A versatile standard to super-telephoto zoom, but mind the weight

Telephoto lens Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports

The Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports for Sony and L-mount cameras has some history behind it. In 2001, the so-called ‘Bigma’ was born – a unique T lens for SLRs with a 50-500mm zoom range and an updated version, weighing 1,840g, was launched in 2010. It was eclipsed in 2018 by the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports, weighing 2.7kg. Sigma chose not to add Sony E and Leica L mount options for mirrorless cameras, instead redesigning the ‘DN’ mirrorless version, which is still a hefty 2,485g.

A similar contender for Sony shooters is the Tamron 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VXD. This one kicks off with the natural perspective of a 50mm focal length but doesn’t stretch as far into super-telephoto territory, topping out at 400mm. On the plus side, the Tamron is about four inches shorter in physical length and less than half the weight at 1,115g. It’s therefore more manageable for carrying around and for handheld shooting. It’s also less expensive, but the Sigma is a more prestigious lens with greater refinement in its handling, as well as giving a 50 per cent boost in maximum telephoto reach.