I was looking around for a 70-200 2.8 but given I'd just purchased the a77, really couldn't justify the cost of a Sony and read a review that was a little disappointed with the Sigma IQ. I was considering the Tamron but again, reviews continually mentioned the slow an inaccurate AF. Then I stumbled across the 50-150 on ebay - a quirky, APS C only lens that equates to a 75-225 efl i.e. how full frame users see the 70-200. I'd missed it in my initial searches as its been discontinued in preparation for a new model that hasn't appeared (presumably another launch casualty of this years various disasters) but the price s/h was a fraction of the Sony / Sigma and halve the price of the Tamron plus as its aps c only, its only 700g in weight. The seller noted that they were using it on an a55 and it wasn't on Sigmas list of a77 problem lenses so I took the plunge and have not been disappointed!
Build quality is good - its an EX lens that feels solid and comes with one of those Sigma padded cases (this s/h copy was pristine and boxed and about 18 months old - pre a55 compatible stickers). The Zoom is internal so no change in barrel length as you use it, the HSM is smooth, fast and quiet, this copy works on both my a55 and a77 (and the MF override on the a77 works fine with this lens) and comes with a rather unusual (for sony lenses) 67mm filter size. I've been using it mainly on the a55 as the combo makes for a well balanced, relatively light and discrete 'candid tele portrait lens' - the following shots were taken at the Rochester 'Dickens Christmas Market' this weekend - a very grey and drizzly day but great for discrete shots of interesting 'characters'... all shots are in the range f2.8 to f4, ISO 400 taken with the a55 / Sigma 50-150.
Scott
- what about now? Are they visible again?
