Description
The Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC HSM lens is a
large aperture
telephoto zoom lens 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.
The lens is designed so that the image circle matches the smaller size of the
image sensor
of most digital SLR cameras. The
specialized design gives this lens the ideal properties for digital
cameras, the compact and lightweight construction is an added bonus! This lens will not
provide a full image on
'full frame' cameras.
This lens offers a large aperture of F2.8 and its large
depth of field offers greater freedom of creative expression. 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.
This lens uses a motor driven by ultrasonic waves to provide a quiet,
high speed AF. With conventional auto-focusing, auto-focus is driven by electromagnetic force of a DC-motor, gear and shaft mechanism. However, Ultrasonic Oscillation Energy operates the
HSM lens and creates high-torque drive. Since this motor has no reduction gears, it has much quicker response to start and stop compared to DC- motor lenses.
The HSM system has a virtually silent auto focus function, very quick responsive
auto focus
function and "full-time" manual focus, wherein AF can be overridden without
disengaging the AF mode altogether
The exterior of this lens is EX-finished to denote the superior build
and optical quality, and to enhance its appearance.
HSM means this lens will autofocus on Nikon D40/D40x,
Nikon D60, Nikon D3000,
Nikon D3100 and the
Nikon D5000 DX Cameras
Features
• Compact, lightweight, large aperture telephoto zoom lens
• SLD "Special Low Dispersion" glass elements and the super multi layer lens coating assure high image throughout the entire zoom range.
• The new lens design ensures high image quality at the minimum focusing distance of 39.4" (100cm)
• Equipped with HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) with full-time manual focus override
• Compatible with Sigma 1.4x EX DG and 2x EX DG APO Tele-Converters
Item Includes
• Lens Hood LH732-01
• 1 Year International Warranty plus 3 Year Sigma U.S.A. Extended Warranty (Total Warranty is 4 Years from Date of Purchase)
Reviews
Great lens for prosumer DSLR, June 23, 2009
By David J. Pruett "Science Guy" (Libertyville, IL United States)
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.
The Perfect DX Lens, February 16, 2009
By Leigh McMullen (Atlanta, GA)
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.
Press Release
Friday, 11 August 2006
APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM
Compact, lightweight, large aperture telephoto zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras and incorporating the very latest optical technology.
Compact and lightweight
Incorporation of the very latest optical technology, high image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range.
Four SLD（Special Low Dispersion）glass elements are used for utmost correction of chromatic aberrations.
Equipped with HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) with full-time manual focus override.
Compatible with Sigma 1.4x EX DG and 2x EX DG APO Tele-Converters
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM lens.
Specially designed for digital SLR cameras with an APS-C size image sensor, this large aperture F2.8 lens has a compact and lightweight construction of 76.3mm (3.0”) in diameter, 132.6mm (5.2”) in length and weighing just 780g (27.5oz) (Nikon Mount).
The incorporation of the very latest optical technology gives optimum lens performance providing excellent correction for flare, ghosting and all types of aberrations. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. Four SLD（Special Low Dispersion）glass elements are used for utmost correction of chromatic aberrations.
The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) system ensures quiet and high-speed auto focusing with full time manual focus override.
The addition of the 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters (optional extras) produces a 70-210mm F4 AF tele-zoom lens and a 100-300mm F5.6 AF ultra-telephoto zoom lens respectively.
