Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM

**fs999** · 03-05-2012, 02:31 AM

A new lens is announced by Sigma : APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM.

SPECIFICATIONS
Lens Construction....................19 Elements in 14 Groups
Angle of View............................13.7
Number of Diaphragm Blades...9
Mininum Aperture.....................f22
Minimum Focusing Distance.....47 cm / 18.5 in
Filter Size (mm)........................86
Maximum Magnifications..........1:1
Dimensions
(Diameter x Length).................95 x 203.9 mm/3.7 x 8.0 in
Corresponding Mounts............Sigma
................................................Canon*
................................................Nikon*
................................................Pentax*
................................................Sony alpha*
................................................Sony Nex*

This is the world's first 180mm macro lens incorporating a magnification ratio of 1:1 and a large maximum
aperture of F2.8. It benefits from Sigma's original Optical Stabilizer function and the wide F2.8 aperture allows
faster shutter speeds for narrow depth of field, enabling photographers to emphasize the subject. Three FLD
("F" Low Dispersion) glass elements provide excellent correction for color aberrations. This lens incorporates
Sigma's floating inner focusing system. This minimizes aberrations which occur as shooting distances change, and
enables stable rendering of the image from infinity to 1:1 magnification. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces
flare and ghosting and provides sharp and high contrast images even at the maximum aperture. Equipped with
Sigma's own propriety OS (Optical Stabilizer) system, this lens offers the use of shutter speeds
approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible*, enabling handheld close-up photography.
The incorporation of HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures quiet and high speed autofocus as well as full-time manual
focus capability. This lens has a rounded 9 blade diaphragm creating an attractive blur to the out of focus
areas of the image. At 1:1 magnification, this lens has a focusing distance of 47cm/18.5in, which is a greater
working distance than shorter focal length macro lenses. This is advantageous when taking pictures of highly
sensitive subjects such as butterflies and insects. Attaching Sigma’s optional Tele Converter's allows
photographers' to shoot with an even greater working distance or with a magnification ratio larger than 1:1.

* added by Sigma Germany.

Mareket · 03-05-2012, 03:19 AM

DoF at F/2.8 and 1:1 macro is apparently half a millimetre @.@

Vylen · 03-05-2012, 03:27 AM

Minimum focusing distance of almost half a meter sounds like it would be a bit troublesome to work with?

Philoslothical · 03-05-2012, 03:33 AM

Originally posted by Vylen

Minimum focusing distance of almost half a meter sounds like it would be a bit troublesome to work with?

It does. It seems much harder to stabilize a longer macro lens for handheld work. On a tripod with rails, this thing would be amazing. The upside of a longer focal length for macro is you don't risk scaring your subjects so much, in the case of bugs and that kind of thing.

I suppose no word yet on what this beast will cost?

Mareket · 03-05-2012, 03:52 AM

Would this be useful for bugs and moving things? Surely you're going to need to focus stack like a demon if you want anything in focus?

timh · 03-05-2012, 04:23 AM

I guess Sigma made all the really useful lenses it could think of, then made all the fun lenses it can think of, and this is the answer to "OK, so what now?"

**Digitalis** · 03-05-2012, 04:35 AM

the Sigmaphoto website only has the Sigma lens mount listed for this particular lens.

saladin · 03-05-2012, 04:35 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by timh

I guess Sigma made all the really useful lenses it could think of, then made all the fun lenses it can think of, and this is the answer to "OK, so what now?"

nah, there's heaps of useful lenses they still need to make for pentaxians. Bring back the 100-300 f/4 for starters, and/or start making the 120-300 2.8 in k mount.

JinDesu · 03-05-2012, 05:13 AM

I want one, to say the least.

Didn't know this was coming in k-mount.

falconeye · 03-05-2012, 05:32 AM

Originally posted by Mareket

Would this be useful for bugs and moving things? Surely you're going to need to focus stack like a demon if you want anything in focus?

There is a misunderstanding of what defines depth of field here.

If you go for a given magnification (like 1:1), the focal length is factored out of the equation. A 35mm and a 180mm macro at the same F-stop deliver exactly the same DoF at 1:1 magnification. To see what it is, enter twice the focal length as focussing distance into DoF calculations.

falconeye · 03-05-2012, 05:35 AM

Originally posted by fs999

* added by Sigma Germany.

To ba fair, Sigma Germany added the 150mm Macro for K mount too. But it never appeared and they now removed it.

