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08-19-2012, 09:14 AM - 5 Likes   #1
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Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC APO HSM Lens Samples Thread

Somebody in another thread suggested that we start a lens sample thread for the Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8, and I couldn't agree more. Much like its big brother Sigma 100-300mm f4, this is an incredible lens that was tragically discontinued well before its time. It was relatively unknown when it was available, and does not seem to have been manufactured in large numbers. This makes it very hard to find on the used market, and those who own a copy tend to hold onto it. And just like the 100-300mm f4, the value of the 50-150mm seems to have increased since it was discontinued, with used copies fetching higher prices than when they were new.

The Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 was the only direct competitor to the Pentax 50-135mm f/2.8. These lenses are designed to cover an APS-C sensor, and are meant to be approximately equivalent to using a 70-200mm lens on a full-frame/35mm camera. Both lenses are nearly the same size and weight. Which is to say, they are both much smaller and lighter than the 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses they are designed to emulate.


While the Pentax is a very nice lens and is weather sealed, the Sigma 50-150mm has several advantages. Many people who have had a chance to compare the two lenses have concluded that the Sigma is the sharper lens. The Sigma also has more reach. And what's more, the Sigma is arguably sharper at 150mm wide-open than the Pentax is at 135mm.

But the biggest advantage may lie in the autofocus motor. Both lenses have a silent autofocus motor and allow full-time manual focusing, but the Sigma's HSM is much faster than the SDM in the 50-135mm, making the Sigma a much better choice for keeping up with action. Sigma's HSM also seems to be very reliable in the long term, with very few reports of motor failure. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the SDM in the 50-135mm. Based on the number of first-hand accounts and informal poling on this site, failure rates for the 50-135mm are shockingly high.

Before getting to the samples, I'll post a few images with the lens mounted on my Pentax K-x. The K-x has since been replaced by a white K-30, so I may eventually get around to adding some pictures of the lens on my K-30.



Last edited by Edgar_in_Indy; 03-04-2013 at 05:45 PM.
08-19-2012, 02:02 PM - 1 Like   #2
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This is indeed a fine lens, I got mine at a knockdown price when it was discontinued, although a few weeks later it was even cheaper! Great portrait lens, superfast focussing, no real vices, not even much PF. Here are some samples on a K20 and a K5


A fine A Four | Flickr - Photo Sharing!



Portrait with Pony | Flickr - Photo Sharing!



A cold and frosty morning.... | Flickr - Photo Sharing!





Gatcombe 2011 (1) | Flickr - Photo Sharing!


Sunset Cow Parsley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!


Windfalls | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
08-19-2012, 02:41 PM   #3
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Wow, gorgeous shots. You obviously have a great eye for lighting. And I love it that you're not afraid to link to the original full-size images on Flickr. I'm amazed at how many photography bloggers don't link to the full size images when they're reviewing lenses. I looked at a few of your pics at 100%, and you certainly have nothing to hide. It looks like you got a sharp one!
08-20-2012, 07:14 AM   #4
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This is an amazing thread that really showcases a stellar lens; thank you for the beautiful pictures!

08-20-2012, 12:42 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by Edgar_in_Indy Quote
Wow, gorgeous shots. You obviously have a great eye for lighting. And I love it that you're not afraid to link to the original full-size images on Flickr. I'm amazed at how many photography bloggers don't link to the full size images when they're reviewing lenses. I looked at a few of your pics at 100%, and you certainly have nothing to hide. It looks like you got a sharp one!
Thanks, a lot of people seem to think Sigma lenses are a bit dodgy, but the 50-150 is my absolute favourite lens, along with the DA70!
09-04-2012, 07:46 AM - 2 Likes   #6
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Nothing spectacular here, but I feel obligated to contribute to this thread as Edgar was so nice in getting it started.

This was my first weekend working with my new lens - just simply a couple snap shots on a walk around my property. I am so happy to be an owner of this fine lens!

Images are clickable for full size.

Last edited by photolady95; 04-17-2016 at 01:20 AM.
09-04-2012, 06:22 PM   #7
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Nice images, thanks for sharing! Those cows sure were staring you down.

10-19-2012, 10:49 AM   #8
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Thanks for this guys; I'm very fond of the sigma 17-50mm f/2.8; Being requested for photographing a classical concert, I was looking for a portable, silent, fast and as affordable as possible telephoto lens and this seems a great choice! I'm quite happy I could still get one
10-19-2012, 08:37 PM   #9
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Welcome to the forum! So where did you manage to find a copy?
10-24-2012, 07:16 AM   #10
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Thanks!

I got it at a Dutch internet shop (I'm from Holland). Initially a shop called they couldn't deliver it anymore but fortunately another still had them. It's a neat lens, even more silent than the 17-50 f/2.8 hsm



150mm 1/20s f/2.8 iso400 (i'm not an apple employee )


oddly the lens model description says 70-200mm macro (at the bottom)


Cheers,

GB
10-24-2012, 07:58 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by greenbaron Quote
oddly the lens model description says 70-200mm macro (at the bottom)
Unfortunately, Sigma used the same lens ID code for the 50-150 and the 70-200 (and apparently the 150-500mm, the 4.5mm fisheye, and the 50-200mm as well !!).

So, depending on the software you use to display the EXIF data you'll get a different name for the lens. Some may allow you to choose which you want (eg. Image::ExifTool by Phil Harvey).
10-27-2012, 01:59 PM   #12
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Does anyone have the new 50-150 with OS? Might be worth a look.
10-27-2012, 04:09 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by wtlwdwgn Quote
Does anyone have the new 50-150 with OS? Might be worth a look.
I don't think it's being offered in Pentax mount. But with it being so much larger and heavier, I wouldn't be interested in it even if they did manage to improve the optics.
02-22-2013, 02:12 AM - 1 Like   #14
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Bit annoyed I cut off the feet but there you go.


03-28-2013, 08:54 PM   #15
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I figured I may as well post this picture here, since I had already uploaded it for another thread. This picture is from a recent birthday party my 5-yoa daughter went to for a classmate. The picture was shot at f/2.8, and the birthday boy was lit by light coming in from windows to his right. Click on the picture to view the full-size image.

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