Lens Guides

First Look: SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens

For wildlife, aviation and sports photographers, part of the challenge is choosing the right gear for the job, while still finding a way to pack light. Usually, this means bringing a long telephoto lens, plus something for closer encounters, like the occasional landscape, portrait or macro shot along the way. But what if there were one single lens that could cover all those scenarios with ease? The SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports is that lens!

With an incredible 10x optical zoom range, outstanding image quality, upgraded autofocus performance, and unparalleled image stabilization capability, the SIGMA 60-600mm DG DN OS | Sports is the ultimate telephoto workhorse!


Made for Mirrorless

Redesigned for full-frame mirrorless cameras, the SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports takes the winning formula of our 60-600mm for DSLRs, and brings it into the mirrorless age. Thanks to its new multi-material structure (which we’ll discuss more below), this DG DN (DG = full-frame, DN = for mirrorless only) lens is approximately 200g lighter than its predecessor, for easier mobility.

Apart from that benefit, the 60-600mm DG DN OS | Sports takes advantage of technological advancements, including a more powerful linear focusing motor, and a stabilization system that makes shooting handheld at 600mm easier than ever. Let’s check out all this lens has to offer…


10x Optical Zoom Range

Before you even take this lens out of the box, the feature that jumps out is the whopping 10x optical zoom range. From 60mm — ideal for snapshots, portraits and group photos — all the way to 600mm for distant subjects, this lens is all you need for almost any long-range photography activity.

“This lens is razor sharp not just at 60mm, but throughout the range to 600mm. This is my go-to lens for outdoor photography, knowing that whatever the subject, the images will always be sharp.”

– SIGMA Ambassador Jim Koepnick

Of course, lenses like this are often used exclusively for activities like wildlife photography and birding. In these instances, the ample range and dual action zoom (use the zoom ring, or push/pull the lens barrel) allows the photographer to quickly zoom out to recompose, find their bearings, and just as quickly zoom in on the next distant subject, all without taking the viewfinder away from their eye.

“The 60-600mm focal range gives me more options when I’m in the field without changing or carrying multiple lenses. I can shoot both landscapes and any wildlife I encounter, and not miss a shot trying to change out lenses.”

– SIGMA Ambassador Martina Abreu

Sharpness & Image Quality

You can have all the zoom range in the world, but if the images aren’t sharp, none of that really matters. Thankfully, the SIGMA 60-600mm DG DN OS | Sports doesn’t skimp on optical quality, with sharp, stable performance throughout the entire zoom range. The optical design includes both FLD and SLD glass elements that are arranged effectively to provide correction of chromatic aberration that tends to occur in the ultra-telephoto range.


Upgraded Autofocus Motor

Most SIGMA DG DN lenses, particularly those designed to excel at both photo and video, have been designed with ultra-reliable stepper motors to handle autofocus duties, keeping the lenses compact and quiet, while delivering excellent AF speed. But the SIGMA 60-600mm DG DN OS | Sports lens needed a little more grunt, and the engineers decided on a linear autofocus unit, which has been dubbed the HLA (High-response Linear Actuator).

Perfect for capturing sports, racing, wildlife and even simple portraits with an amazing level of precision, this HLA motor gives the person behind the lens the confidence to go out and shoot virtually anything, in any conditions! With compatible camera bodies, it provides next-level tracking performance, as well as seamless compatibility with user-friendly features like Eye-AF (for all types of animals, including us humans).

“You really need to try the AF of the 60-600mm DG DN OS | Sports to appreciate how fast it is. The linear motor will blow you away with how quickly it locks on and stays on the subject.”

– SIGMA Ambassador Liam Doran

Improved Optical Stabilization

Image stabilization technology has come a long way over the years, and it’s hard to believe that it can get even better. But with the SIGMA 60-600mm DG DN OS | Sports, it absolutely does. At 600mm, this lens offers an incredible 6 stops of compensation, and a whopping 7 stops at 60mm.

