Nikon 105/2.8g, Sigma EX DG OS HSM 105/2.8, Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro Lens..which one

Bharatwd

Hi guys,

Need you valuable input on helping me buy a macro lens....I have a D7100 and im presently tied between Nikon 105/2.8g, the new Sigma EX DG OS HSM 105/2.8 and the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro Lens.......Many sites have rated the new Sigma 105 above the Nikon 105 and I would like some input from photographers who have actually got their hands on both these lenses.....Price is not an issue here and I would be obliged if no other lenses are suggested to me ( I am confused between the three already ) Also, I plan to go FX next year.........So, i would like my new Macro lens to compliment FX as well........Also, my need is for Macro use only........

Thanks everyone...........

snakebunk

I don't know if it helps you but I have the 150 mm Sigma macro and find it extremly sharp and pretty much flawless. I also think it's good to have a long lense when shooting macro. If you want 150 mm I would say you won't regret going with the long Sigma. I haven't tried the 105 mm lenses though.

spraynpray

There are different kinds of macro photography. If you are going to shoot jumpy insects etc towards 1:1 then the longer macro lenses will be better but if your macro is of the table-top variety then you may want a wider field of view. If you have all that in hand and just want an opinion between those three lenses then I can't help you as I only have the 60mm.

Msmoto

There are multiple macro lens threads...

Please do a forum search.

Bharatwd

Hi Spraynpray,

I am planning to shoot mostly insects and flowers..........

cowleystjames

I have the Sigma 150mm F2.8 and it's a beauty. Enables you to keep a reasonable distance between the lens and the subject, and it's sooo crisp, no softness at all.

TaoTeJared

I have the Nikon 105vr love it. It is a great portrait lens as well. Sigma's primes have always been good but I have not tried the new one. Depending on where you read, it varies which is better - suffice to say they are probably equal. Personally I think Nikon's VR always works better/more fluid than any 3rd party lenses. The 150mm is quite a bit longer than it sounds. For insects, it would give you much more working room which would probably be good. I would suggest renting/borrowing a 105 and 150 and seeing what you prefer. You will know probably pretty quickly.

Bharatwd

Thanks for the guidance guys...Tao, that is precisely what im going to do...test both of them...the Sigma 105 and the 150 are equally good optically but im slightly inclined towards 105VR because i intend to do some handheld macro work...and since im on DX right now, using the 150 sigma handheld will be a major challenge.......but ill try them out soon Probably will have to stop breathing when shooting with the Sigma 150 handheld.....
Another reason im inclined towards 105VR is because of its superior weather sealing compared to Sigma....Here, in India....its always damp n humid........especially if u living next to the sea......so that would be another plus.....

Msmoto

The 105mm f/2.8 VR Nikkor works well....but VR becomes almost nothing as the lens approaches 1:1. As Nikon states,"At infinity to 1/30x reproduction ratios" 4 stops.... but this diminishes as the reproduction ratio moves toward 1/1. P 18 of the English instruction manual.

sevencrossing

I have the N 105 f 2.8 VR (on a D800) and I am delighted with it

I choose it over the sigma, for build quility and retained S/H value

the VR is good but as with a lot of macro photography, subject movement is often the limiting factor

Vipmediastar

I had the sigma. With the tripod it was awesome. Great colors and bokeh.

TaoTeJared

Msmoto brought up a great point - VR/OS has it's limits on macro work - it doesn't replace a tripod. I have really noticed this with the D800.

Bharatwd

I realize the VR is not much of use.........I shall test the Sigma n Nikon and get back to you guys.......leaning towards Nikon 105VR at the moment......because of the weather sealing......optically, Sigma is on par if not superior to the Nikon.....i read many reviews regarding the NEW sigma 105 and the NEW sigma 150....each and every website rated them slightly above the 105 Nikon.....hence the discussion here........

cowleystjames

Msmoto brought up a great point - VR/OS has it's limits on macro work - it doesn't replace a tripod. I have really noticed this with the D800.

Gotta agree with you on this, Macro work in my view, needs a tripod.
VR is next to useless at 1:1 and close focus, esp' if your using a D800e. It really shows up your technique.

KnockKnock

Just $.02 here, keep your position in mind.

It makes a lot of sense to go longer for bugs and critters, but if you want above/below shots, a longer focal length can be a problem, and often the more creative shot is from these odder angles.

It's hard to get far enough above some things, or far enough below others. So drop that 60mm f/2.8 in your bag while budget isn't an issue ;-)

Golf007sd

@Bharatwd: The Nikon 105 2.8 VR is just an amazing lens. I have used it on many subjects and on number of outings when all I wanted to do is just have one lens. The 105 2.8 is very versatile once you are familiar with its usage. You really cannot go wrong in owning it.

Let us know which path you choose....best wishes and happy shopping

birdman

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1202317/2#11479053

Here's a great forum I chimed in on, as well. It's about the 105VR, Sigma 150mm OS & Sigma 180mm OS. I have the 105VR and it's an awesome piece of glass. However, for "critical" macro work most people, so I read and hear, prefer FLs over 100mm. Also, consider the VR/OS will mean little, if any, when you are stopping down to F/16 or F/22, using a ring flash, and tripod, and focusing on a fly's antennas. The VR/OS is very useful for general photography, like portraits or pictures of flowers in daylight.

That being said, all macro lenses are supposed to be wickedly sharp. The 105VR internally focuses (does not physically extend) so this is a HUGE PLUS (+) also. Good luck

tcole1983

I love my 105 F2.8 VR...of course I haven't tried the others. But my 105 never ceases to amaze me. Macro, portraits, just as a telephoto lens...it does it all and is great.

tedtedsen

i have the sigma 150 2.8 os hsm on my d800 the sigma is good on sharpnes almoast like the Nikon 105vr it is is verey Close to the Nikon lens but it not easy to shoot 1/1magnefacation handheld