Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports vs Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports is 500mm, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is 100-400mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports for super-telephoto, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS for super-telephoto.
Choose the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports if…
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 500mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS 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 100mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 500mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.35x magnification vs 0.15x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS opens to f/4.5 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 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports is 500mm, Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is 100-400mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS 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 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports is $2,199, $300 under the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports is 1130g (2.49 lb) vs 1395g (3.08 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports or the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports is 500mm, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is 100-400mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports for super-telephoto, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS for super-telephoto.
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 prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 500mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS?
Choose the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS 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 100mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 500mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.35x magnification vs 0.15x.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports and the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS?
Aperture: the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS opens to f/4.5 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 | 500mm | 100-400mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 20 | 22 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 16 |
| 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 | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 5° | 24° – 6.2° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | DDSSM |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 350 cm | 98 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.35x |
| 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 | $2,499 |
| Filter Size | 95mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 112mm | 93.9mm |
| Length | 329.5mm | 205mm |
| Weight | 1130g (2.49 lb) | 1395g (3.08 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
