The 50-100mm F/1.8 DC HSM Art lens for Canon EOS Cameras ($1,009) is a high-performance APS-C constant aperture format lens. A great choice for sports and portrait photographers, especially those working in low–light situations. The Sigma 50-100 is a professional grade lens with incredible brightness and resolution. We got the chance to take some pictures with this ground-breaking lens that is the first telephoto zoom lens of its kind. We tested our 50-100 lens on a Canon 70D.
The Sigma 50-100 F/1.8 lens is the 35mm equivalent of a 75-150mm mid-range zoom lens when mounted on an APS-C camera. This provides great versatility in just one lens, covering three popular prime lens focal lengths: 85mm, 105mm, and 135mm.
The extra brightness and resolution provided throughout the zoom will prove indispensable for low-light situations, but one of the best displays of the versatility of this lens is its ability to also maintain focus during zoom – videographers rejoice!
What’s very obvious as soon as you unpack the lens is the build quality. The lens is a bit on the heavier side, but not too heavy that it would become a problem to use. What’s underneath that lens housing? A lot of glass! The 50-100 features 21 elements in 15 groups, and, explains Sigma, features a “highly durable polycarbonate diaphragm made with fluorine; blades feature carbon feather film offering exceptionally smooth operation even during continuous shooting.”
Sigma says the lens was redesigned and enhanced to feature a Hyper Sonic Motor that is 30% slimmer than other lenses and provides fast and accurate AF.
I really enjoyed seeing what this fast, bright lens could do to capture quick action shots. I was able to freeze the action of a skateboarder in mid-air while leaving the aperture wide open at F/1.8 for a nice blurred background, accentuating the action.
I loved the shallow depth of field made possible by the wide open lens. I was able to blur out the background of this photo with a crisp, bright foreground for a nice effect:
My favorite thing about this lens was how versatile it is thanks to the zoom. I used it as my sole lens for the weekend in New York City and was able to capture portraits, action, and even an impressive detailed shot of the full moon:
I also managed to get a nice sunset shot with the aperture closed down to F/16, getting some impressive color:
You can really tell a story from various angles using the Sigma 50-100 mm as your single lens. For example, I ran into renowned NYC artist Jonathan Meres in Bushwick, NY as he and his crew were installing new artwork. Using the Sigma 50-100mm really let me tell the whole story, without limitations. It was great to be able to shoot this without having to stop and change lenses in the middle of the street.
As you can see in the picture above, this is a great lens to create dramatic portraits with a wide open lens. I love the way the subject really stands out from the blurred background.
If you are looking for a versatile, professional quality lens that will let you tell every story from fast action sports to dynamic portraits, the Sigma 50-100mm F/1.8 DC HSM Art lens could be exactly what you are looking for. The reasonable price of $1,099 becomes even more appealing when you consider the fact that you can get away with using just this one lens for your next project or trip.
