Super compact and lightweight lens with large aperture and life-size macro capability
This large aperture telephoto macro lens enables you to shoot up to 1:1 life size close-ups. Its large f/2.8 aperture makes it an ideal lens for digital SLR as well as film SLR cameras. Two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements control various colour aberrations and assure high image quality. Super Multi Coating gives superb colour performance whilst cutting down flare and ghost.
The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) provides ultra quiet high-speed autofocusing as well as full-time manual focus override.
Specification:
Lens Construction: 16 Elements in 12 Groups
Angle of View: 16.4 degrees
Number of Diaphragm Blades: 9 Blades
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Minimum Focusing Distance: 38cm
Maximum Magnification: 1:1
Filter Size: 72mm
Dimensions: Diameter 79.6mm x Length 137mm
Weight: 895g
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Author
Fourwings Commander of the Wild Empire
Registered: September 2005 Location: Leicestershire Posts: 3606
Review Date: Fri 4, August, 2006
Would you recommend it? Yes |
Total Spent: £439.00| Rating: 10
Strengths:
Extremely well built, fast silent focus, superb image quality
Weaknesses:
Cost, heavy for hand-held shooting, tripod/monopod needed.
This is a superb macro lens.
The build quality and finish are both excellent.
Focusing is practially silent thanks to Sigma's hyper-sonic motor (HSM), it has no problems locking onto most subjects instantly although it will tend to search a little when trying to achieve focus lock on low contrast subjects. This can easily be overcome by making the final focus adjustment manually.
Manual focusing with this lens is very easy, the focus ring is large with a very smooth and precise action.
It also has a three stage focus limiter switch which can be useful in certain circumstances although most users of this lens tend to leave it set to full range.
This lens takes excellent pin-sharp images right across the range from f.2.8 upto f.22 although it does have a definate "sweet spot" between f.8 and f.13. It will require support from either a tripod or monopod, its weight and size make it extremely difficult to use handheld for macro work.
It is also a very useful 150mm telephoto lens, excellent for action shots such as in-flight birds etc...
The lens comes complete with a tripod mount which can be easily detached if desired, a lens hood and a good quality carrying case with strap.
If you are looking to invest in a macro lens then this has to be a serious consideration, it is an absolute joy to use and produces excellent quality pin-sharp images time after time. It may not be cheap, but then top quality photographic gear never is.
------------------------------ Steve..
Oy Commander of the Wild Empire
Registered: January 2006 Location: NW England Posts: 1981
Review Date: Sun 8, October, 2006
Would you recommend it? Yes |
Total Spent: £430.00| Rating: 10
Strengths:
Build quality, optical performance and very usefull working distance for macro.
Weaknesses:
Non found so far.
I've owned this lens for a while now and can certainly echo the sentiments above. It really is superb! I've had good results as both a macro lens and a fast 150mm prime. It works VERY well with Sigma's x1.4 EX DG Teleconverter with no noticable loss in optical quality or focus speed - giving a 210mm F4. I was less happy with the performance with the x2 EX DG TC - contrast suffred and I lost autofocus.
All in all it's the best macro lens I've used - and I've used a few!
------------------------------ Oy
'Owning a camera makes you a photographer in the same way that owning a guitar makes you a musician.'
