Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) vs Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) is 135mm, 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 Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) for zoom, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) for super-telephoto.

Choose the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) 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 135mm 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 135mm 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 Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) 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: Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) is 135mm, Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is 500mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) is $1,699, $500 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 Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) or the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) is 135mm, 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 Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) for zoom, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) for super-telephoto.

Who should choose the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount)?

Choose the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) 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 135mm 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 135mm 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 Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) and the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)?

Aperture: the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) 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 Length135mm500mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1720
Optical Groups1314
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.4f/5.6
Minimum Aperturef/16f/32
Aperture Blades911
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountL-MountL-Mount
Angle of View18°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorHLAHLA
Focus LimiterNoYes
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance87 cm350 cm
Max Magnification0.15x0.15x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoYes
Aperture RingYesNo
Declickable ApertureYesNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$1,699$2,199
Filter Size82mm95mm
Diameter90.6mm112mm
Length134mm329.5mm
Weight1120g (2.47 lb)1130g (2.49 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoYes