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Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£810
Avg. price in US: ~$940
Lens mount: Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA
Maximum focal length: 600 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 6.3
Optical image stabilization: yes
Maximum angle of view: 16.4 °

Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

8.3

Excellent

8.0

Excellent

9.6

Exceptional

9.6
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
9.4
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
10
Optical image stabilization
7.6
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
5.7
Lens length
25.0%
5.6
Lens diameter
25.0%
10
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
10
Optical image stabilization

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#19 in Best Telephoto Lenses
#36 in Best Camera Lenses

Verdict

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a versatile hyper-telephoto zoom lens designed for full-frame cameras, featuring an optical construction of 20 elements in 14 groups, including one FLD and three SLD glass elements to minimize chromatic aberrations. Its key characteristics include a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for fast, quiet autofocus, an Optical Stabilizer (OS) with an integrated accelerometer for effective panning, and a dust- and splash-proof mount. Main pros include its relatively lightweight and compact build (approx. 1,930g) compared to the Sports version, excellent image sharpness throughout the zoom range, and compatibility with the Sigma USB Dock for firmware updates and customization. However, its variable maximum aperture of f/5-6.3 can be limiting in low-light conditions, and users often note significant weight and bulk that can lead to fatigue during extended handheld use.

Technical Specifications of Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary

Overall score

8.3

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

8.2

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

telephoto zoom

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

95 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

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Optics & Aperture

8.1

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

150 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

600 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

4x

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

16.4 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

4.1 °

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Focus & Controls

6.8

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

HSM

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

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Stabilization

7.9

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

Build & Handling

8.5

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

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Lab Scores

9.0

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

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Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary vs the average camera lens

Why is Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary better than the average camera lens?

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Has optical image stabilization
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Teleconverter compatible
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has focus distance scale
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has focus limiter switch
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
What it is: A control that restricts the focus range to improve autofocus speed and reduce hunting.
When it matters: When autofocus speed matters and you want to stop the lens from hunting through its full focus range.
Importance: LOW
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
Has zoom lock switch
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
Zoom lock switch present.
What it is: A switch that locks the zoom position to prevent the lens from extending during transport.
When it matters: When you carry the lens while walking or traveling and want to prevent zoom creep.
Importance: LOW
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
2 more low-dispersion elements
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.4 vs 2
19% higher user score
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.62 vs 8.091).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.62 vs 8.091).9.62 vs 8.09
Teleconverter compatible
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
2 more low-dispersion elements
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
Has focus distance scale
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has focus limiter switch
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
Has zoom lock switch
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
Has optical image stabilization
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Why is Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary worse than the average camera lens?

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3.5 higher f-number at telephoto end
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/6.3 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
2 fewer aspherical elements
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
1,509.6 g heavier
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is heavier than the average camera lens (2035 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
168.1 mm longer lens
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is longer than the average camera lens (260.1 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
28 mm wider lens barrel
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is wider than the average camera lens (105 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
3.5 higher f-number at telephoto end
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/6.3 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/6.3 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.6.3 vs 2.8
1,509.6 g heavier
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is heavier than the average camera lens (2035 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is heavier than the average camera lens (2035 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.2035 g vs 525.4 g
168.1 mm longer lens
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is longer than the average camera lens (260.1 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is longer than the average camera lens (260.1 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.260.1 mm vs 92 mm
28 mm wider lens barrel
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is wider than the average camera lens (105 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is wider than the average camera lens (105 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.105 mm vs 77 mm
2 fewer aspherical elements
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
52.8% more expensive
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is more expensive than the average camera lens (£810 vs £530).
Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is more expensive than the average camera lens (£810 vs £530).£810 vs £530

Optics & Aperture

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary?

Affordable price offering excellent value for money
Great sharpness, especially on the long end of the zoom range
Effective and customizable optical image stabilization
Relatively lightweight and manageable for handheld shooting compared to the 'Sports' version
Impressive minimum focus distance allowing for 'macro-like' close-up photography
Customizable features via the Sigma USB dock (AF speed, OS modes, etc.)
Includes useful accessories like a padded carrying case and tripod collar

What customers dislike about Sigma 150 600mm F 5 6 3 DG OS HSM Contemporary?

