Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX APO Macro EX DG HSM - Bugma

[Q-Man]

Here's a shot demonstrating the awesome background blur this lens produces. I need to see if I can get a shot with some good bokeh next. I'm usually too busy chasing bugs...

Q

[MJones]

REALLY Nice pictures. Anyone have more people/portrait shots from this lens?

[TeamSpeed]

Here are a couple of shots this morning during a dewy sunrise and my daughter just waking up.

[TeamSpeed]

REALLY Nice pictures. Anyone have more people/portrait shots from this lens?

I posted one above of my daughter, here is another. If there is lack of detail it is because this is an ISO 6400 shot from the 50D, not any fault of the lens!

[Yamaha451]

I love this lens, so sharp and quick. Its unfortunate I don't use it more often.

f/6.3
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g63/zag300zx/2009_08_02_OrcasIsland_287.jpg

f/2.8
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g63/zag300zx/2009_06_28_CentralFerry_234.jpg

f/2.8
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g63/zag300zx/2009_06_28_CentralFerry_223.jpg

100% Crop
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g63/zag300zx/2009_06_28_CentralFerry_223-2.jpg

[Hand_of_Cod]

Just came back from the Royal Melbourne Zoo!

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk245/Gimli000/IMG_5671small.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk245/Gimli000/IMG_5697small.jpg

[Yamaha451]

Anybody want to give me a free bump on my for sale ad for this lens? I cant seem to get anyone to want such an awesome lens! :-(

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=746204

[.mark.]

Anybody want to give me a free bump on my for sale ad for this lens? I cant seem to get anyone to want such an awesome lens! :-(

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=746204

how come you're selling it?

[ScarySquirrel]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3581133029_3ab33a1466_b.jpg

[TeamSpeed]

Anybody want to give me a free bump on my for sale ad for this lens? I cant seem to get anyone to want such an awesome lens! :-(

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=746204

There are no bumps in the sale forum, it has been disabled.

[Yamaha451]

^^Thats one sharp cat!

how come you're selling it?

I really don't want to sell it, I just don't use it and could use the extra $$$ for the 7d. Maybe I'll like it a lot more on the 7d versus my old 5d.

There are no bumps in the sale forum, it has been disabled.

Hmm, that explains a lot. Thats too bad.

[.mark.]

^^Thats one sharp cat!

it is indeed. does anyone know how this performs relative to the canon 135mm 2.0? macro aside...

[sjlund]

it is indeed. does anyone know how this performs relative to the canon 135mm 2.0? macro aside...

I've never used the Canon 135, but the obvious differences are that the Sigma is 1 stop slower and has a slowish macro autofocus, while the Canon has a very fast (according to reviews) autofocus. I wouldn't put the two lenses in the same class, both excel at their own purpose.

[ScarySquirrel]

Makes a pretty decent portrait lens as well

I just sold mine though!

My lovely girlfriend!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2543/3714066067_575d6a0373_b.jpg

[Yamaha451]

Anybody else have a difficult time selling this lens? Its the same used market price as a Canon 100 macro, yet has internal focusing, better quality, internal focusing, tripod ring... It must be an under appreciated lens or something.

I have always been able to sell my lenses within 1 day, but this one is proving difficult. Just don't know why.

[Tony-S]

I doubt many are interested in selling this lens.

[Cassie]

Maybe because of the new Canon 100 Macro with IS?

[.mark.]

Maybe because of the new Canon 100 Macro with IS?

that's nearly twice the price though...

[.mark.]

quick question - this lens does work on full frame yeah?

[J-B]

quick question - this lens does work on full frame yeah?

Yes it's great on full frame

[Daniel2000]

rofl
I just realised the "Bugma" in the title
I knew about the Bigma and BigmOS but didn't knew about other Sigma lenses being baptised... :D

[Q-Man]

I thought I posted these already, but I guess I didn't. Here's some tree frogs.

