Sigma Lenses?

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  • 03-23-2010, 09:34 AM
    flintlock62
    Sigma Lenses?
    I will be purchasing a Nikon or Canon very soon, but the extra lenses are too pricey for me. I am looking at the Sigma 105mm Macro at almost half the cost. Are they decent lenses?
  • 03-23-2010, 09:40 AM
    havana_joe
    Re: Sigma Lenses?
    Never used it. I have a Sigma 18-200, and I like it, but like many brands, some lenses are highly rated, others are not. I like my Nikon lens, and the few I've borrowed always seemed to work well. Sometimes it's worth saving up for the name-rand lens.
  • 03-23-2010, 11:10 AM
    CaraRose
    Re: Sigma Lenses?
    Pretty much every manufacturer has a wide range of lenses from really bad to outstanding.

    Your best bet is almost always to research the lens that you're looking at and find reviews of it.

    I think this is a review for the lens you're talking about

    http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...ns-Review.aspx

    AF seems to be its main weakness.
  • 03-23-2010, 11:23 AM
    Anbesol
    Re: Sigma Lenses?
    AF is a typical weakness for Macro lens (even with focus limiter engaged). Do not expect zippy fast AF with any macro.

    Canons 100mm f/2.8 is a sweet lens, its not much more than either the Tamron or Sigma counterparts, and is optically superior (and doesn't stop down through focus range). IIRC the Sigma and Tamron both stop down to f/5 at full magnification, which is a major disadvantage. Sony's 100mm macro is also excellent. Dunno about Nikon but probably the same there too.

    Just dont end up with some weak 50mm macro, it will inhibit your ability to flash a macro scene, and you have to get right up way too close to macro subjects.
  • 03-23-2010, 12:18 PM
    flintlock62
    Re: Sigma Lenses?
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Anbesol
    AF is a typical weakness for Macro lens (even with focus limiter engaged). Do not expect zippy fast AF with any macro.

    Canons 100mm f/2.8 is a sweet lens, its not much more than either the Tamron or Sigma counterparts, and is optically superior (and doesn't stop down through focus range). IIRC the Sigma and Tamron both stop down to f/5 at full magnification, which is a major disadvantage. Sony's 100mm macro is also excellent. Dunno about Nikon but probably the same there too.

    Just dont end up with some weak 50mm macro, it will inhibit your ability to flash a macro scene, and you have to get right up way too close to macro subjects.

    I just found a Canon Telephoto EF 100mm f2.8 macro for $529.00. I was afraid I was going to have to pay much more. Thank you for your input. I will definately go with Canon now. Thanks again!