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Sigma 50mm F2 8 EX DG Macro Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£110Lens mount:Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Pentax K, Sigma SAMaximum focal length:50 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):2.8Optical image stabilization:noMaximum angle of view:46.8 °

Sigma 50mm F2 8 EX DG Macro Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

5.5

Overall score

Score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

80%

4.9

Technical score

20%

7.8

User score

â–¼Worse than 93% of camera-lenses
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

35%

5.2

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.2

Build & Handling

20%

3.4

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

â–¼Worse than 92% of camera-lenses
7.8

User score

User score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

8.2

Number of reviews

Based on 451 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 80% of camera-lenses
  • sigma-50mm-f2-8-ex-dg-macro
  • sigma-50mm-f2-8-ex-dg-macro
  • sigma-50mm-f2-8-ex-dg-macro
  • sigma-50mm-f2-8-ex-dg-macro
sigma-50mm-f2-8-ex-dg-macro
sigma-50mm-f2-8-ex-dg-macro
sigma-50mm-f2-8-ex-dg-macro
sigma-50mm-f2-8-ex-dg-macro

Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera lens Sigma 50mm F2 8 EX DG Macro

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components:

35%

5.2

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.2

Build & Handling

20%

3.4

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

4.9
User score
User score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

8.2

Number of reviews

Based on 451 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.8
Popularity
Popularity
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 64% of models
Popularity:
Sigma 50mm F2 8 EX DG Macro has a popularity score of 8.2 points, which is higher than 63.8% of camera lenses.
8.2
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components:

60%

5.5

Overall score

40%

9.9

Price

6.8
Lens type
macro
Lens mount
Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Pentax K, Sigma SA
Sensor format coverage
Full-frame
Filter thread size
55 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
no
Teleconverter compatibility
no
â–¼ Worse than 15% of models
This camera lens does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
50 mm
Maximum focal length
50 mm
Optical zoom
N/A
Maximum angle of view
46.8 °
Minimum angle of view
46.8 °
Show more
Focus motor
screw-drive, DC motor
Minimum focus distance
0.189 m
Minimum focus distance
0.189 m
â–² Better than 87% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.189 m, which is closer than 86.5% of camera lenses and equal to 2.3% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
1xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
1x
★ Better than 95% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 1x, which is higher than 94.6% of camera lenses and equal to 4.5% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
no
Full-time manual focus
no
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
no
Internal focusing
no
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
This camera lens does not support internal focusing. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
Optical image stabilization
no
â–¼ Worse than 29% of models
This camera lens does not support optical image stabilization. 29.1% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
N/A
Weight
335 g
Weight
335 g
â–² Better than 71% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 335 g, which is lighter than 70.5% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.4% of camera lenses.
Lens length
66.5 mm
Lens length
66.5 mm
â–² Better than 77% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 66.5 mm long, which is shorter than 76.7% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
71.4 mm
Lens diameter
71.4 mm
â–² Better than 68% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 71.4 mm, which is slimmer than 68.1% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This camera lens does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
â–² Better than 6% of models
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
?
Show more

Sigma 50mm F2 8 EX DG Macro vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Focus limiter switch
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This camera lens has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • 0.81 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    1 x
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (1 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    1 x vs 0.192 x
  • 175 g lighter
    Weight
    335 g
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (335 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    335 g vs 510 g
  • 25.75 mm shorter lens
    Lens length
    66.5 mm
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (66.5 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    66.5 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 0.11 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.189 m
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.189 m vs 0.3 m
  • 5.6 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    71.4 mm
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (71.4 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    71.4 mm vs 77 mm
  • 4.82x cheaper
    Sigma 50mm F2 8 EX DG Macro is cheaper than the average camera lens (£110 vs £530).
    £110 vs £530
  • 4.82x cheaper
    Sigma 50mm F2 8 EX DG Macro is cheaper than the average camera lens (£110 vs £530).
    £110 vs £530
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Focus limiter switch
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This camera lens has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • 0.81 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    1 x
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (1 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    1 x vs 0.192 x
  • 0.11 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.189 m
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.189 m vs 0.3 m
  • 175 g lighter
    Weight
    335 g
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (335 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    335 g vs 510 g
  • 25.75 mm shorter lens
    Lens length
    66.5 mm
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (66.5 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    66.5 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 5.6 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    71.4 mm
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (71.4 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    71.4 mm vs 77 mm
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    7
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    7 vs 9
  • No full-time manual focus
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • No rounded blades
    Rounded aperture blades
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This camera lens does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 87.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
    7 blades.
  • No internal focusing
    Internal focusing
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    This camera lens does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    0 vs 2
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2004
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    2004 vs 2016
  • 7.4% lower user score
    User score
    7.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
    When it matters
    When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sigma 50mm F2 8 EX DG Macro
    the average camera lens
    Sigma 50mm F2 8 EX DG Macro has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.78 vs 8.360).
    7.78 vs 8.36
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    7
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    7 vs 9
  • No rounded blades
    Rounded aperture blades
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This camera lens does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 87.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
    7 blades.
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    0 vs 2
  • No full-time manual focus
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • No internal focusing
    Internal focusing
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    This camera lens does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2004
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    2004 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