Slow variable aperture (f/6.3 at 600mm) limits performance in low-light conditions
Autofocus can hunt or slow down at the 600mm end or in low-contrast scenes
Lacks full weather sealing, featuring only a rubber gasket at the mount
Susceptible to 'zoom creep' where the lens barrel extends when pointed down
Manual focus ring is small and can feel stiff or bind if gripped too tightly
Center sharpness is strong, but corners can be softer at 150mm wide-open

Expert reviews

ephotozine.com

31/03/2015

Summary of the review

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

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary as a value-driven, lightweight, and capable super-telephoto lens for enthusiasts, offering excellent sharpness, efficient Optical Stabilisation (OS), and a versatile zoom lock. Key advantages include robust construction with moisture resistance, fast autofocus, and compatibility with the Sigma USB dock for customization. However, the lens exhibits moderate pincushion distortion, noticeable vignetting at wide-open apertures, and slightly reduced edge sharpness at 600mm. While offering great value, it lacks full weather-sealing and has a narrow variable aperture of f/5-6.3, limiting its performance in low-light conditions, according to the review.

the-digital-picture.com

09/06/2015

Summary of the review

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

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens, as reviewed by The Digital Picture, is highlighted as a budget-friendly, lightweight super-telephoto option offering solid center-frame sharpness and an effective 4-stop OS system. Pros include its portability for handheld shooting and compatibility with the Sigma USB Dock for customization. Conversely, cons center on its narrow, slow maximum aperture which limits low-light performance, along with noticeable vignetting and moderate distortion, notes The Digital Picture.

dustinabbott.net

05/08/2015

Summary of the review

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 CGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review - DustinAbbott.net

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a highly capable and relatively lightweight ultra-telephoto zoom lens designed to compete directly with the Tamron 150-600mm VC. Weighing 4.3 lbs (1.95 kg), it is a full two pounds lighter than its premium "Sport" sibling, making it much easier for photographers to handhold for extended periods. Optically, the lens delivers impressive sharpness, especially on the long 600mm end, alongside rich colours and soft, high-quality bokeh highlights. It offers several luxury touches and a highly customisable platform, featuring a zoom lock that can be engaged at any marked focal length and compatibility with the Sigma USB dock to fine-tune focus configurations and optical stabilization behaviors. However, the lens does compromise in a few areas to maintain its competitive price tag. The most prominent physical drawback is a frustratingly narrow and stiff manual focus ring that is difficult to locate by feel alone. Autofocus performance is also a mixed bag; while quiet and effective in good light, its AF tracking and speed are slightly outclassed by the Tamron, occasionally suffering from hunting and...

improvephotography.com

23/02/2016

Summary of the review

Sigma 150-600mm Sport vs. Contemporary: Full comparison and review Would you like to see a comparison between this Contemporary model and the heavier...

An Improve Photography review highlights that the Sigma 150-600mm Sport and Contemporary lenses offer nearly identical image sharpness, with the Contemporary model occasionally delivering better contrast. The Sport version features superior build quality and rugged weather sealing, whereas the Contemporary lens boasts a lighter, more portable design. While the Sport's high price and heavy weight are significant drawbacks for general use, its durability is unmatched. The review recommends the cost-effective Contemporary for most photographers, unless extreme environmental sealing is required.

photographylife.com

09/11/2024

Summary of the review

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Review Would you like a comparison of this Contemporary version against the SportsGo to product viewer...

