authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

Looking to buy a used lens and would like some input

Anyone have experience with this lens and is it worth $495?

This lens is in near flawless, like new condition both cosmetically and functionally.
The only blemish worth mentioning is the slight marking on the bottom of the tripod foot from having an Arca-Swiss plate attached

Thanks for any comments

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Absolutely. You would be hard pressed to find a better value. An excellent lens, mechanically and optically.

pendennis

Can't speak to the APO version, but I have the earlier model, and it's a top-notch lens. I've gotten great results with it.

It seems like the asking price is around the "average" for the APO model. I wouldn't hesitate.

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

I shoot the Sony mount version of this lens.
I payed $500 for mine and it is worth every cent.
Any shots of mine you see in the True Macro section here will have been shot with it.

jeryh Loc: Oxfordshire UK

I have the above lens, and I have found it to be every bit as good as the nikon butterfly lens, and a lot cheaper !

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

authorizeduser much may depend on your client base and their perceived needs...
If you are simply a hobbyist then this may not be germane...

However if you are shooting commercially then you might instead consider the AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4D IF-ED. I have and use this optic constantly in the studio... it's resolving power exceeds my D3x and even my D810... that nikkor's flat field acuity and neutral color rendering is at the zenith of micro.

That said you would likely paid over 2 to 3 times as much for a "like new" copy of that epic Nikkor...
How good is it? I had a used copy in excellent condition that was so outstanding I purchased the lens new. Sold the previously owned copy for nearly the same price... That lens holds it's value!

I would seriously check with Sigma to see if they still service the lens you are considering...
Nikon certainly still services the AF Micro 200mm f/4 IF ED (which btw doesn't change length when focusing) it's an IF lens... And it's made in Japan... it has an epic build quality... professional glass...

Hope this helps...
All the best on your journey authorizeduser

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

I purchased a mint condition version with image stabilisation (mine cost £800 - brand new £1300) and used it with my Nikon D500 (it also accepts the Sigma TC.14). Though heavy, I found it to be a stunning lens. 1:1 is achievable at 49cm, further than most macro lenses I can think of. I've owned a few macro lenses over the years and the Sigma 180mm is probably my favourite.

cactuspic Loc: Dallas, TX

Sigma make exceptional macros. I have used both versions of their 180mm macro for thousands of pictures. If it is in good shape, you will be getting a fine lens.

timm27 Loc: Earth

I am a Canon user and an L glass snob, with one exception, the Sigma 180. Superb lens.

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Hell yes. All macros are great, as far as I've seen. The longer macro is of course heavier, and you will need to consider settings to stop camera shake on the longer lens. But the working distance is far for 1:1, and the optics should be terrific.

cactuspic Loc: Dallas, TX

It is a terrific lens. 180mm is my favorite focal length. I have used both that model and it's subsequent version for thousands of sharp macro shots. Sigma makes some fine macro lenses. I would check the difference in price with the subsequent model, the 2.8 180mm, if image stabilization is important to you. I find it helpful in the closeup magnification range.