Sigma 150mm F2 8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro Review | 54 Data compared

The Sigma 150 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM Macro review by LensTip highlights this lens as a highly competitive option for macro enthusiasts, offering a longer focal length than standard 100mm choices. This focal length provides a much larger working distance to achieve a 1:1 reproduction ratio, making it easier to capture skittish microfauna without disturbing their natural environment. The review highly praises its solid casing build quality, highly efficient optical image stabilization (OS), and a generous accessory kit that includes lens hoods, a case, and a tripod collar. Optically, the lens delivers stellar performance, featuring excellent resolution across the entire frame (even on full-frame edges), near-zero distortion, and exceptional correction for chromatic aberration, coma, and astigmatism. Despite its high praise, the review notes a few notable drawbacks. While the image sharpness is very good in the center, it stops short of breaking records because Sigma prioritized uniformity and excellent resolution on the extreme frame edges instead. Additionally, the autofocus speed is quite slow; when using the full focusing range, the ultrasonic HSM motor can take up to...

The Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro is a highly-rated, professional tele-macro lens optimized for full-frame and APS-C sensors, earning a perfect 5 out of 5-star rating. Designed with nature photographers in mind, its long 150mm focal length allows users to achieve a true 1:1 life-size magnification from a comfortable distance, preventing shadows or scaring away live subjects. Key advantages of this updated version include the addition of a 4-stop optical stabilisation system, premium glass coatings to reduce flare, a wide and smooth manual focus ring, and a fast, near-silent Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) autofocus system. Image quality is excellent, delivering stunning fine detail and a very pleasant bokeh, with sharpness peaking beautifully between f/8 and f/16. However, the lens does come with several distinct disadvantages. It is notably heavy, weighing over 1.1kg—an increase from its predecessor—making handheld shooting difficult without utilising the optical stabilisation or removing the tripod mount collar. Price is another barrier, as the initial launch price of £999.99 represents a steep increase over the original version. From a performance standpoint, the autofocus system is...

The Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro lens is lauded for exceptional, sharp, full-frame image quality from center to corners even at f/2.8, providing a 1:1 reproduction ratio and a useful 150mm focal length for macro photography. Key pros include effective Optical Stabilization for handheld shooting and robust build quality, including a solid tripod collar. Conversely, the lens exhibits significant vignetting, with over one stop of corner light fall-off on full-frame cameras even when stopped down. The HSM autofocus is only moderately fast, tending to hunt in low light, and the manual focus ring exhibits slight play when changing direction.

The Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro lens is a unique telephoto macro lens designed for high-detail close-up photography from a distance, making it ideal for capturing easily disturbed subjects, product photography, and portraits. Built with a sturdy plastic body that keeps the overall weight down, the lens delivers exceptional sharpness across all apertures, even when shooting wide open at f/2.8. It features a smooth, accurate focus ring and quiet focusing via Sigma’s hypersonic motor (HSM). Additionally, it includes useful optical stabilization (OS) with two modes and comes packed with generous accessories, including a tripod collar, a carry strap, a protective case, and a specialized lens hood extender intended for crop-sensor cameras. However, the lens suffers from notable performance drawbacks, particularly regarding its autofocus speed and accuracy, which tends to hunt and miss more frequently than expected for a premium lens costing $1,099. The optical stabilization mechanism is also flawed by a distracting "jump" or shifting sensation in the viewfinder upon engagement. Furthermore, its portrait-range bokeh is described as mediocre, jittery, and unable to achieve the ultra-soft...

The Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro test review by Robert O'Toole on Close-up Photography evaluates the full-frame G-type Nikon F-mount lens at a 1X magnification ratio, comparing its performance directly against the Voigtlander SL I 125mm f/2.5 APO-Lanthar and the Scanner Nikkor ED lens. Tested on a Nikon D810 using a silicon wafer target, the reviewer praises the lens for its exceptional edge-to-edge image quality and highly clean performance across the entire frame. A key highlight is its superior apochromatic (APO) correction, as it noticeably outperforms the legendary Voigtlander in the corners by minimizing green and purple lateral chromatic aberrations to just trace amounts of corrected red and blue light. The primary pros noted in the review include top-tier APO chromatic aberration correction, stellar corner sharpness (peaking at f/4), its compact size, a highly accessible price point on the new and used markets, and the inclusion of a functional tripod ring. On the negative side, the reviewer outlines minor center-sharpness trade-offs, noting that the Voigtlander retains a very slight edge in sharpness directly in the center...

The Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro is a redesigned macro lens that introduces optical stabilization (OS) and a revamped optical layout with nine rounded diaphragm blades to improve bokeh. A major strength of this lens is its exceptional macro capabilities, offering a full 1:1 reproduction ratio alongside highly effective optical stabilization that provides 3 to 4 stops of performance. Optically, the lens delivers distortion-free images, excellent resistance to chromatic aberration across all apertures, and very minimal corner shading on sub-frame bodies. Furthermore, its Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) autofocus is near-silent and allows for seamless manual override, while the wide, ribbed rubber focusing ring ensures a smooth manual focusing experience. However, the lens does come with some notable drawbacks, primarily regarding its weight and wide-open sharpness. Due to the addition of the stabilization mechanism and complex glass elements, the lens is heavy at 1,180 grams (41.6 oz), making a tripod necessary for serious, extended macro sessions. In terms of optical performance, it is not at its sharpest when used wide open at f/2.8; the center is slightly...

The Shutterbug review highlights the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro as a high-performing, versatile lens for full-frame DSLRs, praising its brilliant sharpness, effective Optical Stabilization (OS), and fast, quiet autofocus. It is well-suited for macro, portrait, and wildlife photography, featuring a robust build and a useful f/2.8 aperture for low-light scenarios. However, the lens is noted for its high list price and significant weight. A major drawback identified for a lens in this category is the lack of weather sealing.

The Photo Review assessment of the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro lens praises its robust, professional construction and effective built-in Optical Stabilizer (OS) for handheld shooting. It provides true 1:1 life-size magnification with an internal focusing design that maintains a consistent working distance. Conversely, the evaluation highlights the lack of weather sealing, which limits its utility in harsh outdoor environments. The lens is also described as heavy, and autofocus can be sluggish at close distances, requiring careful use of the focus limiter switch.