| Latest Review Posted | Sigma EX DG Macro 105mm F2.8
First off, for about two hundred dollars, this lens is capable of some great shots with some patience. It is acceptably sharp for many subjects, and manual focus near 1:1 is not too bad. Manual focus in the portrait range is more difficult than average, and autofocus on this lens isn't that great, but it works.
Overall, I'm a little disappointed with this lens, mainly because it's not as sharp as I'd like. It doesn't have that razor sharpness that some macro lenses have. For most subjects that's not that huge of an issue, but if you want to crop a little and want biting sharpness, it's just not there. Even under controlled conditions with a flash (as in the picture at the end) and live-view focus, there is some lack of sharpness. The lens seems sharpest between f/5.6 and f/7.1 I believe it definitely improves the sharpness (and of course the DOF) when stopped down.
For the price it's pretty good, and for 80% of uses, it actually delivers. But there are certain image styles that are frustrating with this lens. If you are after the ultimate macro experience, I would suggest looking at other alternatives such as the Pentax 100mm macro.
Autofocus isn't great, but I don't use that for macro anyway. Theoretically this focal length is good for portraits, and I have taken some good portraits with it, but in practice it's inconvenient because of its focusing problems. This might have something to do with its extremely short throw at the portrait length.
https://www.pentaxforum... |
