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Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX DG HSM

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Review Date: Nov 4, 2013 Recommend? yes | Price paid: Not Indicated | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Excellent sharpness in center from max aperture Very fast and silent AF with HSM motor Affordable compared to rivals Size compared to rivals
Cons:
Size and weight Focus and zoom rings not nicely dampened (Manual focus lenses user) 82mm fllter thread, this lens is short but fat !

This is going to be a little untypical review, as I am using this lens in A (ex Minolta, now Sony, mount) with a motorized adapter, on a Sony NEX 7, and soon on a FF Sony A7.
The lens is very unbalanced on the NEX body, which I am used too, using many other DLSR optics on it, so not an issue for me. Just carry and operate the combo holding the lens, close to the adapter mount, and all is fine. The combo looks ugly, impressive, and certainly means business. It screams "serious gear".
One thing I am totally in love with about high end Sigma lenses is the HSM motor. It is virtually silent and very, very quick. It gives excellent performance on the NEX 7 body via the LA-EA2 adapter. DSLR like performance.
The build quality is good, the matte EX finish tends to wear off with time, but so far this unit I bought used is in mint cosmetic condition. The front element is not as large or gorgeous as on the 70-200/2.8 HSM (my favorite AF lens on Earth) but it is adequate for the size of this baby. The lens is a monster, 82mm filter thread is not ordinary, but it's way shorter than it's 24-70 siblings in other makes, be it CaNikon or even Tamron. It's fat, but short.
The optical quality is just awesome. I used to have several Tamron 28-75/2.8 lenses and they were optically great, but this is clearly above, with a very recognizable high end Sigma signature in both the razor sharpness (yes, even from max aperture in the center) and the gorgeous and unique creamyness of the OOF areas. This stark contrast between sharp and creamy is what I love so in those high end Sigmas. My unit is perfectly calibrated for my NEX 7 without any intervention or adjust on my part, which is great. Overall super impressed, and can't wait to add another 70-200 to my collection.

 
Sigma 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM APO

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Review Date: Sep 6, 2010 Recommend? yes | Price paid: Not Indicated | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: My copy is extremely sharp, even wide open. Good contrast, HSM is fast and silent. Vetsatile range.
Cons:
Physical length of the lens makes it tricky to shoot steadily handheld.

I had a first copy in Canon mount, which gave excellent results with a 20D. Recently I was looking for a fast zoom with reliable focus to make indoor portraits of my 2 year-old. I found an incredible deal on an unused factory demo and took a chance with it. Well I'm glad I did, this lens is insanely good on my D90, actually 99% as good as my 70-200 DG Macro, which is the very best lens I own. Sharpness of the 50-150 is on par, only background blur is lesser and not as pleasing (the 70-200 is buttery smooth). This lens actually makes me reconsider my desire for FF, as it offers pretty much everything I expect from a lens.