Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM C Review

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM C Handling and Features

Sigma 150 600mm F5 63 Dg Os Hsm C Lens
Weighing just under 2kg, this lens is not overly heavy for a 600mm lens, although some kind of support is still a good idea if using the lens for long periods of time. A tripod collar is included to allow a monopod or tripod to be attached easily. A high quality matt finish, and plastics and metals used for much of the construction create a robust impression. Although the lens itself lacks weather sealing, the mount has a rubber gasket to prevent the ingress of  dust and moisture into the camera. The lens balances well on the Canon EOS 5D MkIII used for testing and is really quite hand-holdable for a lens of this size, but may feel more cumbersome in combination with some of the more compact SLR bodies available. 

Autofocus is quick, thanks to the use of a Silent HSM motor. Focusing is performed internally, so the 95mm filter thread does not rotate, making this lens ideal for use with polarising and graduated filters, if you can afford them in that size, of course.

Manual focus adjustments can be made at any time by simply turning the thin focus ring on the lens barrel. Manual focusing is a pleasure as the focus ring is well damped, and smooth to operate. The close focusing distance of 2.8m is quite close for a 600mm lens, but not as close as you can focus with the Sports version. The zoom ring is smooth to operate too, although it does have a tendency to creep forward when pointed downwards. A switch to lock the lens at 150mm during transport is provided, which can also be used to hold the lens at 600mm. Unfortunately, the lock switch doesn’t work at intermediate zoom settings.

With care, it is possible to take sharp images hand held using the image stabiliser at shutter speeds as low as 1/80sec, around half the time. This is roughly three stops slower than the usual rule of thumb for shooting hand held will allow. 

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