Super compact and lightweight, large aperture telephoto lens with life-size macro capability.
This large aperture telephoto macro lens enables you to shoot up to 1:1 life size close-ups. Its large F2.8 aperture makes it an ideal lens for digital SLR as well as film SLR cameras.
Two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements control various color aberrations and assure high image quality. Super Multi Coating gives superb color performance whilst cutting down flare and ghost. Its compact, yet advanced, construction has an overall length of Length 137mm, maximum diameter of 79.6mm, filter size of ɔ72mm and weight of 895grams.
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F2.8 large aperture tele-macro lens
Tele Macro lenses have a greater Working distance. It is possible to enjoy Macro photography, even when you are far from subject. This enables you to capture the small animals and insects without disturbing them. Very narrow depth-of-field allows selective focusing and less distracting backgrounds. Large aperture of F2.8 is ideal for sports, action and indoor photography.
It is equipped with two pieces of Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements
Two SLD glass elements control various color aberrations and assure high and sharp image quality.
Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) with full time manual focus override
The HSM models provide ultra quiet high-speed autofocusing as well as full-time manual focus override.
Floating Focusing System produces excellent optical performance
A floating focusing system moves two different lens groups in the optical system to different positions. This system compensates for astigmatic Aberration and Spherical aberration. Since focusing does not change its overall length, this lens is easy to hold and use.
Super Multi Layer Coating
“Super Multi Layer Coating” of this lens gives superb color performance whilst cutting down flare and ghost caused by reflections from the digital image sensor.
APO Tele-Converter EX (optional)
It is also possible to use this lens with Sigma 1.4x EX and 2x EX APO Tele-Converter. When this lens is used with the 1.4x EX or 2x EX Apo Tele Converters (optional), it becomes a 210mm F4 AF tele-macro lens or a 300mm F5.6 MF tele-macro lens respectively.
The lens is finished in the sigma's smart, hard-wearing EX mat finish. Also included is a quick release tripod collar and deep bayonet-fit lens hood. Focusing is internal so the lens does not change size and you can focus closer. This is a definite boon. Auto focus smooth and almost silent, thanks to Sigma's Hypersonic motor technology. A three-position focus limiter avoids the lens hunting though its full range. In terms of image quality, the more you stop this lens down the better. Wide open, the centre image quality is ok with out being exceptional and the edges are worse. But closing the lens down to f8 and f11 see's a worth while and significant improvement in quality. This lens's optimum aperture in probably f11. Chromatic abrasion and distortion have been well corrected for this lens. Contrast and colour balance are also good and resistance to flare is also okay. This lens will work sigma's 1.4x and 2.0x converters to give you a 210mm f4 with the 1.4x and 300mm f5.6 with the 2.0x MF tele-macro lens respectively. I tried it with the 1.4x converter ad the quality dropped surprisingly little, especially at the optimum settings.
Verdict
This is solidly made lens that performs well and it’s a
great focal length if you want a comfortable working distance from the subject.
Not cheap, but worth it.
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: I have borrowed a friends Where did you buy this item?: N/A When did you buy this item?: N/A
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: Undecided Pros: Quiet AF, tripod collar Cons: wide aperture performance
User Lens Reviews
Average user rating from: 29 user(s)
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.4
Build Quality
4.5
AF Speed
4.6
Value for Money
4.5
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Exactly What I Wanted, Saturday, 04 September 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I won't waste time reiterating all the positive reviews of this lens. I was looking for a lens to do macro photography, something to dial in on the small things, be they animate, inanimate, it doesn't matter. This lens lets me do exactly that. No image stabilization and the auto focus will hunt but if you're shooting macro you're using a tripod and, at least with my Canons, using LiveView to dial in the focus.
The lens tripod mounting arrangement is great, being able to quickly rotate the whole camera is a definite plus when framing small subjects.
Build quality is excellent. The included case and hood are a nice touch, something lacking with Canon's offerings.
Incredible and versatile lens, Monday, 07 June 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
I purchased the Sigma 150mm Macro lens after reading some stellar reviews on various websites (check out the MTF chart on [..]). After testing the lens myself for a couple of days, I will have to agree with the current consensus; this lens is incredible.
For use as a general long-telephoto prime, you couldn't ask for more. Lens is sharp and clear from corner to corner. Autofocus is fast and accurate. Colors with this lens seem natural. I am shooting with a 12.3 MP camera (Nikon D5000#, and detail in the images is preserved until the point at which individual pixels are evident. This would be the perfect lens for those shooting with higher Resolution sensors #15-24MP#, as the lens can certainly take advantage of the higher pixel count.
Macro function on this lens is likewise incredible. You get a comfortable working distance with this lens #about 10" for minimum focus), so definately a good lens for bug hunting. Autofocus is a little iffy up close, but as others have said; You'll want to use manual focus for macro shots. This is especially true for this lens due to its extremely shallow Depth of field (not a defect, just an unavoidable physical property of a long macro lens-- Telephoto= shallow DOF, Macro = Shallow DOF, Telephoto+Macro= really shallow DOF), even at smaller apertures. You will probably want to stop the camera down to about f/11 to f/22 for most macro shots in order to get most things in focus. For this reason, a tripod is pretty essential. A macro lens with a shorter focal length (such as the similarly well-reviewed Sigma 70mm macro- my next purchase)will have larger depth, but you sacrifice the longer working distance. Nothing's perfect.
