Macro Lens Decision Made...read on...
Apr 23, 2018 02:44:41 #
rdrechsler
Loc: Channel Islands Harbor, CA
Well, I made up my mind! I just purchased Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Macro Lens for Nikon DSLR at Adorama. I have not tried anything but Nikkor lenses for my D850, but everyone here seems to say that Sigma is every bit as good as Nikon lenses. They must be getting ready to discontinue or issue a replacement for this lens because everyone has it marked down by $400 (41%). That sounded too good to pass up. Adorama has the same no-questions-asked 30-day return policy as Amazon, so if I don't like it, adios. Anyway, does anyone have any experience with this particular lens?
Apr 23, 2018 05:42:36 #
I'd be interested in your opinion on it in a few weeks time. I like mine (Canon fit) but find what seems to be a coarse thread makes focusing a little more difficult than it need be.
Apr 23, 2018 06:19:55 #
rdrechsler wrote:
Well, I made up my mind! I just purchased Sigma 10... (show quote)
I don't know if it makes any different but I believe the Sigma is made in Japan and the current micro Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 is made in China.
Apr 23, 2018 07:18:11 #
Sigma is coming out with an Art series lens very soon. It will be a f/1.4 and the bokeh should be softer therefore the reduction in your lens price. Having said that I think you still have a very good lens. I have Nikons 105 and it is my go to lens for close up photography. It can be excellent for other shots as well.
Apr 23, 2018 10:47:04 #
Trustforce
Loc: Chicago, Illinois
look at the fine print with Adorama's return policy. You have to pay for the shipping back, and they may deduct a shipping fee from your refund. Not exactly hassle-free!
Apr 23, 2018 14:15:12 #
rdrechsler wrote:
Well, I made up my mind! I just purchased Sigma 10... (show quote)
I had that lens a very long time ago (20yrs.), it was a pretty decent lens!
Apr 23, 2018 14:18:20 #
Jim-Pops wrote:
Sigma is coming out with an Art series lens very soon. It will be a f/1.4 and the bokeh should be softer therefore the reduction in your lens price. Having said that I think you still have a very good lens. I have Nikons 105 and it is my go to lens for close up photography. It can be excellent for other shots as well.
That is a different lens, it is not a macro lens ( its also way more of an substantial lens at 4 lbs.+)
Apr 23, 2018 14:26:15 #
rdrechsler
Loc: Channel Islands Harbor, CA
rdrechsler wrote:
Well, I made up my mind! I just purchased Sigma 10... (show quote)
UPDATE: Adorama emailed this morning that the lens is backordered, so I canceled that order and bought one from B&H. They had it in stock. Still looking forward to trying out that lens. If I don't like it I'll spend a little more and get the Nikon. Thanks for all your input.
Apr 23, 2018 15:17:49 #
rdrechsler wrote:
Well, I made up my mind! I just purchased Sigma 10... (show quote)
Kudos for choosing a reputable dealer. I don't do much business with them, but trues them implicitly.
Apr 23, 2018 15:21:12 #
rdrechsler wrote:
UPDATE: Adorama emailed this morning that the lens is backordered, so I canceled that order and bought one from B&H. They had it in stock. Still looking forward to trying out that lens. If I don't like it I'll spend a little more and get the Nikon. Thanks for all your input.
Another great dealer - Actually, I believe, a slight improvement (sorry, Helen). At least, Adorama showed class by notifying you.
Apr 24, 2018 07:45:58 #
Apr 24, 2018 21:09:32 #
wdross
Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado
rdrechsler wrote:
Well, I made up my mind! I just purchased Sigma 10... (show quote)
It will be a good lens. In a shrinking market, one cannot afford to make a mistake in lens design. Although I only have film teleconverters left, I have had a chance to shoot with the three independent brands in the past. Sigma will serve you well as would Tokina or Tamron. The only thing that the three big independent manufacturers have to do that might make the lens slightly less useful than the name brand is that they have to design the lense for the format being used, not a specific brand being used in that format. At that price, who cares about that word "slight".
Apr 25, 2018 15:08:07 #
No experience. But it is a given that brands with a good reputation will have macro lenses that are so similar in sharpness, that one can hardly see a difference except by pixel peeping. You did good, in my opinion.
Apr 26, 2018 19:22:02 #
rdrechsler
Loc: Channel Islands Harbor, CA
rdrechsler wrote:
Well, I made up my mind! I just purchased Sigma 10... (show quote)
Wow, I got the new lens today....my first Sigma. I'm rapidly becoming a believer. It's light, quiet and fast and the image stabilization works fantastically! What is attached are my first PRACTICE SHOTS. They have virtually no artistic value, because I was shooting only for IQ and focus. They were all handheld. I'm IMPRESSED. The shot looking down the channel really convinced me when I zoomed in on the radar dome one the mast just to the left of center and midway up the shot. I've never seen that quality with my Nikon zoom lenses. This is my first primary lens. I might need a 35mm or 50mm primary now
While I bought this lens for macro work specifically, the overall quality is excellent. It's not a very practical focal length for general use, but it seems to be a great lens. BTW...the magenta orchid is a fake plant. Hard to tell with this lens!
Artificial Orchid!
(Download)
Spinning Fast in 8 mph of wind
(Download)
Looking Up Channel
(Download)
Check out the clarity of the radar dome!
(Download)
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