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is identified as a budget-friendly, high-performance super-telephoto lens suitable for wildlife and sports, offering sharp imagery at 150mm and effective stabilization. Key advantages highlighted include its high value for money, lightweight portability, and strong image quality compared to the more expensive Sports variant. Conversely, the review notes reduced sharpness and increased chromatic aberration at the 600mm end, alongside a less robust, non-weather-sealed construction that relies on composite materials. Despite these limitations, it remains a highly accessible option for photographers requiring extended reach without the weight or cost of professional-grade alternatives.

photoartfromscience.com

03/09/2015

Summary of the review

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

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5–6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a highly capable super-telephoto zoom lens that delivers outstanding sharpness across the entire field of view, particularly when shooting with the aperture wide open. Key advantages include its manageable 4.5-pound weight—making it significantly lighter and easier to carry than its 7-pound "Sports" counterpart—and its construction using a durable, thermally stable composite material. Its quiet, fast autofocus system snaps onto targets quickly, and a physical Focus Limiter switch dramatically increases acquisition speed. Crucially, the lens is compatible with the Sigma USB dock, which allows users to run firmware updates and perform detailed 16-point focus calibrations to eliminate hunting issues at specific focal lengths and distances. Despite its strengths, the lens has several physical and optical drawbacks. Optically, it suffers from noticeable astigmatism at 400mm where the meridional resolution significantly drops at the sensor edges, and its peak 600mm resolution naturally degrades due to atmospheric shimmer and magnified vibrations. Physically, its center of gravity shifts drastically while zooming, forcing users to rely on an Arca-Swiss plate, a monopod with a gimbal head, or...

ionescuvlad.com

21/07/2019

Summary of the review

Sigma 150 – 600 mm F5-6.3 DG HSM OS Contemporary Review

Overview and Technical Design The Sigma 150–600mm f/5-6.3 DG HSM OS Contemporary is an affordable, lightweight telephoto lens that the reviewer successfully tested from a kayak in the Danube Delta. Built primarily with a high-quality, weather-resistant plastic body, it weighs 1,930 grams, making it a full kilogram lighter than its premium "Sport" counterpart. When paired with a 20-megapixel full-frame Canon 6D, the lens delivers excellent sharpness across the frame, highly satisfying bokeh, minimal chromatic aberration, and effective flare resistance when shooting against the sun. A standout feature is its extensive software customisation; using Sigma’s USB dock, users can calibrate autofocus at four distinct distances, program the focus limiter, and fine-tune the 4-stop optical image stabilisation via custom C1 and C2 profiles. Pros, Cons, and Final Verdict The primary strengths of the lens are its impressive sharpness, fast and silent HSM autofocus, low price, and high degree of user customisation via the dock. However, the reviewer noted several drawbacks, including an overly stiff zoom ring, a very narrow manual focus ring, a somewhat fragile-looking button panel, and a massive 95mm filter...

havecamerawilltravel.com

17/11/2024

Summary of the review

Sigma 150-600mm f5-6.3 C Hands-on Test & Review

The Have Camera Will Travel review highlights the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens as an accessible, portable telephoto zoom offering excellent sharpness and versatility for wildlife and sports, notably featuring a lighter design and USB dock compatibility. Key drawbacks include a variable aperture that struggles in low light, significant weight causing fatigue during handheld use, and limited weather sealing restricted to the mount.

imaging-resource.com

12/09/2014

Summary of the review

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

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens provides outstanding value and versatile telephoto reach for wildlife photography, delivering high sharpness at shorter focal lengths and excellent image quality on APS-C cameras. Its optical design effectively controls chromatic aberration and minimizes distortion across the zoom range, while the Hyper Sonic Motor ensures fast and accurate autofocusing. Users can also fine-tune performance via Sigma's USB Dock and utilize a three-position focus limiter switch. The lens stands out for its lightweight, solid build—mixing metal with Thermally Stable Composite plastic—and features a highly effective Optical Stabilizer capable of delivering sharp handheld shots at 600mm down to 1/15th of a second. Despite its exceptional price-to-performance ratio, the lens experiences a noticeable drop in critical sharpness at 500-600mm when used on full-frame bodies, alongside relatively strong wide-open vignetting at 150mm. Its physical design presents minor handling challenges, including a stiff zoom ring, a thin manual focus ring placed awkwardly far back, and a short tripod mount that offers less balance than the "Sports" version. Additionally, it lacks full weather-sealing—featuring a rubber gasket only at...

