The Nikon 105mm Micro was one of the first lenses we tested here at SLRgear - we don't even have a full-frame test for it. Based on the results from the DX sensor of the D200, it looks like the Sigma is slightly sharper, though the Nikon does show impressively low CA and almost no distortion. The lens power layout produces excellent optical performance. High refractive index SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass corrects chromatic aberration, spherical aberration and field curvature. It ensures high rendering performance at all shooting distances. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting, maintaining quality images with high contrast. There's modest pincushion distortion, but it's not so severe as to be distracting, and it's easily correctable. Verdict The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens is regularly priced at about the significantly-rebated Sigma price.

Another similarity with most modern macro lenses is that the Sigma works well as a fast, short telephoto prime for general shooting. With a fast and near-silent stepping motor autofocus system, it’s good for shooting wildlife or sporting action, even under dull lighting conditions, where the f/2.8 aperture enables fairly fast shutter speeds without having to bump up your camera’s sensitivity settings too much. It’s equally adept at portraiture, where the f/2.8 aperture produces a fairly tight depth of field. It entertained me for hours and stretching the analogy, a macro lens is indeed good medicine for the photographer. The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) provides quiet and high speed autofocus. It is also possible to use full-time manual focus, even if the lens is set to the AF position. If macro photography is your primary use for this lens, MF is probably what you care about most and the poor AF performance may not be an issue for you. Since Sigma reverse engineers (vs. licenses) manufacturer AF routines, there is always the possibility that a new body might not support an older third party lens.

The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens is available in Canon (reviewed), Nikon, Sony/Minolta and Sigma mounts. On those cameras, the 105mm focal length has an angle of view similar to a 168mm lens on a full frame format DSLR. What is also obvious from the comparison photo above is that the Sigma 105 Macro extends - by up to 1.8" (42mm) - when focusing. What can also be seen in the above photo are magnification markings on the extended portion of the lens barrel. The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens' focal length is slightly longer than the competing macro lenses.

But maybe not to this lens' uniquely narrow minimum aperture of f/45 (f/32 with Nikon and Pentax mounts). Used Optics Used Binoculars Used Scopes Used Accessories Used Accessories for Canon EOS Cameras Used Accessories for Nikon Cameras Used Accessories for Fujifilm Cameras Used Accessories for Micro 4/3 Cameras Used Accessories for Sony Alpha Cameras Used Camera Bags, Cases and Straps More Used Equipment The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures quiet and high-speed autofocus as well as full-time manual focus capability. There are few subjects that a macro lens cannot be used for and the results you can get from a macro lens are only limited by your imagination.

The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art macro lens is a major redesign for mirrorless Sony and L-mount cameras

The Canon L lens is a better-polished product overall, but the Sigma challenges the Canon for image quality. Lens Filters Clear UV and Protection Filters Polarising Filters Neutral Density Filters Cokin Creative Filter System Other Filters Filter Stepping Rings Close-Up Lenses Add to that the better flare performance, better bokeh, a fixed physical length ... and you have my opinion. The Canon, even though it has a slightly shorter focal length, has a longer working distance (6"/150mm) than the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens (4.8"/122mm).

Opening the box and removing/opening the nice, well padded lens case reveals a very- nice-to-use sized, well-built lens.This is a narrow hood that provides good front element protection and remains very compact when installed in reverse orientation for storage.

The Sigma 105 Macro's AF system is definitely not one of its strengths - AF is slow, noisy and delivered a well-above-average number of OOF (Out of Focus) shots. By using Sigma's APO Tele Converters, it is possible to take photos at greater than 1:1 magnification. HSM ensures a quiet and high speed AF as well as full-time manual focus override. This lens has a rounded 9 blades diaphragm which creates an attractive blur to the out of focus areas. Sigma's OS (Optical Stabiliser) system offers effective correction of approximately 4 stops. As the stabilisation effect is visible through the viewfinder, it aids composition and accurate focusing. * The OS effectiveness will gradually decrease as the shooting distance becomes shorter. On-camera Lighting Flashguns Canon Fit Flash Sony Fit Flash Nikon Fit Flash Fujifilm Fit Flash Micro Four Thirds Fit Flash Panasonic Lumix S Fit Flash Flash Accessories LED Camera Lights Unfortunately, diffraction causes images to go soft beyond f/16 or f/22, so this extreme-minimum aperture is not helpful to me.

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens, with its macro-ready Hybrid IS, is rated for only half of its Though not confirmed to me, the 4 stop rating is probably not applicable at the closest focusing distances this lens is capable of. Your location and available space is not a limitation nor is the time of day (if using artificial lighting).