So, am I the only DPPer here with this 2006-awardee lens?

If not, please post your shots, comments, reviews, issues, etc. here!

One of my favorite images during last night's testing -

"Lost in Dream"

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/2805320611_4c0742e611.jpg

Uncropped (6-MP Nikon D40)

For users with Nikon bodies:

Note that this lens will use effective aperture, so at 1:1 magnification, maximum aperture will be f5.8, 1:2 is at f4.2, 1:10 is at f3.1, etc. Maximum aperture of f2.8 can only be achieved when focus or subject is at least 3 meters or so away. So don't be alarmed, ok?

At 1:1 f5.6, DoF is just the same with normal aperture f2.8 at 1:1.

Again, this is only for Nikon bodies.

Sigma statement:

Reason for change

We have been receiving requests from Sigma Nikon-AF macro lens users that lenses should show effective F-stop value by shooting distance as Nikon original macro lenses do. Then, we decided to change the firmware of above five models of macro lenses to meet user's request.

Note

This change was made only on the fixed focal length macro lens, not on the zoom lenses.Only Nikon-AF mount of macro lenses are concerned in this change.

Nikon-mount version will only have focus limit switch on the barrel. No switch for MF or AF and no aperture ring.

Shots today at 1:1 magnification

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2811097068_b3d2a211b8.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2811296240_233cc75aa6.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/2810238203_465c876a11.jpg

Pahabol...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2810501857_8be96a3ed1.jpg

Nice shot Ronald :) Hope i could shot something like these.

Whow! Very nice shots from your Sigma APO MACRO 150 F2.8 EX DG HSM.

Today's images... (thanks for viewing!)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2813258460_7b9ef7cf4e.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/2812415319_413a02a0d6.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2812352681_d0691714c9.jpg

And to wrap it for today... (damn, this glass is indeed sharp even at f2.8! truly better than my Sigma 70-200 at widest)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/2813423101_e008699481.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2069/2813229957_47c5f3148c.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/2814266672_a376fd4e9c.jpg

This lens (at 0.52~infinity focus limit) is not for sports though e.g. basketball, racing, track&field, etc. Focus is very precise but slow compared to 70-200. I guess prime use of this glass is macro & portraiture.

this is one of my favorite lenses, not that i had it, but it was definitely on the top of my macro lens list. i prefer it to the 105VR as i like the longer focal length.

great shots ronald, and one heckuva lens you got there.

Sharing some shots...

The setup

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2855012633_bd9590f483.jpg

Lasta

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3042/2891446945_7f0b94e5f6.jpg

how much is this locally? :D

Around 32k at JT last time I checked... Looks like a good addition to my lineup... :D

@ronald - what rail-head were you using?

It's a generic China-made forward-backward left-right metal macro rail. Cost is around P2.5k in a local store here in Cebu. It works, very solid and precise.

@ronald - what rail-head were you using?

I like this lens! If only we can buy everything.

Is a rail head really necessary?

To achieve 1:1 magnification, it's better to use a rail rather than moving a tripod for the micro-adjustments.

Is a rail head really necessary?

Oh..okay... :)

Hi sir Ronald,

If it's not much to ask, could you post a sample complete setup with the final shot? I mean for the "lasta" image, how far was it from the lens?

Thanks sir, I just can't comprehend much about the Sigma statement. I had some nose bleed then :p

Hi sir Ronald,

If it's not much to ask, could you post a sample complete setup with the final shot? I mean for the "lasta" image, how far was it from the lens?

Thanks sir, I just can't comprehend much about the Sigma statement. I had some nose bleed then :p

for the "Lasta" image, the subject was at more or less 8 inches from lens front glass...

A Nikkor 105VR requires around 6 inches for 1:1 magnification....

Thanks for the info! :D

This lens (at 0.52~infinity focus limit) is not for sports though e.g. basketball, racing, track&field, etc. Focus is very precise but slow compared to 70-200. I guess prime use of this glass is macro & portraiture.

You think it's quick enough (AF speed) for use in wedding photography? I'm thinking of getting this or a Nikkor 105VR for macro/portrait/event use...

You think it's quick enough (AF speed) for use in wedding photography? I'm thinking of getting this or a Nikkor 105VR for macro/portrait/event use...

wedding? take Nikkor's 105VR - more versatile and VR helps.

wedding? take Nikkor's 105VR - more versatile and VR helps.