**fs999** · 03-05-2012, 07:26 AM

Originally posted by falconeye

To ba fair, Sigma Germany added the 150mm Macro for K mount too. But it never appeared and they now removed it.

So you suppose there won't be a Canon and Nikon version either ?

Hope well and have well

Mareket · 03-05-2012, 11:20 AM

Originally posted by falconeye

Originally posted by Mareket*
Would this be useful for bugs and moving things? Surely you're going to need to focus stack like a demon if you want anything in focus?
There is a misunderstanding of what defines depth of field here.

If you go for a given magnification (like 1:1), the focal length is factored out of the equation. A 35mm and a 180mm macro at the same F-stop deliver exactly the same DoF at 1:1 magnification. To see what it is, enter twice the focal length as focussing distance into DoF calculations.

Aaaah ok. Why is this? Does the relevance of focal length scale back to normal as you approach less dramatic magnifications? And lenses don't focus down to twice their focal length do they? That'd mean the 180mm would focus down to 36cm.

Laurentiu Cristofor · 03-05-2012, 05:52 PM

Originally posted by fs999

This is the world's first 180mm macro lens incorporating a magnification ratio of 1:1 and a large maximum
aperture of F2.8.

Only the last part about the f/2.8 aperture is the novelty. Tamron already had a 180mm 1:1 macro, but maximum aperture was f/3.5.

The OS might make sense on this lens as it may be more effective than SR for macro work.

I am surprised they don't mention the weight in the specs. It might approach 1.4kg. It will be interesting to handle it on the NEX.

I expect its cost to be above $1600. Maybe around $2000.

**Digitalis** · 03-05-2012, 11:13 PM

Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor

Only the last part about the f/2.8 aperture is the novelty. Tamron already had a 180mm 1:1 macro, but maximum aperture was f/3.5.

well in it allows one to use a 2X Teleconverter and still be able to use AF. But at high magnifications IF lenses still lose some light so there would be a point where the accuracy of the AF would become rather questionable.

I happen to have the Sigma 180mm f/3.5 APO EX lens and while it isn't optically as good as the FA*200mm f/4 ED [IF] Macro which I also own at least it is more compact than the Pentax lens is, while being 0.5 of a stop faster.

03-05-2012, 02:31 AM	#1
fs999 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Luxembourg Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,639	Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM A new lens is announced by Sigma : APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM. SPECIFICATIONS Lens Construction....................19 Elements in 14 Groups Angle of View............................13.7 Number of Diaphragm Blades...9 Mininum Aperture.....................f22 Minimum Focusing Distance.....47 cm / 18.5 in Filter Size (mm)........................86 Maximum Magnifications..........1:1 Dimensions (Diameter x Length).................95 x 203.9 mm/3.7 x 8.0 in Corresponding Mounts............Sigma ................................................Canon* ................................................Nikon* ................................................Pentax* ................................................Sony alpha* ................................................Sony Nex* This is the world's first 180mm macro lens incorporating a magnification ratio of 1:1 and a large maximum aperture of F2.8. It benefits from Sigma's original Optical Stabilizer function and the wide F2.8 aperture allows faster shutter speeds for narrow depth of field, enabling photographers to emphasize the subject. Three FLD ("F" Low Dispersion) glass elements provide excellent correction for color aberrations. This lens incorporates Sigma's floating inner focusing system. This minimizes aberrations which occur as shooting distances change, and enables stable rendering of the image from infinity to 1:1 magnification. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides sharp and high contrast images even at the maximum aperture. Equipped with Sigma's own propriety OS (Optical Stabilizer) system, this lens offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible, enabling handheld close-up photography. The incorporation of HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures quiet and high speed autofocus as well as full-time manual focus capability. This lens has a rounded 9 blade diaphragm creating an attractive blur to the out of focus areas of the image. At 1:1 magnification, this lens has a focusing distance of 47cm/18.5in, which is a greater working distance than shorter focal length macro lenses. This is advantageous when taking pictures of highly sensitive subjects such as butterflies and insects. Attaching Sigma’s optional Tele Converter's allows photographers' to shoot with an even greater working distance or with a magnification ratio larger than 1:1. added by Sigma Germany.

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03-05-2012, 03:19 AM	#2
Mareket Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Chester Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 719	DoF at F/2.8 and 1:1 macro is apparently half a millimetre @.@

03-05-2012, 03:27 AM	#3
Vylen Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,262	Minimum focusing distance of almost half a meter sounds like it would be a bit troublesome to work with?

