Review Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS)

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Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS)

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS). Enlarge. All photos of the lens were taken from the website bhphotovideo... The appearance of a specific instance from the review can be viewed here or here.

Browse Navigation:

  1. In short
  2. History
  3. Sigma Sport Lens Line (S)
  4. Main Specifications
  5. Assembly
  6. Stabilizer
  7. Focusing
  8. Aperture control
  9. Image quality
  10. Sample Photos
  11. My experience
  12. Results
  13. User Comments
  14. Add your review / comment or question on the lens

In this review, I will call the lens Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S Optical Stabilizer for short - Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S. This review shows the version of the lens for Nikon cameras with Nikon F mount. Sigma 60-600 /4.5-6.3 DG S is also available for Canon EF and Sigma SA mount DSLRs.

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS)

In short

Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S is a very high quality super telephoto lens. It has a very wide range of focal lengths - from standard (60 mm) to super telephoto (600 mm).

It is interesting with a very high-quality assembly, image stabilization and high-quality image. Nikon has no direct alternative for the Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S.

The Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S is the first 600x zoom lens with XNUMXmm focal length capability.

The disadvantages include a noticeable drop in sharpness in the corners and edges of the image and a decrease in sharpness by 600 mm across the entire frame.

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS)

History

Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S was presented on September 26, 2018.

Most likely Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S is a further development of the successful line of Sigma lenses class 50-500 / 4 (4.5) -6.3:

  1. Sigma 50-500mm 1: 4.0-6.3 HSM EX APO
  2. Sigma 50-500mm 1: 4.0-6.3 HSM EX APO DG
  3. Sigma 50-500mm 1: 4.5-6.3 HSM APO DG OS
Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS)

Sigma S (Sigma Sport)

DG

ruler DG (for full-frame SLR cameras), Nikon F, Canon EF, Sigma SA mounts:

  1. Sigma 500/4 DGOS | S (Sport) [16/11, September 2016]
  2. Sigma 60-600/4.5-6.3 DG OS | S (Sport) [25/19, September 2018] [AliExpress]
  3. Sigma TBU DGOS | S (Sport) [24/22, September 2018] [AliExpress]
  4. Sigma TBU DGOS | S (Sport) [23/18, September 2012]
  5. Sigma 150-600/5-6.3 DGOS | S (Sport) [24/16, September 2014] [AliExpress]

DG DN

ruler DG DN (for full-frame mirrorless cameras), mounts Sony E, Leica l:

  1. Sigma 500 mm 1:5.6 DG DN OS S | Sports [20/14, February 2024]
  2. Sigma 70-200 /2.8 DG DN OS S | Sport [20/15, October 2023]
  3. Sigma 150-600/5-6.3 DG DN OS | S (Sport) [25/15, August 2021] [AliExpress]
  4. Sigma 60-600/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | S (Sport) [27/19, January 2023] [AliExpress]

Additionally, you can look at all lenses SIGMA ART (A) и all lenses SIGMA CONTEMPORARY (C). Here here there is a short video about the rulers and markings of Sigma lenses.

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS)

Main technical characteristics of Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S:

Review Instance Name The lens barrel has the following inscriptions 'Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG ø105 S MADE IN JAPAN 018', the review shows the lens serial number 53946065
Basic properties
  • DG - Lens designed for DSLR cameras with full frame sensor
  • S (Sport) - Sigma's line of state-of-the-art lenses aimed at maximum optical performance and rugged construction
  • OS (Optical Stabilizer) - built-in optical image stabilizer
  • E (Electromagnetic Diaphragm) - electromagnetic diaphragm, no diaphragm ring, analogue 'Nikon E'
  • 018 (2018) - lens year marker
  • HSM (Hyper Sabout nothing Motor) - ultrasonic focusing motor, in this case it is analogous to 'Nikon SWM'.
  • Focus AF MO MF - advanced focus mode switch
  • MO (Mannual Override) - additional priority mode for manual focus control
  • Limiter focusing distances
  • IF (Iinternal Focusing) - internal focus
  • Full-Time Mannual Focus - continuous manual focus control in AF mode, analog Nikon 'M / A'
  • Super Multi-layer Coating - super multicoated optics
  • SLD (Special Low Dispersion) - low dispersion elements in the optical scheme
  • FLD (Fluorite like Low Dispersion) - low-dispersion elements in the optical scheme with properties close to fluorite
  • USB Dock Compatibility - compatible with Dock Station for flashing and / or reprogramming (adjust focus, etc.)
  • MCS (Mount Cversion Service) - the lens supports service replacement of the mount for another system
  • Body materials: TSC (Thermally Sbackgammon Ccomposite Material) + CFRP (Carbon FIberian Reinforced Plastic) + magnesium alloy
  • Rubber basket (Rubber lens mount seal) - dustproof and waterproof mount seal
  • Special protective coating of the front and rear lenses
  • LOCK - button to fix the zoom ring at 60 mm
  • Protective bumpers on the lens and hood
  • PUSH-PULL ZOOM - the ability to change focal lengths by moving the lens trunk
  • Included hood
  • Tripod foot, replaceable bottom, Arca Swiss
  • Additional programmable switch
  • Sigma A1 MTF - special quality control system
  • MCS (Mount Cversion Service) - the lens supports service replacement of the mount for another system
  • Important: a lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its practical use
Front Filter Diameter 105 mm
Focal length 60-600 mm EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 90-900 mm
Zoom ratio 10 x
Designed by for digital cameras Nikon FX,