Thanks! I'll probably end up with the 105vr, 70-300vr and a Tokina 11-16 for this.

The 70-200VR jumped in price so it's a bit out of reach for now so I have to settle for the 105...

randy - Your sigma 70-200 2.8 not up for the task for weddings?

randy - Your sigma 70-200 2.8 not up for the task for weddings?

The 70-200 is perfect for weddings but... uh... I sold it yesterday :Grin: Fortuantely I ended up getting a bit more from my last photo job and have the budget for the 70-200VR now.

I'm off to Hidalgo! :Sick: In a week or two... LOL...

Regalo

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/3158424149_66fc1f5194.jpg

Nikon D90 + Sigma 150

Brings

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/3222655910_80cb28a7c6.jpg

Great photos Ronald...remind me to drop by and hook up with you when I visit Cebu with my family :)

hi sir ronald!

Auto-focus ba siya sa d40 mo? I am planning to buy this lens.. my camera is d40x.. =D

btw, nice shots!

@ Tina - since its got an HSM motor, it does indeed AF with the D40

@ Ronald - Awesome photos! I'm quite surprised that not many Nikon users have this lens, it's a lot more practical than the 105VR. MORE!

During Sinulog 2009 Grand Parade (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rsuello/sets/72157612701015863/), 80% of my shots were taken with this prime lens. Wide open, nothing beats its sharpness.

@ken... Lot more practical?

Care to share your reasons? I've been dreaming of having the 105vr but I was impressed by this lens too. :)

Ronald, nice shots! The price of this lens increased!

Ronald, nice shots! The price of this lens increased!

how much is it selling now?

Simpol

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3278596798_a66e7501c8.jpg

Defiance

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3257/3277747313_5b96bd62ce.jpg

Simpol Jud

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3277777671_4b89dbd8fe.jpg

Ronald, nice shots! The price of this lens increased!

This lens now costs P35k in JTPhotoworld, up from P32.5k.

This lens now costs P35k in JTPhotoworld, up from P32.5k.

This and the Sigma 100-300 f/4 are on my wish list. That would be 100K! I just wish they'd lower prices later this year. I dont want to get hit again by JT, got my 70-200 for P47T and 18-50 for 26T+ then they made it P35T and P22T respectively! Ouch.

This and the Sigma 100-300 f/4 are on my wish list. That would be 100K! I just wish they'd lower prices later this year. I dont want to get hit again by JT, got my 70-200 for P47T and 18-50 for 26T+ then they made it P35T and P22T respectively! Ouch.

ouch indeed ;-) well, yen is projected to stay strong this year so these latest prices should be stable for around 12-18 months....

Simplicity is Beauty

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3337971326_394f45d7e6.jpg

Morning kiss

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1108/3352983291_414772eaca.jpg

Cream, then go red

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1394/3352987075_e4795cc0d0.jpg

Gree - d intensity

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1260/3352955389_fc3a764d4c.jpg

A dream

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1057/3353788662_3f103cbbe3.jpg

Morning kiss

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1108/3352983291_414772eaca.jpg

Cream, then go red

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1394/3352987075_e4795cc0d0.jpg

Gree - d intensity

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1260/3352955389_fc3a764d4c.jpg

A dream

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1057/3353788662_3f103cbbe3.jpg

Practice for issue 25?

Practice for issue 25?

i wish hahahaha

Powah

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/3559505900_b816af10dc.jpg

Settings:
Exposure Time = 1/4000 sec
F Number = F2.8
ISO Speed Ratings = 200
Focal Length = 150mm

Note on focus if used with Sigma TC:

1.4x TC - Autofocus OK
2x TC - Manual focus only

@ronald, what is it's the working distance for 1:1 macro?

@WilsonCo: this has an MFD of 15 inches so at 1:1 magnification, subject-to-front element distance is about 6~7 inches....

Thanks. Still choosing between this and the Tamron 90mm

Do you know if they sell macro ring lights for this size lens? I just ordered a macro ring light from eBay and the filter sizes it covers are 52, 58 and 62mm.

Do you know if they sell macro ring lights for this size lens? I just ordered a macro ring light from eBay and the filter sizes it covers are 52, 58 and 62mm.

i haven't found one yet.... this is 72mm so i guess twin flash-solution is way to go... i'm not sure though....

i haven't found one yet.... this is 72mm so i guess twin flash-solution is way to go... i'm not sure though....