This improved stabilization is thanks to a unique algorithm developed by SIGMA to optimize stabilization at any focal length. The immediate effectiveness of this stabilization system stands out as one of the most surprising things about the lens, even for experienced photographers who have seen all kinds of camera innovations through the years.

“The first time I locked on a subject with the OS on, I was actually startled by the image locking in rock solid in my viewfinder. Knowing I have superb stabilization only increases the versatility of this lens.”

– SIGMA Ambassador Jim Koepnick

Surprising Close-Up Capability

Did we mention this lens was versatile? In addition to its outstanding zoom range, the SIGMA 60-600mm DG DN OS | Sports is also a surprisingly capable macro lens, with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.4 (at 200mm). While most photographers don’t consider close-ups when looking for a telephoto zoom, it’s a welcome bonus for those who want to get the most out of their gear, and particularly on those days when the wildlife just refuses to show up!


Sports Line Build Quality

As with all SIGMA Sports lenses, the 60-600mm DG DN OS | Sports is designed with rugged outdoor use in mind. This lens offers exceptional durability, thanks to a multi-material structure that incorporates magnesium, Thermally Stable Composite (TSC), and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) to maintain structural integrity at extreme temperatures, while being as lightweight as possible.

In addition to its high build quality, the SIGMA 60-600mm DG DN OS | Sports features a dust and splash resistant structure, which is applied to all exterior parts to prevent dust and moisture from entering the lens. A water and oil-repellent coating is applied to the front lens element, making it resistant to smudges, and easy to clean.

“As an outdoor and adventure photographer, I need my lenses to be able to withstand the elements, and the 60-600mm DG DN OS | Sports lens delivers big time.”

– SIGMA Ambassador Liam Doran

Buttons, Switches and More!

The SIGMA 60-600mm DG DN OS | Sports lens is quite simple to use, but a variety of on-lens controls are provided for additional functionality and customizability. These include:

  1. Three AFL buttons
    Operate in both horizontal and vertical orientations, and assign buttons various functions via a compatible camera body.
  2. Zoom Lock switch
    Lock the lens at any marked focal length until it is manually changed.
  3. Focus Mode switch
    Easily change from autofocus to manual focus.
  4. Focus Limiter switch
    Define your focusing range to improve AF accuracy.
  5. OS Mode switch
    Choose OS1 for handheld use, OS2 for panning, or turn off the OS system.
  6. Custom Mode switch
    Change OS View Modes by default (C1 = Dynamic View, C2 = Moderate View). Customizable via USB Dock (L-Mount only).

In addition to the various controls, this lens includes a super-durable rotating tripod collar with an Arca-Swiss tripod foot for easy use on virtually any support system. This collar has click stops at 90-degree intervals, and locks in place with a knurled metal knob. Further, the CFRP locking lens hood provides secure protection for the front element, and shades the lens to reduce flare and ghosting.


Dedicated Accessories for L-Mount

Like all SIGMA DG DN lenses, the 60-600mm DG DN OS | Sports offers a bit of extra functionality for L-Mount users. If you shoot with SIGMA fp, Panasonic Lumix S, or compatible Leica cameras, this lens can be combined with our TC-1411 1.4x and TC-2011 2.0x teleconverters for additional reach, with full autofocus capability. The latter combination provides a range of 60mm all the way to 1200mm that fits in a small backpack!

And of course, L-Mount users also can use the UD-11 USB Dock to customize lens controls and easily update firmware when necessary.


A Zoom Lens Like No Other

Overall, the SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports is the most versatile, most-advanced lens in SIGMA’s growing lineup to date. The range, the image quality, the build, the focusing performance, the stabilization… it all adds up to a lens that is perfect for sports, wildlife, birds, travel, racing, even photojournalism.

If you want a do-everything telephoto for your mirrorless camera, the SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports is an outstanding option.

Comments (3)
  1. Roy says:

    Waiting for a Z mount 🙂 My current 60-600 never leaves My D500

  2. Will there be a canon mount for mirrorless

  3. Mark says:

    Will these be made to use with pentax cameras

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