There are also options for:

  • Canon EF
  • Sigma sa
Number of aperture blades 9 rounded petals
Tags
  • window with a scale of focusing distance in meters and feet
  • bayonet mount mark
  • focal length marks
  • several marks for quick orientation of the tripod clamp
  • the marks on the tripod foot
Diaphragm
  • 60 mm - F / 4.5-F / 22
  • 70 mm - F / 4.5-F / 22
  • 80 mm - F / 4.8-F / 22
  • 100 mm - F / 5-F / 24
  • 120 mm - F / 5-F / 25
  • 150 mm - F / 5.3-F / 27
  • 200 mm - F / 5.6-F / 27
  • 250 mm - F / 6-F / 29
  • 300 mm - F / 6-F / 29
  • 400 mm - F / 6.3-F / 30
  • 600 mm - F / 6.3-F / 32

The lens does not have a diaphragm control ring, control is carried out through the camera menu (analog of lenses Nikon E - type)

MDF depends on focusing distance

  • 200 mm, magnification ratio 1: 3.3
The weight 2700 grams. According to my measurements, the lens itself is 2680 grams (without caps, with a standard tripod foot, version for Nikon F)
Optical design 25 elements in 19 groups:

  • 3 FLD (Fluorite-like Low Dispersion) - special low-dispersion elements in the optical scheme with characteristics close to fluorite
  • 1 SLDs (Special Low Dispersion) - low dispersion element

Optical design Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S

Image of optical circuit clickable

Lens hood Plastic, LH1144-01 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG ø105 SIGMA
Manufacturer country MADE IN JAPAN (Lens made in Japan)
Production period From 26 September to 2018
Price View on E-katalog
Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS)

Assembly

Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S lenses are assembled only in Japan. The lens has a very high quality to the touch. The Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S uses huge 105 mmand the lens weighs 2.7 kilograms.

The serial number of the lens is indicated on its front side, to the right of the focusing distance scale (when viewed from the mount). It is written in small print, I suspect. Usually, serial numbers are placed on the front side only for the most expensive and TOP lenses, so that large firms and service centers can quickly identify one or another instance.

The lens barrel is made of different materials, one of them is composite TSC: Thermally Sbackgammon Composite (Thermally Stable Composite), which is less sensitive to temperature changes than regular polycarbonate. This composite avoids deformation of the case when the ambient temperature changes. This material is used by Sigma to build its' A | ART ',' C | Contemporary 'and' S | Sport '. Another body material is a special plastic CFRP (Carbon FIberian Reinforced Plastic), as well as a part of the case is made of magnesium alloy. In addition, the lens has metal bayonet mount.

The focusing ring is rubberized, very wide. The zoom ring is even wider and has a slight reduction in diameter on the front lens side, giving the lens its own unique look.

On the mount side, the lens has a special rubber skirt that protects the lens from dust and moisture. The lens is dustproof and waterproof... In addition, the Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S has many discreet seals throughout the body. The front and rear lenses of the Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S have a special protective enlightenment, which is designed to repel moisture and dirt and helps to quickly clean the lenses after dirt or moisture.

The outer part of the body frame near the front lens rubberized, which is a kind of protective bumper... The hood has a similar bumper. The entire thickened front of the lens is also rubberized, which makes it easy to support the lens.

