What's a different between these Macro Lens.
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louist
New member
Both great lenses.
Build: The Nikon is better built than the Sigma
Optically: The Nikon is slightly better than the Sigma
Macro performance: Same
Compatibility: If you already have Nikkor teleconverters, stick with the Nikon macro lens.
Have you also considered the Tamron 90 macro? Legendary optical performance (best of the whole 90/100/105mm macro line-up in fact), but it is made from plastic.
If budget isn't an issue, get the Nikkor, since that gives you the option of using Nikon's TC with it later (great way of increasing magnification without getting clunky with all the add-ons).
A tripod is also extremely beneficial. If you are not a habitual tripod user, now is the time to start
Build: The Nikon is better built than the Sigma
Optically: The Nikon is slightly better than the Sigma
Macro performance: Same
Compatibility: If you already have Nikkor teleconverters, stick with the Nikon macro lens.
Have you also considered the Tamron 90 macro? Legendary optical performance (best of the whole 90/100/105mm macro line-up in fact), but it is made from plastic.
If budget isn't an issue, get the Nikkor, since that gives you the option of using Nikon's TC with it later (great way of increasing magnification without getting clunky with all the add-ons).
A tripod is also extremely beneficial. If you are not a habitual tripod user, now is the time to start
I had the opportunity to take both of the aforementioned lenses home for the weekend prior to purchasing.
The auto focus on the Nikon was faster, smoother and made less noise. However the quality difference in the finished product was hard to discern. Even when printing 8x10’s the Sigma stood up. I went with my pocket book on the purchase and settled on the Sigma. I have no regrets.
I do understand that Sigma may have some quality control issues. Make sure you test the lens you are purchasing prior to buying it.
The auto focus on the Nikon was faster, smoother and made less noise. However the quality difference in the finished product was hard to discern. Even when printing 8x10’s the Sigma stood up. I went with my pocket book on the purchase and settled on the Sigma. I have no regrets.
I do understand that Sigma may have some quality control issues. Make sure you test the lens you are purchasing prior to buying it.
gregr
New member
Sigma used to have some serious QC issues several years ago- lots of horror stories of their lenses falling apart and poor customer service. But something happened with that company 2 or 3 years ago and they really turned around. I'm hoping for their [Sigma's] sake the QC issue on the macro lens is just rumor left over from the old days and not a return to those bad old days.
TheVillageIdiot
New member
Seems like the QC on their "pro" line up has improved quite a bit... the Sigma discussed here is an EX lens, so it should be fine.
IMO, i'd grab the 90mm, i believe tamron still has their rebate going, putting it about on par w/ the price of the sigma...
now, if you can afford the new nikkor 105mm f2.8 VR AF-S... well then... I don't like you...
IMO, i'd grab the 90mm, i believe tamron still has their rebate going, putting it about on par w/ the price of the sigma...
now, if you can afford the new nikkor 105mm f2.8 VR AF-S... well then...
I don't like you...
TheVillageIdiot
New member
that 150mm is a heck of a lens. the HSM lettering is Sigma's equivalent to Nikon's AF-S or Canon's USM. You have 150mm instead of 105mm and you get 1:1 magnification at 15" instead of 12" (roughly) so you are less likely to disturb your subject.
The 150 is more expensive as it has the silent focus, 2 SLD elements while the 105 has none. The 150 is heavier and comes w/ a tripod colar. It stops down to f22 as opposed to the f32 of the 105, but that is not as big a deal as you are further away from your subject. The 150 also has a 9 bladed apeture.
If I could afford any macro lens, I'd want the 105 AF-S VR first, then Sigma's 150mm... I've seen the 150mm used w/ teleconverters to nice effect as well.
a great lens...
here are some user reviews of it... keep in mind that "slow af" for some of these guys means "not as fast as my USM prime..." dedicated Macro lenses generally focus slower than other lenses.
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=280&sort=7&cat=38&page=1
The 150 is more expensive as it has the silent focus, 2 SLD elements while the 105 has none. The 150 is heavier and comes w/ a tripod colar. It stops down to f22 as opposed to the f32 of the 105, but that is not as big a deal as you are further away from your subject. The 150 also has a 9 bladed apeture.
If I could afford any macro lens, I'd want the 105 AF-S VR first, then Sigma's 150mm... I've seen the 150mm used w/ teleconverters to nice effect as well.
a great lens...
here are some user reviews of it... keep in mind that "slow af" for some of these guys means "not as fast as my USM prime..."
dedicated Macro lenses generally focus slower than other lenses.http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=280&sort=7&cat=38&page=1
astrogazer
Premium Member
I have the Sigma and am very happy with it, the build quality is good and the imaging quality is excellent. I am holding out for the Nikon VRII 105mm Micro.
In answer to your question, all things being equal I'd probably go for the Nikon. I needed a macro for a shoot and it was the only lens of quality I could get my hands on, I haven't replaced it yet as the quality of the final product gives me no complaints.
In answer to your question, all things being equal I'd probably go for the Nikon. I needed a macro for a shoot and it was the only lens of quality I could get my hands on, I haven't replaced it yet as the quality of the final product gives me no complaints.
TheVillageIdiot
New member
That's great, but it will probably need to be re-chipped, and as it turns out, I am now the exclusive chipper for ALL Sigma macros, so I'll pm you w/ my address.
I'll make sure that in two years, when you get that lens back, it will work perfectly with your d50...
Only kidding, I'm jealous. Enjoy the lens!
I'll make sure that in two years, when you get that lens back, it will work perfectly with your d50...
Only kidding, I'm jealous. Enjoy the lens!
TheVillageIdiot
New member
took too long, can't edit, so I'll post the link in a new thread...
here are some shots w/ your new toy (not taken by me):
http://www.pbase.com/sidoel/macro_bug
here are some shots w/ your new toy (not taken by me):
http://www.pbase.com/sidoel/macro_bug
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