Sigma 150mm f/2.8 APO EX Macro DG HSM Lens for Canon EF-Mount {72} with Tripod Collar/Foot

150mm f/2.8 macro prime with true 1:1 magnification

The Sigma 150mm f/2.8 APO EX DG Macro HSM is a dedicated macro lens built around a 16-element, 12-group optical design that includes two SLD glass elements and an apochromatic correction scheme. That combination keeps chromatic aberration tightly controlled across the focus range, which matters most when you're shooting at 1:1 magnification where fringing on fine detail becomes obvious fast. The floating focus system maintains optical quality from infinity down to 0.38m, and internal focusing means the barrel length stays fixed, the 72mm filter thread doesn't rotate, so polarizers and graduated NDs stay put.

The HSM ring-type ultrasonic motor drives autofocus quietly with full-time manual override, and a focus distance limiter lets you restrict the focus range when you don't need the full travel. The nine-blade diaphragm produces smooth out-of-focus rendering at f/2.8, and the 150mm focal length gives you more working distance than a 90mm or 105mm macro when proximity to your subject matters, insects, skittish subjects, or situations where your shadow would otherwise fall across the frame. At 895g, the included tripod collar is a practical necessity for longer exposures, and it's there when you need it.

Who It's For

Close-up and macro photographers shooting insects, flowers, or small objects benefit from the 1:1 magnification and the working distance that 150mm provides over shorter macro focal lengths. Portrait photographers get a flattering compression and f/2.8 maximum aperture on a full-frame body. Studio shooters doing product work will appreciate the non-rotating filter thread, internal focus, and tripod collar. Wildlife photographers who also want a capable close-focus lens get dual utility from a single prime that covers both moderate telephoto reach and true macro capability.

Key Features

• 16-element, 12-group APO optical design with two SLD glass elements
• True 1:1 macro magnification with 0.38m minimum focus distance
• Ring-type HSM ultrasonic motor with full-time manual focus override
• Internal focus system keeps barrel fixed and filter thread non-rotating
• Nine-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh at f/2.8
• Floating focus system maintains optical quality from infinity through macro range
• 72mm filter thread with integrated tripod collar
• Focus distance limiter restricts AF range for faster focusing in macro work

FAQ

What's the working distance at 1:1 magnification?

The 150mm focal length combined with 0.38m minimum focus distance gives you roughly 150-180mm of working space between the front element and your subject at 1:1 - enough room for lighting and to avoid casting shadows on small subjects like insects.

Does the focus ring rotate the filter thread?

No. Internal focusing keeps the barrel fixed, so a polarizer or graduated ND stays oriented exactly where you set it throughout the focus range.

How does the floating focus system affect image quality?

Floating elements maintain optical correction at every focus distance from infinity to 0.38m, which prevents the kind of optical shift that shows up as sharpness changes or aberrations when you refocus in macro work.

Can you manually focus while autofocus is active?

Yes. The HSM motor has full-time manual override - twist the focus ring anytime to take control without switching modes or disabling autofocus.

Is there optical image stabilization?

No. The lens relies on fast f/2.8 aperture and the tripod collar (included) for support during longer exposures or when working at high magnification where any camera shake becomes visible.

What does the focus distance limiter do?

It restricts autofocus travel to a specific range - useful when you're shooting at 1:1 and don't need the motor hunting between infinity and minimum focus, which speeds up AF and prevents unnecessary hunting.

How do the SLD glass elements reduce chromatic aberration?

SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass combined with apochromatic (APO) correction minimizes color fringing across the spectrum, which matters most at 1:1 magnification where fine detail makes any fringing obvious.