Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS (HSM) S (Sport) Full-Frame Lens for Nikon F-Mount {46 Drop-In}

Sigma's proven 500mm f/4 Sport built for serious reach.

At 500mm with a constant f/4 aperture, this lens puts serious glass in front of Nikon F-mount shooters who need both reach and light-gathering at the same time. Sigma's HSM ring-type ultrasonic motor drives autofocus with the speed and near-silence that fast-moving subjects demand, and full-time manual override means you can fine-tune focus without switching modes. The built-in OS optical stabilization keeps your keeper rate up when you're tracking erratic subjects or shooting from unstable positions.

The 46mm drop-in filter system is a practical solution at this focal length, front-element filters on a 500mm prime are impractical, so the internal drop-in slot lets you swap ND or polarizing filters without a front adapter. A focus distance limiter reduces hunting in situations where you already know your subject's approximate range. Weather sealing throughout the barrel makes it field-ready in rain or dust, and the included tripod collar lets you balance the lens properly on a monopod or head without fighting the camera body's center of gravity.

Sigma's Sport lineup was built to go against first-party super-telephoto glass, and this 500mm f/4 has earned its place in working photographers' kits. For Nikon shooters who want prime telephoto performance without the first-party price tag, this lens represents an alternative with a proven track record.

Who It's For

Wildlife photographers working from hides or tracking unpredictable animals benefit from the f/4 aperture and OS stabilization when light drops at dawn or dusk. Sports shooters on the sidelines need the HSM autofocus and focus limiter to lock onto athletes at distance without the lens hunting through the background. Birders will appreciate the 500mm reach on full-frame Nikon FX bodies, where subject size in the frame matters at any distance. Journalists or field photographers working in rough conditions get weather sealing that keeps the lens operational when the environment doesn't cooperate.

Key Features

• 500mm prime with constant f/4 aperture for reach and light gathering
• Ring-type HSM ultrasonic motor with full-time manual focus override
• Optical image stabilization (OS) for tracking and handheld stability
• 46mm drop-in filter system for practical ND and polarizing filters
• Focus distance limiter to reduce AF hunting
• Weather-sealed barrel with included tripod collar for field work

FAQ

What autofocus motor does this lens use?

Ring-type ultrasonic HSM motor with full-time manual override - you can fine-tune focus without switching modes, and the motor runs nearly silent for tracking work.

How does the drop-in filter system work?

The 46mm filters slot internally rather than threading onto the front element, which is practical at 500mm since traditional front filters become unwieldy at this focal length.

Does this lens have image stabilization?

Yes, optical stabilization (OS) is built in, which helps when tracking unpredictable subjects or shooting from less-than-ideal positions like boats or unstable monopod setups.

Is there a focus distance limiter?

Yes, you can restrict the AF hunting range when you already know your subject's approximate distance, which speeds up focus acquisition in those situations.

What mount does this use?

Nikon F-mount for full-frame cameras. It's not compatible with DX bodies.

Is the lens weather sealed?

Yes, throughout the barrel. It's built to handle field work in rain or dust, though the drop-in filter slot does introduce a potential entry point if not sealed properly.

Does it come with a tripod collar?

Yes, included. At this focal length and weight, the collar lets you balance the lens on a monopod or ball head without relying on the camera body's center of gravity.