Sigma Lente 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM para SLR Digital da Canon

Comments about Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM Lens:

You will find many negative reviews of this lens on photographic websites complaining of blurry focus and front focusing. Because of BH's generous return policy, I decided to take a chance, and I do not regret it. The lens takes excellent, sharp photographs with great bokeh. It is an excellent portrait lens for an APS-C camera.

In my opinion, most of negative reviews are probably the result of the user hand holding the lens at shutter speeds that are too low. The lens does not have OS/IS, therefore, most people will obtain blurry photos from camera shake at less than 1/250 second. I believe the front focusing problem is the result of the camera selecting the wrong autofocus point, particularly in 19point auto AF. Results are much better using zone AF or single point AF. The lens is effectively a 240MM lens at its long range, which means the DOF is narrow at lower apertures. A slight miscalculation of the AF point will produce what appears to be front or back focus. The lens needs to be focused carefully and put on a tripod at shutter speeds less than 1/250 second for good results. If you are careful, you will obtain excellent photos with this lens.

I have taken pictures of my dog retrieving a ball from water in AI Servo and at low or high speed continuous AF. The vast majority of the photos are tack sharp even under these difficult conditions.

Also, buy a multi-coated UV filter for the lens. A cheap filter will definitely undermine the performance of the lens.

Comments about Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM Lens:

I just bought this lens as a companion to my Canon 17MM-55M f2.8 along with a new Canon 7D.

I was somewhat anxious about the lens because there are many negative comments about the lens on various photographic web-sites about blurry pictures and front focusing. I bought it because the Shutterbug and Popphoto reviews and B&H user reviews were generally positive.

At first, the results were disappointing: soft/blurry focus and maybe some front focusing. I then put in on my tripod and took some close focus pictures of flowers in my garden. The pictures were less blurry, but focusing seemed inconsistent. I then switched from auto 19-point focusing to single point focusing, and what a difference. The pictures were tack sharp with nice bokeh in the background.

I also took pictures of my golden retriever swimming to retrieve a tennis ball in a pond in AI Servo Mode. Using the auto 19-point focus, a significant number of pictures were soft. I switched to Zone AF, and the pictures were much more consistently sharp. I also upped the ISO to 400 and took the pictures at at least 1/1000 second.

Therefore, I believe that most of the negative comments on the net regarding this lens are the result of camera shake from taking photos at less than 1/250 second, and for failure to take advantage of the autofocus options on the camera.

That being said, I am not sure that this is the walkaround lens I had hoped for, particularly for taking pictures during the magic hour. You will need a tripod. If one is into sports photography and the lighting conditions are bright, I also believe the lens will perform well. I am not sure it would be a good wedding lens.

Comments about Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM Lens:

I purchased this lens, but felt uncomfortable using non-Canon. It was ok, but the focus seemed very slow. Lens was light, which was a plus. I've since purchased the 70-200 2.8 Canon, and although much heavier and almost twice the price, the Canon is much better.

Comments about Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM Lens:

I use it on a Canon 30D. It is as sharp or sharper than my: 50 1.4 and 24-70 2.8L. I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't test it myself. As quick to focus as the 50, not as quick (nor as quiet) as the L. But when I want the sharpest shots, I go first to my 85 1.8, then my Sigma. I only wish it had IS, and when I upgrade to a 5D Mark ?, I'll have to move to a 70-200 2.8 IS. But for my crop sensor, this is a superb lens.

Comments about Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM Lens:

I needed a lens in this focal length range, but had some very specific requirements on the physical dimensions. This lens fit my requirements perfectly. The f/2.8 aperture makes for a very fast, very versatile lens.

Pictures have been very sharp, autofocus quick - making this a great walk around lens.

The lens maintains a constant size throughout the entire zoom range, unlike other lenses.

The lens feels "hefty" and solidly built.

About the only cons I have for this lens are that the zoom and manual focus rings seem a little awkward in their placement - but that's probably more because of the battery pack on my camera

I'd recommend this lens to anyone looking for a good lens at a reasonable price.

Comments about Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM Lens:

I had my first chance to use this lens this afternoon. I also own a AF-S Nikkor 18-200 which for me is useless in low light situations.
The Sigma 50-150 f 2.8 is a perfect focal length. The focus is much faster than the Nikkor 18-200.
Having a constant f2.8 helps in low light especially in midtown NYC shadows. Although camera technology allows for an increase in ISO in low lighting..I prefer the faster lens.
I am a freelance photojournalist and using this lens allows me to have one less worry when I am shooting in various lighting situations.

So far I haven't experienced any negative features of the lens. The price of the lens is well worth the purchase.
Don't get thrown off by the Sigma name.

Comments about Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM Lens:

I originally purchased the lens back in April ('08) to take pictures at my sons hockey games and the occasional pro game where they have restrictions on lens size. It has become a very versatile lens that is compact and durable and I take it everywhere. It is a natural compliment to Sigma's 18-50mm f/2.8 lens.

However, I started to notice that my pictures were not sharp in the areas that I was focusing on throughout the focal and aperture range. I figured the problem was behind the camera and continued to use it.

After upgrading to the 50D, I continued to notice the focus problem and even though the 50D has a micro-focus adjustment feature, I decided that it is time to send it in for service while it is still under warranty.

I am hopeful that once the service is complete, the issue will be gone and I can really start to enjoy using it.

I'm not giving up yet...

Comments about Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM Lens:

I received this lens on tuesday and used it on friday and saturday at a High School playoff game, R/C Air Show & a local race track. Took over 650 pictures with it and all I can say is, it is well worth the money. I am very impressed with this lens the first time out of the box. Only one time did this lens not focus for me. It is quick and accurate to focus. At this time, I can not say anything negative. This is one awesome piece of glass. Buy it. You will not be disappointed.

Comments about Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM Lens:

Purchased as use for volleyball and basketball indoors. Range is perfect for this. Focus is quick and accurate, focus and zoom rings work smoothly. It meets all my expectations. Very pleased.

Comments about Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM Lens:

I bought one of these to use for portraits/candids. It works great as a 70-200 f/2.8 would on a full frame camera. However, this lens is probably 1/3 the weight. The image quality is superb. It also feels very rugged and well built. My only gripe is that the autofocus was not accurate right out of the box. I had to send it to Sigma TWICE to get it calibrated correctly.

Comments about Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM Lens:

I bought the lens because I liked the 50-150mm range and the fast 2.8 aperture. It's a very versatile piece of glass that is allowed in pro-sports arenas (where 200mm and greater are prohibited.)

I use it in hockey rinks to take photos of my sons and just about anywhere else outside and inside.

Hockey rinks where you have low-light and have to shoot through dirty glass is a challenge in itself, and is not a fair gage of the quality of the lens, but my opinions are based on usage elsewhere.

It feels sturdy and well made. I haven't noticed (or wouldn't know of) any front focus issues that I've been reading about, but then again, I have not done any test shots with it to find that out.

What I do notice is that there are some instances where the lens struggles to focus (zooms in and out continuously) on non-moving objects that are well past the minimum focus distance. I'm still working on this to see if it is an issue with the operator and NOT the equipment. Otherwise, when it is able to lock in a focal point, it is nice and sharp!

So for now, I think 3 stars are in order based on the versatile focal range, build quality, and the f/2.8 allows great bokeh for portraits and low light situations.

I'll be back after more time with the glass.