Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro Lens Query

[nitsch]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here, but I've enjoyed reading a lot of the existing posts. I'm hoping for some advice on a lens purchase for my 300D.

I have decided to get a Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX Macro Lens as I'm becoming quite interested in doing some bug / flower photography and have got to the point where I'm finding limitations in my current kit lens / closeup filter combo.

There are two flavours of this lens, an older EX version and a newer EX DG lens which is designed (supposedly) with Digital SLR's in mind. I can pick the older non digital version up for circa £150 2nd hand and the newer DG lens for around £270 new (I haven't seen any 2nd hand ones of this yet).

So, my question for all you knowledgable peeps is this: Is the DG lens worth the extra? The only 2 advantages I can see are: i) Supposedly better images due to optimised lenses and ii) Compatibility with my camera as I have read stories about having to get older Sigma lenses 'chipped' in order to get them to function correctly with digital SLR's.

All advice greatfully received! :)

Many thanks,

Nick

[Scottes]

From what I've heard - mostly from CyberDyneSystem's "grumblings" of the "new" Sigma lenses - they haven't changed anything except the sticker on the lens. This seems to be just a marketing ploy to get money for these "new" "enhanced" lenses.

There's a *possibility* - I have no basis for this really - that the new DG lenses have a anti-reflective coating on the innermost element facing the sensor. This is done on some lenses to reduce the possibility of reflections bouncing off the digital sensor, which is shinier than film I guess. Again, I have no basis for this, no knowledge, but it seems to be something that some companies are doing to enhance their "digital" lenses.

Even so, £120 more for a new sticker and possibly an anti-reflective coating....

So I say "Hell no! Buy the used lens!"
It's a very nice lens and certainly worth £150 if the optics are fine.
Personally though, I'd never buy a used lens unless it was from a trusted friend. I'm just that way - I like my stuff new.

[iwatkins]

I've got the "old" lens and it works fine on my 10D. Sure, it is slow and a little noisy when focusing but it is sharp as a sharp thing. Always in my camera bag. With it and a set on Kenko extension tubes, you can get even closer.

Cheers

Ian

[nitsch]

Thanks Scottes for taking the time to share your views. I also have a cynical voice in the back of my head that tells me the "special coating" may just be a marketing ploy.

I also take on board your comments about the unknown factors in buying second hand. The figure of £150 was based on Ebay prices so I guess there is a risk in buying a lens unseen.

I guess I'm probably a bit like you when you say you like your stuff new, I know that even if there were a very minor fault with a used lens it would always really bug me. I've seen a used EX (not DG) in a reputable camera shop but it was £210 so not a huge saving over new.

Having thought about it a bit more whilst writing this I'm swaying more towards just biting the bullet and buying it new, not so much for the dubious advantages of any special coating but just so I know what I'm getting.

Cheers,

Nick

[kb244]

80% of the closeups on my site are done with the Old 105mm. Like said above the DG is just a marketing ploy.

[nitsch]

Thanks guys. Yep, I think the general consensus is that the DG label isn't anything more than a new bit of branding. I'm going to have another trawl through Ebay to see whats available 2nd hand from "trustworthy" sellers! I've used Ebay alot in the past for all manner of things but I know from experience that my idea of MINT can be quite different to some sellers.

The idea of having a brand new lens is very appealing though...

[Vega$50]

I just purchased the DG, mostly due to the fact they didn't have the other model. While I cannot offer an opinion on the any difference between the two...I can say that this is a great lens to have in the bag.

[ron chappel]

There are several things that can be done to improve lenses for use with digital but most of them make little difference with EOS digital bodies.
The new lens allmost certainly has slightly improved optics due to better antireflection coatings-that will make some difference-it won't be all marketing.
That said it's not worth spending that much extra when you are looking to save money

[nitsch]

Thanks for all your comments everyone. I found that Jessops now had the new DG model in for just under £260 including postage so I decided to go for it, the decision was driven in the end mainly by not really wanting to buy second hand off Ebay.

Hopefully it will arrive next week - who knows I might even be brave enough to post some pictures if I manage to take some good ones!