Sigma 258101 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens Canon DSLR Cameras, Black

Product Information

Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 G IF ED VR Micro – a more expensive alternative, the Nikon gives superior sharpness at the corners of the frame. It does come in at nearly twice the price of the excellent Tamron 90mm, however, so is a much bigger investment. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM – with a true magnification ratio of 1:1 and inbuilt stabilisation, The Canon EF 100mm is great for macro photography for canon cameras. Use the limit position to reduce focus hunting time by limiting the focus distance to 12.3" - 14.7" (313mm - 370mm) or 14.75" - 8 (400mm - 8). You can even get macro lenses for iPhones or other smartphones, which attach via a clip over the existing camera’s lens. The image stabilization (IS) in this lens is incredible! It allows you to shoot with up to five stops of difference. This makes the difference between shooting freehand or on a tripod. The Hybrid IS compensates for camera shake during macro shooting.

Sigma Optical Stabilisation compensates for camera shake when shooting handheld or in low light scenarios, reducing blur and increasing clarity. Lenses are available for both full frame and cropped sensor cameras. As you can see, most “1:1” macro lenses can focus meaningfully closer than that. (In the image above, an exact 1:1 magnification lens would capture 36mm of the ruler.) The biggest surprise is the Nikon F 105mm f/2.8 VR, for which I measured a maximum magnification of 1.09×, AKA 1.09:1 magnification. You can also see the huge increase in magnification with a 2:1 macro lens like the Laowa. Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections or auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model.This way, you can carefully zoom into your focal point and really get that sharp image you are looking for. Furthermore, when equipped with the TC-1411 (1.4x) or TC-2011 (2.0x), SIGMA’s latest models of teleconverters designed exclusively for the use with L-Mount lenses, it allows photographers to shoot macro at even higher macro magnifications while keeping the working distance.

But in the end, the front element of this lens is so far recessed, I'm inclined to simply forego the hood altogether on this lens. Good choice for macro, but twice the price of the 105mm AF-D to do the same thing. VR is nice hand-held when used as a tele, but is of no help when shooting serious macro, which we do with strobes. 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. A typical macro lens has a ‘magnification’ or ‘reproduction ratio’ of 1:1, meaning the image on the sensor is the same as the real object. With other lenses, the image on the sensor is much smaller than the tree, person or building you focussed on.The focal length means you don’t need to get too close to the subject (i.e. your working distance can be greater), but it is still versatile. After all, it’s a macro lens so you can get very close if you need to! It’s also a popular choice when taking an eye close-up photo.