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This lens refines the term “super zoom” with an 18.8x zoom ratio. Sigma claims it’s the longest zoom ratio APS-C lens and applies to anything from landscape to sports. Because that wasn’t enough, at 70mm, the lens is also a 1:2 macro, making it a credible macro lens.
The lens comprises 20 elements in 14 groups and features a high-refractive glass element that Sigma states has “significant thickness variation.” I’m curious to know what they mean by that. The lens is fairly compact at 121mm in length and 74mm in diameter, weighing 625g.
Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary MTF
Looking at the MTF on the wide end, the resolution isn’t the greatest at 16mm, but given that it’s a 16-300mm, miracles cannot be expected. What I like about the MTF is that the falloff isn’t sharp, which should indicate that it doesn’t have messy corners.
The 300 mm MTF looks very similar to the 16mm MTF, which gives me a good feeling that the lens may have consistent performance throughout the zoom range.
Even at 300mm, we do not see a quick resolution dropoff into the corners, but the lens does quickly drop from a strong center performance and then level off.
To be honest, for a 16mm to 300mm lens, this appears to have decent performance. But it depends on whether or not your lens matches closely to the MTF.
Canon RF-S 18-150mm MTF Comparison
Canon doesn’t make a comparable lens, but the Canon RF-S 18-150mm is the closest superzoom to the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS.
The Cnaon RF-S 18-150mm has a much smaller zoom range and does not start at 16mm but at 18mm. Even so, I would give the edge on the wide end to the Sigma lens, but the much shorter zoom range certainly helps the Canon out-resolve the Sigma on the long end.
But the MTFs are close enough that you most likely wouldn’t notice the difference.
Availability
Interestingly, this lens is available for the RF mount at the same time as the E, L, and X mounts, making it the first time this has happened for Sigma (and us, too).
The lens is available to preorder for $699, not making it an inexpensive lens.
Key Features of the Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary Lens
Key features of this lens include;
- Wide-angle, super-telephoto and close-up photography all in one lens
- High-speed autofocus and image stabilization for effortless shooting with reliable results
- Uncompromising optical quality that redefines the standard for super-zoom performance
- Maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at 70mm for striking close-ups
- Small, lightweight and portable
- Outstanding optical stabilization powered by the OS2 algorithm
- Equipped with a zoom lock switch at the wide end
- Dust- and splash-resistant structure* and water-repellent coating
- Engineered to minimize flare and ghosting
- Suppressed focus breathing for consistent framing
Purchase Options
Press Release
Sigma presents the world’s first mirrorless lens with an approximate zoom ratio of 18.8x. Powerful yet portable, the 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary delivers outstanding results in any situation.
Ronkonkoma, New York – SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is pleased to announce the 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary lens for the US market. the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary features an 18.8x zoom ratio, the world’s largest*1 for an APS-C format mirrorless lens. Equivalent to 24-450mm in 35mm format, this portable lens covers everything from wide-angle for landscapes and interiors to super-telephoto for sports, wildlife and aviation. This extremely versatile lens brings the full range of photographic subjects within reach, from landscapes and portraits to wildlife and sports photography. The lens is available in L-Mount, Sony E-Mount, Fujifilm X Mount and Canon RF Mount and will retail for $699 through authorized US retailers.
Sigma presents the world’s first*1 mirrorless lens with an approximate zoom ratio of 18.8x. Powerful yet portable, the 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary delivers outstanding results in any situation.
The all-new Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary features an 18.8x zoom ratio, the world’s largest*1 for an APS-C format mirrorless lens. Covering the entire range from wide-angle to super-telephoto, this extremely versatile lens brings the full range of photographic subjects within reach, from landscapes and portraits to wildlife and sports photography.
With a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2, the 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary captures detailed close-ups with ease. Its HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motor provides exceptionally fast, smooth and accurate autofocus – ideal for fast-moving subjects such as birds and aircraft. The lens offers 6 stops of image stabilization at the wide end and 4.5 stops*2 at the telephoto end, helping photographers achieve blur-free results even at longer focal lengths and in low light.
This ultra versatile all-in-one zoom is the perfect tool for creative photographers who want to work in a wide range of photographic genres.
