Author: | | Pentaxian Registered: February, 2010 Location: Blunsdon,Wiltshire, UK Posts: 1,504 | Review Date: April 21, 2023 | Recommended | Price: $370.00
| Rating: 10 |
Pros: | Sharp, smooth manual focus | Cons: | Heavy | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 9
Value: 10
Camera Used: K3ii
New Or Used: Used
Autofocus: 8
| | I bought this lens boxed as new for Ģ300.00
I have used it on a K3ii with a Sigma EM-140DG and the results are great. It is quite weighty to carry around.
All pictures below are manual focus. Red Admiral by Gary Chalker, on Flickr Seven spot Ladybird by Gary Chalker, on Flickr Hoverfly in flight. by Gary Chalker, on Flickr Common blue damselfly female by Gary Chalker, on Flickr Forget-Me-Not by Gary Chalker, on Flickr Aubretia by Gary Chalker, on Flickr Common Daisy by Gary Chalker, on Flickr Dandelion by Gary Chalker, on Flickr Wild garlic by Gary Chalker, on Flickr
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: April, 2015 Location: The Tarheel State, North Carolina Posts: 91 | Review Date: November 13, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $1,000.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Super Sharp and Good Bokeh | Cons: | Slow to AF | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 10
Camera Used: K3, K1
New Or Used: Used
Autofocus: 5
| | I have owned this lens for many years. I took with me to China in 2010 and was very impressed with its overall utility for all photo opportunities. It has good range and excellent sharpness and bokeh. I used it on a monopod with its excellent collar so no worries or issues. It is a bit heavy, but given its build quality and excellent optics the weight wasn't and isn't an issue. I also own the DFA 100mm, WR macro and quite like its weight and build, but when it comes to detail this smaller lens cannot match the Sigma. I would highly recommend this macro lens if you can find one. They are getting as rare as hens teeth.
| | | | Site Supporter Registered: February, 2009 Location: Perth Western Australia Posts: 43,146 | Review Date: March 12, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $1,300.00
| Rating: 10 |
Pros: | Focus..sharpness..handling | Cons: | None | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
Camera Used: Pentax K-1
New Or Used: Used
| | Have had this Lens for a short while and bought it second hand. Apparently it had already been sent to Sigma to have the mount replaced as it doesn't scratch the K-1 at all and was sharp on focus from day one. This Lens must be fairly rare as it took me ages to find one. Now it hardly comes off my camera. | | | | New Member Registered: June, 2013 Posts: 15 4 users found this helpful | Review Date: October 22, 2017 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 10 |
Pros: | long, sharp, macro | Cons: | not in production anymore | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 8
Camera Used: K1
New Or Used: 8
| | First of all, I'd like to say how lucky I am, getting a copy of this lens. Neither this model from Sigma, nor any alternative long macro (Pentax or Tamron) is in production anymore. This is a pity, because a long macro is such a useful and fun tool to have. Therefore, I didn't make an icredible bargain but it was worth every single $.
The way I use it: - In combination with the K1 and a proper macro flash (e.g. the Sigma 140 something), it is so much fun taking close-ups of easily scared insects:
- With a flah sync time of 1/200 secs (thank you K1), there is no real need for a tripod at all.
- I focus manually with K1's live view. Closing the arperture to ~F/20, I get the perfect combination of sufficient depth of field and peak sharpness (for my taste at least).
- Moreover, the tiltable screen of the K1 allows for a very flexible way of shooting macros.
Image quality - Nothing to complain about sharpness or abberations. (I guess stopped down to F/20, any 180mm lens would look quite neatly.) I haven't really tested the image quality at more open arpertures yet, since I don't use the lens that way.
- I am surprised how sharp images can look at those tiny arpertures mentioned above. Of course one can see hints of diffration at pixel level. But considering the depth of field you get in return, it's more than OK (and who cares for pixel peeping anyway ).
