By utilising exclusive low-dispersion glass elements the lens has been significantly reduced in size and weight compared with SIGMA’s previous 500mm prime, making it easy to carry and use and ideal for hand-held shooting. The built-in HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motor delivers fast, smooth, accurate and near-silent autofocus, ensuring that the subject remains sharp, even when using subject tracking modes. The built-in OS provides 5 stops of effective stabilisation thanks to SIGMA’s proprietary OS2 algorithm.

To reduce the size of the lens without compromising optical quality, the lens uses convex low-dispersion elements towards the front of the lens barrel. The design of these glass elements also keeps chromatic and axial aberrations to a minimum. Flare and ghosting are prevented by refractive lenses, ideal for when shooting in backlit environments such as sporting arenas or when strong light sources are in or close to being in frame. When compared to the SIGMA 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports for DSLRs, the lens is impressively small and a whole lot lighter, all achieved without using conventional diffractive optical elements.

The SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports is perfectly suited to fast-paced action such as birds in flights or high-performance cars on a race circuit. Its HLA motor delivers extremely fast, accurate and near-silent AF that far outperforms traditional stepping motors. Low-light environments such as concerts and floodlit pitches are no trouble thanks to the exclusive OS2 algorithm, providing an effective 5 stops of stabilisation. The lens also features two OS modes. Mode 1 can be used for all types of photography to help reduce unwanted camera shake at slower shutter speeds. Mode 2 employs SIGMA’s Intelligent OS algorithm for smoother panning shots – ideal for tracking a fast-paced object as it moves. Regardless of the orientation of the lens, the stabilisation is effective for both vertical and diagonal movement and doesn’t interfere with the panning motion.

The touch but compact design of the 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports ensures it can be used on the go whatever the location or weather. Constructed with a combination of lightweight materials such as TSC and magnesium, the lens is easily light enough for shooting hand-held over long periods, reducing the need for a tripod. Its weather-resistant construction prevents dust, dirt and water droplets from entering the lens, ideal if shooting in light rain or on a sandy beach.

Much of the exterior and some of the interior of the lens is built of TSC (Thermally Stable Composite), a light and strong material that increases durability and reduces weight. TSC has similar thermal expansion properties to aluminium, which means that both the TSC and aluminium parts within the barrel expand and contract to the same degree as temperatures change. This ensures a highly consistent performance whether shooting in a hot desert region or the freezing temperatures of a polar environment.

The mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, switches, switch panel and exterior connection are all dust- and splash-resistant to prevent dust and moisture from entering the lens. The front element of the lens has a water- and oil-repellent coating that helps keep the optic clear of contaminants.