Q

[engrmariano]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2639/4074683109_47d4bd42bb_o.jpg

[Ingardj]

Here are some i have done with this lens. It has been on my 5d constantly.. Rarely use my 50mm sigma...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3660/4047572391_8b5f0d2b1f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ingardj/4047572391/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/4038851643_be23fc28fb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ingardj/4038851643/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2461/4019406010_0142705516_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ingardj/4019406010/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/4008483502_b16a0e7d8a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ingardj/4008483502/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3450/3989882183_a0fc33ce5f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ingardj/3989882183/)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ingardj/3949780243/

[engrmariano]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2743/4080742962_1ec6be7f62.jpg

[francisLM]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2594/3869617365_e9f4caf27e_o.jpg

more: http://www.flickr.com/photos/francislm/sets/72157622119897582/

[engrmariano]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/4102101193_e998e670cd_o.jpg

[hodown55]

Trying out my new Canon 7D with the Bugma. Zone focus with AI Servo seems to work well for hoverflies in flight & even for flowers blowing in the wind!

Kev

[hodown55]

A couple more of Hoverflies.

Kev

[Cassie]

Very nice! Can't wait to get my hands on a 7D.

[mauhorng]

#1 - Shield Bug in Love (Click HERE for full Entry (http://www.mauhorng.com/blog/bugs-love/))
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3492/4074659787_4fbe26b544_o.jpg (http://www.mauhorng.com/blog/bugs-love/)

#2 - Long Leg Fly (Click HERE for full Entry (http://www.mauhorng.com/blog/small-things/))
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/4068775442_3578b303aa_o.jpg (http://www.mauhorng.com/blog/small-things/)

#3 - Bee (Click HERE for full Entry (http://www.mauhorng.com/blog/macro-fever-is-back/))
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2487/3892022349_2f4a2907d7_o.jpg (http://www.mauhorng.com/blog/macro-fever-is-back/)


>>> See all my macro shots with Bugma (http://www.mauhorng.com/blog/category/macrophotography/) <<<

[ckfishel2001]

Ok, my skill level keeps me from getting anywhere near what you guys have shown off so far. This lens is probably going off my hands tomorrow, so I'm doing a goodbye post.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/4118133539_e73a3f9c58_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2552/4118129531_9cc3b0ee61_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/4118914602_82a0f66b60_b.jpg

[hodown55]

Just got back from a Camera Club outing with the local Herpetology (reptile) Club. Here are a couple of shots with the Bugma & Canon 7D.

Kev

[Gerald3]

Took these a couple of months ago on the way back from visiting my sister for her birthday.

1 (http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs51/i/2009/261/2/6/Dark_Night_by_x_KaMpF_x.jpg)
2 (http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs50/i/2009/261/4/4/Torment_by_x_KaMpF_x.jpg)
3 (http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs50/i/2009/261/5/b/Dragon_by_x_KaMpF_x.jpg)

[rwcheng]

I am thinking about getting this macro lens. Is $500 a good price for a used one?

[RyanB]

I am thinking about getting this macro lens. Is $500 a good price for a used one?

Yeah, thats not a bad price. Thats about average for a used one I think. When I get the funds for a macro lens, this is what it'll be - it has absolutely amazing reviews.

[Cassie]

Just got back from a Camera Club outing with the local Herpetology (reptile) Club. Here are a couple of shots with the Bugma & Canon 7D.

Kev

Love it!:)

[hodown55]

Thanks Cassie,

Glad you like them! Here are a couple more taken in my garden, must say that the 7D, zone focus with AI servo works really well when the wind is blowing the subjects around.

Kev

[Cassie]

Wow! Awesome, thanks for sharing!

[rwcheng]

I just got this lens. Like it a lot so far.


http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/1039/20091216img08543.jpg

[aerosmith9110]

seriously considering this or the 150 - 500 :D only got budget for either one in a month or 2...

[bwell]

Considering selling my 70-300 4-5.6 to help with getting this.

[rwcheng]

Tried this lens on some butterflies.


http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/1958/butterfly15.jpg

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/4281/butterfly13p.jpg

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/7621/butterfly9k.jpg

[aerosmith9110]

My bugma will arrive as soon as I have the dough to pay it... already reserved to me seems that the bugma isn't a hot item here in the P.I. ... was even advised by the dealer to go to canon's 100mm... maybe just a too specialized for macro I guess since the canon 100mm is a little more versitile...

