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Sigma's New 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 Lens
Sigma's New 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 Lens
by Keenan Hursh
When it comes to camera lenses it often feels like we’re forced to use an entire arsenal of different focal lengths. It’s common for photographers to carry a minimum of three lenses including a relatively wide-angle lens, a zoom or telephoto lens, and a lens that fits somewhere in between the two to fill any gaps.
Carrying all these lenses around can be heavy and constantly swapping lenses can quickly become annoying. You might miss the action while switching lenses and you can increase the odds of getting dust particles on your sensor or inside your lens. All of this begs the question, can you carry only one or maybe two lenses and still have all your bases covered?
Many purists will say this is a terrible idea and will always prefer to carry several lenses with high-quality glass. And yes, a nice prime lens will almost always have better optics than a zoom lens but with this newest release from Sigma, things might be changing a bit.
Carrying all these lenses around can be heavy and constantly swapping lenses can quickly become annoying. You might miss the action while switching lenses and you can increase the odds of getting dust particles on your sensor or inside your lens. All of this begs the question, can you carry only one or maybe two lenses and still have all your bases covered?
Many purists will say this is a terrible idea and will always prefer to carry several lenses with high-quality glass. And yes, a nice prime lens will almost always have better optics than a zoom lens but with this newest release from Sigma, things might be changing a bit.
Sigma’s brand new 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 lens is a versatile beast and I think you might be surprised with what it’s capable of for having such a massive 10x range in zoom. The older version of this lens was released in 2019 as one of their last lenses for DSLR cameras and now it’s available for mirrorless cameras as well. This is advertised as a sports lens, which definitely makes sense based on the specs, but I think it will also be a great option for wildlife photography and beyond.
I often photograph skiing and I think this lens would be the perfect candidate for what I need. I currently use either my 24-105mm or my 100-400mm but find myself frequently switching between the two and the additional weight in my pack can be burdensome. In addition, I rarely need to zoom all the way out to 24mm unless I’m taking landscape shots and I frequently wish I could zoom beyond 400mm as my subjects can be far away. I think the range on this new lens from Sigma would be absolutely perfect for shooting skiing and I would most definitely use it for wildlife as well.
Alright, let’s get into the details and figure out why this lens is generating so much excitement.
I often photograph skiing and I think this lens would be the perfect candidate for what I need. I currently use either my 24-105mm or my 100-400mm but find myself frequently switching between the two and the additional weight in my pack can be burdensome. In addition, I rarely need to zoom all the way out to 24mm unless I’m taking landscape shots and I frequently wish I could zoom beyond 400mm as my subjects can be far away. I think the range on this new lens from Sigma would be absolutely perfect for shooting skiing and I would most definitely use it for wildlife as well.
Alright, let’s get into the details and figure out why this lens is generating so much excitement.
Sigma 60-600mm f4.5-6.3 DG DN OS
Specs:
Price: $2,000 USD
Focal Length: 60-600 mm
Dimensions: 11 x 4.7 inches
Weight: 5.5 lb (95.2 oz)
Filter Thread: 105 mm
Angle of View: 39.6-4.1 degrees
Minimum Aperture: F22-32
Minimum Focusing Distance: 23.6-102.4 in (60-260 cm)
Specs:
Price: $2,000 USD
Focal Length: 60-600 mm
Dimensions: 11 x 4.7 inches
Weight: 5.5 lb (95.2 oz)
Filter Thread: 105 mm
Angle of View: 39.6-4.1 degrees
Minimum Aperture: F22-32
Minimum Focusing Distance: 23.6-102.4 in (60-260 cm)
Focal Length
Let’s start out with the most obvious and attractive trait of this lens, the extremely wide and versatile range of focal length. 60-600 is insane. This 10x range of zoom is a unique offering from sigma and I can’t really think of any direct comparisons from other manufacturers.