Handling - Being used to the Pentax DFA 70-200, this lens doesn't feel heavy or big at all. Size and weight are just about right for handheld shooting (at least for my gigantic hands ).
- You can switch between AF and MF by moving the focus ring back or forth. At the same time, you have to switch the focusing mode on the camera. Coming from a quick shift lens, this feels a little cumbersome.
- The lens has a screw-driven AF that is quite fast (mind the focus limiter!) and really not that loud. According to my experience, this true for all screw-driven lenses on the K1. So I guess, credits go to the K1 here.
Concusion: If you like shooting macros and can find a copy of this lens on the market: GET IT! If you are Pentax, offer a long (>= 150mm) macro lens again!
Pictures: | | | | | Forum Member Registered: May, 2012 Location: Spain Posts: 64 2 users found this helpful | | | | Veteran Member Registered: June, 2011 Location: Near Sydney, NSW Posts: 331 2 users found this helpful | Review Date: July 23, 2013 | Not Recommended | Price: $350.00
| Rating: 1 |
Pros: | It's macro | Cons: | Almost everything | Sharpness: 2
Aberrations: 3
Bokeh: 1
Handling: 1
Value: 1
| | Thought I'd got a bargain with this lens but turns out it wasn't the only cheap one out there - and I can see why.
The thing is a tank - and OK, I kinda expect that from a fast(ish) 180mm lens but why is it slightly bigger than a 70-200 f2.8?
Oh yeah, it's macro. But the IQ is poor in about every way, so it's maaaaybe good for soft portraits - so really as a macro lens it's more like a weight in your bag.
If you want a macro lens of longer FL on a cropped sensor, get the 105mm f2.8. It's SHARP even at f2.8, it's about a quarter the size, and it's not $350++.
I don't recommend this (duh).
| | | | Pentaxian Registered: February, 2011 Posts: 706 2 users found this helpful | Review Date: February 1, 2013 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 10 |
Pros: | Sharp, fast enough | Cons: | Heavy | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 8
Value: 10
| | The lens is big and heavy, so a tripod is recommended.
AF is good, but slow like any other real macro lens. My non-DG has a focus limiter switch.
Got mine for a very good price, it was my first AF lens buy. Triggered a severe LBA and made me like Sigma.
Seb
| | | | New Member Registered: May, 2012 Posts: 14 | | | | Veteran Member Registered: January, 2011 Location: In the boonies (NW Penna) Posts: 5,744 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: August 20, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $850.00
| Rating: 10 |
Pros: | Super sharp, fast AF, great build | Cons: | none | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 10
| | I love my macro lenses. I don't do much 1:1 macro work, but like to do close-ups of various subjects. Because of this, the 180mm focal length suits me very well.
This lens is sharp - so sharp it will make the hair stand up on the back of your neck. Rendering is great - just a tad below the top of the line Pentax lenses - colors really pop. The auto focus is quite fast and decisive. General IQ is fantastic - I look at all my images @100% when judging for keepers and every image with this lens looks fantastic at that level - plenty of room to crop if need be.
This is my first Sigma lens which I bought used here on the Marketplace. I am very impressed by the build quality and handling. Because of this lens, I am now looking at other Sigma EX lenses.
The only real alternative to this lens is the Pentax A*200 lens which if you can find one can be very expensive. For the price, the Sigma 180 Macro is a super value - it is a keeper for sure!
