Sigma 105mm f2.8 DG Macro Lens
My lens collection just expanded again today with this gem, a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG macro lens which is a Canon fit brand new for £188.00. I got this for a bargain in where else if not eBay. This marketplace never fails to score good hauls for my collections be it photography and mecha collecting.
This macro lens was recommended by Sing, a colleague who is an avid Nikoner who have said good things about this lens. Upon researching it, Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG scored very good ratings in Fred Miranda’s blog with a 9.1 score. I was convinced that this is the one I want after macro photos from my photography clique fascinated me recently.
From practicals that I have performed, Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG is awesome in delivering almost distortion-free photos making full use of it’s broad focus range. The range is from infinity to 1:1, life-size macro, as close as 31.3cm (12.3in), close enough to shoot a mugshot of an insect without support, i.e. extension tubes. The lens engage with 3rd party filters well such as polarising filters as the frontal lens is static and non-movable.
The unit comes with a lens screw-in hood, almost 3cm long provide anti-glaring support while shooting in a bright exposure. A 77mm filter fits well with the provided thread for your effects manipulation. Without hood, filter utilises 58mm. .The only disadvantage of this system is the inability to fit the lens cap whilst the hood is fitted because of the difference in diameter.
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG had 2 flavours just like any average lens – an AF and MF. One can switch to auto focus mode without clashing with the manual focus ring as the design make used of the focus free concept. The ruggedness and toughness of this lens build is suitable for ramblers who are constantly on the move.
The focus range is broad made with versatility almost flexible for any theme be it portrait, wildlife or outdoor shoots. the high contrast and image quality is a feature that one must appreciate. Shooting range is never a problem with Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG as they are made ideal for DSLR and film SLRs.
One thing I noticed that ghosting and flare are kept to a minimum, depending on the angle of shooting. Sigma was smart enough to reinforce the unit as if it has an anti-flare and anti-ghost mechanism. Harmful lights and reflections almost non-existence when this unit are in action. Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG does make use of natural light around it making it suitable for almost any condition.
This lens works well on Canon making it 168mm based on 1.6x crop factor. There is no worries about shooting the subject in the distance because of the sufficient focal length. Filling the frame from a distance is almost hassle-free and shadows in the pictures are easily kept to a minimum.
Pros:
- Make use of natural light
- Wide range focus
- Sharp and good quality
- 1:1 life-size, what you see is what you get!
- Creased finish makes it rugged for handling
- Comes with a zip pouch, can be attached to belt!
- Solid finish
- Good optical performance through aperture range particularly at f/5.6
- Better contrast and aberration control better than predecessor
- Flare and ghosting control provided by DG coating
- Good value for your money
Cons:
- AF is slow, easily confused
- Minimum aperture f/4.5, I wish it was bit bigger?
- A little bulky
- AF is noisy, when struggling with focus hunt
- Lens length is not constant when focusing
- Lens cap cannot close while hood in use.
- Optics resolution deteriorate past f/11
Make your grab here if you are convinced with my testimonial;
[phpbay]Sigma 105mm f2.8 DG Macro,18,625,,,,,,,,,,1,,,,,[/phpbay]