Excellent optics, broad focus range, 1:1 ratio opens up worlds of possibilities. Also feels pretty solid.

Switching AF/MF is a bit awkward; focusing is slow and seems to hunt, even with limiter

This is a very, very sharp lens with true macro capability and solid build quality. My new favorite!

Switching between AF and MF is a bit awkward, though, as you need to both engage/disengage the focusing ring and turn the AF/MF switch on or off. It also seems to hunt a lot when auto-focusing, which wouldn't be so bad if AF wasn't so slow and noisy.

Overall, though, a very snazzy lens at a great price. I have heard it outperforms the Canon equivalent at longer focus distances, though I can't confirm this. Great value for a top-notch optic.

Similar Products Used:

Various Canon primes

1:1 ratio

Sells Pictures!!!

None

At the time it seemed like a good investment but I wish I had bought the Nikon instead (only $10 more at the time). This lens is really light and will and take sharp pic's but the focusing is very slow on my F100. Resale is not great eather!

Customer Service

Not yet

Similar Products Used:

Nikon

Wow! Sharp Sharp Sharp at all aperture. Solid construction. Fantastic color.

Slow auto-focusing on my A2E.

The picture is very sharp. Price is 1/2 of my friend's Canon 100mm Macro lens. We switched the lens for a week, ends up he doesn't want to give my Sigma lens back! Hope he can read this post and I am really mad now!

Customer Service

None so far for 2 years!

Similar Products Used:

Tamron 90mm Macro f/2.8
Canoln 100mm Macro f/2.8

Good construction and image quality.

AF is a bit too slow

A very very nice lens. I'm using it mainly for portraits on a Canon body and the quality is outstanding ! For that price, it is really a gem.
Being able to come closer to your subject (macro range) without even thinking of it is really convenient: from infinity to macro, everything's working perfectly. I never felt limited by this lens, you can almost came as close as you want. Plus, the f2.8 apperture is really nice.
I love it.
Only one drawback : mine seems to have a little problem on the diaphragm when testing the DOF, so I should send it back for a revision :( ! And I only have it for six months :(... I hope I'll get it back quickly, it is really my favourite one.
Highly recommanded for portraits and macro.

Customer Service

Don't know yet, but I'm gonna try it soon :( !

Similar Products Used:

None in that range. Using a 50mm f2.8 and a 28-70mm f2.8-4

Very sharp, good color, good price.

Must make two moves for M/F

I bought this lens from the camera club in brooklyn. When I took the lens home I realized the hood that came with it did not fit the lens. It was a 55mm hood. I took it back, but they did not have another one so I waited for the hood to come in. Its been three months and I still don't have the hood. Sigma sent the wrong hood to me three times. I love the lens though, its about half the price of the nikon 105mm and you don't lose much in quality. Its just the customer service that stinks.

Customer Service

THE WORST EVER.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 60mm

Very sharp, nice colors, lightweight, nice EX finish.

Lens hood is a little hard to put on since you have to screw it on like a filter, however this could be considered a strength when you are using a circular polarizer filter, you can rotate the filter just by rotating the hood, otherwise I see it as a weakness.

For the money, this is definately a performer. If you don't have one, "Get One!" I took a bunch of macro insect pictures, they turned out great. Much better than trying to use a zoom lens with macro function or an add on macro lens (filter) on your regular lens. Why should I break a good streak of reviews, I give it 5 stars too.

Customer Service

Haven't used it

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 135/2.0 DC

Sharpness
Macro Function

Not solid built

The barrel can be tilted slightly especially at its outmost position.
Sharpness remains at all f and distances.

Customer Service

none

Similar Products Used:

Nikor 35 f2
Nikkor 50 f1.4

Quite sharp
Value for money

I don't like AF/MF changing function for Nikon.

Quite sharp even open aperture. Lovely color.
The 85mm is better than 105mm for portrait but when you use it for portrait below 50%, I highly recommend 105mm Macro. Of course close-ups!

Customer Service

Not yet.

Similar Products Used:

AF 85mm f/1.8D

solid construction very sharp picture,good color

auto/manual focus switch is extremely cumbersome and unecessary.

great lense for the price paid.have been very happy with results.pictures are sharp throughout the entire f/stop range and maintains good color and cotrast regardless of lighting conditions.overall a good lense and again a great value.

Customer Service

why?

Similar Products Used:

Quantary 70-300 macro(a.k.a. Sigma made for Ritz Camera)

Extremely sharp !
Natural colors.
Outstanding image quality.
Relatively cheap.

Not the perfect feel.
Autofocus is very often far too slow.
Lens cover is poor quality. (Barely fits)

I am very satisfied with this lens.
Have also owned the Sigma 28-70 F2.8 EX lens, but colours were dull and sharpness and image quality only average -so I sold it.
This 105mm lens, however, is something COMPLETELY different ! Contrasty and sharp pics in the macro range and towards infinity. It really made it great fun taking pictures (and that`s what it`s all about or what)

If you want to explore the world of real macro (1:1), sometimes do portraits and/or still-life, this lens can do it all very well.
Have not tested Micro Nikkor 105, but cannot imagine it being twice as good for twice the price at this level !

For a serious amateur this lens should definitely be considered. And its broad usage makes it a bargain. My warmest recommendations.

Customer Service

Don`t know.

Similar Products Used:

Nikkor AF50mm F1.4 D
Nikkor AF35-70 F2.8 D
Nikkor AF18-35 F3.5-4.5
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