Grey Market Sigma 180 macro HSM

[bolling]

A seller on ebay has new Sigma 180 ex hsm macros for 559.95 and I emailed and it is a grey market lens but Sigma still warrants for 1 year anywhere in the world including the USA which is where I am from. The only difference is the USA model is the USA has an extended 3 year Sigma warranty. I called Sigma and they said it could still be fixed in USA if it was out of warranty for the normal out of warranty charge. Would you buy this lens or a new USA Canon 100 usm macro 2.8 for 455 plus 38 for lens hood. I have read good things about both lenses and I know the 180 has more working distance which I think would be better. Opinions would be appreciated.

[bolling]

Is it my breath or what? bump

[saturnine]

Perhaps the others are still thinking about a reply. I'll give my opinion just so you have a reply to your question.

Go for the Canon 100mm Macro. I own the lens & it is very nice.

Check out the ebay seller very well. When possibly sending $560 to a complete stranger I'd be rather concerned about his background.

[Roy NN7DX]

Check out www.deltainternational.com for your Sigma 180 at $560...

I bought mine from them. Many folks at DP Review have purchased from Delta...

They seem to have great prices on some Sigma lenses... Too bad they don't have stock on all models...

Needless to say, but I'll do it anyway, I have no association with DeltaInternational... Just happy to have saved some money and get my lens promptly.

[bolling]

Thanks for the replys, the person that has the the canon 100 macro on ebay if flashpointcamera which is 17th street photo. I purchased my 100-400 from them and my battery grip and have been very pleased with their service.
With the Digital rebel would you actually have 1:6 lifesize instead of 1:1 and would that mean you would actually have a greater working distance at 1:1 that a film camera?
I live in the midwest Illinois area so we don't have big camera stores where you can look at all the lenses but I did get to try out a sigma 105 and the canon 100 macro and thought both lenses looked and felt nice but the autofocus on the Canon was clearly faster and quieter, although at a much higher price.