Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens | Leica L

The Leica L-mountSigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens is a compact and lightweight ultra-telephoto prime lens that features a durable build and innovative optical design, along with advanced optical stabilization. This combination ensures exceptional performance, even when shooting handheld in demanding conditions. The lens is equipped with a silent and accurate high-speed autofocus system, enhancing its optical capabilities and enabling photographers to capture fast-moving subjects, making it ideal for sports, wildlife, and aviation photography.

Body and Optical Design

Sigma has enhanced its optical design by positioning unique low-dispersion convex elements at the front of the lens, resulting in a compact and lightweight construction while delivering superior optical performance and exceptional aberration correction. Comprising a total of 20 lens elements organized into 14 groups, which include three FLD elements and two SLD elements, this lens effectively minimizes flare and ghosting, thereby enhancing image clarity. The lens body is crafted from Thermally Stable Composite and magnesium, ensuring a sturdy, dust- and splash-resistant design. Additionally, the front element features a water- and oil-repellent coating to safeguard the lens against debris.

OS2 Optical Stabilizer Algorithm

Sigma’s OS2 optical stabilization technology offers an impressive capability of up to 5 stops of image stabilization. This feature, along with the lens’s compact design, enhances its suitability for handheld photography, allowing users to shoot at slower shutter speeds while maintaining image clarity. The lens includes two stabilization modes: Mode 1, designed for general photography, and Mode 2, which incorporates Sigma’s Intelligent OS algorithm. This advanced mode is particularly beneficial for panning shots and capturing sports, as it delivers effective stabilization even when the camera is moved in vertical or diagonal directions, regardless of its horizontal or vertical alignment.

HLA Autofocus System

The High-response Linear Actuator (HLA) focusing motor brings remarkable speed, accuracy, and quiet operation to the Sigma autofocus system. Additionally, the HLA enhances focus tracking capabilities for sports photography and other dynamic subjects, including vehicles, aircraft, and flying birds, thereby ensuring that critical moments are captured without delay.

Additional Benefits

The lens features an aperture ring equipped with click and lock mechanisms. It includes a tripod socket designed to evenly distribute weight. The lens hood is constructed from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. Additionally, there are custom buttons and switches, comprising three AFL buttons, a focus mode switch, a focus limiter switch, an OS switch, a custom mode switch, and a click switch for the aperture ring.