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A simple WOW is what comes to mind when you first unpack the new Sigma Sport 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM. Yes a big name for a big lens.

To be sure there is nothing quaint about this lens, it is huge over 4″ in diameter, 11.5″ long at 150mm, 15.5″ long at 600mm with a protective filter attached and just under 20″ in length with it’s massive lens hood in place, all of this coming in under 6 pounds.

Let there be no doubt in a world where cameras have been fitted to cell phones and watches, this is a big lens.

As a devoted Nikon shooter, I had some hesitation having already been through my Canon phase years ago, having owned several Tamron lenses (none of which I cared for) and one Sigma the 100-300 f4, which was a versatile lens, but lacked sharpness above 200mm. I have used Nikon Pro level lenses ever since and never looked back.

So why Sigma again, I have owned the Nikon 300 2.8 AFS, an incredible lens, fast, sharp, but very heavy, over 5 pounds and expensive (at that time $5000) for a 300 mm it was over the top, I sold that one too.

If I wanted to get close to wildlife, I had to get as close as possible, not wanting to disturb nesting birds, etc. A large focal length lens has been on my short list for a long time, but there was nothing out there that peaked my interest, until now.

This Sigma lens is a relatively slow lens at F5, but when coupled to a Nikon D4S with that cameras amazing ability to shoot clean images in near total darkness, lens speed has become a non issue, In my opinion.

The Sigma 150-600 has a huge front element 105 mm, it incorporates 24 elements in 6 groups,  a lot of low dispersion glass, the diaphragm has nine rounded blades, this lenses incorporates Sigma’s optical stabilizer and their hypersonic auto focus motor, which is virtually silent and very fast.

Another great feature is the focal length lock, you can lock the lens at 150, 180, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500 and 600mm, no more lens creep when you are moving about. Simply turn the zoom dial to unlock it, Yes Moving about this lens is hand-hold-able.

This lens comes with a large lens hood (it resembles a trash can) no glare issues and great protection for the front element, you probably don’t need a protective filter (I did attach one, old habits die hard).

This lens is sealed for rain, splashes and dusty environments. I still keep a weather cover in my bag (storm jacket) just in case and some of my other lenses are not as well sealed.

The Sigma lens has a rotating tripod collar that is a great hand hold, so far I mostly hand held this lens, I have used a monopod when it gets heavy, which it does. I attached quick release clamps to the tripod collar as you want to make sure you don’t hold or hang this outfit from the camera, the lens is far too heavy for that.

There are other features such as a USB dock (not included) for optimization (which I have not used as of this writing).

I have attached several images that I shot with this lens, so far I have been pleased with the results, this lens is moderately priced at $2000, when compared to Nikons closest equivalent the f4 200-400 (an incredible lens) but it weighs 7.5 pounds and will remove $6200 from your account, this Sigma is a bargain.

Granted they are different animals and I don’t believe you can compare a pro Nikon lens to what amounts to a consumer level lens (even a great one like this Sigma) but Sigma has hit one out of the park with this lens.

Sigma had already introduced their highly acclaimed art lenses and now this sport version of the 150-600, they have stepped up their game and will continue to give Nikon and Canon a run for their money, which is great for the consumer, putting high quality lenses within reach of the serious photo enthusiast.