by Lee Cooper
Landscape Photographer
by Lee Cooper
Landscape Photographer
by Lee Cooper
Landscape Photographer
People always say that I’m always banging on about mist, trees, and fleeting forest light. Well, I recently got to try out two of SIGMA’s new lenses in those exact conditions – the 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports and the 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art – and honestly, they were a joy to shoot with.
But why these two lenses? One gives you serious reach, the other is made for creamy, moody close-ups. Pretty much perfect for my style of shooting out in the woods.
A bit about myself
I’m always out there chasing mist and light through the New Forest – it’s been that way since I started my photography journey. And now I wait for that magic mix of weather and light that turns everything into something cinematic.
But here’s the thing: woodland photography doesn’t let you plan much. You’ve got to respond in the moment. That’s where gear that just works makes a huge difference.
SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art – The Mist Lover
Here’s what I think of this lens. It’s a dream for foggy mornings. I had a few misty shoots while testing it, and the wide F1.2 aperture let me blur out the background into this soft, buttery haze. All of the atmosphere!
I’ve always been drawn to the limitations of prime lenses – they just force you to see differently. My first camera was a Sony RX1R with a fixed 35mm, so I had to use my feet a lot! The 50mm F1.2 gave me a familiar kind of feeling- it was sharp, simple, and made me slow down and frame more deliberately. Loved that.
I used it for close-ups of old, textured trees – the kind where the bark looks like it’s been through centuries. The depth and separation were stunning. And technically? I loved the manual aperture ring – it’s got this satisfying little click to it that just feels right when you’re shooting. Small thing, but it makes a big difference.
SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN | Sport – The Distance Whisperer
This one changed how I see the forest. 500mm is long – like, really long – but somehow it still felt light enough to shoot handheld. I spotted a lone bird perched way up in the canopy just as the sun was dipping. It took off, and I managed to track it through the branches. The layers of golden light, mist, and silhouetted leaves all compressed into this dreamy, stacked image. It looked like something from a painting.
That same aperture ring I mentioned on the 50mm? It’s here too – same lovely tactile clicks. But I’ll be honest – the one thing I did struggle with a bit was the lens cap. It’s a snug fit, and getting it on and off in a rush wasn’t the smoothest. Not a dealbreaker, just something to be aware of if you’re shooting fast.
Why I’d Keep Both in My Kit? These lenses together covered everything I needed out there. One for mood, one for reach. If you’re into atmospheric landscapes, or just love the forest as much as I do, this setup is a no-brainer.
The 50mm provides gorgeous bokeh, great for detail shots and close, moody portraits of nature. Whilst the 500mm is brilliant for picking out wildlife and distant scenes, compressing layers, and pulling the magic closer.
A Few Tips from the Woods:
• Fog = your best friend– keep an eye on humid mornings or sudden cold snaps.
• Compression magic – the 500mm makes scenes look beautifully layered.
• That golden hour glow – is especially nice when it filters through the trees.
• Shoot wide open – the 50mm F1.2 adds this silky, painterly touch to everything.
Final Thoughts
If you’re into that slow, mindful style of shooting – the kind where you’re just soaking up the light and waiting for the mood to hit – these lenses will have your back. I’ve already got them packed for my next workshop. Can’t wait to see what other people make with them.
ABOUT
LEE COOPER
Photographer
Lee Cooper is a renowned nature photographer based in the New Forest, UK, celebrated for his serene and atmospheric images of misty landscapes and forests. His work has been featured by major brands and organizations like the BBC, ITV, The Woodland Trust, and Forestry England. With a global following of over 113K, Lee offers custom photography, videography, content creation services, and exclusive workshops for creatives.
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