While searching for a new portrait lens I saw Sigma's APO MACRO 150mm f/2.8 on their website. But wait, you say, this is a macro lens, not a portrait lens! Here's my thinking: Any portrait photographer out there worth his light meter will gladly extol the virtues of a long, fast lens for...

This listing on ciao doesn't have a model number for focal length so I am going to review the Sigma APO 150mm f/2.8 Macro lens Before I purchase products I do extensive research on them; I read magazines and scour the internet looking for absolutely every bit of information I can before I buy.

Crips, sharp, contrast full images; silent focusing; f/2.8 apature

no image stabiliser

Originally published March 2005. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: Sigma's first from-the-ground-up digitally optimized macro lens (i.e., not retrofitted for digital application) throws a full-frame image circle. Result?

This is a wonderful macro lens with a nice working distance, and also is a terrific mid range telephoto lens. Very sharp and creates some amazing bokeh. You won't be sorry if you buy this lens.

Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Rugged; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

Heavy

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.