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Sigma has had a great year. The company launched its BF camera, which stirred a controversy, as well as their new lenses, which seem to showcase the brand’s new approach. The company has also filed a patent for new lenses, designed for travel and wildlife photographers, and it seems the company’s focus will not shift anytime soon. Why? Because a new patent reveals that another telephoto lens, which will excite bird photographers. What could it be? Let’s find out.
Sigma to Develop a New Lens for Bird Photography
First spotted by Asobinet, the company has filed a new patent for a 500mm f5.6, which is designed to be a new “lightweight” and “compact” option from the company. The design seems largely for full-frame mirrorless cameras, which means we could get an option for Nikon, Canon, and Sony devices.
Example
*() is a short-range parameter
- Focal length: 485.00 (258.32)
- F value: 5.80 (5.95)
- Angle of View: 5.06 (3.95)
- Image height: 21.63 (21.63)
- Length: 252.34 (252.34)
Per the patent, the 500mm is built around portability and performance. While traditional 50mm lenses have been quite heavy, such as Canon’s 500mm f4 L IS II and Nikon’s 500mm f4 E FL ED VR, they also cost a lot. Some may even require a monopod for one’s one. Although there are also 600mm options out there, like Z 600mm f4 and Canon RF 600mm f4, it costs far more than one can afford. Those who can’t spend $8000 or $13000, will depend on Sigma to provide a lens that is under $2500.
What Could it Mean?
Sigma had launched a 500mm f4 for DSLR cameras, which, while giving great images, had a slow autofocus and required a sturdy tripod to use. However, in their more recent lenses, such as the 100-400mm f5-6.3 and 150-600mm f5-6.3, there were other issues, such as weather sealing or slow focus with certain cameras and a limiter switch. In a way, while you get a telephoto lens at a great price, you have to find a way to move around the cons.
If we are expecting the company to launch a prime for better reach and clarity, the company must reconsider these shortcomings. In 2025, this is the least we can expect. If Sigma seals the lens properly, adds a brighter aperture, while maintaining the length and weight, many in bird photography will be happy. Of course, this goes without saying that auto focus, with new cameras, must be able to focus on the creature quickly. First-party alternatives are expensive, but then with a Canon or a Nikon 500mm, you don’t really have to worry about anything else.
While zooms are great, we have found them having challenges with distortion at certain focal lengths, limitations at close focusing distance, and needing some power to get a great output. A prime cuts through this, and makes it easy to get a crisp, sharp image instantly. Many bird photography enthusiasts will save lots of time from zoom and refocusing, allowing them to get the shot in an instant. And with an teleconverter, you can also increase your reach. Either way, this is an ideal option.
However, it remains to be seen whether Sigma is able to get us a lens it has promised. If not, then maybe they should try until they succeed.