Of course, Sigma offers their very popular 150-600mm f/5-6.3 and Tamron also has a lens with matching specs but 60-600mm is something else altogether. In addition, Canon, Nikon, and Sony all have zoom lenses that fall into a relatively similar range but none of these alternatives can match the extreme range of the 60-600.
This raises the question of whether or not this range in zoom is too large and could potentially create a significant loss in image quality. Sigma says this is not the case. This is a Sports lens from Sigma meaning it has their best optical quality and has the exact same image quality as their 150-600mm offering based on many tests performed.
At the end of the day, this lens offers an incredibly wide range of focal lengths and maintains a very high level of optical performance.
Weight
Probably the main complaint or concern with this lens is the sheer weight. At 5.5 pounds this thing certainly isn’t light. But when compared to the 2 or maybe even 3 lenses you might replace it with, depending on what you're shooting, maybe the weight isn’t that big of a deal. If you’re shooting 100% handheld you will notice the weight after a while but if you’re primarily going to use a monopod or tripod, the weight might not be a deal breaker.
At the end of the day, yes this is a heavy lens, but given the insane versatility and the high-quality optics, I think the weight really isn’t a huge deal. At least not for me personally.
Optics
When it comes to a lens of this caliber with such a massive range in focal length many photographers will likely be concerned that the optics and glass aren’t very high-quality or up-to-par. Perhaps this lens doesn’t compare to a top-of-the-line professional-grade prime lens from Canon, Nikon, or Sony but for a zoom lens, I think the optics are actually very impressive.
The 60-600mm is rated as a Sport or S lens which is the designation Sigma gives to their higher-quality telephoto lenses. It contains 27 lens elements arranged in 19 groups allowing for accurate focusing across the focal range. In addition, this lens is on par with Sigma’s incredibly popular 150-600mm lens after conducting extensive tests. This advanced lens also incorporates one SLD (Special Low Dispersion) element and three FLD (F Low Dispersion) elements which help reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations. This improves overall clarity and color accuracy and reduces distortions.
Versatility
Let’s talk about the versatility of this lens. Obviously when it comes to zoom and focal length the Sigma 60-600mm’s 10x magnification is about as versatile as you can find. You can get up close and personal with your subjects and portray them in their surroundings with one lens.
In addition to focal length, this lens currently works with many different camera systems and brands. This newer mirrorless version works with L-Mount and Sony E-mount systems and the older version is compatible with Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sigma SA mounts.
Controls and Usability
Knowing the specs of a lens is one thing but understanding how it functions and feels while shooting is just as important. As we mentioned before this thing is heavy and you’ll most likely get the best results using either a tripod or monopod. If you’re shooting handheld you will definitely notice the weight after a while. That being said let’s get into what it’s like to use this large lens.
Zooming in and out is very natural and Sigma has provided users with two methods of doing this. You can either rotate the zoom ring like many other lenses or you can use the grippy groove at the very front of the lens to physically push and pull the lens to your desired focal length. It’s worth noting that this lens will slightly creep outward when holding the lens facedown but you can use the lock switch to prevent this or hold it at a specific focal length. In fact, you can lock the lens at focal lengths of 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 200, 300, 400, or 600.
In addition to the lock switch, there are several other buttons on the lens as well. The control panel houses an autofocus limiter so that you can make your AF faster and more accurate between set distances, a button to set your optical stabilization mode like most telephoto lenses, a toggle between AF and MF, and a button to swap between custom modes. Additionally, the lens has 3 focus-hold buttons allowing the user to lock into and hold a specific focus.
Focusing
As mentioned before this lens is part of Sigma’s Sports line. Not only does this mean high-quality glass, but this also guarantees that this thing has wicked-fast autofocus capabilities. The Sigma 60-600 uses a new integrated HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) as well as an optimized AF algorithm to create smooth and fast focusing. You can also manually focus with the focus ring at any time. With this lens, you can drive focus from a close object to something far in the distance and vice versa in an instant.