It's important: You can change the focal length of the lens not only with the zoom ring, but simply by moving the lens trunk. The so-called PUSH-PULL ZOOM (pull-push). Actually, the rubberized part in the front thickened section of the lens is just designed to increase convenience with this method of changing the focal length.

The Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S has a tripod foot. The clamp of the foot is fixed with a special clamp. The clamp can be rotated 360 degrees with clicks every 90 degrees. The foot can be changed, the standard foot has two tripod sockets: standard and 3/8 '' (view). The standard foot supports the Arca Swiss lock. On the clamp there are two lugs for the carabiners for transporting the lens. The clamp is not removable. The tripod foot is powerful and wide, keeping the weight balance of the camera and lens even at a 600mm focal length (the lens doesn’t bite its nose).

Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S uses a robust plastic hood LH1144-01 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG ø105 SIGMA, which is fixed in a special border located near the front lens of the objective. The hood is big enough. The hood can be installed in the opposite direction for transportation. The hood is fixed with a special clip.

To protect the front lens, the delivery set includes either a standard cover or a special hood-hood Sigma LC-740E, which is put on the front of the lens.

The diaphragm consists of 9 blades; at all aperture values, a fairly round aperture is obtained.

Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S supports work with usb dock. It's important: lens has a programmable switch 'CUSTOM C1 / C2 / OFF', which can be programmed to change the focusing speed, stabilizer operation method, change the values ​​for the focusing distance limiter, change the sensitivity of the focusing ring in the' MO 'mode. It is recommended to use OFF mode if programming has not been done.

Frame (trunk) for Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S spontaneously changes its size under its own weight. To prevent such an unpleasant nuance from happening, there is a 'LOCK' button (the so-called 'lock') on the lens body, which firmly fixes the focal length at 60 mm. To fix the lens trunk, you must first set the 60mm focal length. When the lock is locked, a white longitudinal mark near the locking slider becomes visible.

Also, note that as the focal length changes, the rear lens moves in the middle of the lens barrel like a pump - drawing in and out air. Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S has this effect strongly.

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS)

Focusing

To focus, the lens uses a special ultrasonic focusing motor 'HSM' (Hyper Sonic Motor) ring type... This is an analogue of Nikon SWM / Canon USM motors. In this case, the Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S lens in Nikon terms is similar to an 'AF-S' type lens.

The lens will automatically focus on all Nikon DSLR cameraseven on amateur series models Nikon DXthat do not have a built-in focus motor: D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600as well as mirrorless cameras Nikon Z with adapter FTZ / FTZ II.

The motor performs its work quietly during autofocus. The autofocus speed of the lens is fast. Speed ​​may vary depending on lighting conditions and specific camera model.

On cameras Nikon D850, D3200, D40 I didn't have any particular problems with autofocus. It is still better to fine-tune focusing with dock stations and utilities SIGMA Optimization Pro (there is support for the Russian language). In large cities, you can rent this station.

The focus ring is rubberized and rotates approximately 135 degrees in manual focus mode. When extreme positions are reached, the ring does not abut, but continues to rotate freely. Manual focus is quite convenient. Direction of rotation of the focus ring does not match with original Nikon 80-400 / 4.5-5.6G AF-S. In automatic focus mode, the focus ring does not rotate and you can hold the lens behind it.

Lens has internal focus, the front lens remains stationary during focusing. It is possible to use various filters without any problems.

The lens has a window with a focusing distance scale in meters and feet. The number of values ​​on the scale is small, the scale itself is not very useful. There is no depth of field scale and no marks for working in the infrared spectrum.

The minimum focusing distance depends on the selected focal length. The maximum magnification ratio is 1: 3.3 and is achieved at 200 mm focal length, which is very, very good.

The lens barrel has an advanced focus mode switch 'FOCUS AF | MO | MF '. The lens supports continuous manual focus control (Full-Time Manual Focus). 'AF' mode supports FTM, similar to FTM mode for Canon cameras (Manual focusing is possible after AF in some focus modes). Auto Focus Mode 'MO (MANUAL OVERRIDE)'corresponds to the mode Nikon 'M / A' (Auto focus is disabled when the focus ring starts rotating).

Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S has an additional switch 'Full | 6m-∞ | * -6m ', which is the focusing distance limiter.