I
imaging-resource.com
31/10/2005
Summary of the review
Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro - Imaging Resource
E
ephotozine.com
09/01/2006
Summary of the review
Sigma 50mm f/2.8 DG Macro EX Interchangeable Lens Review
E
ephotozine.com
18/04/2011
Summary of the review
Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Lens Review - ePHOTOzine
O
ourshutterjourney.com
19/04/2013
Summary of the review
Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro – A Performer
F
frogtographysg.com
27/02/2026
Summary of the review
Sigma 50mm f/2.8 DG Macro Review – The Sharpest Bargain Would you like to see technical specifications or sample images from any of these specific tes...
D
digitalkamera.de
18/10/2011
Summary of the review
Bildqualitätstest der Sigma SD1 mit 17-50mm 2.8 und 50mm Makro
(Translated)Show original
P
photozone.de
01/10/2005
Summary of the review
Sigma AF 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro - Review / Test Report
(Translated)Show original
R
radojuva.com
16/01/2014
Summary of the review
Sigma 50mm f/2.8D EX Macro Lens Review
(Translated)Show original
T
tapatalk.com
29/12/2011
Summary of the review
Sigma AF 50mm f/2.8 EX DG MACRO review
(Translated)Show original
R
rcefoto.com
N/A
Summary of the review
Used Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro - RCE Foto Datasheet
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 451 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Sigma 50mm F2 8 EX DG Macro

  • High sharpness and resolution across the entire frame, especially when stopped down to f/5.6
  • Excellent true 1:1 macro reproduction ratio for life-sized magnification
  • Compact and lightweight build, making it highly portable and well-balanced on most bodies
  • Smooth and creamy bokeh quality, particularly for a macro-specific lens
  • Includes a focus limiter switch to reduce hunting during general-purpose use
  • Very affordable price point, often cited as a high-value 'bargain' lens

What we don't like about Sigma 50mm F2 8 EX DG Macro

  • Slow and sometimes noisy autofocus (AF) performance compared to modern ultrasonic motors
  • Extending front barrel design can be physically intrusive when shooting at 1:1 magnification
  • Short working distance at maximum magnification, which may shade the subject or disturb live insects
  • Older 'EX' crinkle finish/rubber coating can become tacky or peel over time
  • Screw-in lens hood is less convenient to attach and detach than bayonet-style hoods
  • No internal image stabilization, necessitating a tripod for sharp close-up shots

Verdict

The Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro is a high-performance prime lens designed for full-frame DSLRs, featuring a 10-element, 9-group optical construction and a 7-blade diaphragm for smooth background blur. It offers a true 1:1 magnification ratio with a minimum focusing distance of 18.8 cm (7.4 inches), utilizing a floating internal focusing system to maintain edge-to-edge sharpness throughout its range. Main pros include its exceptional image clarity, compact and lightweight 320g build, and a focus limiter switch that enhances autofocus speed for non-macro use. However, its main cons are a noisy micro-motor autofocus system, a lack of image stabilisation, and a short working distance at maximum magnification that can make lighting or approaching live subjects difficult.

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