Sigma EX 800mm F5.6 HSM APO DG Review
General information
This is a prime lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2004.
The lens belongs to the category
telephoto prime lenses, a telephoto lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.
Product description from Sigma
At launch 2004 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma EX 800mm F5.6 HSM APO DG:
"This Sigma APO 800mm F5.6 EX DG is a large aperture 800mm lens that explores the visual effects of a super telephoto to the limit. When it comes to nature and sports photography, often there is just no substitute for pure focal length. Wildlife is notoriously averse to close approach and in sporting events the photographer is often restricted to areas at some distance from the action. In other cases of surveillance or dangerous situations, a longer distance shot is much preferred. In this situation, the Sigma 800 lens is the perfect answer. Two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements provide optimum color correction and sharpness throughout the entire zoom range. A new multi-layer lens coating technology and lens design formula reduces flare and ghosting. Rear insertion 46mm filters with provision for easy rotation of polarizing filters. Compatible with the Sigma’s APO dedicated Tele converter 1.4x & 2x to provide additional focal length as a 1120mm F8 MF or 1600mm F11MF lens respectively.
Built to exacting optical standards, with heavy duty EX construction, this lens is also priced significantly less than any other 800mm lens available on the market.
Designed for use with full frame digital SLR cameras. May also be used with smaller APS-c size sensors with a corresponding effective increase in focal length to about 1200 with most cameras
HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus
Just over 20 inches long & weighs approximately 10.4pounds
Inner focusing system which enables responsive & fast auto focus speed & overall length does not change during focusing.
Soft case, lens hood, circular PL filter are included. It is equipped with fixed tripod socket."
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 800 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.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Sigma EX 800mm F5.6 HSM APO DG
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/5,6.
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 "LH1571-01 152".
Tripod Mount
This lens is equipped with a tripod mount, which makes use of a tripod easier and more stable.
Images of Sigma EX 800mm F5.6 HSM APO DG
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
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 800 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/5,6
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
- Heavy (4740 gr)
- The price (more info)
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Sigma EX 800mm F5.6 HSM APO DG.
| Build Quality |
 
|
| Image Quality |
|
| Autofocus |
|
| Sharpness |
|
| Versatility |
|
| Value |
|
| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
Best deals on Sigma EX 800mm F5.6 HSM APO DG
Make sure to check out our price information page for best offers on this lens.