sigmaphoto.co.za

14/04/2020

Summary of the review

A field review on the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens

The field review of the Sigma 150-600mm lens highlights its exceptional optical sharpness across the zoom range, robust weather-sealed construction, and fast, quiet autofocus, making it ideal for wildlife and sports photography. While the lens offers high-performance stabilization, notable downsides include its heavy weight, which makes prolonged handheld shooting exhausting, and significant zoom creep when angled, requiring use of the locking mechanism. The review can be found at

d-pixx.de

22/03/2015

Summary of the review

Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Review

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a highly capable full-frame supertelezoom lens that offers impressive image quality nearly on par with its more expensive "Sports" sibling, despite costing €1,399 compared to €2,099. In testing, the lens delivered outstanding resolution from 150mm up to 500mm, with only a slight drop in sharpness at the maximum 600mm focal length when shot wide open; performance quickly sharpens up when stopped down by one click. The lens displays minimal fall-off in sharpness towards the edges, making it excellent for tracking central subjects like sports, vehicles, and wildlife. Furthermore, the optical design successfully controls chromatic aberration, which is virtually undetectable at 100% crop view, and limits distortion to minor pincushioning past 400mm. The built-in image stabilizer provides effective compensation, safely allowing handheld shutter speeds down to 1/125s on full-frame cameras at 600mm, or 1/250s on an APS-C body. On the downside, the lens suffers from noticeable vignetting in the image corners at longer focal lengths starting around 400mm, though this can be mitigated by stopping down to f/8 or using editing software....

fotogenerell.wordpress.com

29/02/2016

Summary of the review

Review: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG HSM Contemporary

The review of the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG HSM Contemporary lens highlighting its performance on an older Sigma SD1 Merrill camera body evaluates it as an excellent, high-value option for telephoto zoom photography. The reviewer praises its outstanding build quality, featuring robust, high-quality "Thermally Stable Composite" plastic that mimics the feel of stainless steel. Optically, the lens delivers surprisingly crisp image sharpness even wide open, which improves slightly when stopped down to f/7.1 or f/8. Chromatic aberrations and vignetting remain minimal. Its optical stabilizer functions impressively, providing up to 4 stops of compensation and allowing sharp handheld shots at shutter speeds as low as 1/50s at the 600mm end. Additionally, the useful zoom-lock switch functions effectively at multiple designated focal lengths. Conversely, the review notes a few limitations, starting with its large size and heavy weight, a characteristic common to extreme full-frame telephoto lenses. Due to the heavy front elements, the zoom ring operates with a stiffer mechanical rotation. While the autofocus (AF-S) is quick enough for stationary subjects like perched birds, tracking fast-moving birds in flight proved difficult. However,...

jansens-pott.de

19/11/2017

Summary of the review

Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG Contemporary - Jansen's Puddle

This review evaluates the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG Contemporary lens, tested at the Duisburg Zoo using a full-frame Sony Alpha 7 II camera paired with a Sigma MC-11 adapter and a Manfrotto monopod. The reviewer selected this lens as an affordable, high-reach alternative to Sony's expensive native telephoto options to gain more focal reach after switching to a full-frame system. Testing took place across various lighting scenarios, showcasing the lens's capabilities through real-world wildlife portraits of owls, lions, kangaroos, and tigers. The reviewer expressed high overall satisfaction, noting that the combination successfully delivered sharp details and extensive focal versatility, opening up new perspectives for zoo photography. The lens presents a clear balance of distinct pros and cons regarding its handling and performance. On the positive side, it delivers impressive sharpness and excellent image rendering even at a full 600mm focal length, seamlessly functioning with the adapter on Sony E-mount bodies. The image stabilizer performs reliably, and features like the zoom lock ring and focus distance limiter help significantly—such as successfully bypassing foreground cage mesh by setting the focus boundary from...

