Made decision on Lens

[Lazylivin]

Pretty sure I have made the decision on the lens. It is the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Lens. Does anyone have this one or see any reason why this one may not be a good choice? Still need to decide on which camera manufacture, Cannon or Nikon

Primary use of the camera is taking macro pictures of my reef tank.

There are two versions, one for the Cannon

http://www.jr.com/sigma/pe/SGA_CA105MACRO

and one for the Nikon

http://www.jr.com/sigma/pe/SGA_NA105MACRO

Any input is appreciated or if there is a better lens for same or less money.

 

[sphelps]

If you go with a Nikon body I would personally spring for the Nikkor 105 with VR (vibration reduction) it really is a nice feature to have when using the lens without a tripod.

 

[JohnM99]

Hi
I have to agree on the Nikkor 105 - plus, you must realize that in the long run, the Nikkor and Canon lenses may cost LESS than the Sigmas and others - the resale value is incredibly high.
I bought a used Nikon 70-200 2.8, used it for 2 years, and sold it for more than I paid for it. I have sold at least 5 lenses for the same or more than the original price. You can't say the same with Sigmas - although if you buy them used, they are very good value.
Even though I have a big investment in Nikon, I don't think you can go wrong with either Canon or Nikon. Also realize the bodies are disposable - just like a laptop. The lenses are forever.

 

[xtm]

The problem with Sigma is sample variation. There is just no consistency with their QC. I had to return a few primes just to get THAT sharp one that doesn't back-focus. Have you considered a Tamron 90?

Hi
Also realize the bodies are disposable - just like a laptop. The lenses are forever.

Mannnn When I moved from DX to FX, I basically threw away my 17-55 and all other DX glass. I'm a Noink Fanboy for decades but now I'm starting to get really annoyed by Nikon's lack of fast primes... 24, 18 and 20 f/2.8, give me a break. One of these days I'm just gonna grab a 1dsmk3 and their 50 1.2 and call it a day. The Canon prime lineup is simply amazing. grass is always greener on the other side aint it? lol

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

I'd rather have a Canon 100mm f/2.8 than a Nikkor 105, and I would rather have a Nikkor 105 than a sigma 105, just sayin'

 

[Lazylivin]

Thanks for everyones input. The Nikkor 105 looks like a great lens however it is out of reach from a price point for me. The Tamron Telephoto SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro Autofocus seems like a good option and is affordable price. Would you agree with that lens? Below is where I was going to buy from, good store?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/330641-USA/Tamron_AF272C700_SP_90mm_f_2_8_Di.html

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

I may not care for your lens choices, but at least your buying them from the right place! You should really look into the Canon 100mm f/2.8. Owning the Tamron would drive me CRAZY. The whole point of macro is to be SUPER close to your subject...on a tripod. If your lens is growing so much that you have to continually move the entire tripod just to focus, I would wish I just got the real deal. The canon 100mm f/2.8 would be an enriching experience compared to the Tamron 90 IMHO.

 

[Lazylivin]

I may not care for your lens choices, but at least your buying them from the right place! You should really look into the Canon 100mm f/2.8. Owning the Tamron would drive me CRAZY. The whole point of macro is to be SUPER close to your subject...on a tripod. If your lens is growing so much that you have to continually move the entire tripod just to focus, I would wish I just got the real deal. The canon 100mm f/2.8 would be an enriching experience compared to the Tamron 90 IMHO.

I would prefer the cannon but the price is so much more and from what I have read the quality of the image diffrenence is neglible. Do you agree?

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

Image quality isn't everything. While the image quality of the Tamron is (almost) on par with the Canon, it's versatility and ease of use is not. Spend $400 on a lens that may frustrate you to the point of letting it collect dust, or spend $600 on a lens you will use happily for 20 years. The price of the Canon jumped up, it was $500 last year.

