Sigma 70mm 2.8 DG Macro - anyone use?

sunnyside_up

sunnyside_up

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Bethy
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Hi all

Just wondering what the general consensuses is on the Sigma 70mm 2.8 macro? I do a lot of portraits and macro stuff and wondering what people's general opinion is of it? Borrowing one this weekend (that's up for sale by a mate) to have a play, and of course I'll have my own thoughts on it, but am interested in others feedback as well.

Cheers in advance

Beth
 
Not really much use to you but I have the 50mm version of this lens and it is an absolute belter of a lens. Pin sharp even wide open and gives lovely bokeh with both portraits and macro shots. I would happily get the 70mm and 105mm versions of the lens.
 
Also thinking of getting this and by all accounts its one of sigmas sharpest!..Look up some reviews it gets a lot of praise.
 
I had one and it's an excellent lens, Very sharp (prob the sharpest lens I have had actually) and it's magnification is just a little bit better than 1:1.

I sold mine because (and this might seem daft) the hood is a screw on affair rather than just clicking into place which means it's a right pain to attach in a hurry. Also you can't reverse the hood for transport so it has to be carried separately in the bag.

Couple of pics taken with mine (on a Pentax)

LINK 1

LINK 2
 
sunnyside_up said:
Hi all

Just wondering what the general consensuses is on the Sigma 70mm 2.8 macro? I do a lot of portraits and macro stuff and wondering what people's general opinion is of it? Borrowing one this weekend (that's up for sale by a mate) to have a play, and of course I'll have my own thoughts on it, but am interested in others feedback as well.

Cheers in advance

Beth
Click to expand...


Good lens in terms of IQ but for me it's too short a FL for macro
 
Thanks for your feedback everyone, it's much appreciated! I'll let you know what I decide. :-)
 
The Sigma is an extremely well-built/finished and sharp lens. The screw-in lens hood is not as convenient as some, as Mike points out, but, IMO, this is hardly a 'deal breaker' and, as he also states, it does work rather well with the Sigma 1.4x APO EX DG TC: despite the fact that this is not listed as a useable combination by the manufacturer. One thing that the 'Oracle' failed to mention is that it also has a focus limiter, which helps minimse 'hunting' when working at or close to 1:1.

Here is a shot (hand-held) selected at random from my collection:

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/garrulusapis/4827665066/] A Rose by any other name by Dr 'B ', on Flickr[/URL]

In the final analysis, however, I wouldn't agonise too much over the choice of lens as, these days, it is probable harder to buy a duff-macro than a good one; including those made other third-party manufacturers (e.g. Tamron and Tokina). If money is an issue, you might also want to consider 'second-user' and manual focus, which you'll probably end up using most of the time anyway!

Jon ;)
 
Thanks Jon. I appreciate your feedback.

As I already have a 60mm (which I was planning on selling) I think I'm going to stick with that and keep my pennies for a 105. I have to admit, I was extremely tempted, but I have exercised fiscal restraint (holy crap, I shocked myself there!) I am woman. Hear me roar! Lol! :)
 
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