  • In the 'Full' position, automatic focusing is available over a range of distances from ∞ to MDF
  • At the '6m-∞' position, auto focus is available from 6 meters to ∞.
  • In the '* -6m' position, automatic focusing is available in the range from 6 meters to MDF.

Note that during manual focus, the limiter does not work.

The effect of F / 6.3 on focus:

The instructions for most Nikon cameras indicate the threshold for the maximum relative aperture of the lens with which correct auto focus will be available. Most Nikon cameras are designed for lenses only. no darker than f / 5.6. For example, camera Nikon D3200 и D40, with which some test shots were taken, should theoretically not work correctly with this lens. But still, as my practice has shown, in conditions with good lighting there are no particular problems with autofocus, even on cameras that are not designed to work with lenses with F / 6.3. The Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S goes beyond F / 5.6 at 250mm focal length. In general, the lens has a smooth and proportional drop in aperture ratio from 4.5 to 6.3.

You can find a list of Nikon cameras whose focus sensors can easily focus with lenses with a maximum aperture of F / 5.6-8.0 here.

The same remark applies to cameras from other manufacturers. Unfortunately, Sigma only makes its super telephoto zooms with f / 6.3 on the long end.

Important: Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S is a third party lens. It may happen that it will not work correctly with new Nikon cameras that will be presented after the announcement of this lens. Details on this issue have been reviewed by me here.

Focus Features:

  1. Important: The quality of focusing operation of the Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S in Live View mode strongly depends on the camera used and on the lens firmware, as well as on the system used for which the lens is made.
  2. The Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S has a pronounced 'Focus Breathing' effect (changes in the angle of view during focusing). When focusing towards the MDF, the angle of view decreases.
  3. Focus Shift (shift focus, change in focusing distance due to aperture) depends on the focal length, it is most pronounced in the region of 200 mm. Shift focus is small.
  4. The Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S does not have a hard infinity mechanical stop that allows you to accurately and quickly focus the lens to infinity under any external temperature conditions. For accurate aiming at infinity, you cannot just bring the focusing ring to its extreme position
  5. The lens transmits the distance to the subject in the camera and is Nikon D-lens equivalent... Focus distance transmission affects metering performance, especially when using flash.
  6. Important: The Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S is a third party lens. It may happen that it will not work correctly with some cameras. Details on this issue have been reviewed by me here
  7. Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S supports original Sigma 1.4x, 2x teleconverters
  8. Unknown compatibility with Nikon FTZ adapter for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras and Nikon FT1 for mirrorless cameras Nikon 1
  9. Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S supports docking station, with which you can update the lens firmware, adjust / correct focus, and program the additional switch CUSTOM C1 / C2 / OFF.
Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS)

Iris control

Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S uses electromagnetic aperture control... Only some Nikon digital cameras can work correctly with this lens.

The exact list of digital cameras that support working with 'E'-type lenses:

Nikon D3, D3s, D3x, D4, D4s, D5, D6, Df, D600, D610, D700, D750, D780, D800, D800E, D810, D810a, D850, D300, D300s, D500, D7000, D7100, D7200, D7500, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500

+ Nikon z5, Nikon z6, Nikon z6 ii, Nikon z7, Nikon z7 ii, Nikon z9, Nikon Z fc, Nikon z50 with Nikon FTZ / Nikon FTZ II adapter.

+ Nikon 1 J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, S1, S2, V1, V2, V3, AW 1 with Nikon FT-1 adapter

The exact list of cameras that do not support working with 'E'-type lenses:

Nikon D1, D1h, D1x, D2x, D2h, D2xs, D2hs, D40, D40x, D50, D60, D70, D70s, D80, D90, D100, D200, D3000

+ Fujifilm FinePix S1 Pro, S2 Pro, S3 Pro, S3 Pro UVIR, S5 Pro, IS Pro

+ Kodak DCS PRO 14n и Kodak DCS Pro SLR / n

'E' type lenses on the cameras in this list will always shoot at full aperture. Other features of the work are possible.

