Sigma 180mm/5.6 Macro

HGMonaro · 07-18-2010, 09:41 PM

Bought one of these recently but didn't research it very well. Thought it would do 1:1 but only goes 1:2 or something.

Initial happy snaps indicate the AF assist isn't accurate (will need to do some testing) but using Live View is accurate. Tried to go outside and take a picture of a bee but it was too windy so retreated inside and setup an executive toy (thing you turn upside down and watch while pretending to work) on the window sill. Here's a picture of that.

Next I aimed it at my son, and took this (K7, 1/125sec @ f5.6, 1250ISO, handheld using Live View, resized and slight unsharp mask applied)

This is a un-sharpened 100% crop.

And the same with some un-sharp mask applied

Might have to try it on my K10D with split screen and see how that goes, but pretty happy with it. Has potential.

Anyone have one of these and what's your opinion?

**Digitalis** · 07-19-2010, 10:12 PM

I have the 180mm f/3.5 I didn't know they made a f/5.6 version that did 1:2. I surmise that their optical construction is different, but those images look decent for an older macro lens.

I use a lot of flash in my macro work so the difference in aperture isn't that great- though it keeps the viewfinder brighter when you are focusing manually which is what I always do at high magnifications.

Mike.P® · 07-20-2010, 05:12 AM

I have just managed to source a new f3.5 version off Ebay for a reasonable price.
Took it out yesterday on the K-7. I also use flash a lot for macro as I only shoot hand held but am trying not to as I think it gives a more pleasing look without.

**Digitalis** · 07-20-2010, 06:55 AM

good images there mike, you will want to hold onto that lens. Sigma discontinued the Pentax K mount 180mm f/3.5 a few months ago. Presumably to add HSM and perhaps update the optical formula. The Sigma 180mm f/3.5 doesn't perform very well at focus ranges over 6 feet, even my sigma 100-300mm f/4 APO EX DG can beat in terms of image quality at any aperture at those distances.

Last edited by Digitalis; 07-20-2010 at 07:02 AM.

07-18-2010, 09:41 PM	#1
HGMonaro Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Melb. Aust Posts: 840	Sigma 180mm/5.6 Macro Bought one of these recently but didn't research it very well. Thought it would do 1:1 but only goes 1:2 or something. Initial happy snaps indicate the AF assist isn't accurate (will need to do some testing) but using Live View is accurate. Tried to go outside and take a picture of a bee but it was too windy so retreated inside and setup an executive toy (thing you turn upside down and watch while pretending to work) on the window sill. Here's a picture of that. Next I aimed it at my son, and took this (K7, 1/125sec @ f5.6, 1250ISO, handheld using Live View, resized and slight unsharp mask applied) This is a un-sharpened 100% crop. And the same with some un-sharp mask applied Might have to try it on my K10D with split screen and see how that goes, but pretty happy with it. Has potential. Anyone have one of these and what's your opinion?

07-20-2010, 05:12 AM	#3
Mike.P® Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Milton, Hampshire, UK Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,154	I have just managed to source a new f3.5 version off Ebay for a reasonable price. Took it out yesterday on the K-7. I also use flash a lot for macro as I only shoot hand held but am trying not to as I think it gives a more pleasing look without. Last edited by Mike.P®; 09-10-2010 at 03:16 PM.

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07-19-2010, 10:12 PM	#2
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	I have the 180mm f/3.5 I didn't know they made a f/5.6 version that did 1:2. I surmise that their optical construction is different, but those images look decent for an older macro lens. I use a lot of flash in my macro work so the difference in aperture isn't that great- though it keeps the viewfinder brighter when you are focusing manually which is what I always do at high magnifications.

07-20-2010, 06:55 AM	#4
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	good images there mike, you will want to hold onto that lens. Sigma discontinued the Pentax K mount 180mm f/3.5 a few months ago. Presumably to add HSM and perhaps update the optical formula. The Sigma 180mm f/3.5 doesn't perform very well at focus ranges over 6 feet, even my sigma 100-300mm f/4 APO EX DG can beat in terms of image quality at any aperture at those distances. Last edited by Digitalis; 07-20-2010 at 07:02 AM.