I am currently pondering upon which macro lens I'd buy before the end of this year... either the 150mm F/2.8 or 105mm F/2.8 which has a 58 or 62mm filter size. The 105mm F/2.8 uses either a 58 or a 62mm size filter, which is ideal for the macro ring lights that I ordered. If they haven't come up with macro ring lights for a 72mm size lens filter, then it'll be a chore to prepare some lighting when doing indoor macro photography with the 150mm F/2.8 lens. Frankly, I'd rather have the 150mm F/2.8 than the 105mm F/2.8 macro lens.

VR rocks though ;-)

Lens Porn
(Uncropped)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2582/3689777184_c971e5d4b9.jpg

Settings:
Exposure Time = 1.3 sec
F Number = F8
ISO Speed Ratings = 200
Focal Length = 150mm

Some "Sigma 150" images taken during last Saturday's Scott Kelby's Photo Walk...

Nat

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/3732953737_9542c9b65d.jpg

Exit to Paradise

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/3732617824_a84239bd1e.jpg

More here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rsuello/)! Thanks for viewing!

"Exit to Paradise" above was selected by Scott Kelby for the Worldwide Photo Walk Top 10 Finalists (http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2009/archives/6047) ;-)

"Exit to Paradise" above was selected by Scott Kelby for the Worldwide Photo Walk Top 10 Finalists (http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2009/archives/6047) ;-)Congrats!:)

"Exit to Paradise" above was selected by Scott Kelby for the Worldwide Photo Walk Top 10 Finalists (http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2009/archives/6047) ;-)

Good job! Congrats! :)

Congrats! It was really a great shot! And its nice to see a winner from the RP

hey, thanks guys!!!

Ronald... congrats! Those consolation prize ain't bad at all...

http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/mentionprizes.png :)

ulk, yeah, i just realized now that onOne Plug In Suite 4 alone costs US$500.... i wonder how's the grandprize winner doing now knowing that one of the prizes is a D700.... i hope he uses Nikon system ;-)

Whoah! Congrats bro!

OT: i'm now a "DPP Member". sounds boring hehehehe

I love the photo EXIT TO PARADISE sir.

Is the AF fast/quick?

Im contemplating on the 135mm f2 for concert shots/walk around prime for a second body.

I love the photo EXIT TO PARADISE sir.

Is the AF fast/quick?

Im contemplating on the 135mm f2 for concert shots/walk around prime for a second body.

no, i wouldn't recommend this lens. focus is precise but slow - not for sports or concerts unless you're fond of pre-focusing....

no, i wouldn't recommend this lens. focus is precise but slow - not for sports or concerts unless you're fond of pre-focusing....

But I'm guessing that this is faster than the Sigma 70-300? Or should I opt for the Sigma 70-200 2.8?

But I'm guessing that this is faster than the Sigma 70-300? Or should I opt for the Sigma 70-200 2.8?

Sigma 70-200 2.8 HSM AF is very fast, lightning speed indeed!

i sold my EF 100 macro for Sigma 150 macro.

sample shot
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2639/4074683109_fd4a423b01.jpg

w/ kenko 1.4x & 2x tc.

knob of the watch bellow.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2740/4103810265_e0ee5f078e.jpg

now, that's awesome! more than 1:1 magnification!

yeah, 2.8:1 to be exact. :)

I'm now a happy owner of this fine piece of equipment :):):)!

I'm now a happy owner of this fine piece of equipment :):):)!

Congratulations!

Thanks Sir Phil! I got a really good deal on a 2 year old unit :)

Thanks Sir Phil! I got a really good deal on a 2 year old unit :)

Actually, I was eyeing on that lens at the time when I haven't decided yet on what to buy. Budget issues made me go through a lot of reviews and find the best that would fit my budget. The Sigma APO MACRO 150 F2.8 EX DG HSM was just too much money for me... so I decided to buy the Tamron 90mm-f/a2.8 macro, which is a very good macro and portrait lens if you're not bothered by it's slow and loud AF. After the D300s which I hope to get in June '10, the Sigma APO MACRO 150mm or the 180mm F2.8 EX DG HSM will be the next on my list.