Electromagnetic diaphragm control has some advantages over the older method of aperture control using mechanical camera and lens levers:

  1. increases aperture value accuracy
  2. increased response speed, which is important for high-speed shooting
  3. As far as I know, the old aperture lever mechanism (Non-G, G lenses) was designed for a maximum speed of 10 frames per second. The electromagnetic diaphragm can easily operate at higher speeds
  4. simplifies iris operation during movie shooting
  5. the mechanism is quieter (at least there is no noise from the aperture control mechanisms built into the camera)
  6. simplifies the design of the camera itself, as well as macro rings, teleconverters and other adapters. This is very critical for telephoto lenses with a focal length greater than 500 mm.
  7. third-party lens design is simplified for Nikon / Canon and many other systems, especially mirrorless ones. The manufacturer does not need to globally change the design of the lens for different aperture control mechanisms on different cameras. For all, an electromagnetic diaphragm is used without additional mechanical parts. Let me remind you that, for example, all lenses for cameras Canon EOS equipped with an electromagnetic diaphragm since 1987
  8. most likely there are other positive features, less obvious, such as improved power consumption or the possibility of having a huge number of aperture blades

Of the minuses electromagnetic diaphragm I would highlight only the violation of compatibility with old cameras. For example, with old people like Nikon D90, Nikon D3000, Nikon D2xs aperture control on the Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S will no longer be possible.

An accurate list of all Nikon Nikkor electromagnetic diaphragm lenses:

  • E:
  • Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 28mm 1: 1.4E ED
  • Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.4E ED
  • Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 4E PF ED VR
  • Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 400mm 1: 2.8E ED FL VR
  • Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 500mm 1: 5.6E ED PF VR
  • Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 500mm 1: 4E ED FL VR
  • Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 600mm 1: 4E ED FL VR
  • Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 800mm 1: 5.6E ED FL VR
  • Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 8-15mm 1: 3.5-4.5E ED Fisheye
  • Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 16-80mm 1: 2.8-4E ED VR DX
  • Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm 1: 2.8E ED VR
  • Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8E FL ED VR
  • Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6E ED VR
  • Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm 1: 2.8E FL ED SR VR
  • Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm 1: 4E FL ED VR TC 1.4
  • Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm 1: 5.6E ED VR
  • PC-E:
  • Nikon N PC-E Nikkor 24mm 1: 3.5D ED
  • Nikon N PC-E Nikkor 45mm 1: 2.8D ED Microphone
  • Nikon N PC-E Nikkor 85mm 1: 2.8D Microphone
  • PC, E:
  • Nikon N PC Nikkor 19mm 1: 4E ED
  • Z, E:
  • All lenses Nikon Nikkor Z
  • 1, E.
  • All lenses Nikon Nikkor 1
Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS)

Stabilizer

The Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S has a built-in Sigma Optical Stabilizer. It is stated that the stabilizer allows you to compensate for 4 steps in shutter speed. In values excerpts this means that you can shoot at shutter speeds 16 times longer than what a lens without a stabilizer requires. But in practice, the stabilizer works out in the region of 3 steps. I was able to make sharp frames of motionless objects with shutter speed 1/10 of a second at 60 mm of focal length and 1/100 of a second at 600 mm of focal length. If you try, you can achieve longer shutter speeds.

To enable / disable the stabilizer on the lens there switch 'OS 1 2 OFF'... The stabilizer can operate in two modes:

  • 'OS 1' mode Suitable for most scenes and avoids camera shake.
  • 'OS 2' mode most suitable for shooting, when the camera can not only shake, but also move in different directions: left, right, diagonally. This mode also tracks camera movement to create panoramas.

Turn off the stabilizer when shooting with a tripod. It is best to wait a few fractions of a second after activating the stabilizer for it to enter its normal mode. During switching on and off, the picture may twitch a little, which is normal.

During switching on and off, the noise from the stabilizer is clearly audible. In the on (active) state, the stabilizer works quite quietly.

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS)

Image quality

The Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S was released at a time when the market was dominated by cameras with very high pixel density, and therefore the lens should have a significant headroom in performance.

The Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S has a fairly wide range of focal lengths, at which it behaves differently. In general, there is a deterioration in optical performance at the long end. At 60 mm the lens is very good, but at 600 mm there is a noticeable drop in resolution, both in the center and at the corners of the image. Aperture saves the situation a little. But even the quality that the Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S gives at 600 mm and f / 6.3 is enough for many photo tasks. Apparently the zoom ratio still negatively affected the image quality.

Otherwise, the Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S shows the expected level of vignetting and distortion inherent in high-quality similar lenses.