[bjolly]

Okee doke... let's try this again (sorry, it was my first post):
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4245694675_9dce97b45b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/4137107523_1cabf81897_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/4137107123_6e16d5ce48_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/4137106905_8ea898c4c3_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2490/4137869000_984da5f99d_b.jpg

All of them are untouched.

[Jack McEntire]

http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/007/8/3/Golden_by_JackMcEntire.png

Got the lens last week - never had the chance to experience true macro before, and I'm really glad I bought this fantastic lens! :D

[rwcheng]

Got the lens last week - never had the chance to experience true macro before, and I'm really glad I bought this fantastic lens! :D

Wow, that's sharp.

[Jack McEntire]

Yeah, I'm really pleased with the sharpness it delivers, and that's handheld at 1/200. :) Here's the before and after animated .gif:

http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/007/a/c/Golden___Before_and_After_by_JackMcEntire.gif

[bjolly]

aha! Just discovered focus stacking and answered all my problems!

[bjolly]

My first test with it:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2699/4254084779_e4a5e5c7cc.jpg

[Cassie]

Yeah, I'm really pleased with the sharpness it delivers, and that's handheld at 1/200. :) Here's the before and after animated .gif:



http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/007/a/c/Golden___Before_and_After_by_JackMcEntire.gif


:lol:, is that your eye! when I scrolled down that freaked me out for a minute, lol

[Jack McEntire]

It most certainly isn't! :p Lol, I'm 16, so my eyes look a bit better than that! Those are my parents' eyes (yes, they belong to different people believe it or not!), the top one's my Dad's and the bottom one's my Mum's. :lol: Although macro eyes never look particularly appealing they always make dramatic and interesting photographs. :)

[aerosmith9110]

just an FYI... the 180 3.5 here cost 200 usd more than the 150mm.. weird since adorama and B&H list the 150 as the more expensive one...

[bjolly]

Played with some shrooms today:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2712/4258305230_6877c6f965.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4257635085_4411e24b66.jpg

[troypiggo]

Only recently got this lens. I'm liking it. From my first test run with it:

http://piggo.com/%7Etroy/photos/2009/2009_12_20/troypiggo_4122-vig.jpg

http://piggo.com/%7Etroy/photos/2009/2009_12_20/troypiggo_4172.jpg

http://piggo.com/%7Etroy/photos/2009/2009_12_20/troypiggo_4180.jpg

[kevindar]

couple of water drops I did last night
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4286817949_f901f9476c_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/4286833495_47621403c1_o.jpg

[Cassie]

^^ nice, love the colors!

[aerosmith9110]

got mine yesterday hopfully I'll make use of it.. :D I will need to have this calibrated first.. mine look soft wide open seems to be FF... ( the usual problem of sigmas )

[engrmariano]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2689/4295668194_d9b12042fc.jpg

[kepople]

couple of water drops I did last night
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4286817949_f901f9476c_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/4286833495_47621403c1_o.jpg


these are great. Did you happen to shoot a setup shot?
I have been thinking about trying this.
kirby

[amyandmark3]

Kirby, here's a water drop setup I found with a google search:

http://digital-photography-school.com/water-drops-behind-the-shot

[kevindar]

my set up with very similar. I had a blue plate instead of the cup, and a colored towel instead of white background.

[rwcheng]

This lens is pretty sharp. :lol:

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/8141/20100124img4972.jpg

[aerosmith9110]

some trial shots... have no time to test it out on the field yet...

http://images.aerosmith9110.multiply.com/image/1/photos/46/1200x1200/2/IMG-4604.jpg?et=salvWnkGAvJ2NdCcbFo8GA&nmid=315192950

http://images.aerosmith9110.multiply.com/image/4/photos/46/1200x1200/1/IMG-4598.jpg?et=rvN5cmkcNgjU%2C1Ddjvd2Mw&nmid=315192950

[Q-Man]

I'll be using this a lot more often in the near future with Spring/Summer being right around the corner. Here are a couple from yesterday.