naturfotografen-online.de

07/02/2021

Summary of the review

Sigma 150-600 mm Review | Nature Photography – Rolf Müller

This review details a subjective test of the Sigma 150–600mm f/5–6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens mounted on an APS-C Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera. The reviewer evaluated the lens by photographing a modified DIN A3 test chart—featuring a Siemens star and a tilted millimetre scale—from precise distances of 10, 6, and 3 metres across various focal lengths. Based on 72 test images where focus was intentionally reset between shots, the reviewer praised the lens for its highly consistent autofocusing performance, noting only a single minor front-focus outlier at 600mm. The final image sharpness exceeded the reviewer's expectations, even outperforming their previous experiences with the Canon EF 100–400mm L IS lens. A primary pro highlighted in the review is the lens's excellent sharpness and impressive autofocus consistency, making additional calibration via the Sigma USB Dock unnecessary for now. Additionally, the zoom range offers great versatility for blind-style wildlife photography where positions cannot be shifted. On the negative side, the lens exhibits slight vignetting, which might become noticeable against clear skies, though this is easily corrected using Lightroom profiles. Minor...

canon-eos-r-forum.de

13/02/2023

Summary of the review

Sigma 150-600 Contemporary (Canon) - Wildlife Photography Review

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens, when adapted to Canon mirrorless bodies like the R and R7, is reviewed as a highly reliable, cost-effective option for wildlife photography, offering solid center sharpness, effective image stabilization, and relatively lightweight portability. It delivers excellent value for money and, thanks to customization options via the USB dock, serves as a versatile, long-reach choice for budget-conscious users. However, the lens presents compromises, including a dark variable aperture that causes autofocus to struggle in low-light conditions. The review highlights limitations such as potential focus hunting on mirrorless cameras, plastic construction with limited weather sealing, significant length extension, and less refined bokeh compared to higher-end lenses.

fotogario.com

No Date

Summary of the review

Ultra-Teleobjektive (I): Test des Sigma 150-600 mm - Fotogario If you need help comparing this Contemporary model with the more expensive Sigma Sports...

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is an ultra-telephoto zoom lens tailored for wildlife, bird, and sports photography, delivering an effective reach of up to 900mm when paired with an APS-C crop-sensor camera. A major pro of this lens is its high utility for tracking distant, fast-moving subjects. It features a versatile 3-position focus limiter (2–10m, 10m–infinity, and full range) to dramatically speed up autofocus and save camera battery life. Additionally, it offers a unique zoom-lock switch capable of securing the barrel at any chosen focal length, and a dual-mode optical stabilization system designed for both handheld shooting and horizontal panning on a tripod. Compared to premium first-party options from Canon or Nikon, this lens provides enthusiast photographers with a highly functional and far more budget-friendly entry into ultra-telephoto photography. However, the review highlights several distinct cons that users must manage in the field. Weighing approximately 1.9 kg, the Contemporary model is heavy and difficult to handle continuously by hand, making a tripod or monopod highly recommended. Its maximum aperture range starting at f/5 means it possesses less...

posenature.fr

25/02/2018

Summary of the review

Sigma 150-600mm Review: 4 Years of Real-World Use

This review offers a highly practical, field-tested evaluation of the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens based on four years of professional wildlife photography usage. The author praises the lens as an exceptional, budget-friendly gateway into wildlife photography, highlighting its massive focal range. When mounted on an APS-C sensor camera body, this focal reach extends to an equivalent of 960mm, allowing beginners to easily capture timid animals from a non-disruptive distance. Key physical strengths include superb build quality, an elegant design, highly precise autofocus tracking, and stellar optical stabilisation. The stabilisation mechanism allows for crisp, handheld shots at speeds as low as 1/50s at the maximum 600mm extension. Additionally, features like tactile custom toggle buttons, a focus distance limiter (2.8m to 10m), and a smooth manual focus ring make field micro-adjustments highly effective. Despite its high versatility, the lens has several distinct limitations, primarily centered around its slow maximum aperture and handling. At 1.93 kg, the lens is notably heavy and physically demanding. It can induce significant muscle fatigue during long handheld shooting sessions, making a monopod or...

