Hi all,

 

I would like information on the lens : Sigma MACRO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM

In fact I currently own the Canon 100mm Macro IS USM and I would like to invest in a longer focal length lens to produce other types of macro photos.

I don't remember the Canon 180mm because unfortunately it isn't stabilized and in my case, not very useful. I'm still working without monopod and after the tests I've done with my students who had, I'm not sure because it does not have a very large opening and handling often requires to use monopod ..

If someone use this lens, I will have enjoyed returns of use. :)

 

Thanks in advance for your replies !!

 

Greetings

Hi Cyril,

I can't really give any info on the Sigma 180 macro lens but i am curious as to what "other" types of macro photos you are after?

To be honest, the only real advantage of the longer focal length over the 100mm lens you already have is a greater distance to subject for the timid ones that might be scared away by getting close with the 100mm. I would also doubt that the Sigma lens will have the image quality of the Canon 100mm lens. However, an option to an expensive 180mm lens is to be much more stealthy in your approach to a subject with the 100mm lens and to be armed with knowledge of the subject.

I also have a Canon 100mm IS lens but i still tend to use a tripod most of the time because i find it gives me greater control of composition, aperture, focus etc. I rarely use the IS unless i'm shooting in poor light at a greater focal range for portrait etc or if the use of a tripod is impractical.

In my opinion, the best image stabiliser you can buy is a sturdy tripod :-))

 

Hi Vic,

 

Thank you for your intervention on this subject,

In fact, I would keep the Canon 100mm Macro because for me, it's the best existing macro lens because the image quality is superb, and it had a great versatility in use. This one is a fantastic tool !

I'm totally agree with you.

 

Having a second macro lens with a large focal length, would more readily approach especially for certain species of butterflies and dragonflies.

The fact that it would be a stabilized lens to my utility because I never use a tripod because it is too bulky in my opinion. And very often, I'm lying in the grass and I really didn't want this equipment that I believe would prevent my reactivity and my approach.

I know that the optical quality of Sigma is generally less clean but ... In all honesty, at this level it is not dramatic.

I have the Sigma 150 macro lens but not the 180. The 150 is superb in quality and handling. I have used many macro lenses, including the phenomenal Zeiss 100mm macro. The Sigma 150 is as fine as any I have used. I am using it on a Sony A99. Some macro lenses are better than the sensors they are attached to. I believe this is true of the Zeiss.

 

Hello Dan,

 

Yes, I also hesitate with the SIGMA 150mm which is also excellent optics. I could test it with some students and I find it really nice to use.

Maybe, if the 180mm SIGMA is not so efficient, I could turn on the 150mm :) .

 

But I admit that I am sorely tempted by the 180mm. I think it would a nicely complement to my 100mm and everything I do with difficulty with it. I put aside the Canon 180mm because of its aperture at f/3.5 and is not stabilizing. It is true without monopod, it is quite difficult to handle.

 

I have not seen a lot of user feedback on the web about the Sigma 180mm Macro, and this is why I'm interested in all information about it.

 

 

Hi Dan,

I own this lens for some month now. It is big and heavy! Optical quality is very very good. Sharpess and bokeh are perfect. Autofocus is quite fast and accurate (although I mostly use the manual focus). I use it with the Nikon D800 and believe this is a very good combination. I have uploaded some shots made with it. You can find more on my website www.rbbl.nl, go to portfolio and than to Hongarije. All the macroshots were made with the Sigma 180.

Rob

 

I also have the Sigma 180mm, though mine is the older version and is about 8 years old. It is beautifully sharp and has excellent colour. I also have the Canon 100mm IS macro and the two are indistinguishable as far as quality is concerned. It was the second lens I ever bought and it is still one of my most used lenses. Most of these fungi were taken with it. http://steveaxford.smugmug.com/Living-Things/Fungi-the-recyclers

Steve Axford