@photonewspn | photographynews.co.uk
GEAR / 45
TESTED: SIGMA 200MM F/2 DG OS SPORTS
Sigma’s brightest big tele yet
£2999 sigmauk.com The mythical 200mm f/2 prime is back, only this time for mirrorless shooters with modern autofocus precision For photographers who live by the creed that you can never have too much bokeh, Sigma’s new 200mm f/2 DG OS Sports lens could be the ultimate indulgence. Long regarded as a mythical optic among Canon and Nikon DSLR shooters, the 200mm f/2 returns at last, this time purpose-built for full-frame mirrorless cameras in Sony E and Leica L-Mounts. The appeal of a 200mm f/2 has always been simple yet irresistible with its telephoto reach, exquisite background separation and enough low-light capability to turn night into day. Sigma’s version brings all that character into the modern era,
The lens balances well on pro- grade mirrorless bodies, like the Sony A1 with battery grip that we used. At 1.8kg and 203mm long, it’s big but manageable for events, indoor sports or portrait sessions. The barrel has heat-resistant paint to prevent colour shift, with full dust and splash sealing. A water- and oil-repellent front coating makes cleaning easy. Autofocus performance is fast, silent and steady. When we used it on the latest Sony A9 III, subject tracking was reliable even in erratic motion – so it’s perfect for field sports or dynamic portraiture. Sigma’s HLA motor locks on confidently and focus breathing is minimal enough to make it usable for hybrid stills/video creators. Yet, Sony limits indie brand lenses to 15fps on even its fastest cameras to try and get you to buy marque lenses. But there is no 200mm f/2 Sony option. Image stabilisation is great. Rated to 6.5 stops, it transforms handheld telephoto work, particularly at slower shutter speeds or in fading light. The system has two modes – standard and a dedicated panning option. Used with a bright aperture, the 200mm f/2 remains versatile in low-light environments. At its minimum focus distance of 1.7m, the lens can produce dramatic, tight portraits with wafer-thin depth-of- field – the kind of separation that draws attention straight to the eyes. Bokeh is its standout trait. It’s creamy, consistent and free from harsh edges, with round highlights kept almost to the corners. Optically, it’s a masterpiece. Even wide open, sharpness is exceptional in the centre with just a hint of softening at the edges. Stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4, resolution is pin-sharp across the frame, matching the demands of 50-megapixel sensors with ease. Chromatic aberrations are minimal, and flare resistance is strong enough to shoot confidently into backlight.
Verdict Another unique and very fast prime lens from optical innovator Sigma. It’s not a do-everything lens, but in the right hands it’s capable of sublime images and footage that nothing else can quite replicate. Features 24/25 Image stabilisation, custom buttons, declickable aperture, superfast f/2 maximum Handling 23/25 Balances well on larger mirrorless cameras but the weight takes its toll in a long shoot Performance 24/25 Unique images that create incredible subject separation, amazing in low light Value for money 20/25 It’s not a cheap buy, especially for a lens you might not use on every shoot Overall rating: 91/100 It’s an incredible lens that continues the legacy of the 200mm f/2 for the modern age. If you can afford it, don’t hesitate Pros Image quality, fast aperture, solid build Cons Heavy, limited frame rates on Sony However, it’s a fixed focal length, so flexibility is reduced compared to a 70-200mm zoom, and Sigma hasn’t yet announced teleconverter support – likely a feature controlled by Sony. The aperture ring can be clicked or declicked, adding control for hybrid shooters, and the build quality is solid and ready for real-world work. The Sigma 200mm f/2 DG OS Sports is a specialist’s dream that offers separation, contrast and sharpness in a way no zoom quite can.
wrapped in contemporary engineering and optical finesse. At £2999, it’s a serious investment but one that earns its keep. The lens combines a bright f/2 maximum aperture with 6.5 stops of optical stabilisation and Sigma’s High- response Linear Actuator (HLA) autofocus system. Together, they deliver stunning clarity, even when handheld in marginal light. Found inside are 19 elements in 14 groups, which include two FLD and two SLD elements, minimising colour fringing and distortion while maintaining bite across the frame. Nano Porous and Super Multi-Layer coatings reduce flare and ghosting, while an 11-blade diaphragm keeps bokeh circular and silky smooth. The results are striking, with razor-sharp subjects isolated against a dreamlike blur that feels distinctly cinematic yet undeniably photographic.
WHAT’S ON THE TELE? The Sigma is relatively large and heavy, but packs in loads of external controls
and produces unique results
Specifications
Mount Leica L, Sony E Image coverage Full-frame Aperture f/2-22 Aperture blades 11, rounded Construction 19 elements in 14 groups with 2 FLD and 2 SLD glass elements Image stabilisation Yes Minimum focusing 170cm Filter size 105mm Dimensions (wxl) 118.9x203mm Weight 1.8kg
BOKEH FACE Shooting a fast bike wide open at f/2 can be a gamble, but nail it and it pays off
Powered by FlippingBook