Sigma 70mm F2.8.EX DG Macro

Has anyone used the above lens?

I am looking at a combined macro and portrait lens that will also go full frame. I currently have a 40d and decided 90 or 100 will be too long and 50mm not long enough for macro work.

The only other options are the Tamrac and Canon 60's but neither of these are full frame and the Tamron is still quite pricey.

That sort of makes the Sigma just about perfect, if anyone has any experience of this lens and can offer any feedback for its portrait and macro properties I would be obliged.

Thanks

It's a top-shelf lens - EX build, razor sharp optics, etc. The only thing it lacks is HSM focusing.

Being ignorant how much of a difference does HSM make?

HSM is effectively the same technology as Canon's USM. Faster, quieter and less hunting. It also provides full-time manual. For portraiture and macro, the absence of HSM won't be a problem in most circumstances.

New Tamron 60/2 macro? B&H just got them in.

Hello there.
I have this lens and use it for macro with my EOS 400D. It's very sharp, but the focus is slow, even with the focus limiter in use. The lens extends quite a bit when focusing close, and this might be annoying with close macro shots. I guess this is also the reason for it being slow since it has to move a lot of mass. It's also relatively noisy compared to my Canon lenses

Rune

I have this lens, its a great macro lens and unflatteringly sharp for portrait
The focus is slow but not an issue for portrait.

I just bought a 5D II and currently have the 60 macro for my 40D. If I didn't have the FF body, I would be all over the new Tamron 60mm f2. The Sigma 70 does seem interesting since it will work on FF. Anyone use the Sigma 70 on FF body?

I have heard nothing but exceptional reviews of the Sigma 70. It's said to be the sharpest of all the Sigma macros, and given how blisteringly sharp the Sigma 150 is, that's an incredible optic.

I have the version with the HSM and it's a pretty nice piece of glass. Focusing is fast and quiet, images look great. Can't say how it would compare to an L series but I am curious to know if anyone has compared them side by side.

dkim3202 wrote in post #8253945
I have the version with the HSM

You have an HSM version of the 70mm f/2.8 macro? Where/when did you get that?

Well, I have four Ls and only the 135mm f/2 and 200mm f2.8 are in the same league as the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 macro.

Tony-S wrote in post #8254028
You have an HSM version of the 70mm f/2.8 macro? Where/when did you get that?

It looks like dkim3202 is referring to the 24-70mm in his/her sig.

I used to own this lens when I had a 40D. It was amazing in every respect except for the relatively slow focusing (no HSM) in non-macro photography.

d.

gasrocks wrote in post #8251387
New Tamron 60/2 macro? B&H just got them in.

,

Thanks everyone for you replies, those who have commented on the slow focussing is it much slower than other macros?

I like the look of the Tamron but it is quite a bit more than the Sigma and not compatible with full frame which I am looking at getting or a 1d mk 3