Sigma 180mm f/3.5 EX DG IF HSM APO Macro Lens
Jan 9, 2016 10:43:14 #
I am looking at a used version of this lens and would like to know if anyone of you has any experience using it. I'm really not interested in the OS factor that the newer Sigma 180 Macro has as I do most of my Macro work on a tripod and the f3.5 vs f2.8 is not that critical for me. Any help out there. Should I go for this one at around $450 or would it be better to wait and save my money on the newer 2.8 model at $1600?
Jan 9, 2016 11:07:40 #
jeryh
Loc: Oxfordshire UK
I had exactly this same query; I ended up buying the Sigma 180mm f/3.5 APO HSM lens. I don't think you will be at all disappointed with the performance of this lens. It is perfectly adequate for macro work- I use it mainly handheld, but it should be superb on a tripod!
Jan 9, 2016 12:42:05 #
i want one! i have the older 150 which i love but would like to have the 180 too
Jan 9, 2016 16:15:16 #
Many Macro-photographers use speedlight illuimation. My thing is that the aperture is not that important. That being said I have a 2.8 100mm.
Jan 9, 2016 16:18:42 #
Gifted One wrote:
to me speedlight and diffuser are very important when shooting macro. I use flash for every shot usually at f/16.Very many Mac guys use flash. My thing is that the aperture is not that important. That being said I have a 2.8 100mm.
Jan 9, 2016 16:32:10 #
I use a speedlight also when needed that's why the f2.8 isn't a necessity. Thanks for the feedback, now I have to find a good one. See lots of units for Canon not my for Nikon.
Jan 9, 2016 16:32:15 #
tinusbum wrote:
You were one of the ones I was thinking about. you do very good work. I was just talking to a friend earlier today and I plan on many outings with my 8 year old Grand daughter who is a bug person. She shall be my spotter.to me flash and diffuser are very important when shooting macro,i use flash for every shot usuall at f16
Jan 9, 2016 16:59:01 #
Jan 9, 2016 17:30:44 #
WayneT wrote:
i think your going to like it,post some pics when you get it.Just found a used one rated E+ at Adorama and pulled the trigger.
Jan 9, 2016 17:31:51 #
tinusbum wrote:
Sometime next week.i think your going to like it,post some pics when you get it.
Jan 10, 2016 07:43:25 #
I had the older non OS f/2.8 and it was excellent. They do require a bit more patience than do the 100mm class of lenses but the results can be amazing, clearly the out of focus areas are much more pleasing with the longer lenses.
Another plus with the long lenses is that on a full set of tubes you have a remarkable working distance, depending on the magnification you are looking for the working distance can be measured in feet not inches...
My last comment since with macro work most people manually focus and shoot at f/8 or smaller the f/3.5 maximum aperture should be of little consequence.
Another plus with the long lenses is that on a full set of tubes you have a remarkable working distance, depending on the magnification you are looking for the working distance can be measured in feet not inches...
My last comment since with macro work most people manually focus and shoot at f/8 or smaller the f/3.5 maximum aperture should be of little consequence.
Jan 10, 2016 09:47:09 #
Jan 10, 2016 12:31:31 #
Buckeye
Loc: Dayton, OH.
I have the Sigma 180mm f/3.5. I was fortunate enough to be managing a camera store when I bought it, so I had the opportunity to compare it to the Tamron 180 and the Canon 180. I chose the Sigma over the Tamron for image quality and the Canon for Value and nearly identical image quality.
Jan 10, 2016 13:32:14 #
Buckeye wrote:
That's really good to know. As others have stated on the forum it's better to hear from people who have actually used a product in real life situations to get an accurate assessment.I have the Sigma 180mm f/3.5. I was fortunate enough to be managing a camera store when I bought it, so I had the opportunity to compare it to the Tamron 180 and the Canon 180. I chose the Sigma over the Tamron for image quality and the Canon for Value and nearly identical image quality.
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