Latest Review Posted | Sigma EX DG Macro 50mm F2.8 This is a very good macro lens for someone just starting in the field. Usually available around $250 or less, it won't break the bank either.
It has excellent image quality overall, but with some faults. First, the lens isn't "painfully sharp" until f/3.5, and dips down again past f/5.6. From 3.5-5.6 it is this sharp, but macro lenses should really be macro-sharp at all apertures. Second, there is moderate longitudinal CA (green halos in highlights behind the focal point, purple in front), but only when shooting things that give CA and only when shooting very closely (I guess around 1:2 or closer). In all other situations, it's almost or not at all visible. Third and last, it has what some might consider unpleasing bokeh. Very geometrical and obvious, not smooth. All of these minor faults can easily be overcome by changing your shooting style slightly for a given subject.
It's built extremely well with a very dense body. I generally like the EX designs. It feels like I could drop it on the cement and it would still keep chugging along. The barrel that extends during macro focusing is just one... uh... telescoping part. Like, it doesn't go into 2 or 3 nested focusing barrels like some other macro lenses. This is great because it's less gears to move, less things to break, and less places for dust to get into. The focus limiter switch is also great, and it works in both directions. You can engage it while in macro and only focus things that are really close, or enga... |