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lightrules | profile | all galleries >> Lens Tests by LightRules >> Sigma 50-150 f2.8 EX DC HSM Test tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Sigma 50-150 f2.8 EX DC HSM Test

Dec 20 2006: Tested here is the newly released Sigma 50-150 f2.8 EX DC HSM versus Canon's 70-200 IS siblings. My comments are at each test page.

Sigma 50-150 B&H pricing $680
Canon 70-200 f4IS B&H pricing $1060
Canon 70-200 f2.8IS B&H pricing $1700

Overall Assessment: The Sigma is a strong performer overall, although its border performance and close focusing accuracy should be better. Its CA control is at a very high level, and its flare resistance is similarly impressive. The Canon L's are generally sharper and more contrasty at most subject distances, but only pixel-peeping is going to reveal the true nature of this difference. The Sigma is built very well, the focus and zoom rings well-dampened and very grippy and large. Ergonomically, it's the best of the three lenses here, as it balances the best (albeit it is the only one APS-C designed). While I highly recommend this lens, make sure to check out your copy's close focusing accuracy. Others have reported similar misfocusing as I have here, so if you happen to have the same issue, be sure to send it in for calibration. Otherwise, at roughly $650 USD, it's a very good optic. The f2.8 speed makes it highly attractive for this zoom range, and its diminutive size only adds to its overall appeal.
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70-200 f4 IS Weight
70-200 f4 IS Weight
50-150 f2.8 Weight
50-150 f2.8 Weight
70mm Test
70mm Test
150mm Test
150mm Test
210mm Test [Kenko Pro 1.4xTC]
210mm Test [Kenko Pro 1.4xTC]