One of Sigma's masterpieces

Sony itself has a maximum focal length of "only" a 100mm macro to. This is solid, but has for me personally two major drawbacks: The autofocus is an aged rod AF, which is loud and slow, and I did not like macro lens its phyikalische length (only for expansion, not during focusing), depending on which shooting situation changed.

On the recommendation I have then the two Sigma's 150 / 2.8 and the newer 180 / 2.8 looked at my local dealer. After several tests in the business then my choice has fallen on the 150s, solely on the basis of the price, because I told myself that I for the nearly 700, - should get insignificant price difference for me added value.

Meanwhile, I have the 150er about 2 weeks and am already very excited. The build quality is flawless for me, and the handling and feel are absolute top class.
The image quality is also likely to "pixel Peepern" fallen, both in sharpness, color fidelity, contrast and vignetting is concerned. Even the bokeh is very nice to have a smooth transition and a background which, although not tear your socks off, but never messy or "nervous".
Very good is the focus limiter; Here you have three settings, close range under 50cm, remote area about and of course full-range.
As with all macro lenses is a lot of light duty to autofocusing at close range quickly and accurately can; otherwise it may happen that the autofocus a little inflated.
In telephoto range, the autofocus is felt at least as fast as the SSM drive the Zeiss and G lenses.

I put in my Alpha 99 for manual focusing peaking at middle and yellow, and use the Sigma camera in DMF mode. So I possibly readjust the set autofocus always in view and can quickly. I can only recommend.

The stabilizer I can not judge because Alphas In-Body have stabilization, which works absolutely superb. So I have the switchable stabilizer stand on the lens to Off, man can turn it on in two stages. For owners of Bodies without stabilization certainly a useful feature. Although the effect at macro distances is rudimentary.

So, enough "texted" and again as usual my cue like Pro & Contra:

++ Workmanship
++ Haptics
++ Inner focusing (changing the overall length when focusing not even when zooming)
++ Image quality (sharpness, color, contrast)
++ Bokeh very balanced
++ Artifacts very low (vignetting, aberration)
++ Very quiet and accurate autofocus
++ Autofocus speed in the telephoto setting
++ Two-stage focus limiter
++ High-quality tripod collar
++ 3 years warranty
++ 2 lens hoods for APS-C and FF in delivery
++ Lens bag included
+ Autofocus speed in the macro range

For me, it can only mean - thumbs up and five stars.
Much better can be an objective not design and manufacture - More please.