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Sigma announces 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS, a lens with a huge 18.8x zoom ratio

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Image: Sigma

Sigma has announced the 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary lens, a wide-angle to telephoto, image-stabilized zoom for APS-C cameras that provides a 24-450mm equivalent focal length. Sigma claims it’s the longest zoom ratio available in an APS-C lens and that it will be ideal for applications ranging from landscape to sports photography. It will be available in L-mount, E-mount, X-mount and RF-mount.

Optically, the lens comprises 20 elements in 14 groups and includes 1 FLD, 4 SLD and 4 aspherical elements. It contains one high refractive index glass element, which Sigma says has “significant thickness variation.”

The lens has a close focusing distance of 17cm (6.7″) at its widest angle and 105mm (41.4″) at the telephoto end. The maximum magnification of 1:2 occurs at 70mm and is 1:3 at 16mm, and 1:4 at 300mm. The front element includes a water and oil-repellent coating. According to Sigma, the lens is designed to suppress focus breathing, making it useful for video work and applications like focus stacking.

Sigma says the autofocus is driven by its high-response linear actuator motor to provide fast and smooth autofocus. Image stabilization is rated at 6 stops at the wide, and 4.5 stops at the telephoto setting. A zoom lock switch is included to prevent lens creep when mounted on a camera.

Physically, the lens is 73.8mm (2.9″) in diameter and 121.4mm (4.8″) long and includes threads for a 67mm filter. It weighs in at 615g (1.4 lbs). Sigma rates it as dust and splash-resistant.

The Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary has a retail price of $700 and will be available beginning April 17.

Sigma presents the world’s first mirrorless lens with an approximate zoom ratio of 18.8x. Powerful yet portable, the 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary delivers outstanding results in any situation.

Ronkonkoma, New York – SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is pleased to announce the 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary lens for the US market. the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary features an 18.8x zoom ratio, the world’s largest*1 for an APS-C format mirrorless lens. Equivalent to 24-450mm in 35mm format, this portable lens covers everything from wide-angle for landscapes and interiors to super-telephoto for sports, wildlife and aviation. This extremely versatile lens brings the full range of photographic subjects within reach, from landscapes and portraits to wildlife and sports photography. The lens is available in L-Mount, Sony E-Mount, Fujifilm X Mount and Canon RF Mount and will retail for $699 through authorized US retailers.

Sigma presents the world’s first*1 mirrorless lens with an approximate zoom ratio of 18.8x. Powerful yet portable, the 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary delivers outstanding results in any situation.

The all-new Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary features an 18.8x zoom ratio, the world’s largest*1 for an APS-C format mirrorless lens. Covering the entire range from wide-angle to super-telephoto, this extremely versatile lens brings the full range of photographic subjects within reach, from landscapes and portraits to wildlife and sports photography.

With a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2, the 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary captures detailed close-ups with ease. Its HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motor provides exceptionally fast, smooth and accurate autofocus – ideal for fast-moving subjects such as birds and aircraft. The lens offers 6 stops of image stabilization at the wide end and 4.5 stops*2 at the telephoto end, helping photographers achieve blur-free results even at longer focal lengths and in low light.

This ultra versatile all-in-one zoom is the perfect tool for creative photographers who want to work in a wide range of photographic genres.

*1 As an AF compatible interchangeable lens exclusively for mirrorless, as of February, 2025 by Sigma.
*2 Based on CIPA guidelines. (Measured at a focal length of 16mm and 300mm using an APS-C camera)

Wide-angle, super-telephoto and macro photography in one lens

The world’s first 18.8x zoom with a 16mm wide-angle setting

The Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary is the world’s first mirrorless lens with an 18.8x zoom ratio. Equivalent to 24-450mm* in 35mm format, this portable lens covers everything from wide-angle for landscapes and interiors to super-telephoto for sports, wildlife and aviation.
* Approximately 25.6-480mm for the Canon RF Mount version.

Maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at 70mm for striking close-ups

With a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at 70mm, the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary provides excellent close-up performance, perfect for capturing flowers, insects and other small subjects in great detail. With a maximum magnification of 1:3 at the wide end and 1:4 at the telephoto end, photographers have access to a huge range of creative expression.

Small, lightweight and portable

Despite its impressive zoom range of 16-300mm, the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary prioritizes high portability, measuring just 73.8mm in diameter by 121.4mm in length and weighing just 615g*. This is achieved through advanced mechanical and optical design, including a high refractive index glass element with significant thickness variation and an aspherical lens element.
* The figures are for the L-Mount version.

High-speed autofocus and image stabilization for effortless shooting with reliable results

Accelerated AF speed and accuracy with HLA autofocus

To help photographers capture even the most fleeting moments, the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary uses a High-response Linear Actuator (HLA) to achieve high-speed autofocus functionality with excellent drive accuracy.

Outstanding optical stabilization powered by the OS2 algorithm

Inspired by the same technology that powers Sigma’s super-telephoto lenses used by professional wildlife and sports photographers, the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary features 6 stops of optical stabilization at the wide end and 4.5 stops at the telephoto end. The latest OS2 optical stabilization algorithm provides superior image stabilization to mitigate the effects of camera shake, helping photographers achieve blur-free results without the need for a tripod, even when shooting in low light and at full zoom.

* Measured using an APS-C camera at focal lengths of 16mm and 300mm according to CIPA standards.

Equipped with a zoom lock switch at the wide end

The Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary features a zoom lock switch that can be fixed at the wide end to prevent the lens from extending.

Dust- and splash-resistant structure* and water-repellent coating

Designed to help photographers work in all environments, the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary features a dust- and splash-resistant structure for use in harsh conditions. In addition, the front element features a water- and oil-repellent coating that helps keep the lens free of contaminants.

* The structure is designed to be dust- and splash-resistant, but not waterproof. Be careful not to bring the lens in contact with a large amount of water. Water inside the lens may cause major damage and even render the lens unrepairable.

Uncompromising optical quality that redefines the standard for super-zoom performance

Consistently high image quality across the entire zoom range

Thanks to its advanced optical design with 1 FLD, 4 SLD and 4 aspherical elements, the lens has excellent aberration correction and delivers sharp results throughout the whole zoom and focus range.

Engineered to minimize flare and ghosting

By measuring light incidence under all conditions and using advanced simulation technology, the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary guarantees superior resistance to flare and ghosting, allowing photographers to capture crisp, clear images in even the most challenging lighting conditions – just as an all-in-one lens should.

Suppressed focus breathing for consistent framing

The Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary is designed to effectively suppress focus breathing, making it a perfect choice for filmmakers as well as photographers working with multi-shot techniques such as focus stacking. Throughout the zoom range, changes in angle of view are kept to an absolute minimum when changing focus.

Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size APS-C / DX
Focal length 16–300 mm
Image stabilization Yes
Lens mount Canon RF-S, Fujifilm X, L-Mount, Sony E
Aperture
Maximum aperture F3.5–6.7
Minimum aperture F22–45
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 20
Groups 14
Special elements / coatings 1 FLD, 4 SLD, 4 aspheric
Focus
Minimum focus 0.17 m (6.69)
Maximum magnification 0.5×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Linear Motor
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 615 g (1.36 lb)
Diameter 74 mm (2.91)
Length 121 mm (4.76)
Filter thread 67 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Hood product code LH706-03

Author:
This article comes from DP Review and can be read on the original site.

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