Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd

50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM II

	Which Digital Camera - May 2008 ‘Compared to other fast aperture telezooms, this is a relatively compact and lightweight offering that uses both inner focusing and zooming, so the overall size of the lens never changes in use’ ‘The front element doesn’t rotate, but focusing is fast and quiet thanks to the incorporation of a HSM (hypersonic motor). Overall handling is impressive, with a large zoom ring and well positioned manual focus ring’ ‘The solid specification is backed up by an impressive optical performance. At the shorter end of the focal range, results are impressive with little difference between centre and edge definitions’

50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM

	Ephotozine - October 2006 ‘Although there is no direct comparison available, this lens approximately covers the same angles of view that a 70-210mm lens would have done on 35mm film.’ ‘With a compact size and weight alleviating the need for a tripod collar and the third generation of Sigma’s HSM focusing motor making the AF very quick, the lens is fast in every sense and easy to handle. Smooth operating control rings add to the feel of a nice lens that should find it’s way into a good number of kit bags!

	Which Digital Camera - November 2006 ‘There are two large ring controls, making it very easy to operate - the forward ring is for manual focus and the rear is for the zoom. There is relatively little movement in the lens to get from 50 to 150mm, but there is enough friction to prevent you simply whizzing straight from one end to the other. Optical performance revealed a crisp sharp lens with little chromatic aberration. Its range and aperture lend themselves well to this subject. And because it is so light, it is also a pleasure to use.’

	Digital Photo - December 2006 ‘This focal length is ideal for sports and wildlife work and with focusing down to 1m, can be great for environmental or candid portraits. In terms of image quality it holds up very well, equaling that of the70-200mm f/2.8. It produces pin-sharp results wide open and holds up well all the way through to f/22. The build is much smaller and consequently lighter than the 70-200mm f/2.8, making it much easer to carry around.’ ‘All in, this is a great lens and, if you’ve switched from film to digital and are missing the true 70-200mm focal length, then you need look no further as the gap has been filled!’

	Digital Photographer - Issue 51 Colour control is neutral, in that it does not cause any casts, and contrast is good to excellent. This area of Sigma’s production has improved dramatically with the introduction of its digital coating and this lens is reaping the benefit. The use of special low dispersion (SLD) glass elements, which is a lot of high quality glass, means that incidents of flare and ghosting are well controlled and no evidence of these problems were able to be produced in normal shooting.’

	British Journal of Photography - 27th December 2006 ‘One one came to mind as soon as I picked up the lens: quality. It was as pure and simple as that. It feels like a top pro lens in every sense, from its weight, balance and feel in operation.’ ‘Focusing was smooth and very quick, good for many types of subject. The manual focus was very impressive too, with a traditional ‘feel good’ quality that left me pretty confident.' 'The lens is great for press and general people shots, fast to focus for action, but equally at home for more controlled work.’

	Master Photo Digital - April 2007 ‘It was certainly a joy to use this lens. In fact I even felt ‘inspired’ by it. Its weight is more manageable to travel with and its relatively compact dimensions means it does not demand excessive amounts of room in the kit bag.’ ‘Pair this lens with a fast standard zoom lens designed for APS-C format and the pair should form a high quality, yet light weight kit that you would be happy to take anywhere.’

	Professional Photographer - March 2007 ‘The new Sigma 50-150mm lens is specifically designed for DSLRs with APS-C size sensors. And there is no denying that this is a quality product.’ ‘Autofocus is swift and quiet enough as the lens has a Hyper Sonic Motor system.’ ‘Overall, there’s little evidence of vignetting, ghosting or colour abnormalities. Even in tricky lighting conditions, it delivers good results.’

	Practical Photography - April 2007 ‘Sigma has labeled it EX (Excellent) as a badge of how it rates the lens’ quality, and it doesn’t disappoint. The results are extremely sharp throughout the aperture settings…’ ‘The reasons to invest in this lens are considerable given that there are very few f/2.8 telephotos on the market under £800, let alone £515.’ ‘A fast telephoto lens with a reasonable price. It’s one to add to your shortlist.’

	Photography Monthly - September 2007 ‘Optically the lens performs at least as well as its bigger cousin giving crisp, sharp results with no evidence of aberrations. Flare and ghosting are also well controlled and the amount of distortion is not visible to the naked eye.’ ‘As a lighter weight alternative to the traditional pro-spec lenses, this optic scores well and the results it produces are first class. There is also a good saving to be made in you don’t need a longer focal length.’

	Digital SLR User - September 2007 ‘The lens feels tight and well engineered; no sags or rattles here. Both the zoom and focus rings are satisfyingly wide and the overall feel oozes quality, which carries through to the attractive finish. Direct Sunlight was the first test for the lens, and what initially struck me was the speed of the auto focus and its silent operation.’ ‘Sigma has come a long way in a fairly short space of time and both the build quality, professional finish and results that are possible with this lens, together with its versatility, make it an extremely attractive option for photographers working in a number of different sectors.’