Sigma EX 200-500mm F2.8 APO HSM DG Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2008.
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 2008 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma EX 200-500mm F2.8 APO HSM DG:
"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 225mm with most cameras.
Only lens of its kind currently in the photo industry.
Largest high speed zoom lens available.
High speed F2.8 aperture constant throughout entire zoom range.
A dedicated hard case, battery charger BC-21, battery pack BP-21, and dedicated 2x teleconverter are included with the lens.
Sigma’s APO 200-500mm F2.8/400-1000mm F5.6 EX DG, is the first large-aperture ultra telephoto lens to have an F2.8 aperture at 500mm. With its specially designed attachment mounted becomes a 400-1000mm F5.6 ultra telephoto lens capable of auto-focus shooting. It has ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) and SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass for maximum correction of aberrations. Perfect fast moving nature subjects and sports such as surfing, polo and soccer and as it excels at tracking fast moving objects it is a great surveillance lens. Here, Sigma’s achievement is unsurpassed and stands alone. "
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 200-500 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.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Sigma EX 200-500mm F2.8 APO HSM 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/2,8.
This aperture value indicates that the lens is very bright.This aperture value indicates that the lens is very bright. This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues. Lenses with good aperture values and longer focal lengths, such as this lens, tend to be popular amongs sports and nature photographers.
A feature worth commenting, which is also related to lens brightness, is that the brightness and maximum aperture-value remains constant regardless of focal length used. This makes it easier for you as a photographer. No matter if you are have the focus ring and focal length at 200 mm or at 500 mm the aperture value can be f/2,8.
The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.
Filter and Lens Hood
If you want to use filters on this lens the slot-in filters would be the ones to use.
Most lenses have the lens hood as an accessory, something that you mount on the lens seperately, but this lens has a lens hood as a fixed part of the lens.
Tripod Mount
This lens is equipped with a tripod mount, which makes use of a tripod easier and more stable.
Images of Sigma EX 200-500mm F2.8 APO HSM 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.
- The lens brightness, f/2,8
- Constant maximum aperture value regardless of focal length
- Long focal length with its 500 mm
- An impressive focal range
- Works on all sensor types
- Has a built-in autofocus motor
- A lens hood is included (solid construction)
- A tripod mount is included
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
- Heavy (15700 gr)
- The price (more info)
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Sigma EX 200-500mm F2.8 APO HSM DG.
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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