Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 
Log in or register to remove ads.

Third-Party Pentax Lenses - Reviews and Database » Sigma Lenses » Prime Lenses
Sigma EX DG Macro 105mm F2.8 Review RSS Feed

Sigma EX DG Macro 105mm F2.8

Sharpness 
 9.7
Aberrations 
 9.2
Bokeh 
 9.3
Handling 
 8.8
Value 
 9.5
Autofocus 
 6.5
Reviews Views Date of last review
43 152,507 Fri June 18, 2021
spacer
Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
98% of reviewers $325.91 9.31
Sigma EX DG Macro 105mm F2.8

Sigma EX DG Macro 105mm F2.8
supersize
Sigma EX DG Macro 105mm F2.8
supersize
Sigma EX DG Macro 105mm F2.8
supersize

Description:
Versatile 1:1 macro lens - aperture ring and non crippled K-mount means it can be used on the full range of legacy film and modern digital bodies. There are two nearly identical (externally) versions: the EX-DG, and the earlier EX. These are optically distinct, see specs., the DG was a revision of the EX for digital, with attention to eg sensor reflection.
This lens uses a 2-step combination of a push/pull clutch and an AF/MF switch to select the desired focus mode - this is what Sigma calls their DF (Dual Focus) System. The focus ring is pushed forward or pulled backward to disengage/engage the manual focus mechanism. In the forward AF position, the focus ring turns freely but does nothing and AF does not cause the ring to turn. In the rear MF position, the manual focus mechanism is engaged. Because the focus ring moves in relation to the markings, 2 sets of macro markings are needed. The white are for use during AF and the yellow are for use during MF.
Lens has a focus limiter switch to reduce hunting, restricts to cfd 0.4m/1.3' (1:2). Flick to full for 1:1.

Weight: 457g/16.1 oz.
Length: 97.5mm/3.8 in.
Filter Diameter: 58mm, screw thread only for hood/filter.
Min. Focus: 31.3cm/12.3 in.
Minimum working distance (ie from lens end): 12.2cm/4.8 in
IF - lens extends but front group does not rotate.
Focus throw (manual focus): ~270deg
Max. Magnification: 1:1
Horizontal FOV: 23.3 degrees
Horizontal FOV on Digital: 15.5 degrees
Aperture range f2.8 - f32 (PENTAX).
Effective max aperture: f/4.2 at a 1:2; f/5.5 at 1:1
Iris: 8 blades
Optical Construction: 11 Elements in 10 Groups (EX-DG), 10 elements in 9 groups (EX).

Succeeded by Sigma 105mm EX DG OS HSM Macro

Shutterbug review of EX version here.
DIY lens hood.
Mount Type: Pentax KAF2/KAF (screwdrive AF)
Price History:



Add Review of Sigma EX DG Macro 105mm F2.8
Author:
Sort Reviews by: Date | Author | Rating | Recommendation | Likes (Descending) Showing Reviews 1-15 of 43
New Member

Registered: February, 2021
Location: Gard France
Posts: 15
Review Date: June 18, 2021 Recommended | Price: $300.00 | Rating: 7 

 
Pros: Sharp, luminous
Cons: noisy, slow
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Handling: 8    Value: 9    Camera Used: Pentax K1    New Or Used: Used    Autofocus: 5   

PROS : cheap, sharp and luminous. A great job for macro.

CONS : NOISYYYYY and SLOWWWWW AF, I tend to shoot manual focus though...

   
Site Supporter

Registered: July, 2020
Posts: 131

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: September 1, 2020 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: very sharp optics; built well; easy to use; light
Cons: not Pentax; AF-MF shift on lens is a pain
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Handling: 9    Value: 10    Camera Used: LX, PZ-1, K10D, K-3 II, K-1 II    New Or Used: New    Autofocus: 6   

I've had this lens a long time, maybe 20 years (so I can't easily find the price I paid for it when new, probably from B&H for whatever the going price was then); I have the earlier EX version. It's been a real workhorse for me at the macro end, in which I use it to photograph printed illustrations and drawings for use in presentations and publications. It's really good at this kind of short-focus photography, including flowers. One of my best lenses and one of my most-used, for sure, over many years. (My other Sigma EX lens is the 70-200mm f/2.8, which also has excellent optics and which is much like this 105-mm f/2.8 lens in design aspects and matte finish.)

Autofocus hunts a lot on my cameras with this lens (it's decent, but typical of Pentax cameras and typical of Sigma lenses on Pentax cameras), so I rarely use it outside of manual focusing. But the manual focusing is smooth and easy, and I have no problems getting quick, clear manual focusing in following bees from flower to flower, for example, and getting almost every shot to be good -- not much that needs to be thrown out due to focus. As a Pentax owner for four decades, I've never come to see autofocus as anything to use much (mostly with photos of me and family/friends on trips taken by other people that I hand my camera to), so I do 99.9% of my photography with Pentax in manual mode, regardless of the lens. I do find that this particular Macro lens works pretty well in autofocusing on line illustrations in books -- quick and doesn't hunt.

