Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Medium Telephoto Macro Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

Product Description
The Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX Macro delivers superb, distortion-free images throughout its broad focus range, from infinity telephoto to 1: 1 (life-size) macro, as close as 12.3" without accessories.Its non-rotating front lens group makes it easier to work with polarizing filters and has a focus limiter (eg. Full Range; - 15.8 in.; 14.6 in. - 12.3 in.).A "focus-free" mechanical design allows the lens to auto focus without any interference from the manual focus ring. This makes it easier to hold the lens without affecting the speed or normal operation of the autofocus function. Rugged mechanical construction also makes it durable enough for even the heaviest use required by professional photographers.The Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX Macro features the new deluxe external EX finish. These features and other Sigma optical advances, including an uncommonly broad range of focus, make this an ideal lens for a wide variety of applications, from nature photography to portraits.A handy screw-in type metal sunshade makes it easier to rotate a polarizing filter.

Optimized for Canon digital SLR cameras but also compatible with film SLR cameras, the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 medium telephoto lens allows a greater working distance between the lens and the subject, helping it excel in all shooting ranges. The increased working distance of the lens is ideal when taking the picture of a flower among several branches, or an insect on a leaf. The narrow angle of view helps simplify the background, while the shallow depth of field makes it easier to handle the composition. The lens also offers a super multi coating that reduces the flare and ghosting that tends to occur when using digital SLR cameras, helping create crisper, sharper photos. And thanks to the Dual Focus (DF) system, the lens is easy to hold during autofocusing, but also offers smooth and positive action should you choose to focus manually on images. Other features include a minimum aperture of f/45, a screw-in lens hood that supports the use of circular polarizing filters, and a minimum focusing distance of 12.3 inches. Offering a 35mm equivalent field of view of 178mm on a digital SLR camera, the lens carries a one-year warranty.

Specifications

• Focal length: 105mm
• Maximum aperture: f/2.8
• Lens construction: 11 elements in 10 groups
• Angle of view: 23.3 degrees
• Number of diaphragm blades: 8
• Minimum aperture: f/45
• Minimum focusing distance: 12.3 inches
• Maximum magnification: 1:1
• Filter size: 58mm
• Corresponding AF mounts: Canon
• Dimensions: 2.9 inches in diameter and 3.8 inches long
• Weight: 16.1 ounces
• Warranty: 1 year

Excellent Macro Choice
This is a great lens. I see quite a few people giving it bad marks for the auto-focus system, I do not use auto focus in macro; I find it cumbersome when shooting macro.

Pros:
*Sharp, very sharp
*Acceptable low to mid lighting performance
*1:1 and 105mm are a great combination
*Build quality is very good

Cons:
*Auto-focus tends to hunt

Good lens
Salvo por que el autofoco no funciona con la Nikon D60, es una maravilla, muy luminoso y liviano.
La limitación del autofoco no es problema para macro, ya que usualmente se debe utilizar foco selectivo.
Muy buen lente para retrato por su caracter de 105mm

If you are thinking about getting it; GET IT!
I have had this lens for more than a year so I know all the Pros and Cons; I did not just buy it and I am not writing a spur of the moment review. If you are debating between this lens and the Nikon one, I would go with this one. I am not saying this one in better than the Nikon because I haven't used the Nikon, but I don't imagine it is $350 better.

Now there are reviews that complain about the auto-focusing on this lens. It is a Macro lens meaning its field of focus is very small at 2.8 so it will tend to go back and forth at times, especially if there is a lot of things in the viewfinder. If you know how to use a DSLR then should be able to Manual Focus it. When shooting portrait style photos I have no problem with the autofocus, now with nature it doesn't always want to focus perfectly no, but like I said above it is a Macro lens and focuses very tight. Also a one person said to go to Manual Focus you have to flip the switch on the camera, one the lens, and move the focusing ring. Which is not true. The switch on the lens is a focus limiting switch. Which locks the camera in full minimum focus ratio, meaning it will focus closer up, or you can limit it.

I personally don't like the lens hood because it screws on, instead of twist and lock, which also means you can't put a filter on the lens directly while using the lens hood. Instead you have to put the filter on the hood itself.
Also it fits the Nikon but doesn't lock in the camera body as easy or smoothly, again it still fits and works fine.

I personally love my sigma lens and will definitely buy my next lens through Sigma. Most likely will be the 50mm Macro.

Buy this. Do it nao.
I won't lie. I know nothing about macro photography other than I want to learn how to do it and do it well. So I read around and a lot of people said this was a very solid lens to go with. More importantly, though, I spent hours looking at photos taken with this lens on the exact body that I use. I liked what I saw, the price was reasonable, so I went with it. When it came I didn't even read any of the fine literature that comes with it, I just put it on and started shooting pepsi cans, keyboards, and creepy collections of Hummels my mom has. They immediately looked awesome, thats without modifying any settings. I'm sure I have no idea what I'm doing and yet I took some photos that look sweet. I suppose the one thing I will say is that when you auto focus it is a bit noisy, but I was alone in my room with no noise at midnight. Under any other circumstances I am confident it will not be noticable. and honestly even if it is, is that really a reason to not by an otherwise quality lens? (the answer is no.)

get this nao.

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Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Medium Telephoto Macro Lens for Canon SLR Cameras & More...

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