Sigma 50-150mm f2.8 ... Any comments??

markgriff

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Does anyone have any experience using the Sigma 50-150mm f2.8 lens? It's seems a useful option being just over 700g and half the weight of the 70-200mm 2.8's!

I have read comments elsewhere about front focusing problems but I've also read many excellent reviews on this lens, so was interested in any users experiences and comments?

Also, to assist with lens choice, which would give a better depth of field for background blur....150mm at f2.8 or 200mm at f4? :shrug:

Thanks,
 
I thought about this lens recently - seems like a nice range with f/2.8 and a good partner to the 17-55 2.8 IS. In the end I went for the 70-200L 4 IS for a lots of different reasons that all added up to a simple choice, but mainly I'm not mad for low f/numbers, it's got IS and more reach.

On the depth of field thing, it depends how you mix and match the variables of focal length, distance and f/number. Check out www.dofmaster.com input your numbers and see what comes out. But if you frame a portrait the same with a 150 2.8 and then by moving back a bit with 200 4, the f/2.8 lens will have less depth of field.

The other thing to consider is that in the above example, while you have framed the main subject the same, by moving back with the longer lens you will have a narrower field of view and therefore less background in the 200mm image. This tends to make the subject stand out more, even though DoF will be the same at equal apertures. TBH I think this effect, in terms of subject isolation, is at least as important as depth of field.
 
Thanks Hoppy,

Yes I am having a similar dilemma, I had decided to go for the non IS version of the Canon 70-200mm f4 lens but then saw this Sigma with the focal range of 50-150mm possibly being a good complement to my Sigma 18-50mm f.2.8 lens.

I didn't want the Sigma or Canon 70-200 2.8's as they were too heavy an addition to my kit bag. I just wanted a mid range telephoto for travel purposes with a low f number to double up as a nice portrait lens.

Both the size and weight of this Sigma appealed but the mix reviews haven't helped my decision making??

Maybe i'll just save up for the IS version you went for....... :thinking:
 
Boldonian said:
I have this lens and love it. Small , compact and light. 50mm at the wide end means you can ( at a push ) use it as a walkabout. Totally recomended.
Click to expand...

How do you find it for sharpness at the long end when at f2.8?
 
love my copy, seems sharp all through.

supposedly as sharp as sigma 70-200. which compares well against the canon f2.8s
 
funny how i was thinking the same thing

(even started a new thread this morning without checking!)

I like the focal range especially on a cropped body as I was looking at the 70-200 F4's.
I dont think they are that popular? never see any in the used department and ones I've seen are brand new on ebay - just wondering if they are a popular lens that would be a good purchase for the future (when I do go full frame)
 
i wouldnt say they are unpopular, i think one of the main problems it suffers from, is the 70-200 sigma is about the same price(or was when i was looking) and it is crop only.

there is a few of them about, i know Yv has one at least. The reason there might not be many about is either people overlook them and go for the 70-200, or they are such a nice lens noone lets them go.

f2.8 for smaller than an f4 has got to be worth it in my eyes though, especially with the concerns of a few on the weight of the 70-200 equivalents
 
I've read a good few reviews on this lens now and it seems that you have been lucky if you've had no problems with it, as there are a high number of comments about softness at f2.8/4 and focusing issues. Pity really, as I liked the size, weight and range of it but don't want to run the risk of ending up with one of the duff ones!

As a result I've had a mad on-line moment with the plastic this morning and gone for the Canon f4 IS lens (£110 cheaper than Warehouse Express at the moment through Amazon!)
 
I've also read comments about its softness.

Another lens that has cropped up is the Tokina AF50-135mm f/2.8?

I'm just wondering if anyone has had first hand experience with one of these? I understand this again is for crop sensor only but it's worth looking into.

any opinions?
 
ilooked at it, but the slightly shorter range and supposedly noisier to focus.

As to the softness of the sigmas, if you purchase from a uk dealer and the lens is soft, send it to sigma and get it recalibrated with little problem.
 
I have it, look at my flickr to see examples.

Theres nothing bad about the lens at all. Love it!
 
Love this lens, makes me smile everytime i see the results, mine is tack sharp from 2.8 all the way through, would deffo recommend it
 
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