This all-in-one super lens with 18.8x zoom just got faster autofocus for free, but photographers shouldn't get too excited

Sigma 16-300mm f3.5-7.1 | C
For photographers looking for a versatile zoom, the Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS | C offers an impressive range in a single lens (Image credit: Future)

All-in-one super zooms, also known as workhorse lenses, give photographers incredible versatility from a single lens. The Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS | C is a prime example. Designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras, it offers an impressive 18.8x zoom range, covering everything from wide-angle to telephoto without changing lenses.

Now, Sigma has released a new firmware update for the superzoom, improving AF (autofocus) operation speed, tweaking peripheral illumination correction, and fixing occasional blackout/freesing issue when used with the Canon EOS R6 Mark III.

The latter hints at why photographers shouldn't get too excited. While the 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS | C is available for Canon RF, Fujifilm X, Sony E and L-mount, the firmware update is only for the Canon RF version.

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Firmware overview

Review insight: "The Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS | C is a travel lens that aims to really put the 'super' into superzoom" (Image credit: Matthew Richards)

Ver.1.0.1
Download link Windows
Download link Mac OS

Improvements
Fixed an isolated issue where the monitor blacks out and the camera freezes during shooting when used with the Canon EOS R6 Mark III
Improved autofocus (AF) operation speed
Optimized peripheral illumination correction data to improve correction accuracy

Pro Advice

You can check out the episode for more insights, potential risks, and expert advice on our YouTube channel,Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all your favorite podcast services (Image credit: Future)

If you caught Episode 4 of Bokeh Face: Digital Camera World podcast, above, we discussed the best time to install firmware updates, why they matter, and what issues they can cause. It's a helpful listen if you're unsure when – or whenever – you should update.

It's smart to wait a week or two after release to see if any users hit snags. In the past, brands have had a few hiccups with major updates – for instance, introducing memory-setting bugs or minor interface glitches before being reissued.

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Kim Bunermann
News Editor

Kim is a photographer, editor and writer with work published internationally. She holds a Master's degree in Photography and Media and was formerly Technique Editor at Digital Photographer, focusing on the art and science of photography. Kim covers everything from breaking industry news and camera gear to the stories shaping photography today. Blending technical expertise with visual insight, she explores photography's time-honored yet ever-evolving role in culture. 

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