Optical Stabilization
The Sigma 60-600 uses an intelligent optical stabilizer system that works to minimize camera shake by up to seven stops of light at 60mm and 6 stops at 600mm. This allows the user to capture sharper imagery when shooting handheld or in low-light conditions. Users have been able to get clear and sharp images handheld at shutter speeds as slow as 1/8th of a second.
Similar to many other telephoto and zoom lenses the Sigma 60-600 has two stabilization modes. One primary stabilization mode for most shooting situations and a secondary mode for when you’re horizontally tracking moving subjects. This is a great lens for shooting fast-moving sports or wildlife.
Build Quality / Weather Sealing
Once again this lens has a Sports rating from Sigma, which means it also has the highest performance rating when it comes to weather sealing. This thing is designed to be used in a variety of conditions from rain and snow to dust protection. The physical design of this lens incorporates several seals to protect against the elements and includes a water and oil-repellant coating on exposed elements to prevent smudges and droplets from sticking to the surface and blurring your images.
This lens is a professional quality lens when it comes to construction and should get the job done out in the field. The sturdy build quality definitely contributes to the overall weight, but I think this is a net positive overall. I’d rather carry something a bit heavier and not have to worry about using It in light rain or mist.
Let’s start out with the most obvious and attractive trait of this lens, the extremely wide and versatile range of focal length. 60-600 is insane. This 10x range of zoom is a unique offering from sigma and I can’t really think of any direct comparisons from other manufacturers.
Of course, Sigma offers their very popular 150-600mm f/5-6.3 and Tamron also has a lens with matching specs but 60-600mm is something else altogether. In addition, Canon, Nikon, and Sony all have zoom lenses that fall into a relatively similar range but none of these alternatives can match the extreme range of the 60-600.
This raises the question of whether or not this range in zoom is too large and could potentially create a significant loss in image quality. Sigma says this is not the case. This is a Sports lens from Sigma meaning it has their best optical quality and has the exact same image quality as their 150-600mm offering based on many tests performed.
At the end of the day, this lens offers an incredibly wide range of focal lengths and maintains a very high level of optical performance.
Weight
Probably the main complaint or concern with this lens is the sheer weight. At 5.5 pounds this thing certainly isn’t light. But when compared to the 2 or maybe even 3 lenses you might replace it with, depending on what you're shooting, maybe the weight isn’t that big of a deal. If you’re shooting 100% handheld you will notice the weight after a while but if you’re primarily going to use a monopod or tripod, the weight might not be a deal breaker.
At the end of the day, yes this is a heavy lens, but given the insane versatility and the high-quality optics, I think the weight really isn’t a huge deal. At least not for me personally.
Optics
When it comes to a lens of this caliber with such a massive range in focal length many photographers will likely be concerned that the optics and glass aren’t very high-quality or up-to-par. Perhaps this lens doesn’t compare to a top-of-the-line professional-grade prime lens from Canon, Nikon, or Sony but for a zoom lens, I think the optics are actually very impressive.
The 60-600mm is rated as a Sport or S lens which is the designation Sigma gives to their higher-quality telephoto lenses. It contains 27 lens elements arranged in 19 groups allowing for accurate focusing across the focal range. In addition, this lens is on par with Sigma’s incredibly popular 150-600mm lens after conducting extensive tests. This advanced lens also incorporates one SLD (Special Low Dispersion) element and three FLD (F Low Dispersion) elements which help reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations. This improves overall clarity and color accuracy and reduces distortions.
Versatility
Let’s talk about the versatility of this lens. Obviously when it comes to zoom and focal length the Sigma 60-600mm’s 10x magnification is about as versatile as you can find. You can get up close and personal with your subjects and portray them in their surroundings with one lens.
In addition to focal length, this lens currently works with many different camera systems and brands. This newer mirrorless version works with L-Mount and Sony E-mount systems and the older version is compatible with Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sigma SA mounts.
