Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM II Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

by Sigma

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 3 x 3 inches ; 1.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001042Q4S
• Item model number: B001042Q4S
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 27, 2007

Product Description

This Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II APO EX DC Zoom Lens is designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C size sensors, and its compact, lightweight body provides freedom of movement and versatility.

The minimum focusing distance of 100cm/39.4in. and the high-resolution power layout have improved the strength of the lens in close-up photography. This lens offers a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and its large depth of field offers greater freedom of creative expression.

Four SLD glass elements are used for maximum correction of chromatic aberrations. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting and ensures sharp images throughout the entire zoom range. The lens design also incorporates an inner focusing and inner zooming system. As the overall length of the lens does not change during focusing and zooming, convenient handling is assured. The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) system allows quiet and high-speed auto focusing with full time manual focus override by simply rotating the focusing ring.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Light and good working distance, June 5, 2008

By 

Christopher K. Seid (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM II Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

I switched to this since my Nikno 70-200 was really getting heavy for a day of wedding photography. What i like: Very light, good working distance, nice easy zoom, fairly good images. What i dislike, a little soft at F2.8. Much better at F4.5. Not as vibrant colors...slighly cooler. Can easily flare...make sure you use the hood. No VR means you better shoot at fast shutter speeds or have really steady hands. Overall, a keeper for me. I now use this more than my 70-200. :-)

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect DX Lens, February 16, 2009

By 

Leigh McMullen (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM II Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

This lens made me regret leaving the DX format. It's about 1/2 the size and weight of the comparable FX format 70-200 f/2.8, and is perfect for portraits, SPORTS, candids, and general walking around.

If you're only going to buy one lens to take pictures of your kids football games, this is it.

THE PROS:
* Fast CONSTANT aperture for low light, fast action (and yes, chasing a three year old round the house is FAST ACTION!)

* Set your camera to aperture priority, set the aperture to f3.5 or f/4.0 and leave your flash at home, you'll have super sharp shots you can blow up to poster size

* Light weight and small... Oh so light and small. This lens, and those like it is why the DX format will be around for a LONG LONG time. You can pack so much more capable glass into a smaller package. I'm not replacing mine with a comparable 70-200, way too big way too heavy... I might just buy a cheaper body just for sports.

* HSM - Super-Duper fast focusing. Perfect for action or candid photography. You want to take a picture of a groom sneaking a kiss, without a flash running the moment, or of your kid getting the winning basket. You want a fast constant aperture lens with HSM (or AF-S in Nikon-speak). I looked at the Tokina 50-135 which I really wanted because it was built like a tank, but it focused WAY-TOO-SLOW for sports.

THE CONS:

I will parrot the other reviewer's cons, but with my own comments:

* No VR/OS - Yes, though I don't see where that matters, VR is for taking pictures of STILL objects hand-held rather than using a tripod. It doesn't really help when you're shooting moving objects. The purpose for buying a FAST constant aperture lens like this is to shoot action or low-light (usually both low-light & action like in a gym).

* Lack of sharpness at f2.8 - True. But NO LENS is sharp at its maximum aperture. Top sharpness comes at 1.5 to 2 stops from wide open (on this lens f/3.5-f/4.0)

* Lens Flair and such: I've not noticed that with the APO glass update, Of course I'm usually shooting INDOORS and in LOW-LIGHT where there is very little chance of getting sun-flare.

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SUMMARY:

DO NOT buy this lens specifically for nature, scenic, architecture, or still object photography. You don't need the fast aperture (and you wont be using it, you'll want more death of field). That's not to say that this lens wouldn't also be good at these tasks, just that you can get a lens more suitable for these duties for 1/4 the price (and look for one with VR/OS to free you from your tripod).

Use this lens for Sports, Action, Candid, Indoor photography. Or as a carry around all purpose lens on vacation, when conditions might be uncertain (packing a 14-24 for wide shots in your pocket). The fast constant aperture and HSM make this the only lens worth owning in the category.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent lens, light, fast, best telephoto for d40, nice bokeh, August 2, 2009

By 

Art P (KY, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM II Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

A well built lens by Sigma. Those who are not used to (inexperienced) in focusing properly will realize that this lens is very sensitive. Two objects sitting next to each other but one is slightly farther away from the camera (say 1-2") will show noticeable difference in the sharpness level. So be very careful with pointing at the right object. Otherwise practice will bring you closer and closer to great results.

Very light for its size and capability compared to the Nikkor 70-300mm or 18-200mm VR or not. Well-priced ($600-$700). Fast built-in motor (HSM) and very very quiet.

The best part is the f/2.8. Able to capture images in low light settings, indoor, fast movements, way faster and way sharper than 70-300mm or 18-200mm (f/3.5 or f/5).

Highly recommended.