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

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches ; 12 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001047YXG
• Item model number: B001047YXG
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 27, 2007

Product Description

Product Description

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to present the APO 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC HSM lens. This large aperture telephoto 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 large aperture of F2.8 and its large depth of field offers greater freedom of creativeexpression. It has a maximum aperture of F2.8. Four SLD glass elements are used for maximum correction of chromatic aberrations. The super multi-layer lens coating reduce flare and ghosting and ensure sharp images throughout the entire zoom range. The lens design incorporates an inner focusing.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 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)

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. :-)

13 of 14 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 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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great lens for prosumer DSLR, June 23, 2009

By	David J. Pruett "Science Guy" (Libertyville, IL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I use this lens on a Canon 50D and it works flawlessly. Focusing was fast and accurate and the images were outstanding. I also have a Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS, which is one of the best lenses money can buy. I use it a lot in studio and more controlled conditions, but the weight makes it very difficult for a long day of tourist-type walking and shooting. I used the Sigma lens extensively on a recent trip to Paris, indoors and out, It was great in the many museums where photos were allowed but only without flash. I highly recommend this lens for anyone who has not moved up to a full frame DSLR.