*1 As an AF compatible interchangeable lens exclusively for mirrorless, as of February, 2025 by Sigma.
*2 Based on CIPA guidelines. (Measured at a focal length of 16mm and 300mm using an APS-C camera)
Wide-angle, super-telephoto and macro photography in one lens
The world’s first 18.8x zoom with a 16mm wide-angle setting
The Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary is the world’s first mirrorless lens with an 18.8x zoom ratio. Equivalent to 24-450mm* in 35mm format, this portable lens covers everything from wide-angle for landscapes and interiors to super-telephoto for sports, wildlife and aviation.
* Approximately 25.6-480mm for the Canon RF Mount version.
Maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at 70mm for striking close-ups
With a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at 70mm, the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary provides excellent close-up performance, perfect for capturing flowers, insects and other small subjects in great detail. With a maximum magnification of 1:3 at the wide end and 1:4 at the telephoto end, photographers have access to a huge range of creative expression.
Small, lightweight and portable
Despite its impressive zoom range of 16-300mm, the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary prioritizes high portability, measuring just 73.8mm in diameter by 121.4mm in length and weighing just 615g*. This is achieved through advanced mechanical and optical design, including a high refractive index glass element with significant thickness variation and an aspherical lens element.
* The figures are for the L-Mount version.
High-speed autofocus and image stabilization for effortless shooting with reliable results
Accelerated AF speed and accuracy with HLA autofocus
To help photographers capture even the most fleeting moments, the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary uses a High-response Linear Actuator (HLA) to achieve high-speed autofocus functionality with excellent drive accuracy.
Outstanding optical stabilization powered by the OS2 algorithm
Inspired by the same technology that powers Sigma’s super-telephoto lenses used by professional wildlife and sports photographers, the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary features 6 stops of optical stabilization at the wide end and 4.5 stops at the telephoto end. The latest OS2 optical stabilization algorithm provides superior image stabilization to mitigate the effects of camera shake, helping photographers achieve blur-free results without the need for a tripod, even when shooting in low light and at full zoom.
* Measured using an APS-C camera at focal lengths of 16mm and 300mm according to CIPA standards.
Equipped with a zoom lock switch at the wide end
The Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary features a zoom lock switch that can be fixed at the wide end to prevent the lens from extending.
Dust- and splash-resistant structure* and water-repellent coating
Designed to help photographers work in all environments, the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary features a dust- and splash-resistant structure for use in harsh conditions. In addition, the front element features a water- and oil-repellent coating that helps keep the lens free of contaminants.
* The structure is designed to be dust- and splash-resistant, but not waterproof. Be careful not to bring the lens in contact with a large amount of water. Water inside the lens may cause major damage and even render the lens unrepairable.
Uncompromising optical quality that redefines the standard for super-zoom performance
Consistently high image quality across the entire zoom range
Thanks to its advanced optical design with 1 FLD, 4 SLD and 4 aspherical elements, the lens has excellent aberration correction and delivers sharp results throughout the whole zoom and focus range.
Engineered to minimize flare and ghosting
By measuring light incidence under all conditions and using advanced simulation technology, the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary guarantees superior resistance to flare and ghosting, allowing photographers to capture crisp, clear images in even the most challenging lighting conditions – just as an all-in-one lens should.
Suppressed focus breathing for consistent framing
The Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary is designed to effectively suppress focus breathing, making it a perfect choice for filmmakers as well as photographers working with multi-shot techniques such as focus stacking. Throughout the zoom range, changes in angle of view are kept to an absolute minimum when changing focus.
Purchase Options
Specifications
| Principal specifications | |
| Lens type | Zoom lens |
| Max Format size | APS-C / DX |
| Focal length | 16–300 mm |
| Image stabilization | Yes |
| Lens mount | Canon RF-S, Fujifilm X, L-Mount, Sony E |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F3.5–6.7 |
| Minimum aperture | F22–45 |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9 |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 20 |
| Groups | 14 |
| Special elements / coatings | 1 FLD, 4 SLD, 4 aspheric |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.17 m (6.69″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.5× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Linear Motor |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 615 g (1.36 lb) |
| Diameter | 74 mm (2.91″) |
| Length | 121 mm (4.76″) |
| Filter thread | 67 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
| Hood product code | LH706-03 |
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