, plus "full time" manual focus. This lens also features a Zoom Lock mechanism to help eliminate "zoom creep" when the lens is tilted up or down. The use of magnesium in the tripod mount helps reduce the weight of this lens, while maintaining the strength and rigidity necessary to support it. A custom bayonet "Perfect Hood" is provided to protect the front of the lens from extraneous light. Nature and sports photographers will appreciate the performance and versatility of this amazing new superzoom lens from Sigma.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

77 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great lens for a great price, May 1, 2006

By 

ShutterFlash (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG HSM APO RF Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras (Electronics)

The auto focus is super quiet and reasonably fast in most situations, although mounted on my D30 it does get confused in complex lighting. This is a BIG and HEAVY lens. I use the neck strap provided with the lens, as well as the strap on the camera at the same time. Although I'm probably overcautious, I don't trust the weight of the lens hanging from the camera without extra support. Mounted on a monopod, it is well balanced although following birds in flight presents a challenge. Optically, it's truly beautiful through all f stops. It looks like it will take any abuse I can reasonably give it, being solidly constructed and manufactured to very precise tolerances. I wanted a quality super telephoto and I got one at a great price.

51 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth it's weight in gold!, November 8, 2006

By 

Fight2FlyPhoto (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG HSM APO RF Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras (Electronics)

This has been my primary lens for all of my aviation photography and has never let me down! I have photographs that I've taken as slow as 1/40 at the 500mm end without the use of any tripod/monopod with fantastic results! The lens obviously comes in at 8 pounds and in my opinion really helps with panning. The real reason for purshasing this lens is its incredible zoom range. At airshows I keep it in the 300-500mm end of the lens most of the time but there have been many times I had to quickly zoom to the 50mm end to frame that "perfect" shot to include an aircraft taxiing right in front of me along with the other aircraft still in the air. I also shoot at a local airport for my clients and not having to quickly change lenses/bodies continually makes this lens well worth its weight in gold!

the only issue I've had with this lens is when I'm shooting in windy conditions. That long lens acts like a sail and can really be a problem when shooting a slow/stationary object.
Nearly every photograph on my website, fight2flyphoto.com, was taken with this incredible lens.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great intermediate lens, December 16, 2007

By 

A. White - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG HSM APO RF Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras (Electronics)

This is the lens that is on my camera (Cannon Rebel XTI) the most. It is very versatile. I am still a beginner, but a serious one, and the range it has is very useful. I shoot a lot of wildlife and it is great. It is very heavy so you need a sturdy tripod, although, you can hand-hold this camera, even at the 500 range, in good light and get great shots. One big problem with the lens is it gets a lot of dust on the inside on the internal lens. I have to go get it cleaned every now and then. I am too nervous to take it apart myself. I have had this lens one year and love it very much. It has even taken a couple of spills and still works great.