Re: Mistake by using a Sigma 105mm macro as "general purpose"?

Mark Conrad wrote:
In article <1146375809.963406@ftpsrv1>, frederick <lost@xxxxxxx> wrote:


Mark Conrad wrote:

Being a rank digital newbie, I let a salesman talk me into buying a
combo Canon 5D "package" including the non-Canon Sigma 105mm macro lens
instead of a regular Canon macro lens.

He claimed the Sigma was the better macro, but I suspect his motives.

Did I goof? Be brutally truthful guys, I can take it.

Also, is there a noticeable difference in the quality of the final
image between using a macro lens vs a "regular" lens, when shooting
non-macro scenes?

I can't afford both regular and macro lenses right now, however I do
want to eventually wind up with "quality lenses".

Thanks for any opinions,

Mark-

As other posters have indicated, the lens is respected for optical quality. I use one on Nikon. It has a better rating than the highly regarded 105 2.8 AF Nikkor macro on Photodo.com tests for the pre *DG* Sigma version (as does the Tamron 90mm macro).
Part of the high cost for these lenses is complicated moving internal parts for close range correction - old macro lenses were not great at normal focal lengths, new ones with CRC generally are.
It lacks HSM/USM/AF-s - so has mechanically driven AF. This is the only problem using it as a general 105mm telephoto. Even with focus lock on, it is a long way/time from infinity to closest and back if the lens "hunts". With a more than average amount of metal in the body of it, it is also one noisy lens - especially with the supplied metal lens-hood which acts like a megaphone.
Nikon have a new 105mm AF-s and VR macro, which sounds like it is extremely good - I expect Canon will soon. Both IS/VR and HSM/AF-s would be a real bonus - but it doesn't come cheap.



Thanks Frederick, and everyone else, great information on that lens.

I do no sports photography at the present time, so I will likely
disable autofocus and use manual focus almost exclusively.

If I win the lottery and buy a good 100/400mm zoom, I could become
interested in sports photography using fast AF.<g>


Are there any reliable links on the web that rate most modern lenses in
common use, or is it normal to just ask questions in this NG.

Reason I ask is because I feel a little guilty about asking dumb newbie
questions about lenses.

No - I don't believe that there is. Photodo seems to have been abandoned. Many review sites for Nikon (KR etc) are - despite being amusing - hopelessly opinionated and offer often contradictory advice. NG and forums are fairly well saturated by shills, so you've just got to sift through it all with a degree of cynicism. Truth is that in the end, the way we use lenses most of the time - stopped down a bit, and with pp to correct distortion if needed, 90% of the time a cheap plastic no-name uber-zoom would do the trick. It's just so easy to fixate on the other 10%...
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Avoiding "buyers remorse" in choice of 5D lenses
    ... Reading your feelings on lenses I'd swear we're twin brothers. ... Thanks for verifying my choices in lens. ... on the shelf two years ago with purchase of my first digital P&S (Sony ... toss-up), EF 100mm f/2.8 macro. ...
    (rec.photo.digital.slr-systems)
  • Re: macro equipment: macro lens or extension tubes?
    ... I have a Pentax Super A / Super Program SLR camera ... Now I'm considering to buy some other equipment for better macro ... I use them in cooperation with my existing macro lens (maybe without ... I have both the 50mm and 100mm macro lenses from Pentax's screwmount line ...
    (rec.photo.equipment.35mm)
  • Re: Would You Do this to a Lens?
    ... lenses have been made in all number of different camera ... Another source for excellent macro lenses are the now ... The trick is to mount these lenses to a modern camera is ... It is my understanding that most lens designs are compromises. ...
    (alt.photography)
  • Re: Stepping Up to DSLR - Canon 350D
    ... Cheap SLR lenses won't get closer than 3ft. ... a specialist macro lens is required. ... I had a 70-210 lens that allowed close ups of 20cm ... I can see how it would be awkward to shoot like this with a DSLR ...
    (rec.photo.digital.slr-systems)
  • Re: focal length changed for a prime lens ?
    ... This happens in lenses that focus by extending the front element. ... If you compare the older Canon 100mm 2.8 macro lens with the newer USM ...
    (rec.photo.equipment.35mm)