This lens is excellent for the money. Optically this is one of the best lenses I own; there is a wide aperture range and virtually no chromatic aberration. The lens is heavy, constructed out of metal, and has a rugged, almost powder-coated rubbery-plastic skin.
The auto-focus mechanism has problems in low light, is slow and rather noisy compared to today’s standards, but if you’re into macro photography you’ll rarely use auto-focus anyway. Although a large aperture helps with camera shake, a Vibration Reduction mechanism would make this lens perfect (which cost a lot more). Thanks to its DG coating, the lens has excellent contrast, and controls flare and ghosting.
The focal range is a good compromise, especially considering that 200mm macro lenses cost twice as much.. At 105mm you don’t have to get right on top of your subject, but you may be limited in cramped quarters (like in a car seat).
Auto-focus performance may be slower, but is speed really a factor when snapping flowers? Most of your macro subjects aren’t going to be moving around alot. Optically the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG macro lens can produce images at a professional level, but at a price amateurs can afford.
 |
 |
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
