Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM APO Macro Lens

[ianwurn]

Hey there guys,

This is my virgin post on this forum. God..... sounds wrong.....

Anyways, am interested in macro photography and was wondering whether anyone here can guide me a little.....

I am using a Nikon D40x / D70 combo and looking to upgrade body to D300 later this year, but am looking for a macro lens right now and was wondering whether the Sigma 150mm is a good choice. Is there any other macro lens that I can consider ?

The 150mm Sigma retails for a little above SGD1,000. If anyone can recommend a lobang, that'd be most appreciated too !

Appreciate any comments on this !

Thanks !

[Daedalus Trent]

i haven't got this lens yet but i'll be getting it soon! read lots of great reviews on it AND checked out photo took using it on flickr. looks like a great lens.

2 downsides though...
1)preeetty heavy
2) in our tropical, humid weather, Sigma lens are notorious for peeling. doesn't affect image quailty, yea...a peely lens. some may not like that

otherwise, i think IQ, Bokeh and sharpness are all there



P.S- i think you can get a grey market one at OP for $9XX i checked recently.

[ianwurn]

Hey Daedalus,

Thanks for your comment ! BTW, erm, can u tell me where OP is ? Ha..... :-P....

[DeSwitch]

Originally Posted by ianwurn Hey Daedalus, Thanks for your comment ! BTW, erm, can u tell me where OP is ? Ha..... :-P....

OP = Orient photo at SLS.

I prefer the Tamron 90mm for its lightweight and sharpness. Have not tried thesigma 150mm yet but the canon 180mm was too heavy for me.

[Daedalus Trent]

PM-ed!

[ianwurn]

Thanks DeSwitch and Daedalus !

Reading up on both the Sigma 150mm and Tamron 90mm..... Sigma 180mm too long I think.... hmmm.... kinda confused now..... Ha....

[copperhead]

Hi,
I have other Sigma lens 100-300mm F4, however I got it from overseas, thus they charge me a small fee of 100 to re-calibrate the focusing problem @ the extreme end. If you can get a good copy (grey set) then no need to re-calibrate. If need to, hopefully not, one with local warranty would help.

I have owned a Tam 90mm b4 selling it away, its a good and sharp. I sold away to a fellow CSian.

My 2 cents.

[lkkang]

Originally Posted by ianwurn Thanks DeSwitch and Daedalus ! Reading up on both the Sigma 150mm and Tamron 90mm..... Sigma 180mm too long I think.... hmmm.... kinda confused now..... Ha....

all 3 lens, 90mm, 150mm and 180mm are macro lens.. they will enable you to do the same thing, which is to take very close up shots...all are good and sharp lens, choosing either one , you will not be wrong.

The only difference here is the range of operation, in other words, it is the distance between your lens and the subject. Some subject does not allows you to get too close... for example, some shy and sensitive insects, butterflies, fire hazard place, dangerous animals etc... then you have to keep a good working distance from them.

If range of operation is not an issue, then even using a 60mm macro can provide you beautiful macro shots.

I hope I have clear some of your doubts here.

[orislee]

I used to have this lens (bought it new with filter in AP) and sold at S$800 in clubsnap forum. This is a very capable lens, fast AF, silent and very good IQ. I have used this lens on D200, D80 and D2h and the lens works perfectly with these 3 camera. This lens is also ideal for outdoor portrait with decent bokeh. This lens is much better than Tamron 90mm f/2.8 for me, because i cannot stand the Tamron motor noise.

Other alternatives to consider: Voightlander 125mm f/2.5

[Daedalus Trent]

oic why did you sell it btw?

[copperhead]

Originally Posted by Daedalus Trent oic why did you sell it btw?

Hi Daedalus,

I sold it away (Tam 90mm) cus my interest is more geared towards wildlife, the feathered kinds maybe furry too.....

[ianwurn]

Hi lkkang, orislee and copperhead,

Great help and comments from you folks. Thanks !

Finally decided to get the 180mm + a 2x teleconverter.... Hee..... Can't wait to try it !

Cheers to all for your help and comments. Really appreciate all the feedback !

[ronaldhkregent]

Hello everybody,

I am Ronald Regent, a Nikon user. Currently, I have the D40X and the D200. May I know if the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 Macro lens can be used on my D40X. Thanks a lot!

Cheers to all of you!

[asdfg]

Yes it can. HSM, AF-S and some Tamron lenses can be used on the D40/D40x/D60. Great lens!

[Daedalus Trent]

Originally Posted by ianwurn Hi lkkang, orislee and copperhead, Great help and comments from you folks. Thanks ! Finally decided to get the 180mm + a 2x teleconverter.... Hee..... Can't wait to try it ! Cheers to all for your help and comments. Really appreciate all the feedback !

np

heard its one helluva heavy lens!

[ianwurn]

Yeah, it's 965g according to the specs..... Time to hit the gym ? LOL....

Was thinking the 150mm is already 895g so what the heck.....

[KangS]

Well, pardon for digging up a slightly 'old' thread but does anyone have any idea what's the current price and availability at the popular shops ?

Thanks!

[voldisinarta]

Originally Posted by KangS Well, pardon for digging up a slightly 'old' thread but does anyone have any idea what's the current price and availability at the popular shops ? Thanks!

Last month MSColor quoted me $1,080 cash term.

[KangS]

Originally Posted by voldisinarta Last month MSColor quoted me $1,080 cash term.

Thanks man!

[Synergyworld]

Try Lords, got mine a few months back at $800+ (grey set).

Some of my buuterflies shots using the lens: http://s176.photobucket.com/albums/w...d/Butterflies/

Originally Posted by voldisinarta Last month MSColor quoted me $1,080 cash term.