Actually, I was eyeing on that lens at the time when I haven't decided yet on what to buy. Budget issues made me go through a lot of reviews and find the best that would fit my budget. The Sigma APO MACRO 150 F2.8 EX DG HSM was just too much money for me... so I decided to buy the Tamron 90mm-f/a2.8 macro, which is a very good macro and portrait lens if you're not bothered by it's slow and loud AF. After the D300s which I hope to get in June '10, the Sigma APO MACRO 150mm or the 180mm F2.8 EX DG HSM will be the next on my list.

I was looking at the Tamron90 as well, but took the Sigma when someone was willing to sell for just a little over 10k! I think a pre-owned lens of this type is rarely sold here in Dubai. So far, so good, but I'd still book it in for a tune-up.

I have tried the Sigma 50mm but found it to be a bit slow and too short of a focal length for nature shots. Thanks to Ronald Suello's hands-on review I was on the prowl for the 150 :)

@Phil: if your planning to get 180 macro, better get Tamron. lighter & abit better optics. Sigma (from experience) has focus issues when used as non-macro shooting.

@Phil: if your planning to get 180 macro, better get Tamron. lighter & abit better optics. Sigma (from experience) has focus issues when used as non-macro shooting.

Thx for the tip... I'll check on the reviews and see what's better for me. Tamron's price is lower and may have the advantage on IQ based on my experience with the 90mm. I just found out today that both don't have the f/2.8 versions... they're both f/3.5. Also, the Tamron 90mm-f/2.8 macro also have some focusing issues... slow, loud and always hunting. For what I use it for, which is macro and portrait photography, that doesn't bother me at all... still gives me the quality of photo that I want. Frankly, I don't use this type of lens with the AF on, especially when doing macro.

Post naman kayo nang samples!

@ f/2.8
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4265316363_b6a03eab15.jpg

100% crop, no PP
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/4266063988_c268d0a711.jpg

Gamay nga Baki

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2776/4256626354_644a69d1c7_b.jpg

Exposure Time = 1/15"
F Number = F6.3
ISO Speed Ratings = 200
Focal Length = 150mm

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4261731439_fe6cdc335e.jpg

@ f/2.8
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4265316363_b6a03eab15.jpg

100% crop, no PP
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/4266063988_c268d0a711.jpg

Sir this is so sharp, even at f/2.8

Sir this is so sharp, even at f/2.8
you betcha!:)

down side is, TC's (kenko 2x & 1.4x) are not compatible with it. thinking of replacing it with 100L IS. :Grin:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2796/4271223693_5b01f3f4b2.jpg

you betcha!:)

down side is, TC's (kenko 2x & 1.4x) are not compatible with it. thinking of replacing it with 100L IS. :Grin:

Sigma TC's should work fine right? Looking at your sig, you are on full frame, thus the need for longer FL. compared to cropped sensor.

Sigma TC's should work fine right? Looking at your sig, you are on full frame, thus the need for longer FL. compared to cropped sensor.
from tdp (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sigma-150mm-f-2.8-EX-DG-HSM-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx), yes. TCs should work fine. But my lens is having difficulty locking the AF when either of my two kenko TCs is attached. the TC is the problem???

also from the same link, EF 100mm macro is not TC compatible. but its working perfectly fine with Kenko TCs.

from tdp (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sigma-150mm-f-2.8-EX-DG-HSM-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx), yes. TCs should work fine. But my lens is having difficulty locking the AF when either of my two kenko TCs is attached. the TC is the problem???

also from the same link, EF 100mm macro is not TC compatible. but its working perfectly fine with Kenko TCs.

I gues the only thing preventing me from getting this lens is the crinkle finish that sigma has which wears off in time... Was thinking it may be a different story with this lens as this is a prime lens compared to a zoom lens where you have to fidle with the Zoom ring very so often.

I gues the only thing preventing me from getting this lens is the crinkle finish that sigma has which wears off in time... Was thinking it may be a different story with this lens as this is a prime lens compared to a zoom lens where you have to fidle with the Zoom ring very so often.yeah, thats one downside of this lens, coating. but its performance is to the highest level!:)

but im still thinking if im going to sell it for 100L...:Scared:

i should've gotten this lens instead of the 50-150mm f2.8 that i got at JT at the photoworld yesterday... i was trying to exchange it but they were strict in exchanging items, even if 1 day only...