Wanted - Info & comments on Sigma 105mm 2.8 DG Macro lens

[Guest]

Can anyone give any comments on quality, usability, quality of results etc on the quoted lens from personal experience. ?

[Mick Johnson]

Re: Wanted - Info & comments on Sigma 105mm 2.8 DG Macro lens

Hi, Dennis.

I had both the Sigma 105mm and the Canon 100mm usm lenses for over a year before selling one or the other.

My Sigma was the non DG version and had the slower auto-focus than it has now. Optically they shoud be similar.

Anyway, as I say I had them both for over a year and used them both quite a lot, not only for Macro but some bird photography. I also tested them together and my findings were.......

Canon, not very sharp at all @f2.8 and nowhere near as sharp as the Sigma. Indeed the Sigma was sharper all the way to f11 where they both became identical. Smaller than f11 and the Canon was very slightly sharper but not much in it.

Obviously the Canon's auto-focus was much quicker and much quieter than the Sigma. Probabaly not much in it now with the DG version and hsm.

I also much prefered the manual focussing ring with the Sigma than the slightly notchy feel of the Canon's. Only thing is you need to push the Sigma's ring forward to engage it. The Canon has a ftm focus ring.

I liked the fact that the front element is about an inch or more down the barrel of the Sigma and so don't really need a hood whereas the Canon's is right on the front and so you had to use the hood to protect it, just in case.

Only things I don't like about the Sigma are the fact it changes length when focusing, and sometimes, but rarely, if you have a background with out-of-focus highlights (like dew in the sun) they can look a bit 'octagonal' and not as smooth as the Canon.

In the end I sold the Canon and will probabaly never sell the Sigma if it keeps going.

It is still my number one choice for bird photography when using it on a tripod with a remote cable because it's so sharp.

Btw, the Tamron 90mm seems a very good Macro lens as well.

If you want to know anything else that I may of missed, let me know.

I also have plenty of Macro and Bird shots taken with this lens so if you want me to send you any I will.

[Patrick]

Re: Wanted - Info & comments on Sigma 105mm 2.8 DG Macro lens

Can anyone give any comments on quality, usability, quality of results etc on the quoted lens from personal experience. ?

I own one a DG and love it, highly recommended, but I'm on record as a great fan of Sigma lenses, at least the better quality EX range, which the 105 is a part.

Go for it you wont be disappointed.

Patrick

[Ian]

Re: Wanted - Info & comments on Sigma 105mm 2.8 DG Macro lens

I'm testing the Olympus (Four Thirds) fit version at the moment. If you don't mind the unusual 'flock' finish, it's a well-built lens and seems optically good - I haven't analaysed the test target results yet though. The push/pull focus engagement takes little getting used to.

More on this lens from me in the future

Ian

[Guest]

Re: Wanted - Info & comments on Sigma 105mm 2.8 DG Macro lens

Thanks everyone for helpful replies. I am waiting for our local branch of Jessops to have the only one they could find to be sent up from their Hastings branch in order for me to check it out. However as it has to go first to their warehouse for them to check it over before they despatch it to our local branch, it may be a week before I see it. Will let you know whether I purchase.

[Patrick]

Re: Wanted - Info & comments on Sigma 105mm 2.8 DG Macro lens

Thanks everyone for helpful replies. I am waiting for our local branch of Jessops to have the only one they could find to be sent up from their Hastings branch in order for me to check it out. However as it has to go first to their warehouse for them to check it over before they despatch it to our local branch, it may be a week before I see it. Will let you know whether I purchase.

[paul.r.w]

Re: Wanted - Info & comments on Sigma 105mm 2.8 DG Macro lens

Not sure where you are but this place is near the British Museum, I bought a spare battery from them and they seem very reasonable. They do a lot of mail order but you can walk in there.

http://www.microglobe.co.uk