Sigma 105 EX DG f 2.8 Macro
18/06/2007
Over the last few weeks I have been checking up on Macro lenses, the choices have been, 1. Olympus 50 mm f2. 2. Sigma 105 f2.8.
Because they are going on my E 500, which has a conversion factor of 2x to the equivalent in 35mm, the Olympus lense gives me a 100mm f2 and the Sigma a 210mm f2.8.
Price wise the Olympus is slightly dearer at £350 compared to the Sigma at £ 280.
Both get 1st class reviews with similar complaints about the auto focus when in Macro mode.
Why you would want auto focus in macro beats me, some of these folk do talk a load crap, to me it falls in to the same thinking that says "if a digital sensor produces any amount of noise above ISO 400 it is no good. Show me a film at these speeds that doesn't show loads of grain!!
In the end I decided to go for the Sigma,and bought one, the spec is as follows,
105mm f/2.8 EX DG
High
performance medium telephoto macro lens optimized for digital cameras
MACRO 105mm F2.8 EX DG allows greater working distance between the lens
and subject. High contrast and excellent image quality are made possible
in all shooting ranges. This macro lens is ideal for digital SLR cameras
as well as film SLR cameras. 
Angle
of View |
|
23.3
degrees |
Number
of Diaphragm Blades |
|
8
Blades |
Minimum
Aperture |
|
F45 |
Minimum
Focusing Distance |
|
31.3cm |
Maximum
Magnification |
|
1:1 |
Filter
Size |
|
58mm |
Dimensions |
|
Diameter
74mm X Length 97.5mm |
Weight
|
|
460g
|
Digital Camera had the following to say after carrying out a test.
"Digital
Camera
‘The manual focus setting is firm enough for confidence
and provides accurate control in close-up and telephoto use.’
‘This Sigma in particular produced razor-sharp images at
close quarters, and held its performance admirably throughout
all the imaging tests we subjected it to, with constantly good
detail and strong contrast at the telephoto setting. The lense produced excellent results, with fine detail and smooth
tone gradation over a range of magnifications."
This test was done on a canon with a 1.5x factor, giving a EFL of 157.5mm.
Sigma's reason for the excellent tonal graduation is "This new medium telephoto macro lens employs a new design concept for
digital SLR cameras. Its new lens power layout produces an excellent optical
performance and also reduces flare and ghost. This new lens is designed
to reduce the influence of harmful light caused by reflections from the
digital image sensor."
Whatever the reason I have to agree with all of the tests and say that it is super sharp with excellent colour and tonal rendition.
I have only used it for the last couple of days and it is proving to be all that it is cracked up to be, manual focus is fast and smooth with a nice amount of resistance and focusing on the plain screen a joy, it snaps in and out easily.
I bought mine from http://www.fotosense.co.uk paid the £5 for next day and received it before lunch next day. I received 1st class communication at all times and the packaging was very good, Recommended.
On the gallery are just a couple of images at the moment , I am sure many more will follow.
Macro Gallery 2
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