Sigma 105mm EX Macro

[RichardtheSane]

Hi all,

I've been considering a macro lens for some time now, I was going to go for the Tamron 90mm 2.8 lens (thanks to some fine examples from Frank :D ) however another application for the lens would be my concert photography.
I find that I am taking most of my concert shots at between 90-135 mm, so the sigma 105mm has some of the extra reach I need.

My question is, does anyone have this lens, had this lens, have any opinions on this lens (or maybe even some examples...)

Thanks

[WestFalcon]

I had the lens and really liked it. Photodo rates it highy too. I decided to go all Canon lenses and bought the 100 usm macro but I was quite pleased with the Sigma. It does not focus as fast as the Canon but that was never a problem. It's a woderfully sharp lens, just as sharp as the Canon and costs less money.

[iwatkins]

Very sharp output from this lens, and reasonably cheap with it. Also love the *metal* screw in lens hood.

I've used the lens mainly for macro work but does make a good portrait lens as well (if you have the room).

Cheers

Ian

[psk4363]

Hi Richard,

I've had the Sigma lens for the past 3 weeks and can confidently recommend it as an extremely sharp and contrasty piece of kit. The results I've had are well within my expectations and my only criticism is the relatively slow focussing (compared to Canon USM) but that does pale into irrelevance as a 1:1 macro and protrait lens.

Sorry but can't post any samples - not got into this side of digital photography yet.

Cheers,
Barry

[DaveG]

You might want to look around for a non USM Canon 100. They are just as good optically as the USM version and should be easily available on the used market.

I have one and I've discovered that with macro work I'm going to focus manually. As long as you don't need
the USM for non macro work then it'll be just fine, and much cheaper than the current USM version. The Canon should also hold its value better than a Brand X lens, on the chance that you are looking ahead.

[ron chappel]

If they really are as sharp as the canon (or close to it as everyone says) then you will be very happy with one!

[Derek Smith]

I've had one for about two years. Had to have it rechipped for the 10D.

It is probably my most used lens.

It can suffer from flare, the lens hood is a must and watch out for excessive front lighting. The AF is poor, but I always use MF so that is not an issue.

Sharpness is good from macro to infinity, stops down well and has a good bokeh full open

[aquace21]

For macros, the 105mm will be a good lens no doubt. But if you're going to use it for concert photography, i believe there could be some issues. Firstly, macro lenses' AF speed is not impressive, and hunting can be quite long esp under low lighting. Moreover, the sigma can be quite noisy when it is focusing. I would suggest you get another prime lens (85mm f1.8, 100mm f2) for concerts.

Just my suggestions. ;)

[JMSetzler]

I hope this is helpful:

http://www.pbase.com/jmsetzler/the_logic

I shot all of these live performance photos with my 10d and the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 macro lens.

[RichardtheSane]

Thanks to everyone for their replies.
I seriously considered the sigma for some time, but the suggestion of a used canon 100 non USM stirred thoughts in my mind... (OK, I am a canon snob, I confess) and I have ended up picking up a used EF100mm USM for not a huge amount more than the sigma, I am looking forward to it :D
Thanks again :D