Review: Sigma 50-1502.8 APO EX DC OS

I picked this lens up on Friday from B&H and ni the short time having it, I have received at least 6 PMs/emails regarding my thoughts. Rather than cnotinuing to handle each one individually, I thought I might do my attempt at a lens review. It is not likely that this will meet everyone's standards, but hopefully for those considering the lens, it will help.

Having moved away from FF based on the amount of bifd and wildlife photography I do, cupled with being slightly FL-challenged, one of the lenses I hated to give up the most was my 70-200 II. It was magically perfect on FF. As I have never liked it on a crop body, the Sigma 50-150 was really my only choice for maintaining a similar range on crop. Despite the lacks of reviews or even samples, I decided to be a guinea pig and try it.

So let's begin:

Weight - Well, it's not light but it's not heavy. Feels a little lighter than my 70-200II did but still balances well on the camera. It does feel smaller in my hand circumference-wise than my 70-200, but I'm not really sure why. I wouldn't complain having to carry it all day.

AF - No front or back focusing here. Dead on at all focal points. AF is snappy, very slightly slower than the Canon, but pretty quick none the less. Slightly louder than the Canon, not as bad as a Tamron.

OS - Sigma's OS system in awesome. As good as the Canon's in my opinion. You do hear it engage, then silent. Mine makes a slight click when it starts. Little sample below.

150 2.8 1/25

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Issues - The only issue I have come across thus far is focusing on small objects within a busy background - it has trouble locking and maintaining. This could be me expecting too much from the lens, being inside of the MFD or could be the lens. Jury is still out on this one.

So, there you go. I am pleased with my decision and purchase and I think the lens is a stellar performer (my copy anyway). Price-wise, it is a little higher than I would like, but given the lens fits a niche and nobody else offers anything similar, you're kinda stuck. Based on my testing, I wouldn't hesitate.

If I missed something or if there are other samples you'd like to see let me know. I'm home sick today and might be able to get something for you.

Thanks Huntersdad! I'll be buying one this week after your solid approval. It is a shame this lens has been out two and a half months and there aren't really any of the usual reviews available.

why'd you switch from the 70-200 II to this one?

Thanks for the review!

mike cabilangan wrote in post #14695810
why'd you switch from the 70-200 II to this one?

Mike, I have never enjoyed the 70-200 range on a crop camera - always seemed too long and not wide enough. However, I loved the range on a FF camera and used it extensively for pics of my daughter as well as family and portrait work that I do. When I sold my 5D2, I knew I had to find something in that range to use. Obviously, Tokina has the hard-to-find 50-135, but focusing on that lens is a little slower than I like and it lacks a stabilization system. The only option, short of going to primes, was the Sigma. Decided that the Sigma was worth the try. I am pleased thus far with my decision.

huntersdad wrote in post #14696299
Mike, I have never enjoyed the 70-200 range on a crop camera - always seemed too long and not wide enough. However, I loved the range on a FF camera and used it extensively for pics of my daughter as well as family and portrait work that I do. When I sold my 5D2, I knew I had to find something in that range to use. Obviously, Tokina has the hard-to-find 50-135, but focusing on that lens is a little slower than I like and it lacks a stabilization system. The only option, short of going to primes, was the Sigma. Decided that the Sigma was worth the try. I am pleased thus far with my decision.

thanks for the info! i really wish they made this DG. i was sure i'd also enjoy the range on FF.

Congratulations

mike cabilangan wrote in post #14698522
thanks for the info! i really wish they made this DG. i was sure i'd also enjoy the range on FF.

They do - 70-200.

huntersdad wrote in post #14698877
They do - 70-200.

no i meant 50-150 DG

i would have liked a one lens solution. 70 isn't wide enough for me.
and being able to use it on both DG and DC systems would have been a bonus (even for sigma who'd sell a lot more units)

mike cabilangan wrote in post #14698951
no i meant 50-150 DG

i would have liked a one lens solution. 70 isn't wide enough for me.
and being able to use it on both DG and DC systems would have been a bonus (even for sigma who'd sell a lot more units)

There is a 38-168 out there. Well kind of.

FEChariot wrote in post #14699033
There is a 38-168 out there. Well kind of.

24-105?

on FF it's still 24-105. (already buying a tamron 24-70 VC)
it's also still f/4. (already have an f/4)

closest thing would be the tamron 24-70 2.8 VC. but then it's too short. and the 70-200 2.8 II IS, which is twice more expensive, white and is not 50mm or wider.

Thanks for the review. Any chance you could show a picture of the lens mounted on camera for size reference?

I've been considering this as an upgrade for my Tokina 50-135mm, mainly for the AF and OS.

tkbslc wrote in post #14705168
Thanks for the review. Any chance you could show a picture of the lens mounted on camera for size reference?

I've been considering this as an upgrade for my Tokina 50-135mm, mainly for the AF and OS.

I'll try to get you one at lunch today. I do believe, if memory serves me right, it is longer and wider than your 50-135 and likely weighs about the same. Hoods for both lenses are ridiculously big and long.

I just pulled the trigger on this lens yesterday. Should be here on Monday. Your little review makes me feel more confident in my purchase...I was stuck deciding between the sigma 50-150 and the sigma 70-200.