Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF vs Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF is 200mm, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports is 500mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF for telephoto, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports for super-telephoto.
Choose the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 200mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Choose the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 1130g (2.49 lb) it's lighter than the 1588g (3.50 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF opens to f/2 vs the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports's f/5.6 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF is 200mm, Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports is 500mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF is $1,999, $200 under the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports is 1130g (2.49 lb) vs 1588g (3.50 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF or the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF is 200mm, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports is 500mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF for telephoto, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports for super-telephoto.
Who should choose the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF?
Choose the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF if you want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 200mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Who should choose the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports?
Choose the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports if you need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you value portability — at 1130g (2.49 lb) it's lighter than the 1588g (3.50 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF and the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports?
Aperture: the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF opens to f/2 vs the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports's f/5.6 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 200mm | 500mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 11 | 20 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 | f/5.6 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 12.3° | 5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 150 cm | 350 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,999 | $2,199 |
| Filter Size | 105mm | 95mm |
| Diameter | − | 112mm |
| Length | − | 329.5mm |
| Weight | 1588g (3.50 lb) | 1130g (2.49 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
