No, the Giant Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 Lens Hasn’t Been Discontinued
There have been reports floating around the web saying that the Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 APO EX DG telephoto zoom lens has been discontinued. These reports are false and highlight the hazards of concluding that a product has been discontinued based on store listings.
“This is a special order lens,” Sigma tells PetaPixel over email. “It is not discontinued.”
The fact the Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 is out of stock at numerous retailers and no longer listed at some others can help explain how false information on the “Bigma’s” fate spread so rapidly and unchecked. However, as Mark Twain famously said, “The report of my death was an exaggeration.”
A “special order” lens doesn’t sit on store shelves, especially when it costs $26,000, weighs 34.6 pounds (15.7 kilograms, 7.85 Nocts), and is only available for old DSLR lens mounts. Storage space isn’t free. But that doesn’t mean Sigma doesn’t, or won’t, make the lens for someone willing to shell out the big bucks.
Sigma actually has a discontinued models list on its global website, where photographers can read a long list of lenses Sigma no longer makes, some unsurprising old DSLR lenses and others that are relatively modern optics for mirrorless lenses.
Given the Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 lens isn’t on the list, and Sigma itself has told PetaPixel that the lens isn’t discontinued, it should be pretty clear that if someone wants the 200-500mm f/2.8 lens, they can get a brand new one.
It’s not immediately evident precisely who is clamoring to buy the “Sigzilla” now, but it is an interesting lens, at the very least.
For photographers looking for a much more affordable, lighter, and newer lens, there is always the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN Sport.
Sure, the lens loses some light-gathering capability and versatility, but it weighs three pounds instead of 34.6 and costs $3,000 instead of $26,000. Plus, it’s available to order now; no special requests are required. Of course, it’s popular, so there might be a wait to receive it.
This is not the first time a lens has been reported as discontinued based on retailer listings or a lack of immediate availability, and it probably won’t be the last. However, when questioning whether a lens or camera has been discontinued, it is well worth asking the manufacturer. After all, they would know best.
Image credits: Header photo created using an image licensed via Depositphotos and a product shot from Sigma.
