Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro

The Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro Lens ($1,600 list) is a telephoto macro prime lens for Canon, Nikon, Sony/Minolta, and Sigma D-SLR cameras. It's versatile enough to serve as a standard telephoto optic, and includes a tripod collar to help better balance it on a camera support. The lens provides coverage for full-frame cameras, but can be mounted on APS-C bodies as well, on which is produces a 225mm field of view. It isn't as fast as the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm F1.8 Lens ($899.99, 4 stars), but is available in multiple camera mounts and focuses much closer.

A macro lens is perfect for capturing fine detail, and this one allows for a working distance of 15 inches with 1:1 magnification. There are focus limiter switches on the lens barrel, so you can limit over what distance the autofocus system hunts, speeding operation when you know you are only working close or at a longer distance. It has an internal focus motor, so it can be used with any compatible camera?even those without screw drive focus support. And the lens supports an optical stabilization system, which should help keep shots sharp when working with the extremely small apertures required to capture a deep depth of field that is often necessary for macro photography.

When tested with the 36-megapixel Nikon D800, the lens exceeds the 1,800 lines per picture height Imatest score required for a sharp photo at every aperture. It notches 1,843 lines at f/2.8, a score that steadily increase as you close the aperture. At f/4 approaches 2,400 lines, and it nearly hits 3,000 lines at f/8. Distortion is minimal at less than 0.01 percent, which is critical in macro photography.

If you're in the market for a good prime macro lens with a longer focal length, the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro is an excellent way to go. It's extremely sharp, is capable of true 1:1 magnfiication, and is available in a number of different lens mounts. Depending on the choice of lighting, some APS-C users may find the working distance a bit too long due to the cropped image sensor. The Focus Limiter system improves focus speed by restricting the lens to either macro or standard focus distances, and the tripod collar improves balance when using the lens on a tripod or monopod. Put this all together and you've got an excellent optic, albeit a very expensive one.

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