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Janer_2
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Regular Member
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Posts: 399
Re: Lens comparison for macro work
Holger Bargen wrote:
Dear Janer2,
all of the lenses you are considering to buy are fine.
If you are interested in taking photos of insects or animals with some flight distance, the longer focal length will be better. The second advantage of a longer focal length is the tighter deepness of field. You can isolate the object in front of a soft bokeh much easier at the longer focal length.
You have to accept that you need a little longer learning curve with the longer focal length. You have to find the object at some distance and keep the object within the small range of DOF. This is easier at smaller focal length. However, after soem training the problems will vanish and the results are worth it.
I have the 105 mm Sigma lens and it is a very sharp one. However, if I were you, I would take one of the longer lenses. The 180 mm lens is a very good one. The 150 mm seems to be a little bit more new design. I don't know, if it is better. I have a Pentax 200 mm f4 as my favorite macro lens. While searching for this rare lens, I had the Sigma 180 mm on my list, too.
Best regards
Holger
Thank you, exactly the kind of response I've been looking for with first hand user experience. It's interesting that you recommend the only lens I had actually sort of ruled out The focal length is tempting, but as you and others say, it also comes with a steep learning curve. I know all too well how difficult it is to find and lock on to subjects with long focal lengths, but I also see the potential benefits and rewards.
The reason I had ruled it out mainly was due to the weight and max aperture. F2.8 was kind of a bare minimum to me considering I am looking to use the new lens for both macro and astrophotography. Although considering I use tracking for that, it isn't a 100% no go. The weight troubles me however. But that's a discussion for the AP forum, I'm kind of using both arenas now just to potentially make a better and more informed decision with the information compared.
When it all comes down to it I expect to be making a compromise one way or the other. The 150mm is seemingly the one I get the least feedback on.
EDIT:
After going through all lenses on Lenstip I've made the conclusion that it'll be either the Sigma 105mm or the Sigma 180mm. If I could I'd get both tbh. They both seem to really perform considering CA, Coma and distortion. Especially compared to the Sigma 150mm, Nikon 105mm underperforms slightly compared to the Sigma as I understood it.
Looks like I'm heading off the Nikon path.