SIGMA 105 2.8 VS Nikon 105 2.8

[Ironwood]

I went through this same process last year.
First I decided on the Tokina, then after a bit more research I changed my mind and was about to order the Sigma 105, but at the last minute I found a near mint Nikon 105VR for $400. I jumped on the Nikon knowing that I could sell it again easily at a profit and get the Sigma if I wanted to.

I am liking the Nikon very much so I have kept it.

I use mine for close-up macro photos almost exclusively, handheld with flash, 1/320sec.
When I first got the lens I was using it with the VR turned on, but now I find I prefer to use it with the VR turned off. I always use it with AF turned off, I turn the focus ring to the closest focus and then back off a little, just to give me an inch more working distance and away I go.

So after that long story, the short of it is, for the work I do with mine I could do without VR and AF. Just saying.
But I do love the contrast and sharpness and colours I get with my Nikon, but I am sure if I did go with one of the others, I would like it too.

 

[SacrificeTheory]

So after some long contemplation, I bit the bullet and bought the Sigma 105. I'll post some pics when it comes in on Tuesday.

 

[SacrificeTheory]

First shot with the Sigma

 

[harleridr]

Hi have the latest Sigma 105 2.8 Sigma's version of vr and if. This is an excellent lens for the money.
Harle

 

[Marcel]

I have an older Sigma 105 without Vibration Reduction and I'm extremely happy with it. It's way lighter than the Nikkor with VR and it's sharp enough for me.

From today's session:

 

[Marcel]

I have an older Sigma 105 without Vibration Reduction and I'm extremely happy with it. It's way lighter than the Nikkor with VR and it's sharp enough for me.

From today's session:

But I forgot to add that it doesn't have a focusing motor, meaning that it won't auto-focus with D3xxx or D5xxx bodies. But I never never use auto-focus when I do macro shots.

 

[oldsalt]

Quiet day here... sooo I did a bit of searching on the web and I just ordered a "mint condition" Nikon Micro-Nikkor 105mm f2.8 Ai-S lens...
I use manual focus for all my macro work so this will fit into my kit very well... can't wait for it to arrive.
I also found (and ordered) a PB-6 bellows - that's enough for one day I think...
cheers

 

[Bill16]

That's awesome! I loved my converted 105mm micro when I had it! I'm sure you'll have a blast with your 105mm!

Quiet day here... sooo I did a bit of searching on the web and I just ordered a "mint condition" Nikon Micro-Nikkor 105mm f2.8 Ai-S lens...
I use manual focus for all my macro work so this will fit into my kit very well... can't wait for it to arrive.
I also found (and ordered) a PB-6 bellows - that's enough for one day I think...
cheers

 

[oldsalt]

Thanks Bill16 - I'm sure I will.... today I ordered a few more items ($800:00) from "Really Right Stuff" ... oh well, it's only money as they say...
cheers

 

[harleridr]

Hi
I am using the newest Sigma 105 2.8 internal focus, this is tack sharp. a great all around lens.
Harle

 

[Suramini]

I had both lenses and sigma is sharper than nikon. But in my sigma was a big dust and for this reason i returned it and changed with a nikon 105mm. And now I really regret.

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