Sigma Macro lenses

pforsell

Senior Member
I know the Sigma HSM 150mm f/2.8 Macro is a fine lens (the non-OS version). But it has been discontinued now and replaced. (Note, 150 not 105. I know nothing of the various 105mm versions).

Be sure to test the off-brand lens on your camera before making the purchase. They have a very nasty habit of having firmware compatibility problems. Often autofocus doesn't work. Sometimes LiveView doesn't work with an off-brand lens. There's even reports of picture review not working while a Sigma lens is attached to the camera (that is Sigma 17-70 lens, if I remember correctly).

Sometimes the lens can be sent back to Sigma for firmware update to make it work with newer bodies. The update is often free or low cost, but you must pay postage and shipping both ways. Sometimes the lens cannot be updated to full working condition at all.

After you have tested the lens on your camera and all works to your satisfaction, I'd say why not. Make sure it autofocuses correctly, the lens elements are free of fungus (look through the lens against a bright light, if there are gray or white "veins", RUN), aperture blades are snappy and oil free, manual focusing is silent and smooth, lens elements clear of scratches, fogging etc.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
Jake used to post photos taken with the Sigma 105mm OS macro - and the results were stellar. If it has OS (vibration reduction) it will help if you are hand-holding the camera.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
Jake used to post photos taken with the Sigma 105mm OS macro - and the results were stellar. If it has OS (vibration reduction) it will help if you are hand-holding the camera.

Maybe I misspoke that Jake's bubble shots were with his Sigma 105mm macro. I just looked and saw some taken with his 24-120mm. But I DID find these taken with his Sigma 105mm macro. It was all his macro shots that made me finally get a macro lens myself (although mine is by Nikon since it was such a good sale price).

2014-062:

Could be another week of me not getting out anywhere, but just in case, I've provided an outlet to prevent you from critter pics all week. Both shots with the D600 and Sigma 105mm macro.

Your Move

75560-jakes-backdoor-hippie-palooza-2014-edition-20140303-d62_4101-edit.jpg


75561-jakes-backdoor-hippie-palooza-2014-edition-20140303-d62_4103-edit.jpg
 
Last edited:

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
Here you go @arshuter - this is the winter image Jake shot that I was thinking of. Taken with his Sigma 105mm macro.

Woke up this morning to an extremely light dusting of very crystalline snow on the deck.

Note to self: This snowflake photography thing isn't as easy as it looks. :)

64564d1394865811-backdoor-hippies-ranchopalooza-inconsistently-posted-images-2013-version-_d8057.jpg


To do it right I'm going to need some extension tubes (this is a rather extreme crop), more patience and a much better pair of gloves. LOL
 

nickt

Senior Member
I have the current model Sigma 105. Not familiar with the history so I don't know offhand if there are previous versions out there. No issues on my d7100 or d7200. It ends up staying full time on my d7100 now. I go against common macro advice and I shoot hand-held with autofocus (af-c,single point, bbf) so OS helps a little but not a lot at close range.
 

WarbirdAirbrush2

Senior Member
d610_04.jpg





d610_03.jpg





d610_01.jpg

The array of these corkscrewy lazy helical 'needles' helps create an illusion with the macro's short depth of field.




After receiving my Sigma lens Thursday, i shot several macro photos in the backyard this afternoon as bees were doing their thing in thistle blossoms. Mounted this new lens to my recently received refurbished D610. I'm quite happy with the results.
 
Last edited:

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
I still use my Nikon fit pre afs and os 105mm, ok i now use it on my Olympus but its still a good lens, the only down side with the early screw drive units is they could be a bit slow on focusing if you use af on insects.

Aphids

P5260013.jpg
 

WarbirdAirbrush2

Senior Member
Wild image!
Yesterday I switched to manual focus after the lens hunted all over the place for a focus point with the bee on the blossom. Great results but a razor thin depth of field; typical of macros.
 
Top