Nikon's state-of-the-art cameras and state-of-the-art software that have been released since the announcement of this lens can easily automatically correct distortion and vignetting. Many cameras are able to automatically correct some of the chromatic aberrations. Sometimes software functions that improve the original image from the lens can greatly improve the final result.

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS)

Sample photos on Nikon D850

The lens was used with an inexpensive monopod and without a hood. Converting original RAW files with Nikon D850 original utility Nikon Capture NX-D v 1.4.6. Behind D850 special thanks Daria Khoroshavtseva.

Original RAW ('.NEF' 14-bit) photos can be download from this link (20 photos, 1000 MB).

Important: the final result of images with Nikon cameras is greatly influenced by the settings Picture Control, which is responsible for the options for managing snapshots. If you correctly configure it right in the camera, you can very quickly get a good result in JPEG. Likewise, you can easily and quickly develop / convert original RAW ('.NEF') images with even better results. For example, you can use the original free Capture NX-D utility (link to download from the official site) and in just two or three clicks significantly improve the final image result. You can easily get a pleasant picture with good sharpness, color and tonal transitions, remove some of the optical imperfections of the lens (for example, some aberrations, distortion, vignetting). It's simple and very important points, which can radically change the final result and the impression of a particular lens. With such simple manipulations, you can get a pleasant and fairly high-quality result. Unfortunately, the original Nikon software does not have a Russian language menu. You can also use third-party RAW converters, for example, Adobe Lightroom. Thoughts on how to easily batch convert files using a lens profile in Lightroom are explained here.

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS)

My experience

It was quite difficult for me to work with the lens, primarily because of the heavy weight. He stood with me for more than a month, but I never found a useful use for it. In general, the Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S is a solid lens. Everything is at the highest level.

The choice of such a lens directly depends on the tasks of the photographer. Who knows why he needs the Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S, then he will buy it.

But still, for those who look exclusively at focal lengths of 400-600 mm and rarely use shorter focal lengths, I would advise looking at Sigma 150-600/5-6.3 DG S OS (Sport) or Tamron 150-600 / 5-6.3 SP VC (G1, G2).

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS

Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS)

Results

The Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S is a unique super telephoto lens. In general, it deserves due attention.

10 main advantages:

  1. very large set of focal lengths, record XNUMXx zoom
  2. built-in image stabilizer with multiple operating modes
  3. the ability to work with the dock-station (firmware update, focus adjustment, etc.)
  4. internal fast focusing, continuous manual focus control of two types (AF / MO)
  5. zoom lock, zoom can be adjusted with PUSH-PULL ZOOM
  6. very good build quality, smart tripod foot with Arca Swiss
  7. nine diaphragm blades, electromagnetic diaphragm
  8. good lens protection
  9. the lens belongs to the Sigma SPORT range with very high criteria for image quality (Sigma A1 MTF) and assembly
  10. generally good or good optical performance

10 main disadvantages:

  1. heavy weight, 2.7 kilograms
  2. large diameter front filter
  3. there is no possibility to use small internal filters on the side of the rear lens
  4. spontaneous movement of the trunk
  5. perceptible air pump effect
  6. low aperture on the long end, may be a problem for some camera focus modules
  7. different MDF at different focal lengths, the maximum magnification is only 200 mm
  8. the direction of the focus ring is not the same as original lenses
  9. a noticeable drop in sharpness at the edges and corners of the frame
  10. perceptible drop in sharpness at 600 mm focal length, perceptible freezing

According provided by Sigma 60-600 / 4.5-6.3 DG S lens many thanks the store ProFotoSalewhere you can find many new and used lenses for different systems, including Similar Sigma Lenses.

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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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Comments: 31, on the topic: Review of Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG S (Sport, OS)

  • UstasFritZZZ

    I want this beast for my D7200! But 40k + UAH for a used one, and even with such a bunch of shortcomings ... too much.

    • Neo

      What a bunch? What specifically does not suit you? This is the top lens for those who understand

  • Vsevolod

    For handheld photography, this is a really heavy lens. Tried Sigma 150-600mm S - barely got it up! Arkady! How do you like the D850?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      The camera is like a camera, I have already taken several reviews of it here on Radozhiv.

      • Vsevolod

        You're right ... All cameras are nothing more than cameras.

  • A.N. Onim

    600mm f / 8 where is there a drop in sharpness in the corners?

    • vvs

      And what kind of camera?

