Freedom to Move

For this session, during which we had the opportunity to try out the brand-new Sigma 50-120mm F2.8 DC OS | Contemporary, we wanted to photograph a family in an environment that naturally encouraged movement, play and interaction. These are the kinds of conditions in which the photographer’s responsiveness should never be slowed down by the lens being used.

We met Émilie, Thierry, Ally and Noah in Pau, around the château and through the city’s streets. As is often the case in our work as photographers, our main goal was to create images that felt true to them, without directing things too much, allowing the children to run, play, eat ice cream and simply enjoy the moment.

Although we usually work as a team of two, particularly during weddings and corporate assignments, Damien took care of photographing this family session, while Sylvain focused on behind-the-scenes images and additional test shots.

During this type of session, it is important to move quickly from a portrait to a more spontaneous scene, while remaining far enough away not to disturb the interactions. The SIGMA 50-120mm F2.8 DC OS | Contemporary was a great help in this approach.

We appreciated being able to maintain a constant F2.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range. This allowed us to isolate expressions and small gestures, while maintaining a shutter speed fast enough to follow Ally and Noah’s movements. The focal range was also very enjoyable, making it possible to vary the composition without changing lenses, from tighter portraits to wider scenes.

Weighing less than 400g, the lens was extremely comfortable during a session involving a lot of walking and constant movement. The autofocus proved remarkably fast and quiet, while the OS stabilisation helped us remain confident as the light began to soften.

We also appreciated the dust- and splash-resistant construction, which was particularly reassuring when working outdoors — and, in this particular session, near the fountains.

The aperture ring also provides a very pleasant shooting experience. It makes adjustments simple and instinctive, while maintaining smooth and intuitive operation.

Together with the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary and Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary lenses, this Sigma 50-120mm F2.8 DC OS | Contemporary completes a particularly coherent APS-C range. For us, it is above all a practical and enjoyable lens, easy to carry and compact enough to fit comfortably in a small bag, allowing us to stay focused on what really matters: the people and the moments we want to preserve.