Product Description

Super Multi Coating reduces flare and ghosting that tends to occur when using digital SLR cameras. Optimized optical design for digital SLR cameras. The advent of digital SLR's requires optimum lens performance and therefore the very latest optical technology has been incorporated in the production of the New Macro 50mm F2.8 EX DG. This ideal standard lens sets the benchmark for digital SLR cameras.

Product Details

• Brand: Sigma
• Model: B0002P19QM
• Dimensions: .69 pounds

Features

• Macro lens designed for Konica Minolta digital SLR cameras
• 50mm focal length
• f2.8 maximum aperture
• Super Multi Coating reduces flare and ghosting common to digital SLR cameras
• Screw-in lens hood included

Amazon.com Product Description
Sigma launched its first standard 50mm macro lens in 1990, and followed it up with an improved model in 1998. The advent of digital SLR cameras, however, required updated optical technology and a better imaging performance. Enter the latest incarnation of the 50mm macro lens, with an improved design that corrects for various aberrations. Designed exclusively for Minolta and Sony SLR cameras, this macro lens is specially coated to get the best possible color balance while cutting down on ghosting caused by reflections from the digital image sensor. The lens also includes a floating focusing system, which allows you to precisely photograph objects throughout the entire focusing range. Most importantly, this standard macro lens makes it possible to enjoy better communication with your subject. When viewing through the camera's finder, you'll be able to move the subject and make precise adjustments. For example, the lens offers a close working distance of 7.4 inches, making it extremely convenient to take close-up pictures of a fossil or other inanimate objects.

Other details include a minimum aperture of f/45 that provides a greater depth of field than most lenses, a screw-in lens hood that makes it easy to attach circular polarizing filters, and a 46.8-degree angle of view. All Sigma lenses carry a one-year warranty.

Specifications

• Focal length: 50mm
• Maximum aperture: f/2.8
• Lens construction: 10 elements in 9 groups
• Angle of view: 46.8 degrees
• Number of diaphragm blades: 7
• Minimum aperture: f/45
• Minimum focusing distance: 7.4 inches
• Maximum magnification: 1:1
• Filter size: 55mm
• Corresponding mount: Sony and Minolta
• Dimensions: 2.8 inches in diameter and 2.6 inches long
• Weight: 11.3 ounces
• Warranty: 1 year

Customer Reviews

Excellent Lens
I recently purchased the Nikon D200 camera. I had several nice zoom lenses but I did not have anything which would take macro close-up photos. I did some research and found good reviews for this lens. So I got it.

The lens is an excellent lens for close-up photos. I am not a professional photographer but I try really hard to get good sharp photos. This lens will do the job.

Since it is also also a 50mm lens I have used it as a normal lens. The only problem with that is that over the years many of us have been spoiled with zoom lenses. With a zoom lens you can stand in one spot and zoom the lens in or out to get closer or father from your subject. With just the 50mm capability of this lens you have to physically move in or out to get a closer shot or a wider shot. This is not necessarily a criticism, just a comment about how we have been spoiled by zoom lenses.

I do not believe you will be disappointed with this lens. The price is great for the quality.

Sharp Portrait Lens, Fast, w/ Macro
This lens has been my primary shooting lens for the last three years on my Nikon D50. The only use left for my my kit lens "AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G ED" is as an 18mm wide angle. This Sigma 50mm f/2.8 prime lens is very sharp. I use it as a portrait lens on my cropped DX sensor camera (eq. 80mm on a full frame FX sensor). It also works great in low light. For portraits, I set f/5.6 if I am only 3-4 feet away. If I am 6-9 feet away I use f/4. You can try to use f/2.8 close-up but you are taking a chance, as the depth of field is so narrow that you might have the eyebrows sharply in focus and the nose and ears blurry. This lens is also very durable. On the negative side, focusing is not super-fast, but that didn't bother me, so I say go for it.

Great lens for the price.
For the price I am happy with this macro lens. I purchased it for a Nikon D40 DSLR. It will not auto focus with this camera, as a AF-S lens is needed for that; but those are in the range of $700+; so this lens is fine with manual focus, and for $550 or so less than one that will auto focus with my camera. I am happy with the photo quality that it produces.