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July 26, 2007
[ SIGMA 70mm DG Macro lens ]
Price: $800
Highly Recommended
The low-down: This new 70mm f2.8 macro lens is suitable for both digital and film cameras. The macro function is excellent, taking photographs down to 1:1 magnification. At its closest focus the lens barrel extends about 5.5cm but it doesn’t rotate which means that a polarising filter can be used in macro mode. Construction quality is good. There is a Limit/Full switch to reduce the hunting for focus. In closeup it restricts the focus range to a few centimetres and otherwise to 1.5m to infinity. The manual focus ring works smoothly, although a little more damping would be preferred. The designation “macro” doesn’t mean that it can only be used for closeups – it is, in fact, an ideal portrait lens having a 105mm focal length (in 35mm film terms) on a digital SLR.
Like: The optical qualities of this lens are superb. It is sharp with no distortion and contrast and colour are excellent.
Dislike: The focus motor is noisy and autofocus is slow. In close-up mode we preferred to use the manual focus ring because it was faster and more accurate. Compared with a Nikon or Canon prime the Sigma is mechanically a bit uncouth.
Verdict: The thing to keep in mind here is the price and what you get for it. Optically the Sigma is excellent, and not just in value-for-money terms. It feels and looks good. A good prime lens of this focal length and with macro ability is a joy to use because it is so versatile and is completely free of the pesky compromises inevitable in zoom lenses that cover this range. On top of that it is reasonably fast, at f2.8 So for anyone interested in photographing bees knees or flattering portraits this lens is a winner.
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Posted by terry at July 26, 2007 05:11 AM
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