Controls and Usability
Knowing the specs of a lens is one thing but understanding how it functions and feels while shooting is just as important. As we mentioned before this thing is heavy and you’ll most likely get the best results using either a tripod or monopod. If you’re shooting handheld you will definitely notice the weight after a while. That being said let’s get into what it’s like to use this large lens.
Zooming in and out is very natural and Sigma has provided users with two methods of doing this. You can either rotate the zoom ring like many other lenses or you can use the grippy groove at the very front of the lens to physically push and pull the lens to your desired focal length. It’s worth noting that this lens will slightly creep outward when holding the lens facedown but you can use the lock switch to prevent this or hold it at a specific focal length. In fact, you can lock the lens at focal lengths of 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 200, 300, 400, or 600.
In addition to the lock switch, there are several other buttons on the lens as well. The control panel houses an autofocus limiter so that you can make your AF faster and more accurate between set distances, a button to set your optical stabilization mode like most telephoto lenses, a toggle between AF and MF, and a button to swap between custom modes. Additionally, the lens has 3 focus-hold buttons allowing the user to lock into and hold a specific focus.
Focusing
As mentioned before this lens is part of Sigma’s Sports line. Not only does this mean high-quality glass, but this also guarantees that this thing has wicked-fast autofocus capabilities. The Sigma 60-600 uses a new integrated HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) as well as an optimized AF algorithm to create smooth and fast focusing. You can also manually focus with the focus ring at any time. With this lens, you can drive focus from a close object to something far in the distance and vice versa in an instant.
Optical Stabilization
The Sigma 60-600 uses an intelligent optical stabilizer system that works to minimize camera shake by up to seven stops of light at 60mm and 6 stops at 600mm. This allows the user to capture sharper imagery when shooting handheld or in low-light conditions. Users have been able to get clear and sharp images handheld at shutter speeds as slow as 1/8th of a second.
Similar to many other telephoto and zoom lenses the Sigma 60-600 has two stabilization modes. One primary stabilization mode for most shooting situations and a secondary mode for when you’re horizontally tracking moving subjects. This is a great lens for shooting fast-moving sports or wildlife.
Build Quality / Weather Sealing
Once again this lens has a Sports rating from Sigma, which means it also has the highest performance rating when it comes to weather sealing. This thing is designed to be used in a variety of conditions from rain and snow to dust protection. The physical design of this lens incorporates several seals to protect against the elements and includes a water and oil-repellant coating on exposed elements to prevent smudges and droplets from sticking to the surface and blurring your images.
This lens is a professional quality lens when it comes to construction and should get the job done out in the field. The sturdy build quality definitely contributes to the overall weight, but I think this is a net positive overall. I’d rather carry something a bit heavier and not have to worry about using It in light rain or mist.
Conclusion
I think that Sigma did a great job developing this lens and found a nice niche to fill in the market. It’s crazy to me that you can buy an extremely versatile lens, with a focal length range of 60-600mm, and with very high-quality optics and performance for $2,000 USD.
If you are a one-lens wonder kind of person, or simply want a single lens that can cover a massive range of focal lengths then this is a great option to investigate. As someone who shoots a lot of action sports and some wildlife, I am very seriously considering purchasing this lens and maybe even selling my 100-400mm depending on how it performs.
I hope this article was informative and interesting and as always best of luck on your next photography adventure!
I think that Sigma did a great job developing this lens and found a nice niche to fill in the market. It’s crazy to me that you can buy an extremely versatile lens, with a focal length range of 60-600mm, and with very high-quality optics and performance for $2,000 USD.
If you are a one-lens wonder kind of person, or simply want a single lens that can cover a massive range of focal lengths then this is a great option to investigate. As someone who shoots a lot of action sports and some wildlife, I am very seriously considering purchasing this lens and maybe even selling my 100-400mm depending on how it performs.
I hope this article was informative and interesting and as always best of luck on your next photography adventure!
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com
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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
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Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.