So you're seriously thinking about this lens ... what else might be useful to know? Here are some ideas for extending the effectiveness of this remarkable lens and getting the best out of macro lenses in general (part 1 here ) With the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG IF HSM on a D300 body and Nikon R1C1...

Had this lens on my 40D in past, it focuses slow, but macro is mostly manualy focussing. I tested it for portraits also, very sharp. Working distance is better than 100mm if you want to take pictures of butterfly's or other shy insects.

Very sharp; f2.8; exellent distance for shy insects; also for portraits; built like a tank

Slow AF

The Sigma AF 150mm f/2.8 EX HSM DG APO macro OS is certainly among the very best macro lenses that we've tested here at photozone. It delivered great results in our full format test already and it is not worse in the APS-C format despite the comparatively higher pixel density of our base DSLR.

The Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX IF HSM Macro lens costs around £560 and has a bright maximum aperture of f/2.8, internal focus design, silent Hyper Sonic focus motor, with full-time manual override and allows for 1:1 magnification at its closest focus distance.

Good resolution; Low levels of chromatic aberrations; Fast AF; Great build quality; Internal focus design; Price

Loss of contrast when shooting into the light

The Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Macro Lens delivers excellent image quality in a relatively long focal length (for a macro lens) at a very reasonable price . The image quality a lens is capable of presenting to the camera's sensor is typically the biggest concern I have with a lens.

A 150mm macro lens may seem an unusual focal length, but actually it addresses several macro issues. For instance, a 50mm macro is perfect for static subjects where working distance between camera and subject isn't a problem.

A telephoto Macro lens with a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture that will allow frame-filling shots without having to get too close.

Good resolution; Low levels of chromatic aberrations; Fast AF; Great build quality; Internal focus design; Price

Loss of contrast when shooting into the light

Sigma APO MACRO 150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM is one of five dedicated macro lenses that the company currently offers in its lineup. The lens is available in Canon, Nikon, Sigma and Four Thirds mounts.

This is the perfect focal length for timid subjects like insects, allowing a practical working distance that minimises the risk of frightening them away. Despite its focal length and fast maximum aperture, the lens has quite a compact design.

I wanted to get into macro and not only flowers or stationary objects, but small "jumpy" insects. While many reviews stated this lens will give you some extra working room, I did not realize how much until I tried it.

Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Great bokeh; Rugged; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction; Tripod collar

Heavy