| | | | Senior Member Registered: March, 2010 Location: Svealand Posts: 172 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: February 28, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $1,050.00
| Rating: 10 |
Pros: | sharp, fast AF, no distortion or vignetting, great colors, affordable, hight build quality | Cons: | None | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
| | When using it as a telephoto lens the AF is extremely fast. When using it as a macro lens I focus manually and it's very easy with this lens. 180mm equals to 270mm on my dslr so it's really great using this lens when you taking macros at butterflies or other shy insects. I have the bad habit of buying and selling most of my lenses because I like to try new ones. But no chance that I'll ever sell this one as I searched for this lens on eBay for a very long time, it's not often for sale (with K-mount). Sigma 180mm Macro gives you the best value for your money in the Macro Lens category. This is a full format lens so if Pentax ever will make a FF dslr I'll be ready | | | | Veteran Member Registered: December, 2007 Location: Prague Posts: 1,199 | Review Date: November 14, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $1,000.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | sharp, quick AF, APO, durable | Cons: | not compatible with my SuperA or with AF1,7TC (communication problems), AF/MF switch | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 7
Value: 9
| | I have the non-DG version, but I believe it is very similar in this case.
I'm constantly pleased with high sharpness and contrast delivered by this lens. It is more than a match to 16Mpix of my K-5. Even with some extension tubes the image quality is maintained.
In the field the lens is heavy, but not too much. With the K-5 the AF is surprisingly quick. Virtually instant and accurate enough for tracking the BIF photos, profided you use the limiter. I just wish it had QSF system.
I wouldn't trade it for any 200/2.8, not even the Canon L one which seemed inferior to me (with 550D).
| | | | Site Supporter Registered: February, 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 423 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: September 2, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $650.00
| Rating: 10 |
Pros: | Image quality, colors, build quality | Cons: | none | | This is a great lens. The build quality is great, very nice. The manual focus ring is nice and big and is very easy to use.
I use this lens for macro and normal photography with great results. The focus limiter is a nice feature for non-macro situations. I think the bokeh is great for macro shots and telephoto work.
Here are some photos of a bike race I attended. Almost all are with the Sigma. http://stevonator.smugmug.com/Sports/Downer-Classic-2009-06-27/8965395_NtM35#595694659_CGDYh | | | | Inactive Account Registered: May, 2009 Location: Germany Posts: 69 2 users found this helpful | Review Date: January 15, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $800.00
| Rating: 10 |
Pros: | Stunning sharpness, large working distance, nice soft bokeh, great build quality, nothing extends outward (IF-design). | Cons: | As with all similar lenses, this thing is a bit big and heavy! | | The Sigma 180/3.5 EX DG APO Macro Lens is currently the only one over 100mm Lens that you can currently buy new for our Pentax Cameras.
The Sigma is awesomely sharp, remains even so with stacked dedicated Sigma converters. (1,4x and/or 2x) This really challenges optical quality, but it delivers.
The color rendition, contrast and the "bokeh'" are exellent.
The large working distance from approximately 46cm is the main reason for my purchase of this lens.
I would rcommend this lens to anyone interested in macro work, all around it is
a super Macro lens.
And it is the cheapest professional lense for typical macro photography.
Some example Shots ith the K-7 and the Sigma 180/3.5 IF APO Macro DG.
Shots freehand without a tripod, JPG out of Cam.
Regards,
Hartmut from Berlin/Germany
| | | | Site Supporter Registered: September, 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,449 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: April 11, 2008 | Recommended | Price: $800.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Exc.focal length, sharpness, color and flare control | Cons: | intermitant mechanical problems with manual focus | New Or Used: New
| | I have used the lens for approximately two years and found that the quality of the images can be amazingly sharp. Since I don't do AF macro I use this lens manually.
The color and contrast as well as flare control are quite beautiful with this lens. The lens is fairly sharp wide open and performs best between f4 and f11. The bokeh is very smooth and buttery even through f22 at 1:1.
It obviously comes at an elevated price tag but it performs almost perfectly.
I do not use the lens with the hood on and have not seen contrast problems in any instances.
The finish on the lens is nice matt black which looks like it can scratch easily, though after two years mine shows none. The lens is of reasonable weight for the focal length
but it can get a little heavy after a full afternoon of shooting in the field.
Since FA 200's simply rarely come on the market, this is the next best affordable alternative for those who want AF.
You can see some of the macro capability of the lens by clicking on the www button below as most of my macros are shot with this lens.
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