Sigma 185955
The constant f/4 aperture combined with two FLD and one SLD element delivers exceptional clarity and chromatic aberration correction, while the magnesium alloy body provides a dust- and splash-proof build at 3310g. Its optical stabilization offers a 4-stop advantage, and the Hyper Sonic Motor provides fast, accurate autofocus that excels in challenging low-light conditions. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a durable, hand-holdable 500mm prime with full-frame coverage and reliable weather sealing for extended outdoor shoots.
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile) 93rd
- Strong optical (83rd percentile) 83rd
- Strong user sentiment (76th percentile) 76th
Cons
- Below average aperture (5th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (8th percentile)
- Below average build (9th percentile)
- Below average macro (27th percentile)
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
Based on 7 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Super-telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 500 |
| Focal Length Max | 500 |
| Elements | 16 |
| Groups | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 0 |
| ED Elements | 3 |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/32 |
| Min Aperture | f/4 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 3.2 kg / 7.0 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 46 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | HSM |
| Stabilization | Yes |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 3500 |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x |
vs Competition
| Spec | Sigma 185955 | Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD | Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 | Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Full-Frame Telephoto Zoom | Panasonic LUMIX S S-R2060 | Altura Photo NIKKOR YZ0308 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 500mm | 17-70mm | 17-28mm | 24-240mm | 20-60mm | - |
| Max Aperture | f/32 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/3.5 | f/3.5 |
| Mount | Nikon F | Fujifilm X | Nikon Z | Sony E | L-Mount | Screw-on lens fits camera lenses with a 55mm front filter thread |
| Stabilization | true | true | false | true | false | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 3175 | 544 | 450 | 780 | 350 | 320 |
| AF Type | HSM | RXD | Stepping Motor | Linear motor | stepping motor | STM |
| Lens Type | super-telephoto | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | wide-angle |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | User Sentiment | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma 185955 | 53.8 | 7.6 | 8.8 | 27.2 | 83.1 | 5 | 75.6 | 33.3 | 50.2 | 93.4 |
| Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Compare | 53.8 | 87.1 | 69.9 | 85.8 | 91 | 84.3 | 64 | 89.3 | 85.6 | 83.3 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare | 87.4 | 87.1 | 76.2 | 85.8 | 88 | 84.3 | 90.7 | 67.3 | 70 | 37.7 |
| Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Full-Frame Telephoto Zoom Compare | 98.1 | 75.4 | 54.7 | 37.2 | 95.7 | 77.4 | 0 | 97.2 | 85.6 | 83.3 |
| Panasonic LUMIX S S-R2060 Compare | 87.4 | 85.1 | 82.6 | 66.8 | 78.3 | 77.4 | 0 | 81.4 | 70.2 | 37.7 |
| Altura Photo NIKKOR YZ0308 Compare | 87.4 | 75.4 | 73.9 | 96 | 45.1 | 77.4 | 0 | 33.3 | 72.7 | 83.3 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Amazon.ca 1 offer From CA$9,560
Price History
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
