Macro photography with Sigma 150-500?

[Geoff F]

Just testing this lens for macro use. With a 25mm extension tube on a decent tripod. Managed positive and quick autofocus at 52 ins (a bit less with manual) at 500mm. Closest distance was 28 ins at 200 mm.

I think you need to keep the shutter speed up a bit even when on a tripod as there is a lot of weight swinging around.

Perhaps not quite as sharp as a proper macro lens but it might save carrying around an extra lens, just in case, and could prove useful for those nervous specimens.



First image, Eristalis pertinax, 1/400, F11, ISO 800 at 500mm

Second image, Meliscaeva auricollis (I think) 1/125, F13, ISO 400 at 500 mm.

Will try a bit more experimenting but so far it is looking better than I expected.

ps. Works better with the stabilisation off when using a tripod.