bastienjuif.com

21/07/2015

Summary of the review

Field test - Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 S/C DG OS HSM

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sport is a premium super-telephoto zoom lens praised for its exceptional build quality, weather sealing, and professional-grade materials. On the field, it delivers impressive image sharpness across the entire focal range right from the maximum aperture, which becomes even sharper when stopped down by a single click. The Optical Stabilizer (OS) is highly efficient and remarkably quiet, while the Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures fast and accurate autofocus tracking for erratic subjects. Additionally, it features useful physical controls like a focal-length lock switch and custom mode toggles. However, the lens has several distinct drawbacks, most notably its hefty weight of 2.86 kilograms, which makes hand-held shooting exhausting over long periods. The ergonomics are slightly flawed due to a tight clearance between the lens barrel and the tripod foot, making it difficult to carry while wearing gloves. The zoom ring can also feel stiff to turn when the lens is pointed vertically due to the heavy weight of the glass elements. Lastly, the slow variable aperture (dropping to f/6.3 at 400mm) limits its low-light...

digitalcamaralens.com

28/07/2025

Summary of the review

SIGMA 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM - Digital Camera Lens

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a versatile telephoto zoom that offers optical performance remarkably close to its more expensive "Sports" counterpart. While it exhibits slightly higher geometric distortion and vignetting, it actually shows better control over lateral chromatic aberrations than the Sports version. The lens delivers excellent sharpness between 150-200mm, remaining notable up to 400mm and acceptable at the 600mm extreme. Its autofocus system is highlighted as fast, stable, and highly configurable, sharing the same motor and response times as the premium model. The main trade-offs for the Contemporary model involve physical build and weather sealing rather than internal mechanics. It lacks the extensive environmental sealing of the Sports version and features a simpler optical formula with four fewer elements, which results in a significant weight reduction of nearly one kilogram. Key pros include an excellent stabilizer, high-quality construction, and an outstanding value-to-cost ratio, earning a perfect 10/10 in that category. The review concludes that there are no significant negatives considering its price point and product type, making it a highly competitive choice for photographers needing...

fotografiaflash.com

06/10/2022

Summary of the review

Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary - Review

The Fotografía Flash review highlights the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary as a highly capable and reasonably priced telephoto zoom lens, making it an excellent option for outdoor sports and wildlife photography. The reviewer notes that despite its large dimensions, it remains relatively compact and lightweight (1.93 kg) compared to its more rugged "Sports" counterpart. Prominent pros include its impressive focal reach, a solid 3-to-4-stop optical image stabilizer with dedicated panning functionality, and a highly versatile zoom lock mechanism that can be engaged at any focal distance—not just the shortest setting. It also features a fast, near-silent Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) autofocus mechanism and a commendable build quality that features rubber weather sealing at the mount and oil/water-repellent front and rear coatings. On the downside, the primary cons focus on its handling and low-light limitations. The manual focus ring is criticized for being too narrow and stiff, making it difficult to locate quickly while shooting. Optically, the variable max aperture of f/5-6.3 means it requires ample daylight or a tripod to get the best results. Furthermore, while image...

nikonland.it

26/09/2015

Summary of the review

Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 Contemporary (review)

