Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Medium Telephoto Macro Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

by Sigma

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 3.1 inches ; 15.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002P19XA
• Item model number: B0002P19XA
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Optimized for Canon digital SLR cameras but also compatible with film SLR cameras, the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 medium telephoto lens allows a greater working distance between the lens and the subject, helping it excel in all shooting ranges. The increased working distance of the lens is ideal when taking the picture of a flower among several branches, or an insect on a leaf. The narrow angle of view helps simplify the background, while the shallow depth of field makes it easier to handle the composition. The lens also offers a super multi coating that reduces the flare and ghosting that tends to occur when using digital SLR cameras, helping create crisper, sharper photos. And thanks to the Dual Focus (DF) system, the lens is easy to hold during autofocusing, but also offers smooth and positive action should you choose to focus manually on images. Other features include a minimum aperture of f/45, a screw-in lens hood that supports the use of circular polarizing filters, and a minimum focusing distance of 12.3 inches. Offering a 35mm equivalent field of view of 178mm on a digital SLR camera, the lens carries a one-year warranty.

Specifications

• Focal length: 105mm
• Maximum aperture: f/2.8
• Lens construction: 11 elements in 10 groups
• Angle of view: 23.3 degrees
• Number of diaphragm blades: 8
• Minimum aperture: f/45
• Minimum focusing distance: 12.3 inches
• Maximum magnification: 1:1
• Filter size: 58mm
• Corresponding AF mounts: Canon
• Dimensions: 2.9 inches in diameter and 3.8 inches long
• Weight: 16.1 ounces
• Warranty: 1 year

Product Description

This high performance medium telephoto macro lens is optimized for Canon digital SLR cameras. Sigma s macro 105mm F2.8 EX DG allows greater working distance between the lens and subject. The Super Multi Coating reduces flare and ghosting that tends to occur when using digital SLR cameras.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

103 of 105 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quirky, but worth it, November 7, 2005

By 

Timothy J. Joko-Veltman "Tim" (Brasilia, Brazil) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Medium Telephoto Macro Lens for Canon SLR Cameras (Electronics)

When I first started looking for a mid-level macro lens, a few weeks ago, I was naturally drawn first to the Canon 60mm, as I have already have 2 Canon bodies.

But then I started looking around, reading reviews (mostly on Fred Miranda's site), and comparing prices. The more research I did, the more appealing this lens became. And finally, I decided to go with it.

Here's why:
- The price is similar to the Canon 60mm.
- I already own a Sigma EX-series lens (17-35mm), and really like it. I like the matte finish, and the glass is excellent.
- For some reason I cannot fathom, Canon doesn't include lens hoods with any of the mid-range lenses I looked at. Sigma does.
- The greater focal length means I can stay farther from the subject - minimum focus distance is about 30cm (12in). This is almost always a benefit.

This lens isn't perfect, however, and here's a few caveats you may want to consider before making a purchase:
- In low light (ie, most macro photography), this lens likes to hunt. Which can be a slow process considering its length when fully extended. Personally, I don't mind manual focus all that much, so this doesn't bother me.
- This is a not an HSM (Sigma's version of USM) lens. It is motor-driven. This might bother you, but I barely even notice it.
- Switching to/from manual/autofocus mode is a 2 step process. Beside the switch on the side of the barrel, the focus ring requires a push-pull motion which is sometimes a bit tricky. With a little practice, this becomes less and less of an issue - and if you leave it on manual most of the time (as I do), you seldom have to worry about it.
- The lens hood is a screw-in, not a twist- or clip-on model. This is, however, offset by the rather deep recession of the glass in the lens tube. (If you want to use the lens hood and leave it on, a 77mm lens cap will fit it.)

Despite these (in my opinion, very minor) problems, I'm very happy with this lens, and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a mid-level macro lens

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth every penny, May 14, 2006

By 

Gary Gray - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Medium Telephoto Macro Lens for Canon SLR Cameras (Electronics)

I've been using this lens for about 3 months now on a Canon EOS-350D and the Canon 5D. It has supurb optics. At f2.8, it is sharp. From f3.0 it takes off and stays sharp up to about f14. The focus mechanism is a little different from most other lenses, but actually I've grown to like it. With a push-pull lock at the end of the lens for manual-auto focus, you can put this thing in manual mode two different ways. If you're focusing in, pull the mechanism and you don't have to worry about the camera trying to change focus and you don't have to take your hand off the lens to find the manual button. Really cool actually, just a little different at first. It is light enough that weight has never been an issue, though it does extend out pretty far when focusing. Focus speed is not as fast and there is a little more motor noise, but this too is never an issue as all my close work is manual focus. As a telephoto, it works very well, but the autofocus speed comes into play here. It will hunt in some conditions as a telephoto, but it is pretty accurate.

Save some money and take great SHARP shots with this lens. Highly recommended!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent macro lens for dentistry, November 25, 2007

By 

drerwinsu "drerwinsu" (North Canton, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Medium Telephoto Macro Lens for Canon SLR Cameras (Electronics)

I have employed my Rebel XT digital SLR into my dental office. I upgraded to the Rebel XTi (10 mpixels) for home. I purchased the Sigma ring flash with a Sigma macro lens for the Canon SLR family. If you look at the Lester Dine website this is basically what they sell for a few hundreds dollars more.

I compared the ring flash and lens with the ones offered by Canon and felt that it was worth saving $300 by purchasing the Sigma combo.

The macro lens/ring flash work well for dental purposes. After a little experimentation I discovered that I get the best images by using the aperature priority setting. All settings are used with ISO 400 speed. I set the aperature at 14-16 for intraoral shots. This gives the best depth of field. I also use the operatory light for intraoral shots. I set the aperature to 6 for full face shots.

I use autofocus but set the ratio to 1:2 to 1:3 for intraoral shots. This keeps the autofocus from "hunting". I frame the shot by moving towards the subject. Once I get close to the image that I like I use the autofocus to get the final focus for the picture.