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Sigma AF 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM (Nikon mount) - Review / Test Report |
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Lens Reviews -
Nikon / Nikkor (APS-C)
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Page 1 of 3
Review by Klaus Schroiff, published May 2007
Lens kindly provided for testing purposes by Markus Wegerhoff!
Introduction
The Sigma AF 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM is one of two large aperture tele zoom
dedicated to APS-C DSLRs (the other one is the Tokina AF 50-135mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX).
Its field-of-view is equivalent to 75-225mm on full format cameras.
As such these lenses are basically a revival of the classic 70-200mm f/2.8 zooms (on full
format cameras). Due to the reduced image circle the Sigma has a comparatively
lesser need for large diameter glass elements so it is a comparatively compact and
light weight lens.
The build quality of the lens is excellent thanks to high quality materials
assembled with very tight tolerances. The broad, rubberized zoom and focus
rings operate both very smooth and even slightly damped - a rare characteristic
these days. Unlike the Tokina counterpart Sigma decided NOT to implement a
tripod mount. This is a bit of a borderline approach - most users will probably
use the lens hand held anyway but those who would like to mount it on a tripod
or monopod will probably object the mediocre balance here. The length of the lens
remains constant regardless of the zoom and focus setting and the front element
does not rotate.
The Sigma has an internal HSM ("Hypersonic Motor") AF drive which operates both
fast and silent. The AF was a little unsure at times but when paying a bit of attention
the AF accuracy of the tested sample was fine. However, it is also worth to mention
that the tested sample has been re-calibrated by Sigma once before.
| Specifications |
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| Equiv. focal length | 75-225 mm (full format equivalent) |
| Equiv. aperture | f/4.2 (full format equivalent, in terms of depth-of-field) |
| Optical construction | 18 elements in 14 groups inc. 4 SLD elements |
| Number of aperture blades | 9 |
| min. focus distance | 1.0 m (max. magnification 1:5.3) |
| Dimensions | 76 x 135 mm |
| Weight | 770 g |
| Filter size | 67 mm (non-rotating) |
| Hood | barrel-shaped, snap-on type (supplied) |
| Other features | - |
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