Q

[realjax]

another sample

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/3846564810_017c7a4431_o.jpg

[rwcheng]

another sample

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/3846564810_017c7a4431_o.jpg


Great shot, wonderful details. Extension tubes? What type of flash did you use, it looks very natural.

[realjax]

Thanks.

No extension tubes or anything.

Used an off camera 430EX with a home made diffuser on a 40D.

[Cassie]

Yeah that looks good! Handheld?

[realjax]

thanks!, yep handheld.

[Cassie]

Cool, I really need to get more practice, my handholding skills need some work.

[sjlund]

Hand-holding becomes much easier with good use of flash.

[MigsVuitton]

Does anyone have any portraits with this? Wide open?

[Ingardj]

Does anyone have any portraits with this? Wide open?
I dont take many portraits, but heres one i took days after i got the lens to test AF: http://www.ingardjensen.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/yapb_cache/_mg_9515_copy_red.8lya78xz5e4oco8g8kkwwgkcs.97bcdx 3jiokcs4c8o4w8ss00s.th.jpeg

I dont remember any more, but i do believe this is f3.5, not f2.8. But the sharpness doesnt really change. Bokeh is fantastic.

[MigsVuitton]

^ Thanks, looks great. Boheh does look fantastic

[Jack McEntire]

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/JACKMCENTIRE/DPP1_0001sharp20.png

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/JACKMCENTIRE/DPP4_0001sharp20.png

I also used the Sigma 1.4x teleconverter to take the first shot. :) Pretty brilliant lens, IMO!

[kinghong1970]

nothing against bugs... but i think a change is good...

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w9jT_GnjZSc/S6jggmxeLvI/AAAAAAAAAOg/TIBUKbfR1zk/s1024/IMG_3311.JPG

yours truly...

[ckfishel2001]

miss this lens. Great when I had it.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4459311229_3383c8a1be_b.jpg

[MichSt]

One of the first few clicks on my new sig 150. Hope to be contributing more to the thread once the weather warms up here in Michigan.

438663

[ckfishel2001]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2680/4460092412_4cefff7906_b.jpg

[versedmb]

I dont take many portraits, but heres one i took days after i got the lens to test AF: http://www.ingardjensen.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/yapb_cache/_mg_9515_copy_red.8lya78xz5e4oco8g8kkwwgkcs.97bcdx 3jiokcs4c8o4w8ss00s.th.jpeg

I dont remember any more, but i do believe this is f3.5, not f2.8. But the sharpness doesnt really change. Bokeh is fantastic.

Wow, this would make a nice macro and portrait lens. Wish it had OS or Canon would introduce in body IS.

[Cassie]

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/JACKMCENTIRE/DPP1_0001sharp20.png




I also used the Sigma 1.4x teleconverter to take the first shot. :) Pretty brilliant lens, IMO!


Nice :)

[ckfishel2001]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4460091128_d395372cf9_b.jpg

[mswobo]

Awesome is the only word I can say about this pic....I have been thinking about this lens and you sold me,

[MichSt]

From this afternoon on a little outting w/o the tripod. Lens was not too difficult to hand hold on a 5D, though I messed the DOF I could have got with a tripod.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/4513060354_aaf875a77b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marioq/4513060354/)


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4524189439_fc03bf0248_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marioq/4524189439/)

[MichSt]

Complements of an early Michigan spring

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4539556188_64e32aa5f5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marioq/4539556188/)

[zxxb]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3625/3383022428_508a222722_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/3433344697_3b424c3946_o.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3465/4555818872_146b172854_o.jpghttp://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4549841393_6fc4a93782_o.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2426/3921769317_d4e2e7e403_o.jpg

[Alexey]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1117/4601528347_611f362366_o.jpg

[Alexey]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4613640876_aea84273b9_o.jpg

[aerosmith9110]

any more portraits taken from this lens?