Fortunately, this is one of the few lenses that retains critical sharpness at smaller apertures, and works equally well wide open at f/2.8. Anyone who's taken the time to research this knows that it is a RARE lens that performs well across all available apertures. Even some of the best lenses out there rated at f/2.8 need to be stopped down to about 5.6 before focus is sharp and even across the field (the Sigma 150mm Macro is sharpest at f/8, but still outperforms most lenses at all apertures). With the Sigma 150mm Macro, f/2.8 is still unbelievably sharp, so you can shoot wide open without concern for loss of image quality. (*** note: the lens no longer has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 during close focus, but due to the depth-of-field issue I mentioned above, you really don't want it. This is a common characteristic of most macro lenses)
Also of note: There is practically no distortion at all with this lens. The image remains flat throughout all apertures. As mentioned on Sigma's website, this lens is ideal for reproduction of documents or artwork. Chromatic aberration is minimal as well.
There's no such thing as a perfect lens, but this one comes pretty close. Recommended without reservation or qualification.
At first I was somewhat disappointed for I did not receive the exact lens. The lens I received did not have the MF/AF switch. This can be changed through the dslr, this works for me. It has allowed me to take some terrific macro pictures. I have posted a few pictures to illustrate.
I struggled with the decision to purchase a quality macro lens and tended to favour Nikon glass but not Nikon price. I felt forced to spend a considerable amount of time on the net researching a number of alternate choices when I happened upon the Sigma 150mm. The only critique I could find was that the black paint coating around the lens itself tended to wear off after extensive use. Price between the Sigma and Nikon lenses further narrowed my decision making to the point I made the plunge through Amazon.
I have had it for one month and can state that I have absolutely no regrets. During a number of photoshoots with fellow members of a local camera club I know of two additional purchasers based on the performance of my Sigma. The quality of image is outstanding and I would guess equals anything that comparable Nikon glass might produce. In fairness, field tests have not been conducted to verify that statement. However, the emphasis is placed on user satisfaction giving the product top marks. In fact, I have now acquired a Sigma 2X telextender to compliment the 150mm and am now enjoying it even further. Anyone contemplating a similar purchase of either product will not be disappointed.
5-star customer service to go along with 5-star op, Friday, 16 April 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
I ordered this lens through Amazon, having evaluated their customer reviews, plus several reviews from other online sources. After making a wide variety of shots with this lens on my D200 I was very pleased, particularly since my results were consistent with what most of the customer reviews had noted. I felt no inclination to write a 5-star review that really added nothing new to what's already been said.
One thing, specific to my situation, did come up, however, and I wanted clarification from Sigma. Sigma's website had both telephone and email alternatives for contacting them. I chose email since the question I had wasn't keeping me from getting the results I wanted and since it appeared pretty straight-forward. They got right back to me with a very comprehensive and understandable response. The reply included the responder's direct phone number (here in the U.S.).
I feel this is extraordinary, especially in this age of arms-length, often outsourced, customer relations. Now, I'm sure the information I sought was available here in Sigma's U.S. operation since it didn't involve new equipment or any such thing that would require someone contacting Sigma-Japan for the answer. One reviewer, whose situation was apparently more complex than mine, did not experience the high level of satisfaction that I did. Hopefully, some reasonable resolution was achieved.
But clearly in my case, the timeliness of the response, the quality of it and the expressed willingness to assist further if needed have impressed me to no end.
Fantastic macro performance with great working dis, Friday, 16 October 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
What a fantastic lens.
The shots are in crisp detail. Internal IF makes it a very easy lens to play with. It has a nice weight to it but not too heavy. Superb working distance. And best of all, very bright f2.8!
For the price it was worth every penny. There might be better macro lenses, but this is the best one for Fourthirds shooters. You won't find a better macro carry lens than this one.
If you like taking nature or macro shots, this is a must-have lens in your photographic arsenal.
This is my first Sigma lens but third overall Macro lens. I want to have a longer shooting range from nervous critters, but yet, can't justify spending $1,800 on the Nikkor 200mm f4 macro. I use this to take macro shots as well as portrait shot.
The pros are
1.) Excellence build quality - wolid feel in my hands. 2.) The image quality if fantastic, very sharp, and wonderful smooth DOF when open it all the way up, and unbelievaly beautiful colour. 3.) At f2.8, it is fast even in a low light condition. 4.) Good for both portrait and macro. 5.) Affordable value for money lens
For me, the two cons are: -
1.) Heavy 2.) No VR
Due to the two cons above, the image can become blurry easily, at a lower speed. I "solve" the problem by using a monopod to support the weight and to reduce the up-down movements which caused the blurness.
I'm glad that I made the decision to buy this lens. It is one of my favourites along side the Nikkor 35mm f1.8.
