You asked
Is the sigma 50 120mm f 2 8 dc os contemporary good for portraits?
Yes, it's a good portrait lens, especially on APS-C. On Sony E or Fujifilm X it frames like 75-180mm on full frame, and f/2.8 gives the background blur you want for headshots. Longer lenses flatter faces because you stand further back, and this one covers that range while staying compact.
It's a better fit for tight headshots and outdoor portraits, where you have room between you and your subject. In small rooms, a 50mm or 85mm-equivalent prime will be easier to work with. If you're deciding what to buy first, read Portraits for the full comparison. You can check which bodies it fits on the Sigma 50-120mm f/2.8 DC OS Contemporary page.
Written by Claude from this site's pages.