Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Medium Telephoto Macro Lens for Nikon 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: B0002P19XK
• Item model number: B0002P19XK
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 21, 2004

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Optimized for Nikon 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/32, 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/32
• Minimum focusing distance: 12.3 inches
• Maximum magnification: 1:1
• Filter size: 58mm
• Corresponding AF mounts: Nikon
• 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 Nikon 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

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I am absolutely loving this lens!, April 27, 2008

By 

Z. Henneman - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

Originally I didn't want to stray from Nikon products, but Sigma definitely has my attention. This is an excellent lens in both build quality and function. It works flawlessly on my Nikon D40, metering perfectly and in addition, even though it's manual focus on my camera, it is spot on with the auto-focus indicator light (lower left corner of view finder). I highly recommend this lens to anyone who is looking to get into macro! Don't be scared if you're a Nikon D40 user, I was at first, and now I'm hooked on this lens! Do yourself a favor and buy one!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sharp and well-built, January 14, 2008

By 

d80shooter - See all my reviews

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

I debated between this and the 105 Nikkor but at $ 350 versus $750, I decided to try the Sigma and return it if it was not satisfactory. The build seems good with a very solid feel and, while the autofucus is a bit slower than the AF-s Nikkors, it is fine for all but the macro shots which need manual focus anyway. Comparing sharpness at f8, it is about as sharp as my 18-135 at the center and much, much sharper as you move from the center. Overall, I'm very happy I saved the $450.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you are thinking about getting it; GET IT!, December 22, 2009

By 

Jeremy D. Catchings (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

I have had this lens for more than a year so I know all the Pros and Cons; I did not just buy it and I am not writing a spur of the moment review. If you are debating between this lens and the Nikon one, I would go with this one. I am not saying this one in better than the Nikon because I haven't used the Nikon, but I don't imagine it is $350 better.

Now there are reviews that complain about the auto-focusing on this lens. It is a Macro lens meaning its field of focus is very small at 2.8 so it will tend to go back and forth at times, especially if there is a lot of things in the viewfinder. If you know how to use a DSLR then should be able to Manual Focus it. When shooting portrait style photos I have no problem with the autofocus, now with nature it doesn't always want to focus perfectly no, but like I said above it is a Macro lens and focuses very tight. Also a one person said to go to Manual Focus you have to flip the switch on the camera, one the lens, and move the focusing ring. Which is not true. The switch on the lens is a focus limiting switch. Which locks the camera in full minimum focus ratio, meaning it will focus closer up, or you can limit it.

I personally don't like the lens hood because it screws on, instead of twist and lock, which also means you can't put a filter on the lens directly while using the lens hood. Instead you have to put the filter on the hood itself.
Also it fits the Nikon but doesn't lock in the camera body as easy or smoothly, again it still fits and works fine.

I personally love my sigma lens and will definitely buy my next lens through Sigma. Most likely will be the 50mm Macro.