MACRO - Sigma 150mm f/2.8 or Canon 180mm f/3.5L

[EdV]

So close! I was so close to pulling the trigger on the Sigma 150 Macro to complement my Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Macro. Then I got cold feet and started to think I should go with the Canon 180L instead. Obviously, I am looking for a lens that will give me more working distance than the 70 (which I love, by the way).

Head to head. Which do you think would be the better choice? Please stick to these two lenses. So is it Canon 180L or the Sigma 150 Macro? And why?

Thanks.

[_aravena]

First of all why those two? You know there's a 180 Sigma if distance is the problem and price since the Canon 180 is so much more than the 150. Overall, 30mm is not that much, you'll save some money with the 150, and from what I've heard and seen, the 150 is what I'm going to spring on in time.

[EdV]

First of all why those two? You know there's a 180 Sigma if distance is the problem and price since the Canon 180 is so much more than the 150. Overall, 30mm is not that much, you'll save some money with the 150, and from what I've heard and seen, the 150 is what I'm going to spring on in time.

OK, let's take price out of the equation. (Price is an issue for me but I can swing wither the Sigma 150 or the Canon 180.) For now, assume they cost the same. Which is the better lens, even up?

[Mr. Clean]

Personally after my experience with the Sigma 150 I wouldn't get anything else if I were after a long macro. The Canon is supposed to be good too but I don't see any difference in IQ and the overall bokeh of the Sigma might be better.

[dbdors]

The Sigma 180 is great. I used to own one. I sold it years ago and recently picked up the 150 cause I really missed macro. If working distance is the issue, then go with the Sigma 180 and use the savings for something else. You should do some review searches for the Sigma 180. Lots of good reviews and the Sigma has a tripod collar in the price.

[tmonatr]

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sigma-150mm-f-2.8-EX-DG-HSM-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx

[EdV]

Thanks for the responses thus far. The "problem" is that all the macro lenses seem to get great reviews. I check Fred Miranda and the the Sigma 150 gets a 9.6 while the Canon 180 gets a 9.8. But overall there seems to be little to choose. I have read that in isolation, the build of the Sigma is excellent but when compared side by side with the Canon, the Canon is much better. True?

Image quality seems to be about the same. Again, True?

And then there is the criticism that I don't quite understand. Some comment that 150mm is an odd length for a macro lens and they don't quite feel comfortable with it. Yes I know there is the Sigma 180 as well but why would the 150 feel like an odd length?

I've got to get this dilemma resolved and pull the trigger on one or the other.

[Jman13]

I love the length of the 150...

[Mr. Clean]

Thanks for the responses thus far. The "problem" is that all the macro lenses seem to get great reviews. I check Fred Miranda and the the Sigma 150 gets a 9.6 while the Canon 180 gets a 9.8. But overall there seems to be little to choose. I have read that in isolation, the build of the Sigma is excellent but when compared side by side with the Canon, the Canon is much better. True?

Image quality seems to be about the same. Again, True?

And then there is the criticism that I don't quite understand. Some comment that 150mm is an odd length for a macro lens and they don't quite feel comfortable with it. Yes I know there is the Sigma 180 as well but why would the 150 feel like an odd length?

I've got to get this dilemma resolved and pull the trigger on one or the other.
The build quality question is tough to answer as it varies by lens and personal preference.. My Sigma 24-70EX vs my 24-70L is different with the nod to the L. My Sigma 70-200 2.8 EX vs my Canon 70-200 2.8 IS is a tie. They're just different, different color, different feel but both the same sikly smooth MF and zoom rings and rock solid build.

The Sigma 150 EX has the same top notch build and is without a doubt one of Sigma's best. Silky smooth MF, pin sharp wide open, decent AF speed for a macro, just a real good lens.

Personally I prefer the L build but there's nothing bad I can say against Sigma's build.

The overall sharpness nod goes to the Sigma I believe, and again some prefer the bokeh of the Sigma as the Canon tends to be somewhat 'spikey' at f5.6 and beyond.

The Sigma also makes a great portrait lens where the canon might be a tad too long. 150mm is a fine macro length in my opinion.

[EdV]

Call it a double hitch but after reading the comments here and on another board, I pulled the trigger. I called B&H at lunchtime and ordered the Sigma 150mm macro along with a UV filter and a Novoflex Macro Focus Rail that I have been wanting for some time.

I will be using the 150 along with the Sigma 70mm macro with my existing flashes (580 EX II and 430 EX) with soft box and bracket when necessary. If I can't come up with a satisfactory lighting arrangement, I may spring for the Canon Macro ring-light or dual flashes. But we'll see.