Product Description

This lens has a large aperture of F2.8 throughout the entire zoom range, a minimum focusing distance of 20cm (7.9") and a maximum magnification of 1: 3, making it ideal for close-up photography.Specially designed to suit the characteristics of digital SLR cameras this lens provides a high level of optical performance. Its design incorporates both glass-mold and hybrid aspherical lens technology which offers superior peripheral brightness, extremely high image quality as well as a compact and lightweight construction.Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass elements provide excellent correction of color aberrations. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, a common problem with digital cameras. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the petal-type lens hood (supplied) plus circular polarizing filters.

Product Details

• Brand: Sigma
• Model: 690-101
• Released on: 2006-09-18
• Dimensions: 3.00" h x 3.00" w x 5.30" l, 1.70 pounds

Features

• 27.9 - 9.5 degrees Digital Telephoto Lens
• Auto and Manual Focus
• Ideal for Sports Photography
• Works with Most Popular Manufacturers' Brands
• Easy Operation and Handling
• 135.1Lx76.3D mm.; 27.2 Oz.

Customer Reviews

Nice lens, wish I could find one that focus correctly
I bought the Sigma 50-150 II from Amazon in spite of all the "front focusing" flap on the web, because it looks like the perfect lens for shooting indoor sports. Unfortunately I found out what front focusing means. If you have one and want to see try this: Put a newspaper or other printed material on a table and back away so you are shooting at an angle to the paper. Aim at something on the page that you would like in focus, and take a picture using the AF. Then turn off the AF and manually focus the same spot. For me, the manually focused shots were all in focus, and the AF ones were all out of focus .... Instead, the lines of text a few inches closer to where I was focusing were in focus (i.e. "front focused). I switched from my Canon 40D to an older Digital Rebel, the same thing happened. I then picked up two of my Canon Lens, and both were spot on. I liked the form and feel of the Sigma so much I decided to order another one and try it, hoping it was just a bad copy. The second one had exactly the same issue. I tried some sample shots in a gym were I plan to shoot some indoor pictures, and I noticed the issue shooting in low light at a distance of several meters, not just wide open at 1-m as many have noticed the issue.
I called Sigma and they said I should send in my camera and lens and have them calibrated. I suppose I could have sent just the lens in for calibration, but the fact that I had two samples of the latest Version II models and neither worked on my 40D nor my Rebel did not give me much confidence that it was a variability issue. If you have (or get) a good one, or don't mind if things are slightly out of focus; I'm sure you'll like it (I know I would have). But for me, when I point at something and want it in focus I expect it to be in focus. So they are both going back; I bought a used Canon L lens for a few hundred more. I was really hoping to get the Sigma to work out, because it has so much to offer, but in the end it didn't work for me. Hope you have better luck.

Wonderful lens for the price
While I don't agree with the review about this being "L" quality, I will say that this lens has not disappointed in any way. Quick, accurate focus, good contrast and no visible distortion. Not even any vignetting, which I had been concerned about.

For under $600, this is a "Wow" lens - 2.8 is going to get you pictures where previously you couldn't get anything. And it's so light and small!

A bit heavy
I have been using this lens for about a month now. I got the lens because I thought I could use it as kind of every-day-type-of-lens. Altough the lens is very sharp and the optics are not in question, for every day use I think is a bit too heavy. Other than that, I think the lens is excellent.