The manual-focus ring on this 105-mm Sigma lens nicely thick (about 40% of the length of the lens barrel), which is good for the easy focusing, and the rotation is about 260 degrees (i.e., not quite 3/4 of a complete rotation) in going clockwise (as seen from behind the camera) from infinity to closest focus. The filter does not rotate when focusing. I think that the Macro design of this lens is superb; the focus simply turns to the right (clockwise, as seen from behind the camera) through about 270 degrees from infinity to closest focus (which is 3-4 inches from the subject on my APS-C camera via manual focusing) -- as it should be for a lens designed specifically to be a Macro lens (though it's also great at distances out to infinity). On top of the lens are markings (two parallel rows, with AF focusing being slightly longer than Manual distances at the same marked ratio, for reasons unclear to me) that show 1:1 (closest focus), 1:1.2, 1:1.5, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4. At 1:4, the manual-focusing distance is roughly 1.5 feet (again on my K-3 II camera). But because the lens is so sharp, one doesn't need to get 3-4 inches from bees or wasps (for example) to get that 1:1 ratio, because being 1-2 feet (or more) distant will still yield excellent results. [text in this paragraph updated 10/19/21]

The negatives of this lens are few and minor. I find the shift on the lens between AF and manual focus to be problematic: it works, but it shifts too easily and frequently back and forth between AF and MF when I don't want it to (the whole focusing ring shifts forward for AF and backward for MF); it would be nice to have a lock feature to prevent that from happening.

My Pentax Rear Converter-A 2X-S works very well with this lens for longer distances -- still crisp, sharp photos at effective focal length 210mm and f/5.6. Yes, this lens is sharp from wide open at f/2.8. And one thing that sets my two Sigma zoom lenses apart is that the manual focus stops at infinity, and that they are sharply focused for infinity as far over as you can turn the focus ring; I have few Pentax lenses that work this way, and it's convenient for me for my astrophotography to have this in my Sigma lenses, where it's hard to focus on faint celestial features and where autofocus rarely works. The aperture ring is wider than on most smaller-focal-length Pentax lenses, so that even though it sits next to the camera/mount, and even though the lens barrel expands in girth immediately past the aperture ring, there's enough space for fat fingers to easily get in and turn the aperture ring over the entire 360-degree ring. And, of course, you have the "A" setting on the aperture ring, to be able to use aperture priority, which works well on my Pentax cameras.

The metal hood screws on to the filter thread at the front of the lens, and it's good to have. My Sigma EX 105-mm f/2.8 lens looks good, too -- even if a little ungainly when fully extended.

The photos below show the lens and the lens fully extended on my camera:






   
New Member

Registered: October, 2019
Posts: 3
Review Date: November 26, 2019 Recommended | Price: $180.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Super sklo,ve všech aspektech,ostrý jak břitva.
Cons: Občas hledá AF.
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 10    Camera Used: K-5IIs    New Or Used: New    Autofocus: 8   

Naprosto skvělý objektiv. Mám verzi EX,bez DG. Jsem nadšený. Vřele doporučuji !!!!!!! . Neskutečná ostrost,parádní bokeh. Jen AF někdy hledá,ale není problém. Další přírůstek do rodiny pevných skel. Kdo chce,může se podívat tady..... https://www.zonerama.com/Jindras/Album/5746603
automorfismus- máš asi špatnou kopii,je to skvělé sklo.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: June, 2015
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 791
Review Date: November 18, 2019 Not Recommended | Price: $200.00 | Rating: 6 

 
Pros: Cheap
Cons: Not razor sharp
Sharpness: 7    Aberrations: 5    Bokeh: 8    Handling: 6    Value: 7    Camera Used: Pentax K-50    New Or Used: Used    Autofocus: 4   

First off, for about two hundred dollars, this lens is capable of some great shots with some patience. It is acceptably sharp for many subjects, and manual focus near 1:1 is not too bad. Manual focus in the portrait range is more difficult than average, and autofocus on this lens isn't that great, but it works.

Overall, I'm a little disappointed with this lens, mainly because it's not as sharp as I'd like. It doesn't have that razor sharpness that some macro lenses have. For most subjects that's not that huge of an issue, but if you want to crop a little and want biting sharpness, it's just not there. Even under controlled conditions with a flash (as in the picture at the end) and live-view focus, there is some lack of sharpness. The lens seems sharpest between f/5.6 and f/7.1 I believe it definitely improves the sharpness (and of course the DOF) when stopped down.

