Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 vs Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 is 50mm, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is 500mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) for super-telephoto.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Choose the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 opens to f/1.4 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 PRO 50mm f/1.4 is 50mm, Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is 500mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 is $1,999, $200 under the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 or the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 is 50mm, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is 500mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) for super-telephoto.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
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 need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 50mm 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.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 and the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)?
Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 opens to f/1.4 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 | 50mm | 500mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 20 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/5.6 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | 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 | 47° | 5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 45 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 | 77mm | 95mm |
| Diameter | 90.6mm | 112mm |
| Length | 149.4mm | 329.5mm |
| Weight | 1110g (2.45 lb) | 1130g (2.49 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | Yes |