This review provides a comprehensive testing evaluation of the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 Contemporary telephoto zoom lens, primarily tested on Nikon D810 and D7200 bodies at real-world events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Monza. The reviewer highlights that this modern generation of super-zooms delivers vastly improved optical design, faster motors, and highly effective image stabilisation compared to older models. Architecturally, the lens features a robust metal exterior with an inner extending barrel made of high-quality plastic, a customisable switch panel (programmable via a USB dock), and a 95mm front element. Performance-wise, it showcases excellent out-of-focus background blur (bokeh), strong flare resistance in direct backlit scenarios, and exceptionally well-controlled chromatic aberrations without needing heavy post-processing corrections. The lens's primary advantages (pros) include its outstanding value-for-money price tag (often under €1,000), a relatively compact and manageable weight that allows for comfortable hand-held or light monopod shooting, sharp image quality across all focal lengths, and quick, accurate autofocus. Conversely, the reviewer notes several drawbacks (cons), most notably a poorly designed tripod collar that is far too short, lacks rotation fluidity due to...

universofoto.it

11/12/2019

Summary of the review

Sigma AF 150-600: Did it pass the field test?

The Sigma AF 150-600mm f/5-6.3 (S) DG OS HSM lens provides exceptional field performance, delivering high image sharpness, fast and precise autofocus, and incredibly silent image stabilization. Tested in the Circeo National Park using a Sony A7III camera via a Sigma MC-11 adapter, the lens proved highly reliable and perfectly balanced on a tripod. It excels at capturing distant wildlife, such as flamingos, even when shooting wide open through challenging environments like reedbeds. The reviewer notes that its robust weather-sealing and impact-resistant build offer photographer security and confidence in harsh outdoor elements. However, the lens comes with significant physical trade-offs regarding its size and weight. The pros include outstanding sharpness, silent operation, rapid focusing speed, seamless adapter compatibility, and a highly rugged, weather-sealed construction. Conversely, the major cons are its heavy weight, which makes long-distance carrying tiring, and its large bulk, which requires a substantial amount of camera bag space and forced the reviewer to store it in the top accessory compartment of their F-Stop Tilopa backpack. Ultimately, the reviewer concludes that the physical weight is entirely justified by the...

nikonland.it

19/04/2023

Summary of the review

Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 Contemporary - Meditations on a Stovepipe

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens is reviewed as a highly versatile, budget-friendly superzoom that offers a practical compromise rather than absolute optical excellence. Tested on mirrorless Nikon Z bodies via an adapter, the lens has found a "new life" because photographers no longer have to deal with the back- or front-focusing issues common on old DSLR bodies. The reviewer notes that its primary strength is maintaining highly satisfactory sharpness across its massive focal range, particularly when paired with a 24-megapixel sensor, which serves as its performance "sweet spot". For budget-conscious photographers, it stands out as an excellent, low-cost tool to experiment with ultra-telephoto photography without paying for expensive prime lenses. However, the lens comes with several distinct design and optical drawbacks. It features a narrow maximum aperture of f/5-6.3, forcing it to be stopped down to f/8 to achieve peak optical performance. This limitation significantly restricts the photographer's ability to cleanly isolate subjects from busy backgrounds. Physically, the lens barrel extends drastically when zooming, which heavily disrupts the weight balance of the camera setup. Furthermore, it...

frankwandelt.nl

09/11/2024

Summary of the review

Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary: Reviews & Tests

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a highly versatile, budget-friendly supertelephoto zoom lens designed for wildlife and sports photography on full-frame and APS-C DSLR bodies. Reviewers praise its exceptional price-to-performance ratio and its lightweight, compact design compared to the more expensive Sigma Sports version. It delivers superb overall image quality, rapid and quiet autofocus driven by a hypersonic motor, and robust build quality that features a weather-resistant housing alongside water- and oil-repellent coatings. A major highlight is its highly efficient optical image stabilizer equipped with an accelerometer, which significantly boosts panning performance when tracking fast-moving subjects. However, the lens does come with minor trade-offs, particularly at the extreme telephoto end. Multiple professional reviews note that the image sharpness tends to drop off on full-frame cameras when shooting between 500mm and 600mm. When compared directly to its close competitor, the Tamron 150-600mm, the Sigma is slightly less sharp at these longer focal lengths and shows slightly heavier vignetting, though it counteracts this with better edge-to-edge sharpness across the frame, smoother bokeh, and highly customizable focus settings. Despite minor...

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