Well, that was… unexpected? In a highly unconventional move, Sigma has announced not one, but two versions of their 150-600mm lens: one being given the ‘Sports’ designation and one the ‘Contemporary.’ Both lenses offer the same exact 150-600mm reach and same exact F/5-6.3 aperture range.
The difference is in the build of the two lenses. The Sports version of the lens will feature a more enhanced optical design, with professional grade optics, and a better build quality aimed at handling the wear and tear of a professional shooter’s needs. The Contemporary version is a smaller – and likely quite a bit cheaper – version of the Sports lens in a more -albeit slightly- compact and portable design.
As you can see in the images, the Sports version features a nice big focus ring as well as zoom ring, while the contemporary version features what appears to be a larger zoom ring and small focus ring. Beyond that, from what I can make out in the images, they don’t appear to be that different looking (besides the obvious tripod collar difference).
The original rumors about this lens make sense, as originally, it was thought to be Contemporary and then they changed it to Sport. The rumors were right – in both cases. Sigma just pulled a fast one on us and did something unexpected.
At this point, no pricing or availability is known for either version of the lens. But I think it is safe to say the Contemporary version will likely compete on price with the Tamron 150-600 in that $1,000 range or a little more. While the Sports version may come in around $1800-1900 and compete more closely with Canon’s 100-400mm in terms of price and durability/build quality.
Sigma 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Sports Specs
- Canon EF/Nikon F/Sigma Mounts (Contemporary will also come in Sony mount)
- Aperture Range: f/5-6.3 to 22
- Two FLD and Three SLD Elements (Contemporary Only has 1 FLD Element)
- Hyper Sonic Motor AF System
- Optical Stabilizer with Accelerometer
- Zoom Lock & Manual Override Switches
- Minimum Focus Distance: 102.4″
- Splash and Dust Proof Mount
- Lens Hood & Rotatable Tripod Collar (Contemporary Collar Not Rotatable)
- Compatible with Sigma USB Dock
Still, even though no price or availability is known yet, you can get on the notification list over on B&H via the following pre-order links (Contemporary, Sports).
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What are your thoughts on these two announcements from Sigma? Do you like the strategy of making a lower priced version for amateurs/hobbyists and a more premium version for pros? Leave a comment below!
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So any reviews of these two sigmas versus the 150-600 Tamron lens that’s just 1k ?
I reserved one at my local camera store on 1/17/2015 – I just got that call that it came in and is ready for pick up :)
i’m very happy to hear this news, i can’t afford to buy my 600mm or 200-400mm from nikon and the Sigma is a great deal for me. I hope this lens will have the quality and sharpness as the Sigma 18-35mm ART, and until it will be official they will change their minds to be a F4 lens :-)
Waiting for the specs vs the Tampon 150-600 to see who’s better
No weather seal ?
I’m curious to see how this works out for them. Sigma has been on a roll of late.
I’ll be interested to see some real world comparison tests of these lenses, both between them and with the Tamron. The Tamron has, so far anyways, surprised people with how reasonable it is from a quality perspective. For Sigma, the “contemporary” lens would have to match that and the “sport” exceed it. If the sport model exceeds, they could steal the business from Tamron.
If nothing else, though, I hope their ability to physically put the lens in the hands of retailers exceeds Tamron…
Agreed. From what I have heard, the Tamron is only really just getting to be easily available now. I wouldn’t get my hopes up too high on that though, Sigma isn’t making just one lens, but two, and in multiple camera mounts for each… this a more complicated lens production process that say, Canon or Nikon who only have to focus on one mount.
@Anthony – True, though I’m pretty sure that Sigma is a fair bit bigger than Tamron.