Sigma has announced the availability of a new lens for APS-C DSLRs, the Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM. In regular full-frame 35mm terms, this lens is approximately the equivalent of a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens for the APS-C cameras. Since the camera manufacturers don't make a zoom lens in this focal length range with a constant f/2.8 aperture, Sigma provides only option out there. If you aren't doing long range sports like football or soccer or wildlife photography, a lens like this is probably all the telephoto you'll likely to need.
Sigma has included optical stabilization (OS) in this lens, which means you can handhold it at lower than normal shutter speeds. How low depends on the individual user, but you could expect to get decent results down to 1/60 of a second; that is, if your subject isn't moving around too much. It also has close focus down to 31.5 inches, which could make this a very nice portrait lens. Sigma has made some good lenses over the years, especially their macro lenses, so this one should be one to consider. The Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM will be available in Canon EF mount next week and in Nikon and Sigma mounts by the end of April. Street price for the lens will be around $1099, according to Sigma.