Great macro and portrait lens, Thursday, 17 September 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Used it on 5D. Macro lens AF is slow and deliberate, hence the precision in extreme close range. So AF speed shouldn't be a negative for a dedicated macro lens such as this one.
Pro:
1. Solid build quality. I wouldn't say it's L quality. But good in its own way. (questionable longevity though: my 2 year old Sigma EX 24-70/2.8 is squeaking loudly on MF, I don't even remember using MF on that lens). 2. Great tripod collar design! The turn and pull lock/unlock is so much better than those by Canon or Tamron - quick, straightforward, and secure. 3. IQ is not disappointing at all, on par with my excellent Tamron 90 macro and perhaps a Bit less than the fantastic Tamron 180 macro. It's already sharp wide open. Stop down it's even better than excellent! I would say the IQ of this lens is definitely L quality if not even better! (comparing to the excellent Canon 200/2.8L II) 4. Very effective AF range limiter: macro range, tele range, full range. 5. AF is quite accurate, much to my relief! Of course, serious macro shots will need the MF, but for everything else AF is very handy!
Neutral:
- MF is not as smooth as I expected. My Sigma 10-20 EX got extremely smooth MF, so are the Tamron macros and the Tokina 11-16. MF on this lens feel forced and tight. - Not cheap at all (got new for $599, most of the places sell it for $700+)
Con:
- Nit picking here: the lens feels not so well balanced on 5D. Strangely enough, my Canon 100-400 push/pull feels more balanced than this lens. I am definitely gonna use mono-pod at least for any serious shooting.
Bottom line:
A great long macro + tele portrait lens, very versatile, top IQ. No fast action shots here, sorry. But for everything else, this is one of the few best you can find!
Spent a lot of time looking before I bought the Si, Wednesday, 02 September 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
And I am very happy with it. Wanted to get into Macro but didn't want to spring for the Nikor. This one got excellent reviews. One reviewer who was not a big Sigma fan said this is the only Sigma he considers to be the equal of Nikon. Have been snapping bugs in the yard and getting some very nice shots. Impressed with the build, feels solid, mostly/all metal. I also added the Sigma 1.4 teleconverter to get even closer shots. Very nice combo.
IMO people who are complaining about depth-of-field and focusing don't really understand macro lenses.
I had this lens just for a couple of weeks. But it already amazed me. It's incredibly sharp at F2.8 and it's totally usable.
Focus is fast on my D700, and my friend tried on his D200 Body, the focus is much slower. This one can be used to shoot sports as well. Closeup shots are fantastic!! I just love it.
I have a Nikon D300 & D80 and this lens is fantastic on both cameras. It is one of my favorite lenses for weddings - during the ceremony for close-up & low lights and at the reception to capture great candids without being in anyone's face Also, the macro feature is great for capturing intricate details like lace, rings, etc. I highly recommend this lens, to boot, you can't beat the price!
As good as the Nikon 60mm Micro, Thursday, 23 April 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I compared images I took of a tip of a needle and I could not see a difference between them. I haven't gotten the fine detail tuned in yet but that is a learning curve for me. I just started out playing around with macro photography and think this a fine addition to my arsenal of fine lenses to give me a little more working room than my 60mm Nikon Micro. This Sigma also takes wonderful portraits for head shots if you are on a tripod or are shooting at higher shutter speeds since there is no image stabilization (VR). The build quality seem to be bomb proof - all metal and very heavy. Overall, I'm very pleased with this sample of the Sigma 150mm Macro and look forward to having it on my camera often.
I've only had this lens a brief time. I had envisioned using it to reach out a bit with a tripod and do a little macro (again with the tripod). I recently assisted a friend who is a wedding photographer and I brought the 150mm because I had it. I ended up using it a lot and most of my best shots were taken with it. At the reception it was fantastic. I could get shots from far enough away to not be intrusive and still get nice, crisp fotos even hand held in less than perfect lighting conditions. (The wedding was dimly lit and the reception was not much better.) On the tripod it was everything that I had hoped for and more. I am very happy with this purchase.
This is a great Macro lens. I got it just a few days ago and have already taken hundreds of photo's with it. The depth of field that the minimum focusing distance is extremely shallow, which can create some intresting photo's, but can also be a slight bit annoying at times. Sigma's website (sigmaphoto.com) says the minimum focusing distance for this lens is 15 inches, i have found that i can focus on something as close as 8 inches, and at 150mm, thats big time magnification. I would highly recomend this lens to anyone who is intrested in macro. It's a whole new world of photography, and lots of fun.
I can't say enough good things about this lens! The build, feel, sharpness are all top notch. The velvety EX finish screams quality even on the lens hood. I tell you my Nikon 18-200mm feels like cheap chinese knockout next to this one. I also compared it to Nikon 105mm VR and see no difference in performance, i.e. speed, bokeh, etc. If you are ready to fork out extra $200 for VR, then go for it. Otherwise buy this one -- you won't regret (btw, top choice digital has an excellent price on it). Despite what other people say, the focus on this puppy is very quiet and fast, fast, fast...unless you are focusing on low contrast subjects in a cave of course. The lens is good not only for macro, but is excellent for close up portrait and tele work. Great job Sigma!
