Sigma 150mm F/2.8 Macro...should I get it?

[arbib]

I like macro work. But have not liked the short working distance that comes with the typical FL for them...
Is the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 with HSM a great contender for Sharpness, AF Speed, (even though it weights in at 2 Lbs) ??

Has anyone got one, and maybe some samples to look at. ??

[Jim]

Re: Sigma 150mm F/2.8 Macro...should I get it?

I don't have one, but would like to add to you question, in terms of how does it perform to the 50-200mm @ 150mm and also the Olympus 150mm taking the price difference into account.

Finally how is this lens compared to Sigma's 105mm one?

[Chillimonster]

Re: Sigma 150mm F/2.8 Macro...should I get it?

I Have one

The macro performance is top notch and sharp as you like , and as you can imagine, the lens is a VERY good 150mm 2.8 prime (but with relatively slow autofocus due to the amount of focus trave - but this can be restricted via a 3-way switch)

I am at work at the moment, but will post some Macro and General samples up later tonight, and if i get chance with the 1.4tc and 2.0tc as well.

Chris

[Jim]

Re: Sigma 150mm F/2.8 Macro...should I get it?

Chris, any recommendation on where to buy one, most retailers don't have it in the Olympus Fit.

[Chillimonster]

Re: Sigma 150mm F/2.8 Macro...should I get it?

Finally how is this lens compared to Sigma's 105mm one?

Jim, i went for the 150 mainly due to the internal focusing and the greater working distance.

I'm not a big fan of extending barrels on macro lenses as any movement can spook the 'prey', or cast an unwanted shadow on the subject.

[Chillimonster]

Re: Sigma 150mm F/2.8 Macro...should I get it?

Chris, any recommendation on where to buy one, most retailers don't have it in the Olympus Fit.

Kerso if he can get hold of them, or ebay (i use Chinaarts for a lot of my purchases).

Ebay Item Number 330228621387

I got mine from Chinaarts, took 2 days from HK and no import taxes / VAT

Chris

[Jim]

Re: Sigma 150mm F/2.8 Macro...should I get it?

Thanks Chris.

[arbib]

Re: Sigma 150mm F/2.8 Macro...should I get it?

I don't have one, but would like to add to you question, in terms of how does it perform to the 50-200mm @ 150mm and also the Olympus 150mm taking the price difference into account.

Finally how is this lens compared to Sigma's 105mm one?

Well, Not really interested in a 50-200...I want a dedicated Macro lens. My 40-150 MK1 is plenty my needs. save the 5' focus limit.

The Sigma 105 has the NON HSM AF motor..Or I would consider that instead. It is a bit lighter (30oz over 51oz for the 150)

[arbib]

Re: Sigma 150mm F/2.8 Macro...should I get it?

Jim, i went for the 150 mainly due to the internal focusing and the greater working distance.

I'm not a big fan of extending barrels on macro lenses as any movement can spook the 'prey', or cast an unwanted shadow on the subject.

That's a great point when casing small creatures.
Flowers don't care at all

I used to have a OM4 with a 90mm f/2.8 Tokina macro with the Twin TTL macro setup...Great combo..

Now I am intersted again in macro photography, after taking a few bee photos with 40-150 MK1 at 5 feet. See Photos HERE BTW: These are VERY TIGHT crops from the Org file...1100x825 or so...Very tight crop indeed..

[j.baker]

Re: Sigma 150mm F/2.8 Macro...should I get it?

Q. Can this lens be used as a prime 150mm (300mm) telephoto lens?

I already have the 50mm Oly macro, but I want a good fast zoom.

[arbib]

Re: Sigma 150mm F/2.8 Macro...should I get it?

Q. Can this lens be used as a prime 150mm (300mm) telephoto lens?

I already have the 50mm Oly macro, but I want a good fast zoom.

Absolutely....a 300mm f/2.8 prime for $600.00

The benefit of a long macro is keeping some distance between you and dangerous creatures (Bees come to mind)....Plus you also get a fast long prime that was made for the higher resolution required for macro work. It's like 2 great lens's in one. for $600.00

[j.baker]

Re: Sigma 150mm F/2.8 Macro...should I get it?

Does anyone have any images to share for this lens?

[OlyFlyer]

Re: Sigma 150mm F/2.8 Macro...should I get it?

Q. Can this lens be used as a prime 150mm (300mm) telephoto lens?

It focuses from nearest to infinity, just like any other lens. The only difference is that it is macro as well.

I already have the 50mm Oly macro, but I want a good fast zoom.

It won't work, it is not a zoom, it is a prime as you correctly state in your question.

[HughofBardfield]

Re: Sigma 150mm F/2.8 Macro...should I get it?

Does anyone have any images to share for this lens?

There's a few images here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/sigmafourthirds/