Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is a versatile lens that stands out in the realm of macro photography. Designed specifically for Nikon F mount (DX) cameras, this lens provides an excellent blend of sharpness, bokeh, and close-up capabilities, making it a formidable choice for enthusiasts looking to dive into the world of macro photography.

Build Quality and Design

The lens sports a sturdy build, reminiscent of Sigma's EX line. The all-metal construction, combined with a rubberized grip for the focus ring, provides a solid feel. It’s a bit on the heavier side, weighing around 720g, which might be cumbersome for prolonged hand-held photography. However, the quality of the materials used assures durability, making it a lens that can withstand the rigors of outdoor shooting.

Optical Performance

Optically, the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro shines brilliantly. The lens features 13 elements in 8 groups, including special low dispersion elements to reduce chromatic aberrations. The result? Stunning clarity and vibrant colors, even in demanding lighting conditions. It boasts a 1:1 magnification ratio, which means you can capture life-sized images of small subjects, revealing incredible detail. Additionally, the bokeh produced by the lens at wider apertures is pleasing, providing a nice separation between the subject and the background.

Autofocus and Handling

The autofocus system is reasonably quick and accurate, although it can hunt a bit in low light or when switching between near and far subjects. Thankfully, the manual focus override is smooth and useful for precision work, especially critical in macro photography. The lens also features a focus limiter switch that can speed up autofocus by restricting the range, which is particularly handy when working in the field.

Compatibility

One of the notable aspects of the Sigma 105mm is its compatibility with both full-frame and crop sensor Nikon cameras. On a DX body, the effective focal length translates to roughly 158mm, which gives it useful versatility not just for macro shots but for portrait work as well.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality and durability.
• Outstanding optical performance with sharp images and minimal aberrations.
• 1:1 magnification is fantastic for macro photography.
• Pleasant bokeh for portrait work.
• Compatibility with both DX and FX Nikon cameras.

Cons

• Relatively heavy for hand-held photography.
• Autofocus can be slow in low light or when switching focus distances.
• Lacks image stabilization, which can be a drawback for handheld macro shots.

Verdict

Overall, the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is a top-notch macro lens that showcases great optical prowess and build quality, making it an excellent addition to any Nikon F (DX) photographer's kit. Its versatility, combined with the unique opportunities it provides for stunning close-up photography, outweighs its minor drawbacks. If you’re looking for a lens that can capture the intricacies of nature or detailed portraits, this Sigma model is certainly worth considering.