Sigma EX 50-150mm F2.8 II DC APO HSM Review

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2008.
The lens belongs to the category telephoto zoom lenses, a telephoto lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Sigma

At launch 2008 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma EX 50-150mm F2.8 II DC APO HSM:

"This Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC HSM is a large-aperture telephoto zoom lens for digital camera use only and is designed especially for portrait photography. Comparable to a 70 to 200mm on a large chip camera, this high quality, professional workhorse is unique as its compact, lightweight body provides freedom of movement and versatility and the large maximum aperture of F2.8 and its shallow depth of field offer greater freedom of creative expression. Most importantly, it incorporates the critical technologies that make it an outstanding optical performer which includes four SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements employed for effective compensation of color aberration and Super Multi-Layer lens coating which reduces flare and ghosting and assures high image quality throughout the entire zoom range. The Internal Focusing System allows for convenient use of a polarizing filter for creative effects & improves the optical performance of the lens at various distances

For use with smaller chip APS-c cameras only

HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus

Minimum focusing distance of 39.4 inches & with a maximum magnifications ratio of about 1 to 5

Compact design is only 5 inches long & weighs approximately 28 ounces

Compatible with Sigma APO Tele Converters

A lens hood, front & rear lens caps and carrying case are included with the lens. "


Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.

This lens is designed and meant for Canon and Nikon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 50-150 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 80-240 mm if you have a Canon camera or 75-225 mm if you have a Niko camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8.

This aperture value indicates that the lens is very bright.  This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues. Lenses with good aperture values and longer focal lengths, such as this lens, tend to be popular amongs sports and nature photographers.

A feature worth commenting, which is also related to lens brightness, is that the brightness and maximum aperture-value remains constant regardless of focal length used. This makes it easier for you as a photographer. No matter if you are have the focus ring and focal length at 50 mm or at 150 mm the aperture value can be f/2,8.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 67 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "LH732-01 690".

Images of Sigma EX 50-150mm F2.8 II DC APO HSM

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The lens brightness, f/2,8
  • Constant maximum aperture value regardless of focal length
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Sigma EX 50-150mm F2.8 II DC APO HSM.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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