      • A.N. Onim

        D4s

    • Neo

      Show the source on 6.3 and I assure you that in the corners it will be 600 times worse than in the center. I haven't seen a single zoom yet so that the angles are like the center

      • A.N. Onim

        I don't shoot at 6.3, almost always 8.

        • Roman

          You can shoot with another lens at other focal lengths and say: "HAVE MINA CUTTING!"

          • A.N. Onim

            For those who are in the tank

      • Maksim

        We jerk off to pixels, "tovarisch"?

    • Alexander

      Excellent! We must take!

    • Denis

      Yes, here it is. Now seriously. To evaluate the drop in sharpness, it would be good to provide a picture not of yaks, but of the control worlds.

  • A.N. Onim

    It is worth adding about compatibility - with Z6 without problems (firmware 3.0), with D4s, with the latest version 1.33 AF does not work, stub, with version 1.31 - everything is ok.

  • Oleg

    Wildlife specific lens. You also need to have that to remove a place full of living creatures, otherwise it will gather dust on the shelf. Kenon has 50-1000 weight 7 kg, the price is 70000 dollars, but this is already for a cool production

    • Rust

      I've been shooting with 150-600 S since 2019. I never regretted that I had been chasing him for almost two years. The main “animals” for filming: speedway (burnt, winter), motocross, air holidays, but the birds, the Moon is already lucky. Carcass Nikon D610. Heavy for photographers less than a centner, I am quite comfortable with my displacement of 130+, I got used to it right away, since there was an old woman 150-500 before it.

  • Sergei

    And it is interesting to compare this lens (especially on the long end) with the lighter (1930 grams) and more affordable ($ 1089) Sigma DG 150-600 mm f / 5-6,3 OS HSM Contemporary.

    • petya

      this one will be sharper at 600, but at all other focal lengths it will be noticeably worse than 150-600

    • Rust

      I checked, it strongly resembles an old woman 150-500, the same sluggish and not tenacious, especially at the long end. I do not advise. 1000% justifies its additional $100 in price.

  • Andrei

    Arkady, tell me, how do you think, if you compare this sigma at 500 mm and the manual nikkkor 500 f4 you recently tested, which telephoto lens will give a sharper picture at infinity at the same apertures (say, this is f8)? Or will there not be a fundamental difference?

    • Kirill

      “Comments here on the site do not require any registration. In the comments, you can ask a question on the topic and you will definitely be answered ... "

      Mdeee ... You will definitely be answered ...

  • Volodimir

    Arkady, good day.
    And what about the Tamron 18-400 mm yak? We were told that you could pass your yogo to the test. Imovability of such a test ще?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      He was in the store, but he was immediately bought, he did not have time to get to me.

  • Onotole

    Interestingly, in some frames, the circles in the bokeh are more similar to those that are formed in the optical system of the human eye.

  • DV

    The sigma 60-600 will be better than the nikon 80-400G on sc when shooting at 300… 400 mm of wildlife. I'm going to Africa - the question of replacement arose. I shoot with nikon df. Thanks in advance for the competent answers

  • Sergei

    “At 60mm the lens is very good, but at 600mm there is a noticeable drop in resolution”
    - sounds unexpected, because in the reviews on YouTube, both in Russian and in English (the vast majority of reviews at 60-600), everyone unequivocally points to image flaws at 60 mm, or in the range up to 100. There are the same CW at small focal lengths, and then they disappear completely or become microscopic.
    The picture at 500-600 is quite sharp. And, of course, the resolution is enough with a margin to shoot 4k video.
    Literally over the past weekend I watched a dozen videos of “bird shooters”, so they almost pray at 60-600 - the lens is definitely better than the old 150-600.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Prayers are now paid, and Sigma does not skimp on the support of its adherents

  • Vladimir

    I got this lens recently. Very pleased with the quality of the pictures! By the way, at 600mm it is very sharp all over the field, so I don’t know what they said that it’s like soapy, it’s not, at least on my copy. The only thing I did not find information on using it with an extender.

  • Alexander

    I didn’t find my lens - I’ll ask here. Why don't exit programs show the distance to the object on the Sigma 150-600 (not Sport). Previously there was a similar one, but 150-500mm - everything showed. Now there is “no data”, although the camera remains the same. The question is not the most important, but I am involved in photo hunting and sometimes it is interesting to know the distance to the bird.

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