[ckfishel2001]

any more portraits taken from this lens?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2586/3991808424_e4293927ed_b.jpg

[Supersignet]

All at f4

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_UbXK8W9A-Es/Sc9B9jrOB1I/AAAAAAAAFKw/x9QbldcuglE/s512/crykid1.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_UbXK8W9A-Es/SdDLNa7QsrI/AAAAAAAAFN4/FkkNIdvt6SI/s720/girl1.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_UbXK8W9A-Es/SdBTttHJvMI/AAAAAAAAFMg/pTZw5cPOHhY/s720/momanddaughter.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UbXK8W9A-Es/Sc9CAB41FEI/AAAAAAAAFLI/piihBPuSlQY/s640/crykid2.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_UbXK8W9A-Es/Sc9B-clp0oI/AAAAAAAAFK4/hhC6JS7SDCg/s640/_MSG1906.jpg

[Cassie]

Wow!!! I expected to see bugs, what a nice surprise! LOL

[ecka]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_48uqwynaX04/TB4NMO8YmSI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/Ywj4lEEdq8s/IMG_0161%2B.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_48uqwynaX04/TCiufi0xCRI/AAAAAAAAB90/P4BNbqhraXk/IMG_0404.JPG

[michaelavaloke]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/michael_avaloke_ooise/4372293561/sizes/l/in/set-72157620896048009/

[MichSt]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4784811806_ffb1e775fc_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marioq/4784811806/)

[realjax]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4771874491_e44668331b_b_d.jpg

[ecka]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_48uqwynaX04/TEK-rtRczCI/AAAAAAAACBA/Oupx_gX7Mnk/IMG_1079-.JPG

[MamzelleZephyr]

Supersignet, these images are quite impressive ! This proves that this lens is also perfect for portraits. But I guess you used a full frame camera for this, right? The other pictures are really nice too, thanks for sharing!

I have been contemplating buying this lens for a few months, even if I was hesitating with the Canon 100mm f/2.8, because I was thinking: "I've seen nice pics with full frame cameras, so if I buy the 100mm, it will be equivalent due to the crop factor". But now my choice is made, I'll get the Sigma 150mm, and I can't wait to get my pay to buy this beauty!

(my first post ever on this forum:))

[Supersignet]

Thanks for the comment. I used a crop sensor for those photos. I used my Nikon D300. I now have a 5D II and am thinking about buying this lens again. It is unbelievably good at what it is designed to do. The focal length can seem a little long on a crop sensor, but that extra length can also be good for doing compressed portraits from a distance.

The focus is a little slow, but it is an amazing lens.

[kevindar]

here is one at f 3.2
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4817644912_e89146568c_b.jpg

[MamzelleZephyr]

Kevindar, amazing picture, beautiful child and VERY sharp picture ! Please guys stop posting such wonderful pics, I have to wait until the end of the month to buy it, but when I see these pics I want it RIGHT NOW !! :p

[phreeky]

http://www.clubpoint.net/bluebird/.macro/IMG_1176_800w.JPG

[kinghong1970]

in my early starter days, this was my least used lens...

now, this is my most missed lens...

[ecka]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_48uqwynaX04/TFsjX6PswSI/AAAAAAAACFI/FAe592toXNA/IMG_1480xx.JPG
EXIF inside

[MamzelleZephyr]

I've got this lens for a few days, and I'm very impressed ! If you're considering buying this lens, go for it, you won't regret it ! I wanted to thank all the people who posted pictures here, because it helped me a lot to see the abilities of this lens :)

[Ridgy]

Just WOW..love this thread! :D

[bob_r]

I've posted a few closeups on this thread, but thought I'd post something a little different. Here are a couple of shots I took today of my granddaughter. I often use the 135L or 200L for these type of shots, but the Sigma can hold it's own against either of them.

[phreeky]

Are those heavily cropped? The bokeh looks a little distracting to me.

[AdamJL]

Just about to say the same thing.. Bokeh in those shots is not nice at all.

[bob_r]

Are those heavily cropped? The bokeh looks a little distracting to me.

Just about to say the same thing.. Bokeh in those shots is not nice at all.

They were cropped, but not a lot. I tried cleaning them up a little. Do they look better now?

[Stevenmens]

Here an sample of my Sigma 150 f2.8 macro
Only a little cropped and resided for the net (jpeg taken)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4955982023_27d446a3fb_z.jpg

[mswobo]

love this lens...I stink at macro...need to use it more...I was actually taking this picture to use as a sample to sell the lens and was like WOW no way.

