Product Description

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new Macro 105mm F2.8 EX DG lens. This medium telephoto macro lens employs a new design concept for digital SLR cameras its lens power layout produces an excellent optical performance. The new lens coating cuts down ghost. The DG lens is designed to reduce the influence of harmful light caused by reflections from the digital image sensor. Its outstanding optical performance provides the ultimate correction against lateral chromatic aberration and distortion. This lens boasts compact dimensions of f74mm (maximum diameter) and 95mm (overall length). It has a filter size of f58mm and, at just 450gms, is also extremely lightweight. The minimum focusing distance of 31.2cm (12.2in) is capable of macro photography with a maximum magnification of 1: 1. It is possible to enjoy photography from life-size close-up to infinity. Sigma, Canon and Konica Minolta mounts have a minimum aperture of F45 for incredible depth of field (or F32 for Nikon and Pentax mounts). This lens is equipped with a Focus Limiter Switch that limits the AF range so improving the speed and accuracy of auto focus. It also incorporates a Dual Focus (DF) system that is designed to make the lens easy to hold during auto focusing. The large focus ring offers smooth and positive action whilst focusing manually. A screw-in hood is included, for convenient use of circular polarizing filters. This telephoto macro lens has an equivalent field of view of 178mm on a digital SLR camera (when used with the SD10).

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9346 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Sigma
• Model: B0002P19XA
• Released on: 2006-10-11
• Dimensions: 3.10" h x 4.00" w x 4.00" l, .99 pounds

Features

• 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.
• SIGMA Objectif Macro 105mm F2,8 EX DG for All Canon EOS series SLR cameras Lens for Canon Camera Lenses
• Lens for Canon

Which Digital Camera - September 2006
'A superb lens that's excellent value for what you get. This lens will deliver to even the most critical users.'

Which Digital Camera - September 2006
'A superb lens that's excellent value for what you get. This lens will deliver to even the most critical users.'

Manufacturer's Description
Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new Macro 105mm F2.8 EX DG lens. This medium telephoto macro lens employs a new design concept for digital SLR cameras; its lens power layout produces an excellent optical performance. The new lens coating cuts down ghost. The DG lens is designed to reduce the influence of harmful light caused by reflections from the digital image sensor. Its outstanding optical performance provides the ultimate correction against lateral chromatic aberration and distortion. This lens boasts compact dimensions of f74mm (maximum diameter) and 95mm (overall length). It has a filter size of f58mm and, at just 450gms, is also extremely lightweight. The minimum focusing distance of 31.2cm (12.2in) is capable of macro photography with a maximum magnification of 1: 1. It is possible to enjoy photography from life-size close-up to infinity. Sigma, Canon and Konica Minolta mounts have a minimum aperture of F45 for incredible depth of field (or F32 for Nikon and Pentax mounts). This lens is equipped with a "Focus Limiter Switch" that limits the AF range so improving the speed and accuracy of auto focus. It also incorporates a Dual Focus (DF) system that is designed to make the lens easy to hold during auto focusing. The large focus ring offers smooth and positive action whilst focusing manually. A screw-in hood is included, for convenient use of circular polarizing filters. This telephoto macro lens has an equivalent field of view of 178mm on a digital SLR camera (when used with the SD10).

Customer Reviews

You know you want to buy this now...
If you can't bear to read through the whole of this review - then in summary - this is a fantastic lens which is worth every penny - buy it now, right now, start shooting and you won't be disappointed.

For anybody who is reading the rest of this, I'm guessing it's because you're in the same position I was until recently, comparing a number of different lenses - if we're shooting macro it's because we're obsessed with the details!

The optical quality of the Sigma is incredible. I won't go on about the sharpness (it's pin-sharp), the contrast (I never knew lenses could be so different), the out-of-focus results (they're lovely) or an aperture range from f2.8 to f32 (Nikon mount). Really, the quality is incredible and you won't be disappointed.

Build quality is equally as impressive. The hood is sturdy, but of the screw in type which can be a bit fiddly. If you're close-up and using on camera or a hot-shoe flash then just leave the hood off to avoid shadows - with a UV filter on the front for protection the lens itself is so well recessed that not a single shot has had a problem without the hood. There's also a push pull clutch to let the focusing ring (large, nice smooth action) engage or disengage for manual/auto-focus use. It sounds odd, but it's very intuitive to use and you quickly get used to it. My copy has an occasional slight scraping noise as the barrel extends and retracts, but hopefully this is nothing to worry about - it is moving quite a bit!

