The warning from chuckles...........me being a learner,is sharpness to be avoided with portraiture as I understood the lens in question can serve both purposes both macro and portraiture

The Sigma version is nearly as good, but at half the price!
how good? i've been looking at the 105 F2.8 EX DG as my macro lens so i'd appreciate your feedback
it's to fit my sony alpha 100...
I'm pretty pleased with mine. It doesnt have to be used for macro all the time though. The AF is relatively slow though. Some samples:
http://www.diesel-power.org.uk/wildlife/070605Longleat/
http://www.diesel-power.org.uk/wildlife/070614BedfordButterflies/
Some more macros here
HTH. I assume the Sigma is available in Sony/Minolta mount?