03-05-2012, 03:33 AM	#4
Philoslothical Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 1,889	Originally posted by Vylen Minimum focusing distance of almost half a meter sounds like it would be a bit troublesome to work with? It does. It seems much harder to stabilize a longer macro lens for handheld work. On a tripod with rails, this thing would be amazing. The upside of a longer focal length for macro is you don't risk scaring your subjects so much, in the case of bugs and that kind of thing. I suppose no word yet on what this beast will cost?

03-05-2012, 03:52 AM	#5
Mareket Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Chester Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 719	Would this be useful for bugs and moving things? Surely you're going to need to focus stack like a demon if you want anything in focus?

03-05-2012, 04:23 AM	#6
timh Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wales Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 445	I guess Sigma made all the really useful lenses it could think of, then made all the fun lenses it can think of, and this is the answer to "OK, so what now?"

03-05-2012, 04:35 AM	#7
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	the Sigmaphoto website only has the Sigma lens mount listed for this particular lens.

03-05-2012, 04:35 AM - 1 Like	#8
saladin Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: outer eastern melbourne, australia Posts: 427	Originally posted by timh I guess Sigma made all the really useful lenses it could think of, then made all the fun lenses it can think of, and this is the answer to "OK, so what now?" nah, there's heaps of useful lenses they still need to make for pentaxians. Bring back the 100-300 f/4 for starters, and/or start making the 120-300 2.8 in k mount.

03-05-2012, 05:13 AM	#9
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	I want one, to say the least. Didn't know this was coming in k-mount.

03-05-2012, 05:32 AM	#10
falconeye Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Munich, Alps, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,871	Originally posted by Mareket Would this be useful for bugs and moving things? Surely you're going to need to focus stack like a demon if you want anything in focus? There is a misunderstanding of what defines depth of field here. If you go for a given magnification (like 1:1), the focal length is factored out of the equation. A 35mm and a 180mm macro at the same F-stop deliver exactly the same DoF at 1:1 magnification. To see what it is, enter twice the focal length as focussing distance into DoF calculations.

03-05-2012, 05:35 AM	#11
falconeye Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Munich, Alps, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,871	Originally posted by fs999 * added by Sigma Germany. To ba fair, Sigma Germany added the 150mm Macro for K mount too. But it never appeared and they now removed it.

03-05-2012, 07:26 AM	#12
fs999 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Luxembourg Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,639 Original Poster	Originally posted by falconeye To ba fair, Sigma Germany added the 150mm Macro for K mount too. But it never appeared and they now removed it. So you suppose there won't be a Canon and Nikon version either ? Hope well and have well

03-05-2012, 11:20 AM	#13
Mareket Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Chester Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 719	Originally posted by falconeye Originally posted by Mareket* Would this be useful for bugs and moving things? Surely you're going to need to focus stack like a demon if you want anything in focus? There is a misunderstanding of what defines depth of field here. If you go for a given magnification (like 1:1), the focal length is factored out of the equation. A 35mm and a 180mm macro at the same F-stop deliver exactly the same DoF at 1:1 magnification. To see what it is, enter twice the focal length as focussing distance into DoF calculations. Aaaah ok. Why is this? Does the relevance of focal length scale back to normal as you approach less dramatic magnifications? And lenses don't focus down to twice their focal length do they? That'd mean the 180mm would focus down to 36cm.

03-05-2012, 05:52 PM	#14
Laurentiu Cristofor Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: WA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,055	Originally posted by fs999 This is the world's first 180mm macro lens incorporating a magnification ratio of 1:1 and a large maximum aperture of F2.8. Only the last part about the f/2.8 aperture is the novelty. Tamron already had a 180mm 1:1 macro, but maximum aperture was f/3.5. The OS might make sense on this lens as it may be more effective than SR for macro work. I am surprised they don't mention the weight in the specs. It might approach 1.4kg. It will be interesting to handle it on the NEX. I expect its cost to be above $1600. Maybe around $2000.

03-05-2012, 11:13 PM	#15
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor Only the last part about the f/2.8 aperture is the novelty. Tamron already had a 180mm 1:1 macro, but maximum aperture was f/3.5. well in it allows one to use a 2X Teleconverter and still be able to use AF. But at high magnifications IF lenses still lose some light so there would be a point where the accuracy of the AF would become rather questionable. I happen to have the Sigma 180mm f/3.5 APO EX lens and while it isn't optically as good as the FA*200mm f/4 ED [IF] Macro which I also own at least it is more compact than the Pentax lens is, while being 0.5 of a stop faster.