Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. 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 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. is 70-200mm, 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 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. for telephoto, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) for super-telephoto.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 70mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 70-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 500mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.15x.
Choose the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You're on a budget — $2,199 vs $2,999 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 500mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 1130g (2.49 lb) it's lighter than the 1490g (3.28 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. opens to f/2.8 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 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. is 70-200mm, Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is 500mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 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 Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is $2,199, $800 under the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S..
- ›Weight: the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is 1130g (2.49 lb) vs 1490g (3.28 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. or the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. is 70-200mm, 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 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. for telephoto, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) for super-telephoto.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S.?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 70mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 70-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 500mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.15x.
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 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you're on a budget — $2,199 vs $2,999 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 500mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 1130g (2.49 lb) it's lighter than the 1490g (3.28 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. and the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)?
Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. opens to f/2.8 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 | 70-200mm | 500mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 22 | 20 |
| Optical Groups | 17 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/5.6 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | 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 | 34° – 12° | 5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 90 cm | 350 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 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) | $2,999 | $2,199 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 95mm |
| Diameter | 90.6mm | 112mm |
| Length | 208mm | 329.5mm |
| Weight | 1490g (3.28 lb) | 1130g (2.49 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
