Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG APO (HSM) Lenses: A Comprehensive Review
What is the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG APO (HSM) lens? This lens is a high-quality telephoto lens designed for use with digital cameras. It offers exceptional reach, superb image quality, and advanced features that make it a favorite among professional wildlife and sports photographers.
**Key Features**
The Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG APO (HSM) lens is built with a robust construction to withstand harsh shooting conditions. Its optical design incorporates four Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass elements, which effectively minimize chromatic aberrations, resulting in clear and accurate images.
One of the standout features of this lens is its Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) autofocus system. It provides fast and silent autofocus, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects. The lens also features full-time manual focus override, allowing photographers to fine-tune their focus even when the lens is set to autofocus.
**Image Quality**
The image quality produced by the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG APO (HSM) lens is outstanding. The lens delivers sharp and detailed images with excellent contrast and color rendition. Its wide maximum aperture of F4.5 allows for beautiful background separation, making the subject stand out from the background.
**Versatility and Performance**
The Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG APO (HSM) lens is designed to be versatile and adaptable. It features a detachable tripod collar, allowing photographers to switch between handheld and tripod-mounted shooting effortlessly. The lens also supports the use of teleconverters, extending its focal length even further.
In terms of performance, this lens excels in capturing fast-paced action. Its fast autofocus and excellent tracking capabilities enable photographers to track and capture moving subjects with precision. The lens’s built-in image stabilization further helps in achieving sharp images, especially when shooting hand-held.
**Price and Availability**
The Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG APO (HSM) lens was first released in 2005 and was available for purchase at a retail price of around $6,000. Since then, it has become a popular choice among professional photographers due to its impressive performance and competitive pricing.
In conclusion, the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG APO (HSM) lens offers superb image quality, exceptional reach, and advanced features that make it a valuable tool for wildlife and sports photography. Its durable construction, fast autofocus, and versatile design set it apart from other telephoto lenses in its class. Whether you are capturing wildlife in its natural habitat or capturing the thrill of a sports event, this lens will not disappoint you.
