Gentec International, the exclusive Canadian distributor of Sigma lenses, announces the newest super telephoto to the Sigma SPORTS line, the SIGMA 500mm F4 DG HSM | Sports.
Photographers typically choose a prime lens when they require top image quality. However, the new flagship lens of our Sports line, the SIGMA 500mm F4 DG OS HSM fulfills this need while incorporating SIGMA’s latest technologies and delivering a full range of advanced features and functions: enhanced dust- and splash-proof construction, Optical Stabilizer (OS) system, SIGMA Tele Converter compatibility, AF function switch, SIGMA’s latest-generation Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), and more. Combining top-level optical performance with functionality for challenging shoots, SIGMA 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports sets a new standard for high-performance telephoto lenses.
The new SIGMA 500mm F4 DG HSM | Sports lens has a suggested retail price of $7,999.95 and is expected to be available for Sigma, Canon and Nikon in November 2016.
For more information, please contact Max Payne, Director of Marketing & Communications, at 905-513-7733 or email media@gentec-intl.com.
Key Features
Outstanding functionality for challenging shoots.
Enhanced dust/splash-proof construction and available exclusive Protector
Designed for top performance in tough shooting conditions, the SIGMA 500mm F4 DG HSM | Sports features highly effective dust- and splash-proof construction. The front of the lens features a water- and oil-repellent coating that allows water to be wiped away easily and helps prevent oil from sticking to the surface. This feature is particularly useful when shooting in a drizzle or near ocean spray. The lens is compatible with the exclusive SIGMA Protector LPT-11 (sold separately), which effectively helps prevent damage to the lens during shooting and maintenance.
Magnesium alloy barrel
To help minimize the weight associated with a hyper telephoto lens, the lens barrel is made with a magnesium alloy. Both lightweight and tough, this alloy contributes to the outstanding maneuverability of SIGMA 500mm F4 DG HSM | Sports.
Carbon fiber hood
The lens hood is made of carbon fiber, which is both lightweight and strong. In fact, the entire lens is designed to be lightweight for outstanding performance in tough shooting conditions.
Tripod socket with 90° click stops
Since photographers often prefer to use a hyper-telephoto lens with a monopod or tripod, the lens features a large and extremely stable tripod socket. Antistatic nickel plating on the socket parts help enhance the quality and durability of the 90° click stops, which make it easy to switch between vertical and horizontal shooting positions. The click position may be canceled by turning off the “de-clicking” switch. The lens also comes equipped with a dedicated strap for the tripod socket, making it easy to carry equipment without undue stress on the camera mount.
* Tripod socket cannot be detached from the lens
*Strap included
Nikon electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism included
The lens for the Nikon camera includes the electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism and is able to receive the appropriate signals from the camera body. This feature ensures precision diaphragm control and stable Auto Exposure (AE) performance during continuous shooting.
Top-level optical performance
The lens incorporates two FLD and one SLD glass elements, while the optimized power distribution helps minimize spherical aberration and axial chromatic aberration. The optical system also effectively minimizes transverse chromatic aberration, which can affect the edges of the shots taken in the telephoto range. In addition, image quality remains exceptional when the lens is used with a SIGMA Tele Converter (sold separately).
Circular PL Filter RCP-11 is a drop-in polarized filter (sold separately).
Circular PL Filter RCP-11 is a drop-in filter that can easily be rotated while the lens is in use. (A protector that is inserted in a slot at the rear of the lens comes with the lens as standard equipment.)
Functions that satisfy the demands of professional photographers.
OS system with acceleration sensor and new Intelligent OS algorithm
The Optical Stabilizer (OS) system features an acceleration sensor to deliver even more precise performance and up to approximately four stops of stabilization. Two OS modes are available: Mode 1 for general photography and Mode 2 for motor sports and other applications requiring panning. In Mode 2, the acceleration sensor teams up with the Intelligent OS and its updated stabilization algorithm to deliver effective stabilization while you move the camera horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—regardless of the position of the lens. This feature helps ensure effective panning and outstanding capture of moving subjects.
AF function switch with preset AF modes
The AF function switch allows you to set your own autofocus specification. The lens can remember the focus position of your choice or turn off AF until it is needed.
Manual override incorporated to make two full-time manual modes switchable.
In addition to AF/MF, MO (Manual Override) is incorporated as one of the options of the focus mode switch. By setting it to the MO position, it switches to manual focus by rotating the focus ring even during continuous AF. With AF position, standard full-time manual focus is available. Using the optional SIGMA USB DOCK, it is possible to adjust the MO position’s sensitivity to switch to manual focus.
AF is effective even when Tele Converters are attached
Tele Converters that are newly designed to match the new lens line-ups (optional) can be attached. The addition of SIGMA’s TELE CONVERTER TC-1401 or TELE CONVERTER TC-2001 produces a AF 700mm F5.6 hyper-telephoto lens or a AF 1000mm F8 hyper-telephoto lens respectively.
* When shooting subjects with low contrast or luminosity value, focus may not be spot on the subject.
Additional Features
- Evaluation with SIGMA’s own MTF measuring system “A1*”
- Compatible with Mount Converter MC-11
- “Made in Japan” with the best craftsmanship
- SIGMA USB DOCK for SIGMA GLOBAL VISION lenses (optional)
- Incorporating Rounded Diaphragm
- Brass made bayonet mount
- Applicable for the Mount Conversion Service that enables lenses to be long term assets
Canadian Warranty
Like all Sigma lenses, this lens is backed by a comprehensive seven-year Canadian warranty.
Specifications:
- Focal Length: 500mm
- Minimum Aperture: F32
- Lens Construction: 16 Elements in 11 Groups
- Filter Size: 46mm (Rear Drop-In)
- Angle of View: 5°
- Number of Diaphragm Blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm)
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 350 cm / 137.8”
- Maximum Magnification: 1:6.5
- Dimensions: Diameter: 144.8 mm / 5.7” x Length: 380.3 mm / 15”
- Weight: 3,310g / 116.7oz
- Mounts (AF): Sigma, Canon, Nikon
Accessories: Case, Hood (LH1388-01) and WR Protector. Lens is equipped with fixed tripod socket.
Appearance and specifications are subject to change for improvement without notice.
