Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. vs Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)
The bottom line
The Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. is a zoom (100-500mm) and the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is a 500mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 100mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 100-500mm zoom covers what the fixed 500mm can't reframe.
Choose the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) if…
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 500mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. opens to f/5 vs the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)'s f/5.6 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. is 100-500mm, Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is 500mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. is $2,099, $100 under the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount).
- ›Weight: the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is 1130g (2.49 lb) vs 1285g (2.83 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. or the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) better?
The Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. is a zoom (100-500mm) and the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is a 500mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S.?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. if you shoot wide — it starts at 100mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 100-500mm zoom covers what the fixed 500mm can't reframe.
Who should choose the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)?
Choose the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 500mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. and the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)?
Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. opens to f/5 vs the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)'s f/5.6 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100-500mm | 500mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 19 | 20 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/5 | f/5.6 |
| Minimum Aperture | − | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | 24° – 5° | 5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Dual Phase Linear Motor | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 79 cm | 350 cm |
| Max Magnification | − | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,099 | $2,199 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 95mm |
| Diameter | 92mm | 112mm |
| Length | 196.1mm | 329.5mm |
| Weight | 1285g (2.83 lb) | 1130g (2.49 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
