Sigma 180mm f2.8 OS macro

Chris_911

Chris_911

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Chris Tarling
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I currently have the Nikon 105mm f2.8 VR macr lens and use this with Nikon FX bodies (currently D810).

I really want to get a macro lens that gives a little more working distance and am looking seriously at the Sigma 180mm. All the test reviews rave about its sharpness.

Are there any real-world users of this lens on here that can share their experiences? Are you happy with this lens?

Thanks!
 
Chris

I think that there are a few on here who do use the 180 with good results

I went through the same process, thinking about the 105, 180 and even the 200mm Nikon
In the end I bought the 105 Nikon which I use with the V1, Nikon FX and Nikon DX.
Generally my results are seldom what I want and I take lots of shots just to get one good one.

IMHO it is about specific macro technique, lighting, flash and set up ……….. particularly for macros when you need to get closer and closer

for close ups it is different

there are quite a few threads on here discussing macro photograph and a few sites discussing extreme macro photography and the equipment used …… before you feel that a 180 is the answer I would do as much research as you can to determine what you want to do and what you need to do it.

As I said, my macros disappoint me and I do not think that a 180 will help me at all

It is different for close ups - I am happy with my close ups …….. mainly taken with a 300mm but sometimes with the 105

Good luck
 
Thanks Bill.

It's really the gain in working distance that I'm after rather than chasing ultimate sharpness. I like working handheld and chasing bugs.

The 180 is a heavy lens though! (should add that I've not handled on a camera to see how it balances)
 
Think Bill has hit nail on the head. Can you tell us what sort of subjects you are after?

If it's flies sort of size then 180mm is not really the answer. If it's butterflies in flight then as it's a fast lens then it may be the answer.

To put it in perspective I shot handheld with sigma 150-500mm + 35mm extension for dragons and butterflies so you don't need 1:1 capabilities for that. (Considered close up) can see the monster on my macro testing album on Flickr.

I also put and it stays on a 1.4X TC on Tamron 90mm which gives 126mm Focal F4 lens. This gives me more than enough distance for "macro" work. The reason I did this was so I could put tubes on without being on top of subject.

Saying that I use a reversed 18-55mm for extreme macro and for that you are on subject.

If you are scaring too many bugs away then it's your technique which needs improving not distance from subject.
 
Thanks guys - all good points!

Butterflies & dragonflies are high on my subject list. Also close-up (rather than macro) shots of various flora.

From data I can find the 180mm gives about an extra 8cm on the minimum working distance of the 105mm.
 
Chris_911 said:
Thanks guys - all good points!

Butterflies & dragonflies are high on my subject list. Also close-up (rather than macro) shots of various flora.

From data I can find the 180mm gives about an extra 8cm on the minimum working distance of the 105mm.
Click to expand...

I would say just stick a 1.4x TC or 2x TC on the 105mm... you won't be using f2.8 anyway or f4 for that matter. IMVHO

Obviously if you have money to burn go ahead and get the 180mm but you may get the Bill experience and end up back with 105mm.
 
I often use the older Sigma non OS 180mm f3.5 DG EX macro lens on my 7D and find it excellent, I can only imagine the new version is better (although I can't see it being THAT much better). Shots 1,2,4 and 6 were taken with the Sigma on this thread.

Quite heavy for a macro lens but the older version can be had for a lot less than the new one.
 
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theres several older versions, and a tamron 180mm too
i have the 180mm 5.6, and it is nice for what it is. its about 1/4th the weight of the modern 180mm
 
I have the 150mm version & its:
1. excellent.
2. easier to buy 2nd hand.
3. Cheaper...

If you need longer stick it on a DX body...
 
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