You can read all the "specs" doing a Google search so I won't bore you with the geek-tails. The simple answer is that this lens does as promised. It is a very nice, fast lens, for a reasonable price. If you are in a "No Flash Photography" zone, then this lens will get the job done, providing you can take a few steps back from your subject. I took it out for it's 1st "test drive" last night at the local bowling alley. The shots were taken at night with 100% ambient artificial lighting and with the D200 cranked up to ISO 1600 had no problem pulling in 1/125 to 1/180 Sec. shutter speeds with the Aperture notched down a couple of clicks from wide open. While I have definitely not put it through all the paces as of yet, I do have a couple of notations:
I like the fact that the lens hood completely covers the focusing ring when reveresed (as in indoor use), yet leaves the zoom ring completely wide open. This makes for very comfortable usage being able to use the full length to steady the camera and having unfettered access to the zoom ring.
Focus is quick & silent, and I haven't yet experienced any auto-focus "hunting" problems.
Shots so far appear very acceptable. Please note that although I appreciate amazon's customer photo "samples", they manage to compress & reduce them so much that they lose a great deal of clarity. The images I've taken are much better than the few uploaded here. Bottom line, this lens takes quite nice photos.
Look & feel is professional & solid, with smooth as silk zoom & focus action. This lens does not "telecope" in and out as do many zooms. It's length remains constant from 50 to 150mm.
The one and only thing I do not like about this lens (and my other Sigma lenses) is that you cannot remove/install the lens cap when the lens hood is installed for outdoor glare protection. Nikon & Tamron lenses have a center pinch design that allows for easy installation/removal of the caps without removing the lens hood. I wish Sigma would do this as well. Some say you do not need a lens cap on when the hood is installed, but they obviously do not live in a dusty (desert) area. I almost knocked it down to four stars for that, but I'm simply too forgiving...
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