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Sigma EX 500mm F4.5 APO DG Lens

The Sigma 500mm F4.5 APO DG is a 500mm f/4.5 lens designed for Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A mount cameras. Used copies start from $903.72 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Sigma EX 500mm F4.5 APO DG Lens

Sigma EX 500mm F4.5 APO DG Lens

Used Sigma 500mm F4.5 APO DG Listings on GearFocus

Lens OverviewSigma 500mm F4.5 APO DG

The Sigma EX 500mm F4.5 APO DG is a prime telephoto lens designed for full-frame DSLR systems, offering a fixed 500mm focal length with a maximum aperture of f/4.5. Built for photographers who regularly shoot at long distances — wildlife, sports, and birding being natural fits — this lens covers the full-frame format and is available in Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sony A mounts, giving it solid cross-system reach. At f/4.5, it delivers a reasonably wide maximum aperture for a lens in this focal length class, allowing for meaningful subject separation and better performance in lower ambient light conditions.

The lens supports both autofocus and manual focus operation, offering flexibility depending on the shooting situation. With a filter thread size of 46mm and a substantial weight of 3,150g, this is a serious piece of glass that will demand a sturdy tripod or monopod setup for most shooting scenarios. There is no image stabilization, so photographers should factor in shutter speed and support requirements when planning shoots.

Overall, it represents a dedicated long-reach prime option within the Sigma EX lineup.

Key FeaturesSigma 500mm F4.5 APO DG

500mm Prime Focal Length: Fixed 500mm reach is well-suited to wildlife, sports, and birding where long-distance subject isolation is essential.

f/4.5 Maximum Aperture: Relatively wide maximum aperture for a 500mm lens, enabling faster shutter speeds and subject separation from backgrounds.

APO DG Optics: Apochromatic glass elements correct chromatic aberration, while DG designation confirms optimized performance on full-frame DSLR sensors.

Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover the full 35mm image circle, making it fully compatible with full-frame and APS-C DSLR bodies alike.

Multi-Mount Compatibility: Available in Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sony A mounts, covering the major DSLR systems of its era.

Auto and Manual Focus: Supports both autofocus and manual focus operation, giving photographers flexibility across different shooting scenarios.

Lens SpecificationsSigma 500mm F4.5 APO DG

Sigma 500mm F4.5 APO DG full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesWildlife, Sports, Birding
Lens TypeSuper Telephoto
FormatFull Frame
Zoom/PrimePrime
Focal Length500mm
Maximum Aperturef/4.5
Camera SystemDSLR
Lens MountCanon EF, Nikon F, Sony A
AutofocusYes
Focus TypeAuto, Manual
Image StabilizationNone
Filter Thread46mm

DescriptionSigma 500mm F4.5 APO DG

The Sigma EX 500mm F4.5 APO DG is a prime telephoto lens built for full-frame DSLR systems, delivering a fixed 500mm focal length with a maximum aperture of f/4.5. It is available in Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sony A mounts, covering the major DSLR platforms. The lens supports both autofocus and manual focus, offering operational flexibility for a range of shooting scenarios.

With a filter thread of 46mm and a total weight of 3,150g, this is a substantial optic that rewards use on a solid support system. Image stabilization is not included, so achieving sharp results at this focal length will depend on shutter speed selection and the use of appropriate camera support. Whether used for wildlife, sports, or any other discipline that calls for serious reach, this lens delivers a dedicated long-focal-length solution within the Sigma EX line.

ProsSigma 500mm F4.5 APO DG

  • Fixed 500mm focal length with full-frame coverage suits demanding telephoto work
  • Maximum aperture of f/4.5 is relatively wide for a lens of this focal length
  • Available in Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sony A mounts for broad DSLR compatibility

ConsSigma 500mm F4.5 APO DG

  • No image stabilization, requiring careful attention to shutter speed and physical support
  • Weight of 3,150g demands a robust tripod or monopod for extended use
  • Prime focal length at 500mm offers no zoom flexibility

Resources & DownloadsSigma 500mm F4.5 APO DG

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked QuestionsSigma 500mm F4.5 APO DG

Which camera mounts is this lens compatible with?+
The Sigma EX 500mm F4.5 APO DG is available in Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sony A mounts. These are all DSLR-era mounts, so native mirrorless mount versions are not included in the listed options.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No, the specifications confirm that image stabilization is listed as 'None.' Photographers should use an appropriate shutter speed and a stable support system such as a tripod or monopod when shooting with this lens.
What sensor format does this lens cover?+
The lens is designed for full-frame DSLR cameras. It can also be used on crop-sensor DSLR bodies where the mount is compatible, though only the full-frame format is explicitly specified.
What filter size does this lens use?+
The Sigma EX 500mm F4.5 APO DG has a filter thread size of 46mm. This is the thread diameter you'll need when sourcing compatible filters for this lens.
How heavy is this lens and what does that mean for practical use?+
The lens weighs 3,150g according to the specifications. At that weight, handheld shooting for extended periods will be challenging, and a tripod or monopod is strongly recommended for comfortable and stable use.
Is autofocus supported on this lens?+
Yes, the lens supports both autofocus and manual focus operation. This gives photographers the option to use the camera's AF system or switch to manual focus as the situation requires.

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