For the price it's pretty good, and for 80% of uses, it actually delivers. But there are certain image styles that are frustrating with this lens. If you are after the ultimate macro experience, I would suggest looking at other alternatives such as the Pentax 100mm macro.

Autofocus isn't great, but I don't use that for macro anyway. Theoretically this focal length is good for portraits, and I have taken some good portraits with it, but in practice it's inconvenient because of its focusing problems. This might have something to do with its extremely short throw at the portrait length.




   
New Member

Registered: May, 2016
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 13

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: March 19, 2019 Recommended | Price: $249.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: SHARP, 1:1 Macro, f2.8, build, bokeh
Cons: twitchy AF?
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 10    Camera Used: K-1    New Or Used: Used    Autofocus: 7   

1st off, my lens is the DG EX version. Why are these 2 lenses lumped together is a question as they are optically dissimilar?
The good. This lens is SHARP. Colors are rendered to perfection. I see no aberrations but I'm not a pixel peeper. Contrast is wonderful also. The bokeh? The picture attached is a testament to that, background looks like an oil painting - just gorgeous. The bokeh is different than other lenses I own - creamy, dreamy, whatever - I like it. Good "3D pop" also. Really there are no negatives as far as image quality, IMHO.
The bad. Today was my first foray into using this lens in Macro. In this "mode" the focus hunts and fails to lock on at times. I think this was more operator error than anything. I have a lens mounted ring light but didn't think to put it on. I don't know if this will help or not, but is something I will try next time. Also, I tried limiting the focus range using the limiter, then I read on the forum that this also limits the max magnification ratio to 1:2. I will have to experiment more so the AF might not be an issue at all.
My copy (used) did not come with a hood so I bought a Sensi metal hood. It is not deep at all, but with the front element being WAY back in the lens it probably is just right. I haven't gotten any bad flare using it under normal use.
I have 3 Sigma lenses: the 75-200 AF, 17-35 EX, and this EX DG, and this is probably the best of the lot so with Sigma you definitely get what you "pay" for. The DG makes a difference with sensors, the EX makes a difference with IQ.
The only negative compared say to the new FA D 100mm Macro would be the WR available on the PENTAX.
Attached picture was cropped for composition and compressed to 9 or 10 in PS. No other adjustments made. Camera set to "Natural" color mode.
   
Loyal Site Supporter

Registered: October, 2016
Location: Euless Texas
Posts: 265

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: July 21, 2018 Recommended | Price: $200.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharp, 1:1 macro, nice focus throw, fast
Cons: Hood screws on, auto focus hunts on occasion
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 10    Value: 10    Camera Used: K-S2    New Or Used: Used    Autofocus: 9   

I was the proud owner of a Pentax-FA 50mm macro which is by far the sharpest lens I have ever used. I traded the lens and the ONLY reason I would do so
is if I had a lens that I trusted to be an outstanding macro lens to replace it. The Sigma 105mm macro is that lens. With the additional range it is in some ways more versatile than the 50mm macros. This lens has become my go to lens for butterflies and other nature subjects in my yard.

I have the EX version.

Sharpness - As you can see from the bee pictures below this lens is very sharp. If the Pentax-FA 50mm is a 10 then this lens is a 9.75.

Bokeh - is a very nice creamy consistency with a nice transition from detail to out of focus.

Aberrations - I have taken some shots in very bright sunlight and have not had to post process any aberrations to date.

Handling - The only issue I have is sometimes the auto focus hunts a little. That could be a result of the fact that I like to push the pens to its limits.

Value - If you can pick one up for $200 or less you will be very pleased with the bang for the buck.

I have the screw on hood and have not used it. The lens is so far recessed that I find it unnecessary.

Sample pictures

   
New Member

Registered: September, 2011
Posts: 2

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: December 30, 2017 Recommended | Price: $210.00 | Rating: N/A 

 
Pros:
Cons:
Value: 10    Camera Used: K20d    New Or Used: 10   

Just bought this lens for €175 on a Dutch secondhand site. It is the DG EX version. Not yet taken any shots with it only some indoor trials. Seems sharp. Further info/photo's will follow when being used.
   
Site Supporter

Registered: December, 2012
Location: Twin Cities
Posts: 135

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: December 23, 2016 Recommended | Price: $200.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharp fast excellent construction and good looks
Cons: Front hood not reversible
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    Camera Used: K-30, K-1    New Or Used: 10   

It's superb on the K-30. BUT on the K-1 autofocus buzzes only does not do anything
   
Veteran Member

Registered: May, 2013
Location: SW Ontario, Canada (ex-pat Brit)
Posts: 1,296

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: October 10, 2016 Recommended | Price: $399.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Sharpness, colour, bokeh
Cons: lens hood
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 10    Camera Used: K-30   

I can agree 100% with all the other reviews of this lens in terms of the quality of the images it produces. I picked mine up on Ebay as 'new old stock' (NOS) and it had been sitting in a store display cabinet until the store closed down and the stock was sold to a liquidator. It even came with a Sigma 7 year extended warranty.

