Lens help please - 85mm 1.8g v sigma 105 os macro

[scott199]

hi all.

now i know they are two different type lens, but just to explain.

when i got my set-up (Nikon D5100) i made a mistake and chose the 35mm 1.8/tamron 17-50 2.8, both great at what they do, but something has been telling me i should of got the 85mm, since this point i have had a niggle inside to get one.

know the issue, i have decided to try macro, so saving for a sigma 105.

so, the problem, they are both about the same money, i have read a lot that the sigma 105 makes a great prime as well, not feeling like i can afford or warrant both of these.

my question - will the siggy really give me a good prime, in the same region as the Nikon 85mm or are they just worlds apart ?

(just to add, i don't really have a "type" but i think i have taken 5-10 test shots with the 35mm just doesn't seem to be a focal length i use or feel comfortable getting that close)

cheers

 

[pingu666]

you could google 105 sigma portrait ?

the sharpness will be there, but its slower (so less shallow dof) and you could compair bokeh too. but either should be really good

 

[scott199]

Thanks for that, I did have a look it was more real world use.

Anyone had or has both??

Any day to day comparisons

 

[pingu666]

for real world use i quite like the tamron 60mm macro (effective 90mm on crop)
the bad side is theres no focus range lock, manual focus isnt smooth, but its a lovely length that works better than 50mm imo

 

[mpe]

my question - will the siggy really give me a good prime, in the same region as the Nikon 85mm or are they just worlds apart ?

Depends on the subject. Obviously, the 85mm is not a macro lens and is shorter and faster. The sigma is macro, is slower, longer and has VR. They are different tools for different use. It all depends what you want to use them for.

 

[scott199]

Depends on the subject. Obviously, the 85mm is not a macro lens and is shorter and faster. The sigma is macro, is slower, longer and has VR. They are different tools for different use. It all depends what you want to use them for.

Thanks, well in an ideal world i would just get both, i have no real reason to get the 85mm, just a niggle inside that just wont go away, so theirs not a reason or a situation as such, maybe some street stuff or general kids/family shots, so really just general use and sharpness.

but i really want to try my hand at Macro, hence my thinking, could i get away with just the siggy.

 

[mpe]

I like 90-105mm range on FX for macro. Not sure how it is on DX. Perhaps for insects where you need a longer working distance.

On DX, I would rather consider Micro-Nikkor AF-S 60mm or even the Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G DX for macro. These focal lengths could also be more practical if you want to use them for general photography.

 

[pingu666]

i like 60mm on crop for kids for headshots or outdoor stuff, indoors a wider angle is better, but u got that already

u could always get a fast manual 85 or 90mm later on, either vintage or rokinon