First shots with Sigma 150 macro lens

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by Boddie

For me two legs of a tripod is best. Be interesting to see how Roger gets on with it handheld

Won't be doing much hand holding Boddie, I have a nice sturdy tripod that I bought earlier this year for use with the bigma, and a spare quick release plate that I have already attached to the 150 lens. Just a couple of seconds job to switch from one to the other.

Saying that, I still think someone with steady hands (not me) could hand hold it ok.
Roger

[Jon]

Originally Posted by colincurry

It is interesting to read about qualities of the Sigma 105 and 150. Elsewhere, peole have also mentioned the Tamron 90. What about the Canon 100 macro? Has anyone used this, and, if so, what is it like, please?

Like Matt, I still have my FZ30 and DCR150 that require a steady hand and a very close-up. I took a few insect pics in the late summer and autumn and found this quite fascinating and it opened up a new world.

I know it is horses for courses, but it is most useful to pick people's brains, especially those who are expert and experienced.

Colin

Colin, there is not a great deal to choose between lenses, I use an old Canon 100 mm macro lens, it is relatively small and light and the front element is well recessed in the lens barrel so no need for UV/skylight filters and lens hoods. The newer USM lens is different design so you do need a hood at least. The canon USM lenses (I have used one) work very quickly and again are reasonably compact. The Tamron 90mm is a real cracker of a lens, most people however seem to go for the sigma 150 macro, it certainly produces good results, I have only handled one briefly and my first impression was that it was big, about as big as my 100-400L IS lens when it is at the 100 end. I wouldn't mind a longer macro lens, just to give a longer working distance, this would certainly mean more shots more easily obtained. I know a lot of folk in the US and Asia use the canon 100-400L IS lens with extension tubes and flash and they get superb results. Jon

[JeffH]

There's some really useful comments and advice in this thread - thanks to all contributors. I'm intending to add a macro lens to my equipment in the near future but haven't yet finally decided on the one to go for and this thread has given me more food for thought. Thanks again.

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by colincurry

It is interesting to read about qualities of the Sigma 105 and 150. Elsewhere, peole have also mentioned the Tamron 90. What about the Canon 100 macro? Has anyone used this, and, if so, what is it like, please?

Like Matt, I still have my FZ30 and DCR150 that require a steady hand and a very close-up. I took a few insect pics in the late summer and autumn and found this quite fascinating and it opened up a new world.

I know it is horses for courses, but it is most useful to pick people's brains, especially those who are expert and experienced.

Colin

I'll get me coat

[colincurry]

Boddie


If I had realised the paucity of your epidermis, I would have added a "Boddie disclaimer" or some such

Anyway, I have already told you what I think about your advice!

Colin

[nightshade]

I do like the 150 Ollie,too expensive for me and as Darth says "do not under estimate the power of the Sigma 105 "