A lens of epic proportions, the Canon EF-mount APO 200-500mm f/2.8 EX DG from Sigma is a no-holds-barred super telephoto zoom distinguished by its fast f/2.8 constant maximum aperture and apochromatic design. The optical layout utilizes a series of low dispersion glass elements to effectively eliminate chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range and a Super Multi-Layer Coating has also been applied to suppress flare and ghosting.
Beyond the unique optical system, this 200-500mm f/2.8 is also characterized by its distinctive green exterior, built-in carry handle, and overall large form factor. Due to the weight and size of this impressive lens, a BP-21 lithium-ion battery is included to power the autofocus and zooming mechanisms, and a built-in LCD is featured on the rear of the lens to highlight the focus position and focal length in use. The rear of the lens has a built-in tripod mount and the rear of the lens can be rotated to accommodate shooting in either the vertical or horizontal orientation. Additionally, rear drop-in 72mm filters can be used in conjunction with the included holder.
If 200-500mm isn't enough reach, the lens is also paired with a dedicated 2x teleconverter to result in an effective 400-1000mm f/5.6 design while still retaining autofocus operation.
- Super telephoto zoom is designed for full-frame Canon EF-mount cameras, however can also be used with APS-C models where it will provide a 320-800mm equivalent focal length range.
- Truly impressive f/2.8 constant maximum aperture affords greater control over depth of field for isolating subject matter and also suits working in low-light conditions.
- Apochromatic optical design utilizes two extra-low dispersion elements and one SLD element to significantly reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations for increased clarity and color fidelity.
- Super Multi-Layer Coating has been applied to individual elements to minimize flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color accuracy when working in strong lighting conditions.
- Due to the large size of the lens, a BP-21 lithium-ion battery is used to aid in faster autofocus and zooming operation.
- Integrated LCD panel is featured at the rear of the lens and displays focus distance and focal length.
- Internal focusing and zooming design maintains the overall length of the lens during use and also promotes faster performance.
- Nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.
- The lens barrel has an integrated tripod mount, which offers well-balanced support for photographing atop a tripod or monopod. Additionally, the rear of the lens barrel can be rotated, using an integrated knob, for switching between vertical and horizontal camera orientations.
- Rear drop-in 72mm filters can be used and the included filter holder permits working with rotating filter types, such as polarizers and variable ND filters.
- Included with the 200-500mm f/2.8 lens is a dedicated 2x teleconverter, which doubles the focal length and results in an effective 400-1000mm f/5.6 lens with autofocus support maintained.