Sigma 180mm f/3.5 EX DG APO Macro IF HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF USA

Comments about Sigma 180mm f/3.5 EX DG APO Macro IF HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

I wrote a review of this lens 15 months ago, when I had owned/used it for only one month. I thought it might be useful to others, to give a progress report.

In short, I stand by every word I wrote last year: this is a superb lens, ruggedly built, durable, etc.

I have used it for macro work on bugs and flowers, as well as for portraits and for telephotography of wildlife. Results have been excellent, both in my backyard and in the bush of the Kruger National Park.

Colour rendition and sharpness are excellent.

Then I am sometimes asked about it's 'bokeh'. This is a buzzword: background rendition depends on the focal length and aperture used and the distance to the subject and the background. It should be the same for any two lenses of the same focal length and aperture. If a lens shows 'creamier' or more 'prettily coloured' background than other lenses, it is not properly designed/built and/or colour corrected. Whenever I hear/read people waxing lyrical about 'bokeh', I am reminded of 'The Emperor's New Clothes'!

Another issue so often mentioned when long/fast lenses are discussed, is the weight. All I can say is that when you have a long, large-aperture lens of good quality, it is full of large, and hence heavy, lens elements. Yes, a lens like this is relatively heavy, but so what? I am after the quality output, and the weight certainly doesn't bother me - and I am just on the sunny side of 72! If you can't live with the weight of a lens like this, get an 18-200mm Yuppie-zoom!

I have also been asked why I didn't buy the 150mm f2.8 lens instead. Well, to me that extra bit of speed is of no advantage. For Macro work, the aperture is stopped down to f11 or f16, anyhow. For tele work, likewise, I like to stay at those apertures. What is important to me is the greater distance to Macro-subject, which the 180mm lens allows.

Finally, I have had no quality issues with this lens. It focuses as quickly and reliably as on day one. Neither have there be any other issues. And the case it came with has stood up very well - it is still like new. I.e. you don't need an after-market case.

I will repeat what I said 15 months ago: get one of these gems, and it will alter your lifestyle!

Finally, although I must describe myself as a hobbyist/enthusiast, I have been using SLRs since 1964.

Comments about Sigma 180mm f/3.5 EX DG APO Macro IF HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

I like this lens. It is sharp and I can be further away to get a macro shot than being right on top of the subject. It is heavy though but I was able to get some nice shots handheld.I would not hesitate to recommoned this lens. It is also a good portrait lens

Comments about Sigma 180mm f/3.5 EX DG APO Macro IF HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

I’ve been eying this lens for years, specifically for Macro photography. I took the plunge a month ago and am over the moon with the results! This is a superb lens! I have been using it on my new Nikon D80 and the combination produces stunning results, even with the lens wide open! Construction is extremely rugged, quality is great, and the internal focus is extremely quick and almost inaudible, and the extra distance it allows between photographer and bug is a huge advantage. Besides that, it takes excellent tele shots as well. A stunner of a lens! If you have been struggling with a short (say a 50 or 80mm) Macro lens, treat yourself to this gem – it will alter your life style!

Comments about Sigma 180mm f/3.5 EX DG APO Macro IF HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:

I have had my Lens for about 2 Years now, and have
Taken some Really Crisp Macro Images with it. I use this Lens to Photograph Spiders, Butterfly's,
and Dragonfly's. I have even had one of my Dragon-
fly Images in our Local Newspaper. The Autofocus Limiter Function is a must for this Lens, and Works Perfectly for a Quicker Focus of your Subject.