Lens Summary
Brand: Sigma
Also Known As: Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS Macro HSM
Lens Type: Prime Lens
Format: Full Frame / FX
Focus: Autofocus
Release Date: 2010-09-21
MSRP Price: $1099
Made in: Japan
Infrared Rating: Good
Production Status: In Production
Lens Description: This latest version of the Sigma Macro 150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM boasts Optical Stablization (OS) which is critical to equipment sporting this focal range and is now splash-proof. Offering the latest optical design technology this lens remains a large aperture medium macro lens ideal for shooting the smaller things in our world that exists virtually unseen. A macro lens is one which will focus on a subject close enough to render it life-size on the image plane in your camera. It also has a flat field front lens element so that it can shoot images of flat objects such as artwork or postage stamps and be tack sharp all the way across the image. With HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) a quiet & high-speed auto focus is ensured. It provides extremely high optical performance from infinity to 1:1 Macro. Three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide optimum color correction and sharpness throughout the entire range and Super Multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting. It has superior peripheral brightness and provides sharp and high contrast images even at maximum apertures. The OS offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. It is also compatible with Sigma APO Tele Converters. Ideally suited for taking pictures of insects or other small creatures, but it is also the perfect focal length for facial portraits rendering the best perspective of the human face. This greater distance also allows the photographer more flexibility in lighting the subject with natural light reflectors. So don\'t miss the tiny insects, flowers of the world or the details in a stamp or coin collection or a piece of embroidery all of which are seldom noticed but offer a fascinating world if you look closely enough.
Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS Macro HSM Specifications
Lens Specifications | |
---|---|
Lens Type | Prime Lens |
Focal Length | 150mm |
Mount Type | Canon EF, Nikon F |
Format | Full Frame / FX |
Compatible Format(s) | 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor DSLR (APS-C Sensor) |
Compatible with Teleconverters | No |
Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:1 |
Optical Stabilization (Image Stabilization) | Yes |
Aperture Information | |
Aperture Ring | Yes |
Maximim Aperture | f/2.8 |
Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 16.4° |
Optical Information | |
Lens Elements | 19 |
Lens Groups | 13 |
Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Aspherical Elements | 3 SLD glass elements |
Focus Information | |
Focus | Autofocus |
Built-in Focus Motor | Yes |
Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) | Yes |
Internal Focusing | Yes |
Minimum Focus Distance | 0.38m |
Distance Information | Yes |
Filter Information | |
Filter Size | 72mm |
Physical Characteristics | |
Weather / Dust Sealing | No |
Mount Material | Metal |
Tripod Collar | Yes |
Dimensions | 7.87 x 14.99cm |
Weight | 1.18kg |
Other Information | |
Available in Colors | Black |
The Sigma 150 mm f2.8 Macro is quite a lens. Very sharp across its aperture range – I don’t concern myself with what aperture I choose to use. Colour rendition is nice. The build quality is very high. It is seriously solid. I’ve used this lens for wildlife, macro and portraits and it is definitely usable across these disciplines.
Being 150 mm focal length allows you to keep some distance between yourself and whatever it is you may be observing on the macro scale, which is particularly handy for insects. Although, being 150 mm does result in reduced DOF. It is pretty heavy, but does come with its own collar for mounting on a tripod.
I would one day like to purchase a greater magnification shorter focal length macro lens. But until that happens, the Sigma will do me very well.