Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS Macro Lens for Nikon AF Cameras

Comments about Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS Macro Lens for Nikon AF Cameras:

The lens was good except for the noise when it is using the Autofocus. It is sharp and clear.

Comments about Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS Macro Lens for Nikon AF Cameras:

It is very good and cheap lens
It came with it's bag so no need to buy a bag

Comments about Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS Macro Lens for Nikon AF Cameras:

I tried it for 5 days and returned it. Tried another copy and it's still the same all I got is soft images from f/2.8 to f/22 when you crop it. Even with the os on and with tripod. Maybe it's the copies that I got. Just going to wait for the nikon.

Comments about Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS Macro Lens for Nikon AF Cameras:

I started off several years ago with Sigma's 50mm f/2.8 macro lens. It's a good lens that served me well for a long time, but after a while I started to outgrow it, and began looking for something else. For a long time I had my heart set on Sigma's 150mm f/2.8, but after testing it and the 105mm at my local shop I decided on the 105mm. I couldn't be happier with my choice! It takes wonderfully sharp photos with good color and contrast!

Some of the best physical attributes of this lens, in my opinion, are the construction, ergonomics, and weight. The 150mm is a beast; however, this 105mm can easily be used handheld, and it's also light enough that it doesn't need a tripod collar. The switches (focus limiter, AF/MF, and OS) are easy to find without looking, and easy to manipulate. It's a very comfortable lens; I was surprised at how good it felt in my hand the first time I tried it out.

In the course of researching which lens to buy, there are 2 things about telephoto macro lenses of which I was not previously aware. First, the closer you focus, the slower the lens becomes (kind of like any other variable-aperture lens) until you're at f/5.6 when you're at the minimum focusing distance at the full 1:1 magnification ratio. Apparently, that's a trait that all telephoto macro lenses share (Sigma's 150mm did the same thing when I tried it out). I have not found it to be a hindrance, since I use a tripod and normally stop down to at least f/8 when shooting macro. The other thing is that the minimum focusing distance is actually measured from the imaging plane (sensor or film), and NOT from the front element of the lens. The specs of this lens say that the minimum focusing distance is about 1 foot, but the actual working distance from the front of the lens to the subject is actually around 4 or 5 inches. Again, I haven't found this to be particularly bothersome, but if you need that extra working distance you should probably opt for the 150mm or the 180mm.

In conclusion, despite these attributes that some may consider as drawbacks, I'm extremely happy with this lens, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a really great, relatively affordable, general-purpose macro lens!

Oh yeah, the auto focus is FAST FAST FAST!!! The focus limiter really helps to tame it at times.

Comments about Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS Macro Lens for Nikon AF Cameras:

After reading many articles on macro photography, and researching a lot of macro lenses. I decided on sigma 105mm.So far I am very very pleased with my choice.I am new to macro, but as I said I very very please with new sigma 105mm.

Comments about Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS Macro Lens for Nikon AF Cameras:

I have had this lense for a week and so far I am really impressed. The first thing you notice taking it out of the box is, it is a little heavy and thats because it is not made of cheap plastic. The OS, focus switches are easily accessed and don't interfere with the operation of the camera. It fits tight on my D300s camera which gives it a good seal. It comes with a well padded carrying case for storage, not a cloth bag that some come with.
The first pictures I took were macro shots of one of my rings. The shots were tack sharp and showed scratches not seen by the naked eye. I also took shots of flowers that came out really crisp, very well detailed and outstanding colors. The only negative thing I can say about this lense is it comes with 2 lense hoods, one for full size and one that attaches to the other hood for DX models cameras. There is no place to store the 2nd lense hood. I would consider this very minor.
I must tell you that I am not a professional photographer but by no means an amatuer either. I don't know all that pro jargen that is hard to understand.
The reason I gave it a 5 star rating is, it is well made, takes great pictures, easy to use, and you just can't beat the price. You can't beat B&H either. This is my third lense, one camera,one teleconverter, numerous filters and other camera supplies I have bought from this company. They ship on time, professionally pack thier boxes and have great prices.

Comments about Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS Macro Lens for Nikon AF Cameras:

I purchased this lens to replace my Nikon 105 Micro 2.8 D and to have the extra feature of OS, but after testing it against the Nikon, I decided that the OS (not as good as Nikon's VR system), was the only improvement. I tested it with identical settings as the Nikon and and in the end, optically, it was an even match. Good build quality, fast and quiet focus, but average resolution, for a macro.