Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM Review

Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2009.
The lens belongs to the category telephoto zoom lenses, a telephoto lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Sigma

At launch 2009 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM:

"For use with smaller chip APS-c cameras only

Offers Sigma’s OS System (Optical Stabilization) allowing handheld photography even in low-light situations

HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus

Minimum focusing distance of 43 inches throughout the entire zoom range & a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.5

Extremely compact measuring only 4 inches long and weighs 15 ounces with a filter diameter of 55mm

A lens hood and front & rear lens caps are included with the lens.

Sigma’s 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM is designed for portability and convenience. Its compact size makes handheld shooting easy at all focal lengths and easy to carry. With a range that is useful for candid portraiture, capturing children playing in the backyard, amateur sports or even wildlife at the zoom it’s a great all purpose lens. SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass employed for effective compensation of color aberration, Super Multi-Layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting and assures high image quality throughout the entire zoom range. Internal Focusing System eliminates front lens rotation & allows use of a polarizing filter for creative effects & improves the optical performance of the lens at various distances. The Sigma 50-200mm is equivalent to the popular 75 to 300mm on a full frame camera and offers a 4 to 1 zoom ratio in a compact lens that is easily carried in your camera bag or left on the camera as you travel. "

Product description from Sigma at launch 2009

Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.

This lens is designed and meant for Canon and Nikon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 50-200 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 80-320 mm if you have a Canon camera or 75-300 mm if you have a Niko camera.

A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/4-5,6.

This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.

One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 50 mm the lens brightness is f/4 and at 200 mm the brightness is f/5,6. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.

Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 55 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "LH674-01 686".

Images of Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The price (more info)
  • Has a built-in image stabilizer
  • An impressive focal range
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • Light weight (420 gr)
  • Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
  • Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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