Canon 100mm F2.8 EF v Sigma 105mm f/2.8

ray · 02-06-2008, 20:40

At £249 for the sigma would you say this is false economy has anyone used or got the sigma thanks...Ray

**Dabhand16** · 02-06-2008, 20:49

From what I've read on here, the Sigma is a very highly regarded lens.

**Dabhand16** · 02-06-2008, 20:51

Example shots here.

**Dabhand16** · 02-06-2008, 20:53

And they are £219 at One-Stop digital

ray · 02-06-2008, 20:58

Can i just ask before making my mind up, ive got a dodgy knee so i cant get down so good, would the 105mm be ok for tripod work ie flowers etc or would i need something longer thanks

**Dabhand16** · 02-06-2008, 21:08

I'll leave that for those who do macro to answer.

**stepheno** · 02-06-2008, 21:38

If I remember correctly the Sigma has a protruding lens when focusing which puts the willies up the bugs. The Canon, which I have, has internal focusing so stays at the same length. Plus the Canon build quality is unbeatable. Thats what you pay the extra for

With both lenses you will need to get down for good macros. If your knee is a big problem I would suggest a zoom lens with macro capabilities. Won't be as good as a true macro lens but that's the trade off.

ray · 02-06-2008, 21:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by stepheno

If I remember correctly the Sigma has a protruding lens when focusing which puts the willies up the bugs. The Canon, which I have, has internal focusing so stays at the same length. Plus the Canon build quality is unbeatable. Thats what you pay the extra for

With both lenses you will need to get down for good macros. If your knee is a big problem I would suggest a zoom lens with macro capabilities. Won't be as good as a true macro lens but that's the trade off.

I have been using my 70-300 so i think i will keep to that for now then thank's stephano

marcinklysewicz · 03-06-2008, 10:22

i agree with stepheno - but for flowers you could use tripod and take some small folding chair (like fisherman uses) with you so you could sit easily. if you'll use something like Right Angle Viewer for your camera it will make it even easier to stay far from the ground and take some nice photos. ray - could you show us some of your macro photos taken using your 70-300 lens in our macro thread? i'm curious how it works.

ray · 03-06-2008, 10:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcinklysewicz

i agree with stepheno - but for flowers you could use tripod and take some small folding chair (like fisherman uses) with you so you could sit easily. if you'll use something like Right Angle Viewer for your camera it will make it even easier to stay far from the ground and take some nice photos. ray - could you show us some of your macro photos taken using your 70-300 lens in our macro thread? i'm curious how it works.

Well marc i dont know about macro more close-ups ive only got photo's that ive shown in the past ill find a couple for you

MGeminiani · 03-06-2008, 14:55

I have the sigma 105mm and I am very pleased with it..... It is a bit noise when you focus it....but good quality photos...

**Markulous** · 03-06-2008, 15:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by stepheno

If I remember correctly the Sigma has a protruding lens when focusing which puts the willies up the bugs.

Yup, the lens extends with focussing. Nope, it doesn't scare anything off

Quote:

Originally Posted by stepheno

The Canon, which I have, has internal focusing so stays at the same length. Plus the Canon build quality is unbeatable. Thats what you pay the extra for

Yup, the concensus of reviews is that the build quality of the Canon is better. Nope, I never seen/read unbeatable.

Image quality wise they're both on a par, so essentially you're paying for slightly better build quality and the Canon name!

And yes, I've used both the Canon 100mm and the Sigma 105mm (admittedly the latter much more - for over 2 years)

I'd agree that to fully utilise the 100mm or 105mm you do need to get close which can mean kneeling. The Sigma 150mm or 180mm both allow you to be slightly further away and are both true macro lenses. Personally, I much prefer the Sigma 105mm over the Sigma 150mm (both of which I use) - the 150mm doesn't protrude on focus but the manual focus is a pain to operate

I also have a Sigma 70-300 which is not a true macro (described as macro but will only do 1:2, not 1:1) but does allow you to be much further away from the subject (and remain standing!)

ray · 03-06-2008, 15:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markulous

Yup, the lens extends with focussing. Nope, it doesn't scare anything off

Yup, the concensus of reviews is that the build quality of the Canon is better. Nope, I never seen/read unbeatable.

Image quality wise they're both on a par, so essentially you're paying for slightly better build quality and the Canon name!

And yes, I've used both the Canon 100mm and the Sigma 105mm (admittedly the latter much more - for over 2 years)

I'd agree that to fully utilise the 100mm or 105mm you do need to get close which can mean kneeling. The Sigma 150mm or 180mm both allow you to be slightly further away and are both true macro lenses. Personally, I much prefer the Sigma 105mm over the Sigma 150mm (both of which I use) - the 150mm doesn't protrude on focus but the manual focus is a pain to operate

I also have a Sigma 70-300 which is not a true macro (described as macro but will only do 1:2, not 1:1) but does allow you to be much further away from the subject (and remain standing!)

Im staying as i am with the 70-300 thanks