Please Show Me Some Examples From A Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG AF Macro Lens

ianbarber

ianbarber

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Ian
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About 12 months ago, I bought a Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG AF Macro Lens (Nikon Fit) as I wanted to try out Macro.

It has been sat in my cabinet ever since as I was dissapointed in the slow AF.

Can anyone tell me if they have any expeience with this lens and what they think to it.

I would also welcome any suggested settings for the camera when usng it outdoors to take insects as i would like to have another go at Macro now I have a SB-900 Flash unit.

Ian
 
I've got one I haven't used in a few years. AF is slow on a Canon too! The thing is MF is much easier with Macro anyway, so AF was always switched off.
 
I use to set the camera on a monopod. sET THE LENS TO 1:1 AND MOVE CAMERA BACKWARDS AND FORWARD UNTIL SUBJECT WAS FOCUSSED.


Edit: pressed cap lock by mistake
 
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The AF on macro lenses isn't really designed to be fast. It's designed to be accurate usually, but when doing macro most people use manual focus anyway, as it's so hard to ensure the right bit is sharp. Have a play with manual, you'll find it's faster, less frustrating, and gets you a higher keeper rate once you're used to it!
 
I just wanted to agree with the comment about macro focus being a bit slow.

I have the Sigma 150mm f2.8 and find that focus is slow, however, I think that longer macro lenses are good as they give you a longer working distance and you are therefore more likely to capture your shot without either frightening something away or affecting the natural light. I've taken some of my favourite shots with my 150mm.

Maybe you could give the 105mm another go?
 
ianbarber said:
What are these lens like, would I be better investing in something else which would make my life easier?
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Mine is the same as yours but Canon fit. There are probably better about these days but they will all work better in MF probably. What you've got should be perfecrly OK.
 
NigelPaul said:
Mine is the same as yours but Canon fit. There are probably better about these days but they will all work better in MF probably. What you've got should be perfecrly OK.
Click to expand...


Can you give me any tips on settings, do I need to be shooting at F16 to get the most out of it.

When i have tried it I didi notice that the DOF was very shallow in my imags and not very sharp at all
 
I bought the sigma 150mm f2.8 for my wife (from here) and had a go with it last week. First time I'd used a proper macro lens and I have to say I really enjoyed it.

I was using it handheld with autofocus on but adjusted with a combination of moving backward or forward and full time manual. On the 150mm model there's a switch to limit the focus between 0.38m & 0.52m so as to limit the focus hunting too much, not sure if the 105mm has the same.

I posted some of the results on the macro forum, so I'll shamelessly post a link if anyones interested :lol:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=249951
 
Shallow depth of field will always be a problem even at small apertures. If focussing an insect like a fly get the eyes in focus, The rest may be OOF but the other way round may be worse imho. Once you get some practice there is always the stacking method.
Not done this, so perhaps it's time for some more seasoned Macro toggers to add their tuppence worth. Stacking programs are available thru the web free or another one at a nominal cost. Also google Bryan Peterson Youtube for some ideas and tips..........nice fella!
 
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