Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary vs Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is 20-200mm, 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 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary for telephoto, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports for super-telephoto.
Choose the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/3.5 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $999 vs $2,199 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 20-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 500mm can't reframe.
Choose the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 500mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary opens to f/3.5 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 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is 20-200mm, Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports is 500mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is $999, $1,200 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.
- ›Close-up: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.15x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary or the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is 20-200mm, 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 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary for telephoto, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports for super-telephoto.
Who should choose the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary?
Choose the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary if you want more light and background blur — f/3.5 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $999 vs $2,199 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 20-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 500mm can't reframe.
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 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 500mm prime over a zoom. 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 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary and the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports?
Aperture: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary opens to f/3.5 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 Length | 20-200mm | 500mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 20 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/5.6 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 94.5° – 12.3° | 5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 17 cm | 350 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 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) | $999 | $2,199 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 95mm |
| Diameter | 77.2mm | 112mm |
| Length | 115.5mm | 329.5mm |
| Weight | 540g (1.19 lb) | 1130g (2.49 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | Yes |