[sjlund]

Any telephone type shots with this lens using a 2x TC?

[ecka]

I don't remember if I had it posted already on the potn, but this thread needs some new posts, so, here it is

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_48uqwynaX04/TFHHHRppPrI/AAAAAAAACC0/TaTrGjXlqkQ/IMG_1634x.JPG
EXIF inside ;)

[ecka]

Any telephone type shots with this lens using a 2x TC?

http://www.juzaforum.com/forum-en/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=15531

[JayStar86]

boy is this lens sharp from the images i have seen on just this page.

how do most of you find the colors, contrast and bokeh quality from this lens in comparison to say the sigma 50 1.4 or a lens like the canon 35L?

also, how is the AF speed and accuracy?

[ecka]

boy is this lens sharp from the images i have seen on just this page.

how do most of you find the colors, contrast and bokeh quality from this lens in comparison to say the sigma 50 1.4 or a lens like the canon 35L?

also, how is the AF speed and accuracy?

I don't know how is it possible to compare bokeh of such different FLs like 150mm vs 50mm or 35mm, but I find it to be very nice and smooth. Colors and contrast are great, no chromatic aberrations or at least I haven't seen any. If you will find any bad looking images shot with this lens, it is, most likely, due to bad AWB or a user error. AF is faster and more accurate (non-macro) than my Sigma 50/1.4 but it hunts a bit on low contrast objects when the light is really poor. My cheap Canon 55-250IS has better AF in low light than any Sigma lens I tried but it is slower, obviously :).

[JayStar86]

I don't know how is it possible to compare bokeh of such different FLs like 150mm vs 50mm or 35mm, but I find it to be very nice and smooth. Colors and contrast are great, no chromatic aberrations or at least I haven't seen any. If will find any bad looking images shot with this lens, it is, most likely, due to bad AWB or a user error. AF is faster and more accurate (non-macro) than my Sigma 50/1.4 but it hunts a bit on low contrast objects when the light is really poor. My cheap Canon 55-250IS has better AF in low light than any Sigma lens I tried but it is slower, obviously :).

thanks for the informative response.

I will be keeping a close eye on this thread.... although I find it hard to go through "macro" threads as there are way too many "insects" in them for my liking and they creep me out!

I unfortunately had to sell my 135L the other day due to a financial crunch and in 2-3 months will be looking to get another telephoto prime that I can use for multiple things including sports, macro, portraits and be able to pair with a 1.4 TC and yet still have good AF speed and accuracy (is that too much to ask, LOL)... and since this lens is coming out with OS in the near future I am really exited about it.... just not sure how "$$$-exited" the new OS lens is going to be, lol. I wanted a longer tele-photo prime with image stabilization so that new one fits the bill even though its a stop slower then the 135L... but thats fine with me.... I would only end up doing outdoor photography with a lens of this focal length, unless, it was indoor sports.


I am surprised though, for a pretty highly regarded lens (from what i hear), this lens only has a few pages in the archive? why? price?

[Overread]

The sigma 150mm's biggest weakness is generally its AF in my view - its AF is slower, is a nice smooth HSM, but at the end of the day its still a macro lens and its AF is just not as fast or snappy as say a 135mm L.
Of course the new OS edition might change that but we'll have to wait and see how that lens levels out in the great scheme of things.

The other thing to consider is that macro lenses are not as easy to manually focus on further off subjects; they have very little turn in the focus ring to move through a lot of distance once you're away from the macro areas. This means that even a tiny slip of the finger can throw the focusing out.


As for a page numbers I wouldn't worry about it it just represents that many 150mm owners are probably posting in the macro section rather than in here. I mean the MPE only has 272 posts in the archives yet with the number of users of that lens we have on site I'm sure we could get that many posts in an easy week or two in the macro section.

[Q-Man]

Here's a couple from August. I thought I'd already posted these...

