I use this lens mostly for macros of inanimate objects, on a Canon 400D, and it does exactly what it said it would do. It can function as a regular 50mm, or it will focus on objects as close as half an inch from the lens. The focus is understandably slow, since it has to cycle through a wide range.

Consistent Output; Lightweight; Sharp Focus

Incompatible hood and cap; Slow Focus

As a macro lens that works on my full frame Sony a900, this is a good lens at a good price. Just be aware that the focus motor is quite loud (I was trying to use it in a public library) and as noted in the review, there is quite a bit of CA.

small; light; sharp focus

noisy AF; the CA is as bad as tested

The optical construction is made of 10 elements in 9 groups without any special elements. The aperture mechanism has 7 aperture blades. Typical for most true macro lenses the lens features a floating system which corrects aberrations down to the max. magnification of 1:1 at a min.

A nice lens with decent image quality and reasonable price. As a Macro lens it suits the needs. Sharpness and contrast are on the very good side. Gives a macro rendition of 1:1

Image sharpness is very good even for a tendency for excellence, Contrast is very good, The best point for this lens is its price; Compared to similar products, lenses from the camera manufacturers are much more expensive

Inner construction; The focus limiter is very fragile and might disengage/break from first attempt of engaging it, Lens hood is screw on and whenever attached the lens cap cannot be used, creating an inconvenience, The focusing ring rotates when on AF

The first thing I noticed is the ultrafast autofocus. The pictures come out extremely sharp, the colours and contrasts are amazing. I took a few pictures at f32 and the depth of field you get is just incredible, as sharp as can be from the most close object to infinity.

F32! Incredible depth of field! Nice coating on the lens; perfect colours and contrast

None so far :o

I also own the Sigma 150 Macro (which is excellent). Image quality wise, this one is as good, if not a tiny bit sharper. It is small and light, so I always have it in my bag, even if I dont plan to do macro. I bought it also a as a walk around prime that can do macro if needed.

Light weight; Optics: sharpness, contrast, bokeh , color are top notch; AF accurate , price

slow AF (but I knew it wasn't HSM when I bought it...

A competitively priced, digitally optimised lens......

Well priced and sturdy enough lens; full-frame imaging circle

Image quality is not as good as some others

The DG moniker indicates that this is a full-frame compatible lens, while EX indicates that it is one of Sigma's top marque lenses. The lens has an impressive maximum aperture of f/2.8, dropping to f/45 minimum (f/32 on Nikon or Pentax cameras).

Well priced and sturdy enough lens; full-frame imaging circle

Image quality is not as good as some others

a worthy upgrade for your kit lens. It offers top-shelf performance, speed, construction and ergonomics for mid-range price. Makes you wonder why the other stuff costs so much!

Speed; SUPERB CONSTRUCTION!; ergonomics; value; performance

noisy focus; slower focus than Nikons; 67mm filters