5 reasons to buy the Sigma 16–300mm F3.5–6.7 DC OS
by Tim Berry
5 reasons to buy the
Sigma 16–300mm F3.5–6.7 DC OS
by Tim Berry
Announced in early 2025 and available in four mount options (Sony E-mount, L-Mount, Canon RF Mount and FUJIFILM X Mount) the ultra-compact 16–300mm F3.5–6.7 DC OS is the first AF compatible crop sensor mirrorless lens to feature an 18.8x zoom ratio. With this exceptionally wide focal range the lens is ideal for everything from landscapes and interiors at the wide end, portraits and street in the mid-range, and wildlife and sports full zoomed in, making it ideal for a wide range of photographic genres.
The lens boasts a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 for detailed close-ups, and 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 stabilisation at the wide end and 4.5 stops at the telephoto end, helping photographers achieve blur-free results even at longer focal lengths and in low light.
We take a look in more detail at five of the main reasons that make this exceptional optic the perfect tool for creative photographers on the go.
1. The widest available zoom range
The Sigma 16–300mm F3.5–6.7 DC OS C features an 18.8x zoom ratio, the world’s largest for an APS-C format AF mirrorless lens (as of February 2025). This makes it exceptionally versatile, especially for travel photography where carrying more than one lens is difficult due to weight and bulk. An all-in-one zoom also takes away the hassle of constantly having to change lenses in the field.
The full-frame equivalent focal range spans roughly 24–450mm (depending slightly on the camera it is attached to), so it’s easily wide enough for landscape photography at the wide and and easily tight enough for telephoto wildlife and sports fully zoomed in.
A second example shows how it’s possible to capture wildlife subjects in considerable detail where it’s not possible to physically move any closer.
2. High magnification ratio for striking close-ups
With a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at 70mm, the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS 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 can capture creative close-ups across the whole zoom range.
3. Optical Stabilizer for rock-steady low-light shots
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 features 6 stops of optical stabilisation at the wide end and 4.5 stops at the telephoto end. The latest OS2 algorithm provides superior stabilisation to reduce the effects of camera shake, helping photographers achieve blur-free results without the need for a tripod, even in low light.
4. Outstanding optical quality
The 16–300mm has an advanced optical design that includes 1 FLD, 4 SLD and 4 aspherical elements. This high-performance glass helps correct aberrations, delivers very sharp results across the whole zoom and focus range, and reduces flare and ghosting for punchy images in all lighting conditions.
Colour rendition is accurate and well-balanced, and fine detail is captured beautifully even on the highest resolution sensors. Bokeh is smooth so as not to distract the eye from the in-focus subject. All of this ensures professional-looking results even in the most difficult light.
5. Exceptionally light and compact
Measuring just 73.8mm in diameter and 121.4mm in length the 16-300mm is exceptionally compact for a lens of this type. It also weighs in at just 615g (L-Mount version) so is a very portable option for for photographers on the go.
This is achieved through advanced mechanical and optical design, including a high refractive index glass element an aspherical lens element.
The size and weight of this lens, as well as the fact that its exceptionally wide focal range allows almost any type of photography, make it a perfect all-in-one tool for travel photography.
To find out more about the Sigma 16–300 F3.5–6.7 DC OS by clicking the lens below.
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