The focus range limiter is extremely useful and it's easy to focus both in AF and manual modes although AF can be a bit noisy especially if you are trying to get up close to a bug.

Many of the other reviews have mentioned the hood as a con but the fact is that the front element is set so far back in the body that the hood is only really needed if you are outside and facing into the sun. For indoor macro work I never use the hood at all. Another small niggle with the hood is that the depth makes it difficult to get the lens cap on or off. I have very long fingers and it can still be tricky at times. I purchased a generic cap that will clip into the end of the hood so now I have the original cap for normal use and a larger cap for use with the hood. I keep the generic cap in a cloth pouch in the Sigma lens case so it's always with the lens and available as required.

Here are a few examples taken while testing both the lens and my light tent I acquired at the same time and some outdoor shots.











   
New Member

Registered: August, 2014
Location: Palm Beach, Fl
Posts: 4

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: April 2, 2016 Recommended | Price: $179.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Bokeh, Color rendition, Just... Wow!
Cons: AF, AF to manual switch
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 7    Value: 9    Camera Used: K3   

I have the EX version. This lens can take some spectacular macros. Overall very satisfied with the results it can produce. If you can find one, get it! Mine came from Japan via eBay. My only gripe is that the auto focus hunts a little. Most macros are used in manual focus anyway, so not to big of a gripe. The second issue is the auto to manual focus switch. It uses the focusing ring in the forward to backward position to switch between auto and manual. Turn the ring a certain way and you switch to manual or auto by accident. It becomes a problem since i would also need to change to manual on the camera body (K3). That being said, I can easily overlook the previously mentioned issues because this lens can help anyone create phenomenal macros. Currently my second favorite lens.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/60236600@N02/23936860656/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/60236600@N02/23790288506/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/60236600@N02/23733920181/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/60236600@N02/23832034839/in/dateposted-public/
   
Senior Member

Registered: March, 2010
Location: Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania
Posts: 266

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: February 9, 2016 Recommended | Price: $250.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharp, bokeh, colors, macro
Cons: None
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Handling: 9    Value: 9    Camera Used: Pentax K-x   

My most used lens and the one that puts a big smile on my face! It changed my photography and made me creative and I always feel a big joy using this marvellous lens. It has beautiful bokeh, crazy sharpness, wonderful colors, zero aberations and it can be used wide open for beautiful portraits!
   
Site Supporter

Registered: June, 2013
Location: Montreal, Canada
Posts: 572

3 users found this helpful
Review Date: July 22, 2015 Recommended | Price: $300.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Very sharp, very low ca considering no ED glass,
Cons: none
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 10    Camera Used: K-30   

It's weird to shoot the stars with a macro lens but stars show a lens defects so well i think it's worth it. Mine is the EX DG

In the image below, taken fully open at f/2.8, (click for full res) you can see the stars in the corner are almost as sharp as those in the center. Just a tiny bit of coma. CA is also well controlled as very few stars show blue or orange halos and those halos remain relatively small. I think that's remarkable for a lens w/o ED glass.

   
Inactive Account

Registered: June, 2009
Location: Berlin
Posts: 103

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: July 28, 2014 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Compact, great image quality
Cons: Hood (fastened on the 49mm thread)
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 10    Camera Used: K5   

Solid lens, compact lens. great image quality.
Aperture control ring makes it suitable also for old SLRs.
The hood is a hassle to use: It screws onto the 49mm thread and tends to unmount any filter that is placed in-between.
   
Senior Member

Registered: September, 2013
Posts: 274

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: June 1, 2014 Recommended | Price: $250.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: IQ, sharpness, build quality, limiter switch
Cons: kinda slow going through whole range
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 10    Camera Used: k5iis   

Recently acquired this great lens. I am quite pleased with it from all angles. I yet to really put to the test with macro, but what I have done has been very nice. Bought more for a med telephoto and in that regard it has more than satisfied. Found this one on Evilbay for $250 and was well worth the price
   
Forum Member

Registered: August, 2011
Location: Slovenia
Posts: 73

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: February 21, 2014 Recommended | Price: $330.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Sharpness, colour, CA control
Cons: Weird AF/MF switch
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 8    Handling: 9    Value: 9    Camera Used: K-7, K-5   

Biting sharpness and nice natural colours are main strong points of this lens along with great CA and flare control. I really enjoy using it and it's one of my main tools in the field.

The only slight negative things are the weird AF/MF switch (which in the end does make sense) and a deeply recessed front element - hard to clean, but safe.

Add Review of Sigma EX DG Macro 105mm F2.8



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:35 PM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top