Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8

[Barney]

Has anyone got any experience of either the Mark I or the Mark II version? I simply can't stretch to a Nikkor 70-200 2.8 at the moment so I'm considering this instead as I could in theory use it as a cheap light weight walkabout alternative to the Nikkor when I can afford one.

TIA

[Hotblack]

I've got the Mark I. Excellent lens. Compact but solid so balances nicely. Crisp. I use it a lot. Also excellent when coupled with the Sigma 1.4xTC for just that extra bit of reach. It can show some vignetting in certain circumstances ie really murky conditions with little contrast but I find it adds to the atmosphere. It's easily corrected later as well. It's a minor criticism and not something to be concerned about.

[Barney]

Thanks David. Have you encountered any problems with pre-focusing at all? I've heard talk that wide open at f/28 it can suffer from this.

[Hotblack]

What do you mean by pre-focusing Barney?

If you mean focussing in front of the subject then I haven't noticed anything but I don't use f2.8 that often and prefer to stop down slightly.

[Barney]

Yes, that's what I've heard. I think if I can find a cheap 2nd hand MArk I I'll got for it. I'd be looking to hire a 70-200 for Edinburgh anyway so this might be more cost effective.

[Barney]

Right well I got it, and to prove that I won't have 3.7 billion OOF snaps here are some sample shots taken on Sunday.

One at 62mm



And 100% crop



One at 112mm



and 100% crop



I'll be using the lens primarily for portraits and haven't really tested the AF but I'm more than happy with the results so far especially considering the price.