 

[sphelps]

If you budget is limited look into buying used. A friend of mine recently picked up a Nikkor 105VR for $500 and its in great shape (borrowed it not too long ago). For the most part glass is glass and comparable but how it all comes together is not. I've used certain lower priced brand lenses and I found a huge difference in focus speed, noise, precision, and ability. This to me can be the difference between a good shot and a bad shot.

Another tip is to buy local or at least browse. I personally buy all my lenses from a good local camera store. I pay a little more than online but I get to try out different lenses on my camera for comparison. This combined with the staff expertise is well worth the extra money. For the most part almost anything is affordable, it's just a matter of justification and sacrifice

 

[cerreta]

I own the Tamron. I am very surprised with quality of images. It does everything I would expect from taking aquarium photos.

Where it suffers is the motor. It is a bit sluggish on the nikon D40 and does not work as well on movement. Fish can be more difficult to freeze.

There is a good review comparing the nikon, canon, sigma, and tamron lenses here:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tamron-90mm-f-2.8-Di-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx

 

[MSX-Jeff]

lazylivin: I've got the Canon XSi and a Canon 100mm f2.8 if you want to come by the shop sometime and check them out....just let me know so that I can bring them with me when you come I don;t use AF when shooting Macro's of corals, but the AF on that lense is SMOKIN' fast!

If you want to save a little cash, check out the refurb camera bodies (and used/refurb lenses) on Adorama...I was able to get the XSi body for ~450 refurb, and you can't tell the difference between it and a new body other than the refurb sticker on the bottom of the body.

 

[JohnM99]

Agree re used lenses - refurbished or from eBay - can get some real bargains - as I said, the Nikons and Canons hold their value, and the Sigma / etc drop a lot - buying a used Sigma or Tamron can give you great bang for the buck.

 

[JHemdal]

Back in April I bought a new Sigma 105mm for $394.95 off Ebay (47st photo). Easy transaction, saved a few dollars.

I love this lens - in fact, I sold my 60mm Nikon micro because I just wasn't using it anymore.


Jay

 

[BlueCorn]

Both the Sigma and Tamron are sharp lenses. The only real issue that I have with either is that they're both external focusing; i.e. the lens barrel extends during focusing. That's not a big deal when taking a picture of a bug in your yard but when you're pressed up against the front glass on your tank it's a real pain.

 

[Lazylivin]

lazylivin: I've got the Canon XSi and a Canon 100mm f2.8 if you want to come by the shop sometime and check them out....just let me know so that I can bring them with me when you come I don;t use AF when shooting Macro's of corals, but the AF on that lense is SMOKIN' fast!

If you want to save a little cash, check out the refurb camera bodies (and used/refurb lenses) on Adorama...I was able to get the XSi body for ~450 refurb, and you can't tell the difference between it and a new body other than the refurb sticker on the bottom of the body.

Hey there Jeff, small world. Sure wish you were closer, it is about a 50 minute drive for me. If you did I would be at your shop everyday driving you crazy.

 

[Lazylivin]

Thanks for everyone's feedback. Thought I had made a decesion but based on all the comments still not sold on a particular lens. What do you all think of this model?
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

Not real sure what the USM stands for.

 

[preef]

I have that lens. It's great. USM = ultrasonic motor

Keep in mind when shooting macro you have to be on a tripod. These were shot with an XTi and the 100mm f2.8.

 

[MSX-Jeff]

Here's one from the XSi and the 100mm f2.8 USM:

You should still try and make it down some time and check out the lens...it's not too bad a drive, the CNC shop we use is in HH, i make that drive pretty regularly

 

[Lazylivin]

Hey guys, thank for all your help. those are some really nice shots.

I got the camera and lens. Here are a few shots. I am having trouble being able to focus on the entire view of the lens. Usually only a small part actual focuses. Just what is at the exact same distance. Any feed back, settings help would be appreciate.

Birdsnest

Ricordea and some POM POM Xenia

Bam Bam Zoa's

Green and Blue Acan

some GSP

Tyree Sunset

Goniopora