Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports vs Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports is 500mm, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens is 24-70mm — 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 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens for standard zoom.
Choose the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 70mm 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.
Choose the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 24-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 500mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 695g (1.53 lb) it's lighter than the 1130g (2.49 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens opens to f/2.8 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 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens is 24-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens 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, $249 under the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens is 695g (1.53 lb) vs 1130g (2.49 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports or the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports is 500mm, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens is 24-70mm — 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 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens for standard zoom.
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 70mm 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.
Who should choose the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens?
Choose the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 24-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 500mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 695g (1.53 lb) it's lighter than the 1130g (2.49 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports and the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens?
Aperture: the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens opens to f/2.8 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 | 24-70mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 20 | 20 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| 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° | 84° – 34° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | XD |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 350 cm | 21 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.32x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,199 | $2,448 |
| Filter Size | 95mm | 82mm |
| Diameter | 112mm | 87.8mm |
| Length | 329.5mm | 119.9mm |
| Weight | 1130g (2.49 lb) | 695g (1.53 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | No |
