The Sigma APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM lens, well-known for it’s macro capabilities, is often ignored by portrait photographers. Rather than calling it a ‘macro’ lens, this lens is better classified as a telephoto macro lens or a tele-macro lens.

A recent write-up in Shutterbug extols the virtues of this lens for outdoors portrait photography: “The reasons are simple'limited angle of view to get rid of distracting backgrounds; wide aperture to throw said backgrounds way out of focus; pleasing perspective; and the telephoto compression effect caused by substantial distance from the subject. It's a combination that's hard to beat. And, when combined with all the other variables that make up a good image (lighting, posing, exposure, brightness range, etc.) the resulting images can be quite impressive.”

Main Features

• Minimum Aperture: F22
• Lens Construction: 16 Elements in 12 Groups
• Focusing System: Internal Focusing (Hyper-Sonic Motor)
• Angle of View: 16.4 degrees
• Number of Diaphragm Blades: 9
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 15 in (38cm)
• Maximum Magnification: 1:1
• Filter Size (diameter): 72mm
• Lens Hood: Petal-shape bayonet-type hood
• Diameter: 3.1in (79.6mm)
• Length: 5.4 in (137mm)
• Weight: 31.6 oz. (895g)

Tele-Converters

It is also possible to use this lens with the Sigma 1.4x EX and 2x EX APO Tele-Converters. The tele-converters convert the lens to a 210mm F4 AF tele-macro lens or a 300mm F5.6 MF tele-macro lens, respectively.

Sale Price

The Sigma APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM lens is currently on sale at Amazon and other retailers for 30% off the list price. See the links below.

Sigma has announced a new version of their popular 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC Zoom Lens. The new version is equipped with Sigma’s own unique technology OS (Optical Stabilizer) technology. The OS function uses two sensors inside the lens to detect vertical and horizontal movement of the camera and works by moving an optical image stabilizing lens group, to effectively compensate for camera shake. It also automatically detects movement of the camera and compensates for camera shake when shooting moving subjects – essential for sports photography.

Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass and three aspherical lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range.

The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 17.7 inches at all focal lengths, and has maximum magnification of 1:3.9, making it ideal for close-up photography. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using circular polarizing filters. A petal-type lens hood is supplied.

Features

• Unique OS (Optical Stabilizer) technology
• SLD glass and three aspherical lenses
• Super multi-layer coating
• Aperture: 7 blades
• Minimum focusing distance of 45cm/17.7 in.
• Maximum magnification of 1:3.9
• Dimensions: 3.1 in. × 3.9 in.
• Weight: 610g / 21.7 oz.
• Mounts: Sigma AF, Canon AF, Nikon AF-D

Price and Availability

The new Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS Zoom Lens will have an estimated MSRP of $865 and be available in the April/May timeframe.

The Sigma SD14 DSLR camera became available on March 6th, five months after it’s debut at Photokina 2006. The SD14 is powered by the 14MP Foveon X3® direct-image-sensor. The camera features four JPEG recording modes, a large and bright pentaprism viewfinder with 98% coverage, a built-in flash with a Guide Number of 11, 5-point AF system, a large 2.5" 150,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor as well as a new user friendly design. The durable shutter mechanism has over 100,000-cycle life and is ideal for the demands of digital photography.

Main Features

1.) Choice of RAW or JPEG files. With a total effective 14.06MP pixel count, the SD14 lets you capture 12- bit RAW files of approximately 13.3MB and Super High/Fine JPEGs of 7.5MB. Sigma's exclusive Photo Pro 3.0 software will even let you delicately tweak the colors and textural tones of RAW image data using a single intuitive color wheel control.

2.) Dust Protector. A standard feature of all Sigma SD cameras, it prevents external dust and debris from adhering to the image sensor. In the SD 14 it can be installed and removed for easy cleaning with a single action. Removing the dust protector also enhances the SD14's performance when it's used for infrared photography.

3.) Five-Point Distance Measurement AF. It's a superior autofocus system based on measuring the subject distance at 5 points, left, right, top, and bottom, for maximum ease of use, and provides central crosshairs for improved accuracy and manual or automatic point selection.

4.) Big LCD, powerful built-in flash, mirror lockup. With a 2.5-inch, 150,000-pixel TFT LCD with new simplified control pad, powerful (ISO100 GN in feet 44) built-in flash, Quick Set Button for easy control access, and easy-to-use mirror lockup function.

5.) Lenses and accessories. Accomodates a full line of Sigma zoom and prime lenses ranging from 8mm fisheye to 800mm super telephoto, and a full range of dedicated Sigma accessories including the Power Grip PG-21, Remote Controller RS-31, and high powered flash units including the top-of-the-line Sigma EF-500 DG Super with auto-zoom, and S-TTL automatic flash metering with high-speed sync.

Pricing and Availability

SD14 D-SLR: March 6, 2007 $1,999.99 (US MSRP)
AC-Adapter SAC-2: March 6, 2007
Battery Charger BC-21: March 6, 2007
Battery Pack BP-21: March 6, 2007
Power Grip PG-21: Second half of April, 2007
Remote Controller RS-31: March 22, 2007
Cable Release CR-21: March 22, 2007

Reference

Visit the Sigma SD14 website. Complete specifications.

See all Sigma Lenses at Amazon.com.