Sigma EX 105mm F2.8 DG Macro Review
General information
This is a prime lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2005.
The lens belongs to the category
telephoto prime lenses, a telephoto lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.
The lens has macro-capabilities and is able to reproduce things in their true size (1:1) which is good, it tends to be the rule for calling a lens a 'true' macro lens.
Product description from Sigma
At launch 2005 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma EX 105mm F2.8 DG Macro:
"This Sigma Macro 105mm F2.8 EX DG is a large aperture medium macro lens ideal shooting the smaller things in our world that exist virtually unseen. A macro lens is one which will focus on a subject close enough to render it “life-size” on the image plane in your camera. It also has a “flat” field” front lens element so that it can shoot images of flat objects such as artwork or postage stamps and be tack sharp all the way across the image. This Sigma Macro 105mm F2.8 is ideally suited for taking pictures insects or other small creatures, but it is also the perfect focal length for facial portraits rendering the best perspective of the human face. This greater distance also allows the photographer more flexibility in lighting the subject with natural light reflectors. Three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide optimum color correction and sharpness throughout the entire range and a Super Multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting. A floating internal focus system enables a minimum shooting distance of 12.3 inches enabling ability to shoot with critical sharpness regardless of distance. So don’t miss the tiny insects, flowers of the world or the details in a stamp or coin collection or a piece of embroidery all of which are seldom noticed but offer a fascinating world if you look closely enough. Capture them with the Sigma Macro 105mm F2.8 EX DG.
Designed for use with full frame digital SLR cameras. May also be used with smaller APS-c size sensors with a corresponding effective increase in focal length to about 150mm with most cameras
Focuses down to 1:1 magnification ratio at its closest working distance of 12.3 inches
Extremely compact weighing only 16 ounces & measures only 3.8 inches long.
A lens hood, front & rear lens caps and carrying case are included with the lens."
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.
This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon and Nikon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.
Here it is the only Canon version of the lens that has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. The possibility to use autofocus (AF) is available for Nikon cameras but only if the camera itself has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. Some cheaper and budget camera models from Nikon lacks a built-in autofocus motor, and we at Lensora appreciate autofocus, so in the list of compatible cameras we have chosen to display only the cameras that you can get autofocus with.
The lens has a focal length of 105 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Sigma EX 105mm F2.8 DG Macro
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
- Read more about the autofocus motor and the importance of this part
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8.
This aperture value indicates that the lens is very bright. This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.
The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 58 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.
If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "LH620-01".
Images of Sigma EX 105mm F2.8 DG Macro
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- The price (more info)
- The lens brightness, f/2,8
- Manages to reproduce things at 1:1 (Macro)
- Works on all sensor types
- A lens hood is included
- Light weight (450 gr)
- No built-in autofocus motor (the Nikon version)
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Sigma EX 105mm F2.8 DG Macro.
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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