First glance at the Sigma 150 OS Macro lens

OK, first outdoor IQ test, 200 foot distance. New version has a very clear edge here at all apertures. Macro (or so) test - 2 foot distance - I see no real difference 'tween the 2 lenses. More testing is in order. I am using a tripod and remote switch, OS off, focus via LiveView and 10X. I did notice at all distances the 10x image with the new lens is like using an old microprism screen - it really pops into and out of focus.

Hmm does that pop with focusing also extend to when using the viewfinder normally? It would be an unexpected (and great) bonus if it really has a stronger pop to the sharpness when focusing, esp at longer ranges

Agree with GASROCKS

Garock POSTED: "Plastic hoods are best - they break away upon impact and usualy save the lens and camera." AND I TOTALLY AGREE...

I frequently use a round plastic, screw-in hood for my 70-200mm f/4L IS lens. One day, with the camera/lens on a strap around my neck; I fell to the sidewalk. The lens hit the concrete, hood first, propelled my 220 pounds of sheer muscle (OH WELL, maybe a TINY bit of fat too!)

The lens hood totally shattered but the lens was not damaged. I attribute this to the energy of the fall being asorbed in the shattering of the hood. Just like the carbon fiber bodies of NASCAR vehicles fly apart upon impact and absorb the kenetic energy of the crash.

That was the best six dollar accessory I ever bought. It saved a lens worth over a thousand bucks...

RPCrowe - Yes indeed. Students have dropped mine a total of 3 times and no damage other than to the hood, which was easily fixed. Have a hood on at all times!!

Overread - Perhaps it is just me and my bias (I knew I'd keep the new lens when I ordered it) But, yes, the image seems to pop into focus better with the new lens while looking through the viewfinder (in MF) at any distance.

Congrats on the new lens. Now post some photos, please!! You are keeping all of us in suspense...

Julius

Actually got out to do some macro pix around noon time despite the mosquitoes. Yes, the image does pop into and out of focus and does yield (at least for me) a higher keeper rate - all macro being MF, of course. Used only one hood - looks like that will be standard. I still say the OS is only good for about 2 stops and I find it hard to tell it is engaged or not. Sharp lens. Nice working distances. I'm not sure I tell someone to get the OS version or not at this point. If you were using it for "normal" distances the OS and increased sharpness there might make it a deal, but at the macro level, I am not sure just yet.

gasrocks wrote in post #12698092
Actually got out to do some macro pix around noon time despite the mosquitoes. Yes, the image does pop into and out of focus and does yield (at least for me) a higher keeper rate - all macro being MF, of course. Used only one hood - looks like that will be standard. I still say the OS is only good for about 2 stops and I find it hard to tell it is engaged or not. Sharp lens. Nice working distances. I'm not sure I tell someone to get the OS version or not at this point. If you were using it for "normal" distances the OS and increased sharpness there might make it a deal, but at the macro level, I am not sure just yet.

Thanks for the thoughts . I'm leaning towards keeping my non-OS 150mm and waiting to see how the new 105mm OS works out.

fiveohmike wrote in post #12693203
Post some pics, this may be my next purchase!

JuliusUpNorth wrote in post #12694792
Congrats on the new lens. Now post some photos, please!! You are keeping all of us in suspense...

Julius

i wouldn't hold your breath...i don't think pics are coming...at least not from gasrocks...i don't think he posts pics...

Correct, I have no way to post pix and don't usualy post any. i have been known to email people pix when that is valid. Not a fan of small, resized images for determing sharpness. Bokeh, perhaps.

If someone wants to volunteer to post results, I will be glad to email them 100% crops.

Tried out my Vivitar 2x TC this morning at far and near distances. Sharp. Even wide open. I need to study some 100% crops more, new vs old version. FF they all look great.

Hows it perform at the regular focusing distances and is the AF any different in the new vs the old? I'm not surprised to hear that the optical differences are, in general, minimal - however if its AF is a little better, then along with the 2/4 stop OS and the "pop" of the manual focusing would be good features for enhancing its performance at regular shooting and not just macro.

Just placed my order via Amazon. I also have the now discontinued 150 so I'll try to give a fair comparative. Will also probably be looking to sell the non-os 150 shortly.

Unregistered.Coward wrote in post #12730484
Just placed my order via Amazon. I also have the now discontinued 150 so I'll try to give a fair comparative. Will also probably be looking to sell the non-os 150 shortly.

thanks. that would be great. while you are at it, can you do some comparative shots taken at infinity as well? at f2.8 and f4 respectively for each lens to be more specific. I'm not really concerned much about the performance for macro use but for telephoto. also, can you evaluate the OS usefulness and how many stop advantage for handheld shots?