Auto-focus is always a nightmare with Macros. If you're shooting portrait or long shots then it's OK and will lock on instantly. At other lengths and close up the focus can hunt quite a bit. The lens includes a limiter switch to overcome this to some extent, but doing this sort of work will hopefully mean you're working manually a lot anyway. Just don't let negative comments about this be your hang-up over this lens.

Let's be blunt - if you want the absolute best and can afford it then go for the Nikon and never look back. If, however, your pockets aren't that deep and you just care about top quality images, then ask yourself a couple of questions...

Are you worried about the lens extending? It's nothing to worry about, but if internal focusing is worth that much to you then pay twice the price for the Nikon (the Sigma does extend by a couple of inches at 1:1). Secondly, ask yourself whether you need Nikons silent wave motor. Not whether it'd be nice (we all know it would), but is it really worth paying twice the price for. Hopefully the answer to both of those is no, and you can start clicking the order now button on this page! (Ignore the VR, that isn't effective at Macro ranges, just portraits).

With those two points aside, you might still be comparing focal lengths and wondering how this compares to the Tamron near equivalent?

I've spent ages looking at this vs the 90mm Tamron - and have been thoroughly stumped by everybody's different opinions. I couldn't possibly tell you which is best, but it's clear that most people are extremely happy with whichever they chose. I went for this over the Tamron simply because it was readily available and I had the opportunity to physically try it out before purchase so knew that I was happy with it.

I've spent ages looking (and testing) what the best focal length macro lens is - and have realised that they've all got their place. I went for this length over all the others as a 105mm seems to be a useful standard length to work with, allowing me to shoot some bugs and nasties with a bit of space, without having to then back too far away when doing flower details. Maybe one day a 180mm will fall into my lap (waiting on that Lotto win), but that would work alongside this lens, not replace it.

So the Sigma is excellent. Does it beat everything else? I doubt many people have the opportunity to test them side-by-side - all I know is that it would cost a LOT more for me to be any happier with a macro lens.

If taking top quality macro pictures is what you want to do, then this lens will deliver all you could possibly ask from it - and at a very reasonable price. Stop comparing, take the plunge and buy it and start taking pictures!

Permanant lens
This was my first foray into non-Nikon lenses (couldn't afford the Nikon equivant at the time) and I have to say that this is a stonker!!! Images are pin sharp, little to no fringing and I now use this as my main lens on my D200. The Macro is amazing, really sharp (watch the aperture as 2.8 renders most things out of focus!!). Partially agree with the previous poster about focus lock on, but guess what: switch to manual focus which is dead easy to do. Solid, well built optic which has convinced me to look at the Sigma option before splashing out on a Nikon

great
Have had this lens for about 4 days and I am loving it more and more. It delivers the razor sharp images that I have always wanted from a camera. I was worried that I would feel limited with 105mm. But is perfect for macro photography. Wonderful for a full face and shoulders portrait, and great for any view of vista I might want to capture.
This is by no means a casual lens, it's not all singing and dancing.
Some people will tell you that this camera will search and search for focus... this is true. And often without the focus assist light it will not find focus. And if you let the camera search and search you will soon find that the battery will run down significantly quicker (I found by a factor of about a third). If you don't enjoy switching off the auto focus button then this is not for you. I find myself in the habit of doing most of the focus work in manual and then activating the auto focus for that last little bit. I also find that I am spending most of my time in aperture priority doing more than several version of each shot just so I can dig out that perfect one. Also... if I want to alter the zoom... well you have to move closer of further away... this could mean by millimetres if it is a bumble bee, feet if it a human portrait... and, well... counties, if it is landscape. This lens has increased the amount of time that it takes for me to take a picture (a lot), but I find that I am closer to the picture I wanted to take (by a lot).
In short... if you don't like tripod photography, thinking about composition and aperture or using your legs this is not the lens for you.
Razor sharp, and beautiful, Oh yes, I love it.