Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens: A Comprehensive Review
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens has become a favorite among wildlife, sports, and aviation photographers seeking a versatile and relatively affordable super-telephoto zoom. This review delves into the lens’s key features, performance, image quality, and overall value, providing a detailed assessment for potential buyers. The Sigma 150-600mm is a popular choice due to its balance of reach, portability and price.
Overview of the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is part of Sigma’s Global Vision lineup, specifically designed to offer high performance in a compact and lightweight package. It distinguishes itself from its Sport counterpart with a focus on portability and affordability without significantly compromising image quality. The lens features Sigma’s Optical Stabilizer (OS) technology and Hypersonic Motor (HSM) for fast and quiet autofocus. It’s compatible with both full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras, offering a flexible range of focal lengths. This lens is a good option when considering a Sigma 150-600mm lens.
Key Features and Specifications
- Focal Length: 150-600mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/5.0-6.3
- Minimum Aperture: f/22
- Lens Construction: 20 elements in 14 groups
- Angle of View: 10.2° – 2.6°
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 2.8m / 9.2 ft.
- Filter Size: 95mm
- Optical Stabilizer (OS): Yes
- Hypersonic Motor (HSM): Yes
- Weight: 1,830g / 64.6 oz.
- Dimensions: 105mm x 260.1mm / 4.1 in. x 10.2 in.
Build Quality and Handling
The Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary boasts a robust build quality, employing Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) material, which provides durability while keeping the weight manageable. The lens feels solid in hand, and the zoom ring operates smoothly with appropriate resistance, preventing zoom creep. A zoom lock switch is included to secure the lens at various focal lengths, particularly useful when carrying the camera. The included lens hood is made of high-quality plastic and effectively minimizes flare. The tripod collar, while functional, is not removable, which some users may find inconvenient. Overall, the handling of the Sigma 150-600mm is comfortable for extended shooting sessions.
Autofocus Performance
Sigma’s Hypersonic Motor (HSM) delivers fast and accurate autofocus performance. In good lighting conditions, the lens locks onto subjects quickly and reliably. The autofocus is also relatively quiet, making it suitable for wildlife photography where minimizing noise is crucial. However, in challenging lighting scenarios or with fast-moving subjects, the autofocus may hunt slightly before locking on. Fine-tuning the autofocus using Sigma’s USB Dock and Optimization Pro software can improve performance on specific camera bodies. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary generally performs well in autofocus speed and accuracy.
Image Quality
The image quality produced by the Sigma 150-600mm is impressive, especially considering its price point. Sharpness is generally good across the frame, particularly at the wider end of the zoom range. At 600mm, sharpness may slightly decrease, especially at the maximum aperture of f/6.3, but stopping down to f/8 can improve sharpness. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled, although some purple fringing may be visible in high-contrast areas. Vignetting is present at the wider apertures, particularly at 600mm, but can be easily corrected in post-processing. Overall, the lens delivers excellent image quality suitable for both amateur and professional use.
Optical Stabilization
Sigma’s Optical Stabilizer (OS) is effective in reducing camera shake, allowing for sharper images when shooting handheld. The OS system offers multiple modes, including a mode specifically designed for panning shots. In practice, the OS provides approximately 3-4 stops of stabilization, enabling photographers to shoot at slower shutter speeds without introducing blur. This is particularly useful when shooting in low-light conditions or when using the lens at its maximum focal length. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary benefits greatly from the OS system.
Compared to the Sigma 150-600mm Sport
The Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary and Sport versions cater to different priorities. The Sport version is built for more demanding conditions, featuring weather sealing and a more robust construction. The Sport also offers slightly better image quality and faster autofocus, but it comes at a higher price and significantly greater weight. The Contemporary version prioritizes portability and affordability, making it a more accessible option for enthusiasts and hobbyists. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a good choice for those wanting a lighter and more affordable option. [See also: Sigma 150-600mm Sport Lens Review]
Real-World Applications
The versatility of the Sigma 150-600mm makes it suitable for a wide range of photographic genres. Wildlife photographers appreciate its reach and optical stabilization, allowing them to capture stunning images of animals in their natural habitats. Sports photographers benefit from its fast autofocus and zoom range, enabling them to track and capture action shots from a distance. Aviation enthusiasts find it ideal for photographing aircraft in flight. The lens is also suitable for landscape photography, allowing photographers to compress distances and create dramatic compositions. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a versatile tool for various photography styles.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent image quality for the price
- Effective optical stabilization
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Relatively lightweight and portable
- Zoom lock switch prevents zoom creep
Cons:
- Sharpness may decrease at 600mm and maximum aperture
- Tripod collar is not removable
- Some vignetting at wider apertures
Alternatives to Consider
While the Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a great lens, there are alternatives to consider. The Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 is a direct competitor, offering similar performance and features. Higher-end options include the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sport and the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM (with a teleconverter). Each of these lenses offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget when making a decision. [See also: Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens Review]
Conclusion
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens is a compelling option for photographers seeking a versatile and affordable super-telephoto zoom. Its combination of good image quality, effective optical stabilization, and fast autofocus make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from wildlife and sports photography to aviation and landscape photography. While it may not match the performance of higher-end lenses, its excellent value and portability make it a winner in its class. If you’re looking for a super-telephoto lens that won’t break the bank, the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary is definitely worth considering. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary offers a great balance between performance and price, making it a top choice for many photographers.
