Sigma 50mm f2.8 EX DG Macro

[BoothBees]

Link: http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-sigma-50mm-f2-8-ex-dg-macro-lens-canon-fit/p1002621

I'd like to find out if anybody has (or has had) one of these lenses and could give some info on how the lens performs.

I'm looking for a lens which can be used around the house for shooting our cats, they pose so getting close is easy, and can also double up as a macro lens. I've previously borrowed a Canon 60mm f2.8 macro USM lens (link: http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Pro...Lenses/Macro_Lenses/EF-S_60mm_f2.8_Macro_USM/), which we really liked but there is a price difference between the two.

So in summary;

1) Is the Sigma lens any good?
2) Would I be better off trying to get a good deal on a second hand Canon?

I'm also considering the Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX DG Macro (link: http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-sigma-105mm-f2-8-ex-dg-macro-lens-sigma-fit/p1002625) but I haven't used one of these at all. Any info on how good this is/isn't also greatly appreciated.

Apologies if this has been mentioned before, but searching for 50mm yielded a mountain of results to sift through.

Cheers

Craig

 

[postcardcv]

I've got the 105 and a good friend uses the 50, both are excellent macro lenses, delivering very sharp results. The only issue you may find using them as a general lens is the slow AF (and the annoying system for switching between AF and MF). I wonder if the 50 f1.8 or the 85 f1.8 would be better for general shots, apparently both work well with tubes for close up shots.

 

[BoothBees]

Thanks for the info.

The slow AF seems to be a recurring theme wherever I ask. This is a little off putting as our animals may pose, but they don't pose for long!

I wonder if waiting for the Canon 60mm to come up for sale (used) is a better option. I've used that and the AF was very fast.