Sigma 150mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM Macro

keenan · 29 Oct 2016

Hi everyone,

I am looking to get a macro lens and I have been pretty set on the focal length because I loved my Tamron 90mm on the crop sensor a few years back. Also, I think my current favorite lens is probably the old 'Pentacon 135mm f/2.8'.

Anyway, I have a few questions for anyone that might have some more detail on these..

* Firstly, what would be an acceptable price to pay for a good used copy?

* How does the focus speed compare between this older version and the new OS one? Is it a lot slower?

* Another question being, how versatile would it be as a general use lens while using the limiter? I know the 135mm f/2 would be a lot better in this regard, but I am trying to get one lens that could be used for macro and a bit of a walk-around option.

* Lastly, how prone are these macro's to suffer the same focus inconsistencies that Sigma are so reputable for?

Cagey75 · 29 Oct 2016

I have this lens, trying to offload it atm as I've sold my Nikon gear. It's a great lens, very sharp, brilliant for macro work obviously, but also a very good portrait lens and a useful mid tele. It is a heavy b****r though, but tidy.

Mine has some issues which is why I'm having trouble shifting. The OS doesn't seem to work as it should, it's a bit 'rattly' and though I can see and hear it kick in when switched on, I don't feel any real benefit from it. So i use it as a non OS lens, have done for a while. OS is useless I find for macro anyway.

StewartR · 29 Oct 2016

keenan said:
I have been pretty set on the focal length because I loved my Tamron 90mm on the crop sensor a few years back.

Ah, so you're thinking 90mm on a crop sensor is (roughly) equivalent to 150mm on full frame? It doesn't work like that for macro.

keenan · 30 Oct 2016

StewartR said:
Ah, so you're thinking 90mm on a crop sensor is (roughly) equivalent to 150mm on full frame? It doesn't work like that for macro.

Ah, but it does for general use..

Cagey75 · 30 Oct 2016

The advantage for macro work is you can get 1:1 fill frame images, without having to almost touch the subject! It gives you a lot more breathing space. And yes, it'll be in around the same as a 90 on DX

keenan · 30 Oct 2016

Cagey75 said:
The advantage for macro work is you can get 1:1 fill frame images, without having to almost touch the subject! It gives you a lot more breathing space. And yes, it'll be in around the same as a 90 on DX

What would be an acceptable used price for a good condition non OS version?

Cagey75 · 30 Oct 2016

keenan said:
What would be an acceptable used price for a good condition non OS version?

The non OS older version? about £250-300 I imagine, the OS one used, about £500. It's not just OS that improved on the newer version, but overall build and image quality.

Peevs me off so much about the OS issue, this is an actual shot of my one:

Cosmetically it's mint, but that OS rattle puts people off buying it even at a reduced price. The case and hoods [one for DX one for FX you get with it] have never even been used. The lens looks like new, but soon as I mention the OS issue people run lol. It's still a fantastic lens as a non OS. I'll end up getting an adapter and using it with the Fuji - which could be very interesting. It'll feel like a 225mm macro after using it on FX for so long

keenan · 31 Oct 2016

Well I got the non OS one from MPB for £260 which seems a good price taking into account the added peace of mind regarding the warranty..