Sigma has announced the availability of its APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens for Sony and Pentax DSLRs. The lens has previously been available in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts for around $1000.
More details in the press release below.
Sigma Press Release
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM for Sony and Pentax.
This ultra-telephoto zoom lens covers a telephoto range up to 500mm and allows photographers to bring the subject close and short perspective. This lens has an equivalent field of view of a 225-750mm when used on digital SLR cameras with an APS-C size image sensor. Sigma’s original OS (Optical Stabilizer) function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower. As compensation for camera shake is visible in the view finder, the photographer can easily check for accurate focus and ensure there is no subject movement.It is ideal for sports, wildlife and landscape photography with handheld shooting. Three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide excellent correction for chromatic aberration. This lens is equipped with a rear focus system that minimizes fluctuation of aberration caused by focusing. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), which ensures a quiet and high-speed AF as well as full-time manual focusing capability. The addition of the (optional) 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters produce a 210-700mm F7-9 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens or a 300-1000mm F10-13 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens respectively (For Sony fitting only). A removable tripod socket (TS-31) is included as a standard component.
THE SPECIFICATIONS
Lens Construction : 15 Groups 21 Elements
Angle of View :16.4°-5°
Number of blades : 9pcs
Minimum Aperture(W) : F22
Minimum Focusing Distance : 220cm / 86.6in.
Maximum Magnification : 1:5.2
Filter Size : Ø86mm
Lens Hood : Bayonet type
Dimensions : Ø94.7mm×251.5mm/ 3.7in. × 9.9in.
Weight : 1,810g /63.8oz.
* The Pentax mount Tele Converter is not compatible with this particular lens.
* It is not possible to use AF and the stabilizer function (OS) when attaching to film SLR, Pentax ist* series and K100D DSLR cameras.
I own this lens and have used it with a Sony Alpha A350 and A900. The optics have produced wonderful images on both cameras. One note that since this is not an “EX” series Sigma lens using a teleconverter (either 1.4x or 2.0x) autofocus does not work. I don’t think the in-camera metering will automatically compensate for the teleconverters either, but isn’t that by default with teleconverters? Otherwise this is a great lens for the wildlife and nature photography that I mostly do. If I had it to do over though I would probably spend the extra money and get the 50 to 500mm EX lens. Also worth noting that this lens is heavy and while I have photographed a two hour airshow hand holding it, I would suggest the use of at least a monopod or tripod for extended use.