1/640 @ f8
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sg1dPrWjaZc/TGxthCLqtqI/AAAAAAAABw0/bDzw_JoN0P4/s912/IMG_9983%20rs.JPG

1/1250 @ f8
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sg1dPrWjaZc/TGxtgg9MyvI/AAAAAAAABws/dRmWC9bsnw4/s720/IMG_9930%20rs.JPG

[ShadowCaver]

First off - some awesome photos in this thread, very nice.
Secondly - are the shots of the insects, etc. mostly via tripod, or hand-held?
Thirdly - how soon is the OS version supposedly coming out?
Reason for the last two questions is that I'm highly considering either the Canon 100 IS macro or this Sigma 150. I'd like to have one lens that is great hand-held, for spur-of-the-moment and hiking treks, so the Canon is very attractive,,, but the extra "reach" and WD of the 150 are quite attractive too. So, if the Bugma comes out with OS, that would be best of both worlds!

[Q-Man]

I can only answer for me, but all of my shot's are hand held. I like the extra reach that the 150 offers.

Q

[maize]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1079/5106843291_1a97239fe5_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/corny7/5106843291/)

1/20" f8 ISO200

[Cassie]

http://thompson-photo.smugmug.com/Other/Misc-Stuff/1038-edit/1060498808_fxJQM-L.jpg

http://thompson-photo.smugmug.com/Other/Misc-Stuff/1047-edit/1060498916_pxuoH-L.jpg

http://thompson-photo.smugmug.com/Other/Misc-Stuff/IMG1050/1060499011_Gm7iv-L.jpg

[Jason C]

Seems I'll be joining this thread, I just bought the "Bugma" and it should arrive at weeks end...quite excited!

Jason C

[Jack McEntire]

Here's a few of my most recent shots taken with this lens:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5060750134_91c48c239a_z.jpg http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5060138327_62ae6849b6_z.jpg


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1210/5098907367_ebc34717ef_z.jpg http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5099506944_55225c9f23_z.jpg

[JelleVerherstraeten]

I love the name of this lens. Bugma :D. Compliments to the inventor!

[elogical]

The sigma 150mm's biggest weakness is generally its AF in my view - its AF is slower, is a nice smooth HSM, but at the end of the day its still a macro lens and its AF is just not as fast or snappy as say a 135mm L.
Of course the new OS edition might change that but we'll have to wait and see how that lens levels out in the great scheme of things....

Just curious how slow slow means here. Are we talking just normal slow like the 18-55 kit lens for example or is it slow enough to become problematic with normal shots? I'm thinking moving subjects but not necessarily action....
I'm really keeping an eye on this lens just in case it drops in case it drops in price once the OS lens comes out. I'd love to try a real macro, but at this stage I can really only justify it if it's gonna be useful for general purpose shots too.

Lots of nice shots in this thread BTW, I'm especially impressed with what some of you can pull-off handheld

[Overread]

Just did a really rough comparison between the 150mm and my 18-55mm kit lens (the one that comes with the 400D) and the 150mm is faster than the kit lens, but its not worlds faster. Generally speaking though it will work for most real world shooting situations provided you use the focus limiter switch for further off subjects (otherwise it might well have to hunt through the whole macro range which will slow it down significantly). For a good example have a look at AlphaWhiskies work here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36823011@N05/collections/72157622456847866/
A fair few of his big cat shots are taken with the sigma 150mm macro so its good proof that it will work in such an environment.

Also be careful waiting for a price drop because it depends on if sigma keep making the lens. If they drop production on the original then as stocks get more limited both the shop and second hand price can often increase quite rapidly.

[elogical]

Thanks for taking the time to check that, very helpful to know! I checked the sigma set he has in the flickr you linked to and that is very reassuring to see. I assumed the lens would be fairly good all around for different uses, but of course, most of the shots you see from it are true macro work.
I recently picked up a 70-200 F/4L, so I have the focal length covered for general purposes, but it would be great to have the extra stop and also to do macro with the same lens.

That's also a good point about the price, I might have to make this my next lens purchase just to be safe... looks like there's a decent possibility that they will just drop this one and I'm sure I won't want to shell out for the OS model anytime soon.

