Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) vs Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)
The bottom line
The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is a zoom (60-600mm) and the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is a 500mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) if…
- ✓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 2490g (5.49 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/4.5 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 60mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 60-600mm zoom covers what the fixed 500mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.3x magnification vs 0.15x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) opens to f/4.5 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 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is 500mm, Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is 60-600mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) 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 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is $1,999, $200 under the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount).
- ›Weight: the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is 1130g (2.49 lb) vs 2490g (5.49 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) or the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) better?
The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is a zoom (60-600mm) and the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is a 500mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
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 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 2490g (5.49 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)?
Choose the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) if you want more light and background blur — f/4.5 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 60mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 60-600mm zoom covers what the fixed 500mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.3x magnification vs 0.15x.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) and the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)?
Aperture: the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) opens to f/4.5 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 | 500mm | 60-600mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 20 | 25 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 19 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | 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 | 5° | 40° – 4° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 350 cm | 200 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.3x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,199 | $1,999 |
| Filter Size | 95mm | 105mm |
| Diameter | 112mm | 127.8mm |
| Length | 329.5mm | 290.2mm |
| Weight | 1130g (2.49 lb) | 2490g (5.49 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
