Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG vs Pentax D-FA 100mm f/2.8

ViS · 06-27-2009, 11:50 PM

Sorry I should have said what I wanted to use it for.

I really love insect macro, and along with that, I will be doing some aquarium photography, so the longer length would be better.

I'm keeping my eye out on US ebay for a 70mm up to 100mm good quality macro lenses, so we'll see what turns up. There are also a couple of nice deals here on the site. I'll make a decision in the next few days, so I can pick something up here before I head home to Australia.

wlachan · 06-27-2009, 11:57 PM

Optically, no macro lens is bad as they are the most highly corrected lenses. Personally I'd go for the Pentax just for better resale value. Sigma lenses do depreciate fast on used markets.

**Ash** · 06-28-2009, 12:08 AM

I'd suggest to get your choice in the US and bring it with you to Aus - you'll save on shipping...

ViS · 07-07-2009, 10:24 AM

After a LOT of research and reading many forums and reviews, I found my lens!

I missed out on a Tamron 90mm Di, but it might have been a blessing in disguise. I ended up picking up a mint condition Sigma 70mm F2.8 f/2.8 EX DG Macro for a little over US$300.

From everything I've read, it's about as good as macros get for my purposes. It's super sharp, the perfect focal length for me (with sensor size, it takes it to 105mm - I think!), and has very good build quality.

I haven't read a bad review on it and it won a few "top lens in class" awards in the past year or two.

I'm not worried about resale value. I don't buy lenses thinking about selling them. I buy them because I want them

pexi85 · 07-07-2009, 10:35 AM

Well you made a very good deal! I´m sure that you wont be disapointed, trust me

I bought mine sigma 70mm/2,8 last week

It was new and cost 399€...

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06-27-2009, 11:50 PM	#16
ViS Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Brisbane, QLD Posts: 69 Original Poster	Sorry I should have said what I wanted to use it for. I really love insect macro, and along with that, I will be doing some aquarium photography, so the longer length would be better. I'm keeping my eye out on US ebay for a 70mm up to 100mm good quality macro lenses, so we'll see what turns up. There are also a couple of nice deals here on the site. I'll make a decision in the next few days, so I can pick something up here before I head home to Australia.

06-27-2009, 11:57 PM	#17
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	Optically, no macro lens is bad as they are the most highly corrected lenses. Personally I'd go for the Pentax just for better resale value. Sigma lenses do depreciate fast on used markets.

06-28-2009, 12:08 AM	#18
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	I'd suggest to get your choice in the US and bring it with you to Aus - you'll save on shipping...

07-07-2009, 10:24 AM	#19
ViS Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Brisbane, QLD Posts: 69 Original Poster	After a LOT of research and reading many forums and reviews, I found my lens! I missed out on a Tamron 90mm Di, but it might have been a blessing in disguise. I ended up picking up a mint condition Sigma 70mm F2.8 f/2.8 EX DG Macro for a little over US$300. From everything I've read, it's about as good as macros get for my purposes. It's super sharp, the perfect focal length for me (with sensor size, it takes it to 105mm - I think!), and has very good build quality. I haven't read a bad review on it and it won a few "top lens in class" awards in the past year or two. I'm not worried about resale value. I don't buy lenses thinking about selling them. I buy them because I want them

07-07-2009, 10:35 AM	#20
pexi85 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Finland, Vantaa Photos: Gallery Posts: 95	Well you made a very good deal! I´m sure that you wont be disapointed, trust me I bought mine sigma 70mm/2,8 last week It was new and cost 399€...