Macro Lenses

I've had two copies of the Canon 100mm Macro lens, and I had no issues with either one of them. I sold the last one off about 2 months ago I didn't think I needed them for any up coming projects, but now it looks like I'm going to need another macro lens.

I'm thinking of looking at the Sigma lenses, maybe even rent them to see how they are. Anyone do any comperative tests with these these?

Canon 100mm f/2.8 - $540
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG - $390
Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DG - $413(? more than the 105mm?)

[prices from amazon for comparison]

They're all 1:1, and the focus distance is not an issue since everything is in studio and can be setup as needed.

Sigma 150/2.8.

Like these:

http://www.photozone.d​e …st-report--review?start=1
http://www.photozone.d​e …st-report--review?start=1
http://photozone.de …view--test-report?start=1

I like the 105 personally

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The 100mm is sharp and has USM. You already know the 100mm is good so why would you want to consider anything else? It's as sharp as it can get for the prica, I for one love it!

Did I mention that it's sharp?

If you want the lens hood and tripod collar for the canon, add about another $180 for it .

My only problem with the 100mm is that 1) There are bad copies, and 2) I heard nothing bad things about the Sigma's so why spend the extra $200-$300 on it?

According to the distortion and MTF graphs that Kruzkal posted they're actually better than the Canon.

If Canon ever released an L version of the lens near the same price range (which they won't ... $800-$900 is more likely, $1600 if it goes f/2) than I'll look at it again.

Every lens has a bad copy out there somewhere so please don't let it stop you from purchasing a lens.

I loved the Sigma 150 / 2.8 macro:

http://www.pbase.com/j​oemama/150macrogallery

but have already gotten more use and enjoyment out of the Sigma 70 / 2.8 macro in the few months that I've owned it than I did in the two years I owned the 150 macro:

http://www.pbase.com/j​oemama/70macrogallery

"Why?" I hear you ask? Well, for me, the smaller size of the 70 / 2.8 macro means I am more likely to have it on the camera at any given time since it will fit into my small cmaera bag attached to a 5D (with hood), whereas neither the 100 / 2.8 macro nor 150 / 2.8 macro will. Furthermore, the shorter working distance is often more convenient for me, although I realize the exact opposite is true for other people.

By the way, while not having HSM, the AF of the 70 macro is *very* fast and pretty quiet. On the other hand, if you are not using the focus limiter, if it misses AF, it takes a while and is loud. However, when I'm not using the AF limiter, it's because I'm shooting macro, and then I'm using MF, anyway. So, for me, it's a non-issue.

Also, the only time the lens appreciably extends (more than a quarter of a inch) is for macro shooting, and it can extend a lot. Again, a non-issue for me, but may be an issue for other people.

I have planned to get the Sigma 150mm in the future but mainly because 100 is too close a focal range to my 85mm f/1.8. 150mm could double up albeit a tad slow focused as a general tele. Being super sharp and f/2.8 I am hoping it can keep me from buying the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS...

Is there a Sigma to Canon translation guide?

APO DG HSM EX IF CONV
RF OS ASP DC EG

I never learned what these are in Sigma land.

aram535 wrote in post #7673204
Is there a Sigma to Canon translation guide?

APO DG HSM EX IF CONV
RF OS ASP DC EG

I never learned what these are in Sigma land.

I can help on a few of them:

"HSM"--> "Hypersoning Motor" ("USM" -- "Ultrasonic Motor" for Canon)
"EX" --> "L"
"OS" --> "Optical Stabilization" ("IS" -- "Image Stabilization" for Canon)
"IF" --> "Internal Focus"
"DC" --> "Digital Crop" ("EF-S" for Canon)

sigma 105 isnt bad but the focus is loud, sloooooow and tends to search quite a bit

aram535 wrote in post #7673204
Is there a Sigma to Canon translation guide?

APO DG HSM EX IF CONV
RF OS ASP DC EG

I never learned what these are in Sigma land.

This link should help you out.

http://www.sigmaphoto.​com/lenses/lenses.asp

I thought that there was a poll on what macro lens do you use on the macro forum, however I cannot find it now. As I recall the Canon EF 100 f2.8 macro and the Canon EF-s 60 Macro were the two most popular. Although if you are really into macro there is much to be said about the Canon MP-E 65

Wayne