Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN Prime Lens Review
Field Testing the Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN in Yellowstone
Introduction
Sigma’s latest addition to its mirrorless lineup, the 500mm F5.6 DG DN prime lens, is a game-changer for wildlife filmmakers and photographers. I had the opportunity to test this lens in Yellowstone National Park, putting it through its paces in cold weather and demanding conditions. Having previously tested Sigma’s 60-600mm DG DN, I was eager to see how this new prime lens compared. Spoiler: It exceeded my expectations in terms of sharpness, portability, and overall performance.
First Impressions
From the moment I picked it up, the Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN felt impressive. Weighing just 48.3 ounces (about the same as their 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN), it’s incredibly lightweight for a 500mm prime. This makes it an excellent choice for extended field use, particularly when handholding for long periods. Despite its light build, the lens is rugged and durable, built to withstand tough outdoor conditions.
Key Features at a Glance:
500mm F5.6 prime lens optimized for mirrorless cameras
Lightweight (48.3 oz / 1.37 kg)
Weather-sealed construction
Manual aperture ring (great for gloved operation in cold conditions)
High-speed autofocus (HLA – High-response Linear Actuator)
5 stops of Optical Stabilization
Refractive lens elements to reduce ghosting and flare
Handling & Build Quality
One of my favorite features of this lens is the manual aperture ring. When working in freezing conditions, like I did in Yellowstone, it’s incredibly useful to adjust settings without having to fumble through camera dials with frozen fingers. The tactile feedback on the aperture ring is satisfying, making changes seamless even with gloves on.
Weather Sealing & Durability
The Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN is fully weather-sealed, protecting internal components from dust, moisture, and cold. While filming in snowfall and sub-freezing temperatures, the lens performed flawlessly without any condensation or focus issues. This is crucial for wildlife work, where unpredictable weather is the norm.
Optical Performance & Image Quality
Sharpness & Detail
I was blown away by the sharpness of this lens. Compared to the Sigma 60-600mm DG DN, which I used extensively last year, the 500mm prime is noticeably sharper. The detail in bison fur, pronghorn antlers, and even distant wolves was exceptional.
Autofocus & Subject Tracking
Sigma’s new HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) autofocus system is lightning-fast and accurate. Using it on both the Sony A7s3 and the FX6, I found that it locked onto subjects quickly and precisely, even in low contrast conditions. While shooting in heavy snow, it struggled slightly to find contrast (as expected), but in most scenarios, it performed exceptionally well.
Optical Stabilization (OIS)
With 5 stops of image stabilization, handheld shots at 500mm are surprisingly smooth. This was a game-changer for capturing moving wildlife, particularly in scenarios where using a tripod wasn’t practical.
Flare & Ghosting Control
Sigma opted for refractive lens elements instead of diffractive elements, reducing lens flare and ghosting. This was particularly noticeable in Yellowstone, where bright snow can cause unwanted reflections. The image remained clean and contrast-rich, even in backlit situations.
Wildlife Field Test Results
While wildlife activity was slower than usual this year in Yellowstone, I managed to film:
Bison in snowy fields
Pronghorn antelope moving across open terrain
Wolves at a distant bison carcass
Birds in flight
For distant subjects like wolves, I wished for teleconverter compatibility. Currently, Sigma’s mirrorless teleconverters aren’t available for this lens, but I hope they release 1.4x and 2x extenders in the future.
Final Thoughts: Who is This Lens For?
The Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN is a fantastic lens for wildlife filmmakers and photographers who need a lightweight yet powerful telephoto option. The combination of sharpness, portability, and fast autofocus makes it an ideal tool for capturing wildlife action.
Pros:
✅ Exceptional sharpness and image quality
✅ Lightweight & easy to handhold for long periods
✅ Fast & accurate autofocus with Sigma’s new HLA system
✅ 5 stops of Optical Stabilization for handheld shooting
✅ Weather-sealed for rugged environments
✅ Manual aperture ring for easy adjustments in the field
Cons:
❌ No teleconverter compatibility (yet!)
❌ F5.6 aperture could be limiting in low light (but manageable)
If you’re looking for an ultra-sharp, lightweight 500mm prime, this lens is absolutely worth considering. Sigma has truly raised the bar for mirrorless wildlife lenses, and I hope they continue to expand their lineup.
Watch the Footage
Rather than just taking my word for it, check out the footage I captured in Yellowstone! If you enjoy behind-the-scenes wildlife filmmaking content, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel, Filming The Wild.
👉 Have questions about this lens? Drop a comment below, and I’d be happy to answer!
🎥 Watch the full lens test & Yellowstone footage here
