Product Description

The Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX Macro delivers superb, distortion-free images throughout its broad focus range, from infinity telephoto to 1: 1 (life-size) macro, as close as 12.3" without accessories. Its non-rotating front lens group makes it easier to work with polarizing filters and has a focus limiter.A "focus-free" mechanical design allows the lens to auto focus without any interference from the manual focus ring. This makes it easier to hold the lens without affecting the speed or normal operation of the autofocus function. Rugged mechanical construction also makes it durable enough for even the heaviest use required by professional photographers.The Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX Macro features the new deluxe external EX finish. These features and other Sigma optical advances, including an uncommonly broad range of focus, make this an ideal lens for a wide variety of applications, from nature photography to portraits. A handy screw-in type metal sunshade makes it easier to rotate a polarizing filter.

Product Details

• Brand: Sigma
• Model: B0002P19XK
• Dimensions: 3.10" h x 4.00" w x 4.00" l, .99 pounds

Features

• Super Multi Coating reduces flare and ghosting that tends to occur when using digital SLR cameras
• High performance medium telephoto macro lens optimized for digital cameras
• Lens Construction - 11 Elements in 10 Groups
• 12.3 (31.3cm) Minimum Focusing Distance
• Dimensions - Diameter 2.9 x Length 3.8 (74x97.5mm)

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

Customer Reviews

Quirky, but worth it
When I first started looking for a mid-level macro lens, a few weeks ago, I was naturally drawn first to the Canon 60mm, as I have already have 2 Canon bodies.

But then I started looking around, reading reviews (mostly on Fred Miranda's site), and comparing prices. The more research I did, the more appealing this lens became. And finally, I decided to go with it.

Here's why:
- The price is similar to the Canon 60mm.
- I already own a Sigma EX-series lens (17-35mm), and really like it. I like the matte finish, and the glass is excellent.
- For some reason I cannot fathom, Canon doesn't include lens hoods with any of the mid-range lenses I looked at. Sigma does.
- The greater focal length means I can stay farther from the subject - minimum focus distance is about 30cm (12in). This is almost always a benefit.

This lens isn't perfect, however, and here's a few caveats you may want to consider before making a purchase:
- In low light (ie, most macro photography), this lens likes to hunt. Which can be a slow process considering its length when fully extended. Personally, I don't mind manual focus all that much, so this doesn't bother me.
- This is a not an HSM (Sigma's version of USM) lens. It is motor-driven. This might bother you, but I barely even notice it.
- Switching to/from manual/autofocus mode is a 2 step process. Beside the switch on the side of the barrel, the focus ring requires a push-pull motion which is sometimes a bit tricky. With a little practice, this becomes less and less of an issue - and if you leave it on manual most of the time (as I do), you seldom have to worry about it.
- The lens hood is a screw-in, not a twist- or clip-on model. This is, however, offset by the rather deep recession of the glass in the lens tube. (If you want to use the lens hood and leave it on, a 77mm lens cap will fit it.)

Despite these (in my opinion, very minor) problems, I'm very happy with this lens, and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a mid-level macro lens

Worth every penny
I've been using this lens for about 3 months now on a Canon EOS-350D and the Canon 5D. It has supurb optics. At f2.8, it is sharp. From f3.0 it takes off and stays sharp up to about f14. The focus mechanism is a little different from most other lenses, but actually I've grown to like it. With a push-pull lock at the end of the lens for manual-auto focus, you can put this thing in manual mode two different ways. If you're focusing in, pull the mechanism and you don't have to worry about the camera trying to change focus and you don't have to take your hand off the lens to find the manual button. Really cool actually, just a little different at first. It is light enough that weight has never been an issue, though it does extend out pretty far when focusing. Focus speed is not as fast and there is a little more motor noise, but this too is never an issue as all my close work is manual focus. As a telephoto, it works very well, but the autofocus speed comes into play here. It will hunt in some conditions as a telephoto, but it is pretty accurate.

Save some money and take great SHARP shots with this lens. Highly recommended!

I am absolutely loving this lens!
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!