Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art vs Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports

The bottom line

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

Choose the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art 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 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 opens to f/1.4 vs the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports's f/5.6 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is 135mm, Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports is 500mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is $1,699, $500 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.

Frequently asked

Is the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art or the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports better?

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

Who should choose the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art?

Choose the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art 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?

Choose the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports 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 and the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports?

Aperture: the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 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 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 MountSony ESony E
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