Sigma 500mm f/4.5 APO EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Canon EF-Mount {46 Drop In}

Sigma's proven 500mm f/4.5 prime built for serious reach

The 500mm f/4.5 APO EX DG HSM is a fixed telephoto prime engineered around two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements in an 11-element, 8-group optical formula. That apochromatic design keeps chromatic aberration in check at a focal length where color fringing can wreck contrast on distant subjects. The 9-blade rounded diaphragm supports smooth out-of-focus rendering when backgrounds need to separate from a subject.

Hypersonic Motor autofocus runs quickly and quietly on Canon EF bodies, and the internal focus design keeps the barrel at a fixed 350mm length throughout the focus range. Full-time manual override means you can fine-tune focus without switching modes, which matters when tracking unpredictable subjects. Filters mount via a 46mm drop-in system at the rear, a practical solution given the 123mm front diameter. Minimum focus distance is 4.0 meters, with a maximum magnification of 0.13x. At 3,150 grams, this lens asks for a monopod or solid support, but that weight reflects the optical and mechanical spec of a working telephoto built to the EX standard.

Who It's For

Wildlife photographers working from blinds or vehicles will appreciate the HSM autofocus speed on Canon EF bodies and the fixed barrel length that keeps the rig balanced on a gimbal head. Sports shooters on sidelines benefit from the f/4.5 maximum aperture at 500mm for isolating athletes against busy backgrounds. Bird photographers working at distance can pair this with a teleconverter and still autofocus through the Canon EF system. Nature photographers who need consistent reach without renting will find the ELD glass controls chromatic aberration on high-contrast subjects like backlit foliage or water.

Key Features

• 500mm f/4.5 fixed telephoto prime for Canon EF mount
• 2 ELD glass elements in apochromatic design controls chromatic aberration
• Hypersonic Motor autofocus with full-time manual focus override
• Internal focus mechanism keeps barrel at fixed 350mm length
• 9-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth bokeh rendering
• 46mm drop-in rear filter system, 123mm front diameter
• Minimum focus distance 4.0 meters, 0.13x maximum magnification
• 3,150-gram weight, requires monopod or tripod support

FAQ

What optical design does this 500mm use to control chromatic aberration?

Two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements in an 11-element, 8-group apochromatic formula keep color fringing minimal at this focal length, where distant subjects are most vulnerable to contrast loss from aberration.

How fast is the autofocus on Canon EF bodies?

The Hypersonic Motor (HSM) runs quickly and quietly. Internal focus design means the barrel stays at a fixed 350mm length throughout the focusing range, so no extension telegraphs your position.

Can you manually focus without switching AF modes?

Yes. Full-time manual override lets you fine-tune focus on the fly without touching any switches, which is essential when tracking unpredictable subjects.

What's the minimum focus distance and working magnification?

4.0 meters minimum focus distance with a maximum magnification of 0.13x. At those settings, you're still working with a tightly framed subject, not pixel-level detail.

How do you mount filters on a 123mm-diameter barrel?

46mm drop-in filter system at the rear. It's the practical choice given the front diameter, and it keeps filter changes fast when you're already locked to a monopod.

What does the 3,150-gram weight demand for support?

A monopod or solid tripod setup. The weight reflects the optical and mechanical spec of a working telephoto built to EX standard, not a hand-holdable reach lens.

Does the rounded diaphragm affect bokeh rendering?

The 9-blade rounded diaphragm supports smooth out-of-focus rendering when backgrounds need to separate from a subject, though bokeh character depends on aperture shape and your subject distance.