MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I previously showed images of a new Sigma 150-600mm SPORTS series lens to be announced this week.
Well Sigma has gone one step further and announced a PAIR of lenses at this focal length.
The Sports lens announced before is exactly what was expected, and at a high price tag of $1999, but offering MUCH more in built quality and features than anything else on the market at that range.
The little brother is the Sigma 150-600mm CONTEMPORARY version that will be a DIRECT replacement for the current 150-500mm which will be discontinued soon. It is also part of the Global Vision lens group so it will be compatible with the USB Dock system for full tuning capability.
It is smaller and lighter than the SPORTS model, with less weather-sealing, mainly at the lens mount. It will also be offered in Sony mount where the SPORTS model will not be. Both will be available in the Nikon, Canon and Sigma mounts. The weight of the CONTEMPORARY model has not yet been announced but it appears to be about 2 ounces lighter than the current 150-500mm lens.

Full specs on both can be found here:
http://sigma-rumors.com/2014/09/sigma-150-600mm-f5-6-3-contemporary-sports-differences/

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

I would love to see some reviews on the sports model. I have heard that the current lens starts to get a little soft at the maximum focal length.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I have seen that in some of them, but its easily corrected with AF Fine Tuning in camera on most models. When properly tuned the current 150-500mm is always nice and sharp, even at the long end.

JC56 Loc: Lake St.Louis mo.

Thanks for the info... Will it be available in the Pentax mount?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Looks like that will be a no for now. Sigma has long supported Pentax mounts so the Contemporary may be available in Pentax later on.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

It seems like this may be a good time to pull the trigger on the 150-500 if the price drops anytime soon with the introduction of the 150-600. How would you rate the 150-500 in terms of IQ?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Having shot the Sigma 150-500mm for over 3 years I have found it quite good. It is critical to use it on a camera that offers AF Fine Tuning though. There are many reports of the lens being soft over 400mm, and the tuning is almost always the culprit. I have taken and sold many images shot with the Sigma on bodies ranging from my old D7000's to the D810 and never had any complaints about it. The other common complaint is its weight. But at the time it was introduced there was nothing else on the market at all that offered anyone a stabilized 500mm for less weight, especially at its price range. It was, and still is, a bargain at that focal length.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

Thanks so much for your reply. I value your opinion. Currently I am shooting with a D7000 and have my eyes set on a D610, so, as I am looking for a lens with more focal length, I am thinking about something that will work with an FX body. I don't have the budget that will support the more expensive Nikon focal lengths, but have heard some great things about the Sigma offerings. I have seen these offered for less than $900 and based on your input, that seems like a pretty good value for this lens. Thanks again for your thoughts.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

They are $869 brand new right now. I have sold out my inventory of them waiting on the new 150-600mm modles

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

Now the really important question. When will they be available?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

My best guess, starting in October.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I have not been able to discern - Are they both compatible with the "dock" - or just the "sports" - or neither ?? Thanks .....

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

All Sports, Contemporary, and Art series lenses are compatible with the Sigma USB Dock. It is for all "Global Vision" series of lenses and those are the three categories of Global Vision lenses.