[Mark Brim]

F11, 1/250, iso500

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4967814699_e31d8bcce4_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/markbrim/4967814699/)
Macro (http://www.flickr.com/photos/markbrim/4967814699/) by markbrim (http://www.flickr.com/people/markbrim/), on Flickr

[rjx]

F11, 1/250, iso500

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4967814699_e31d8bcce4_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/markbrim/4967814699/)
Macro (http://www.flickr.com/photos/markbrim/4967814699/) by markbrim (http://www.flickr.com/people/markbrim/), on Flickr
Very sharp! Nice!

[Jason C]

I'm not really into bugs, but I was out and about today with my 150 and 1Ds, and came accross this scene of horror...;)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/5137437513_5a9bc4153f_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/5137412643_79aca5a7fd_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/5137987722_07f87ab8ec_b.jpg

Jason C

[hodown55]

The AF is slower with the Sigma 150mm macro, than most non macro primes, but it still works well with the 7D's AIservo & focus point expansion. This shot was taken using a monopod & a 580 EX flash on high speed synch at 1/1000 sec.

Kev

[ecka]

It does takes very sharp and detailed pictures with nice colors, but the AF is not so usable for me in macro mode. Maybe up to 1:3 magnification it works fine, but at 1:1 or even 1:2 I don't really trust it (or any other macro lens, even L). Manual focus is the way to go, for me at least.
7D, f/11, 1/160s, ISO 400
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_48uqwynaX04/TO-yyl_xSOI/AAAAAAAACVQ/YfuOyMcjK_Y/IMG_1493x.JPG
EXIF inside ;)

[ecka]

P.S. Nice work everybody. Lots of happy hunted insects here :), specially that Jack's alien looking one.

[Jason C]

Not 1:1, but close in on my poor kitty...
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5008/5199405819_4a5e4a75e5_b.jpg


Jason C

[ShadowCaver]

Not 1:1, but close in on my poor kitty...

Jason C

Nice,,, very nice.

[mswobo]

Mine is up for sale but every time I look at this thread I wonder if I'm doing the right thing.

[Overread]

Are you replacing it with another macro lens?

[mswobo]

Are you replacing it with another macro lens?

I am selling most of my gear and retooling to FF....need to fund this project.

Never got macro going like I thought I would have it's an amazing lens.

Probably going to keep my XSI and use the Tamron 60 I have if I decide I am going to get back into it. Plus I have tubes and will probably try those on my 70-200 2.8 IS MKII that i am upgrading to.

Going to a 5D MKII with 70-200, 24-105, 35 L and keep my 85 1.8 and 100 2.0.

[ecka]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_48uqwynaX04/TPqEG4BPxMI/AAAAAAAACWE/o9X6NQdIHRE/IMG_1631x.JPG

[deltroid]

After a while of having this lens I remembered to put some samples here. I never used it for real macro, because I just love it for portraits and other kinds of photography. The IQ on this lens is awesome!

Sorry for the small pics, and for the borders...I'll pulling them straight from my Flickr account, so they're either too big or too small. :rolleyes:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5290/5302068414_2924df20f0_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5202644617_8d1561a787.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5202644109_0564a9d18e.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5202298543_2729bdaf58.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4928034127_bfdac7102a.jpg

[ecka]

My niece :)

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_48uqwynaX04/TTxVmBLjhQI/AAAAAAAACdg/Xms020INs_I/IMG_3490-2x.jpg
EXIF inside

[ImRaptor]

I don't use this lens a lot, but it's still one of my favorites.

http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/023/8/7/nuthatch_2_by_imraptor-d37v8h4.jpg

http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/023/8/3/chickadee_by_imraptor-d37v7ur.jpg

[ecka]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_48uqwynaX04/TUc7k-oh7PI/AAAAAAAACfk/D5lkR5Omrs0/IMG_1239-2x.jpg

[themadman]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_48uqwynaX04/TUc7k-oh7PI/AAAAAAAACfk/D5lkR5Omrs0/IMG_1239-2x.jpg
^
Thats a great shot!

[ImRaptor]

Just a lens I consistently get results I'm happy with.
http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/247/d/d/not_alone_by_imraptor-d2y1dcs.jpg

[ecka]

^
Thats a great shot!

Thanks William :)