Sigma Macro 1:1 150mm f2.8 VS Nikon macro 1:1 105mm f2.8

[chchin]

Dear All,

Would you mind to share some of your opinion or recommendation on both lenses in term of quality and prices?? I search from internet some people said sigma 150 is better than Nikon 105, what do you think??

Thank you in advanceon you valueble advice.

[ShaolinTiger]

Sigma should compare Sigma 180 to Nikkor 200mm f/4 Micro lens.

Nikkor 105 compare to Sigma 105 and Tamron SP90.

Please compare like with like :D

Tamron/Sigma 150 are in their own range, both are very good lenses if you want that working distance.

The Sigma 150mm HSM is about the best rated Macro lens all around, see here:

Sigma 150mm f2.8 APO Macro DG EX HSM (http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=280&sort=4&cat=38&page=1)

[chchin]

Sigma should compare Sigma 180 to Nikkor 200mm f/4 Micro lens.

Nikkor 105 compare to Sigma 105 and Tamron SP90.

Please compare like with like :D

Tamron/Sigma 150 are in their own range, both are very good lenses if you want that working distance.

The Sigma 150mm HSM is about the best rated Macro lens all around, see here:

Sigma 150mm f2.8 APO Macro DG EX HSM (http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=280&sort=4&cat=38&page=1)

Thanks for sharing the info.
I understand the working distance. but for my case here I am using D40 which is NO auto-focusing on the Tamron SP90 or sigma 180macro. So I am targeting on these both lenses for my budget.

[ShaolinTiger]

Ah ok I see, well the Tamron SP90 has a new version at the same price with built in AF - it's available at J-one now.

The Nikkor 105mm VR is very expensive, but a really excellent lens. Works well as a portrait lens too.

But Sigma 150mm HSM is really good too, I suggest you try going to some shops and test them out.

You can't go wrong with either choice, let's say I have never seen a Sigma 150mm for sale second hand...because no one who buys it wants to sell it!

[csjian]

Ah ok I see, well the Tamron SP90 has a new version at the same price with built in AF - it's available at J-one now.

The Nikkor 105mm VR is very expensive, but a really excellent lens. Works well as a portrait lens too.

But Sigma 150mm HSM is really good too, I suggest you try going to some shops and test them out.

You can't go wrong with either choice, let's say I have never seen a Sigma 150mm for sale second hand...because no one who buys it wants to sell it!

Sigma 150mm!! have a very good review if not te price out of my budget, i will prefer this lens then SP90 or Tokina 100 for macro! new lens is about RM2300++ if not mistaken.

[chchin]

Ah ok I see, well the Tamron SP90 has a new version at the same price with built in AF - it's available at J-one now.

The Nikkor 105mm VR is very expensive, but a really excellent lens. Works well as a portrait lens too.

But Sigma 150mm HSM is really good too, I suggest you try going to some shops and test them out.

You can't go wrong with either choice, let's say I have never seen a Sigma 150mm for sale second hand...because no one who buys it wants to sell it!

Sigma 150mm!! have a very good review if not te price out of my budget, i will prefer this lens then SP90 or Tokina 100 for macro! new lens is about RM2300++ if not mistaken.


Ok. Thanks for both advice.

[gr2k]

Tokina AT-X M100 :: RM1350 (No AF, don't get it..you'll go crazy trying to MF on many occasions..it's not as easy with the 'green dot' than a split focus screen)

Tamron SP90 :: RM1350 (New version with AF) basically your only option if you're on a tight budget

Micro-Nikkor 105mm VR :: RM2500+ (AF-S + VR) i would get this because of AF-S and VR (note: if i'm not mistaken VR is disabled at 1:1 magnification)

Sigma 150mm HSM :: RM2300+ some might like the working distance, anything above 100mm without VR is not convenient enough for use to me..u'll need a monopod/tripod to keep it stable (especially during extreme close ups)


*but maybe i have shaky hands...so for me its SP90 on budget, 105mm VR if u have extra to spend

[ShaolinTiger]

VR is not disabled, it's just not effective at 1:1.

And most times 1:1 you'll be using MF anyway, forced to 1:1 then focus by moving your body backwards and forwards.

[gr2k]

VR is not disabled, it's just not effective at 1:1.

And most times 1:1 you'll be using MF anyway, forced to 1:1 then focus by moving your body backwards and forwards.

ooh icc got the wrong impression..well i'd still go for the 105mm VR instead of 150mm..the longer the focal length the more exaggerated shakes + DOF become..

MF for macro is fine thats what most of us do anyway but you might be using those lenses for other purposes (portraits maybe) as well so its always handy to have an AF option :)

[Mavik]

ooh icc got the wrong impression..well i'd still go for the 105mm VR instead of 150mm..the longer the focal length the more exaggerated shakes + DOF become..

MF for macro is fine thats what most of us do anyway but you might be using those lenses for other purposes (portraits maybe) as well so its always handy to have an AF option :)

It depends actually, I know some macro shooters who still think that 105mm is not long enough for their macro shoots hence they get extension tubes and extra close up filters as well :)

[orionmystery]

If you intend to shoot butterflies a lot, then 150 is a better choice :)

[gr2k]

i shoot butterflies at 90mm no problem :) comes to think of it i didn't have problems at 50mm either...spiders might jump though

well every man to his own...i just dont see the point of getting the extra length if i cant hold it still :P

[orionmystery]

i shoot butterflies at 90mm no problem :) comes to think of it i didn't have problems at 50mm either...spiders might jump though

well every man to his own...i just dont see the point of getting the extra length if i cant hold it still :P

Of course you can shoot butterfly with a 90 or 50...but the point is, how many times have you tried to approach them only to see them fly away? It's a know fact that longer lenses are better for butterflies.

[kiankheong]

VR is not disabled, it's just not effective at 1:1.

And most times 1:1 you'll be using MF anyway, forced to 1:1 then focus by moving your body backwards and forwards.

Personally, I try to avoid manual focusing by moving my body front and back. This causes to much shake, especially if I'm standing.

Here's my tip. The AF-S lens allows one to manual override the autofocus by rotating the focusing ring.

I try to get myself as close as possible to the insect, all the while on continuous autofocus mode*. As I go closer, the lens changes it's focusing distance to almost 1:1. I always know when I hit 1:1 because I'm familiar with the 105's minimum focusing distance, and it won't autofocus anymore.

Sometimes I just rotate the focusing ring unit it's 1:1. Then, I gently press the shutter to trigger the lens to get a sharper and more accurate focus.

* Continuous autofocus works at near 1:1 range. :P

Of course you can shoot butterfly with a 90 or 50...but the point is, how many times have you tried to approach them only to see them fly away? It's a know fact that longer lenses are better for butterflies.

It's a point, when one wants to include more ambient light without any tripod support. Old issue, personal preference.

Serious macrophotographers ought to know by now to approach their subject slowly and patiently.