Sigma 170-500mm F5-6.3 DG APO Review

Sigma 170-500mm F5-6.3 DG APO

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2005.
The lens belongs to the category telephoto zoom lenses, a telephoto lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Sigma

At launch 2005 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma 170-500mm F5-6.3 DG APO:

" An ultra-telephoto zoom up to 500mm producing high performance with digital or film SLR cameras.

* The new multi-layer lens coating and lens design reduces flare and ghosting.
* Aspherical lenses and SLD glass provide correction for all types of aberration throughout the entire zoom range.
* Rear focus system ensures fast auto focus.

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 170-500mm F5-6.3 DG lens. This compact ultra telephoto zoom lens covers a useful range up to 500mm.

The new multi-layer lens coating and lens design reduces flare and ghosting, and creates an optimum color balance resulting in better picture quality through the entire zoom range on both film and digital SLRs.

This lens uses one aspherical lens and three SLD（Special Low Dispersion） glass elements for excellent correction of chromatic aberration, making high-quality images a reality throughout the entire zoom range.

Since the front of the lens does not rotate during focusing, a circular polarizing filter can easily be attached and used. A lens hood and removable tripod collar are included as standard components. "

Product description from Sigma at launch 2005

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.

Here it is the only Canon version of the lens that has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. The possibility to use autofocus (AF) is available for Nikon cameras but only if the camera itself has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. Some cheaper and budget camera models from Nikon lacks a built-in autofocus motor, and we at Lensora appreciate autofocus, so in the list of compatible cameras we have chosen to display only the cameras that you can get autofocus with.

The lens has a focal length of 170-500 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.

A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/5-6,3.

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.

One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 170 mm the lens brightness is f/5 and at 500 mm the brightness is f/6,3. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for 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

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 86 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

Together with the lens there is a lens hood included but we have unfortunately no further information on model etc so feel free to contact us if you know more.

Tripod Mount

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

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
  • An impressive focal range
  • Works on all sensor types
  • A lens hood is included
  • A tripod mount is included
  • No built-in autofocus motor (the Nikon version)
  • No built-in image stabilizer
  • Poor aperture value with its f/6,3
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
  • Heavy (1345 gr)

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Sigma 170-500mm F5-6.3 DG APO.

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

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