Sigma APO 180mm f2.8 Macro - Optically Stabilized

[Lancashire Lad]

Following the discontinuation of the 180mm f3.5 macro lens, Sigma have just announced this new "higher spec" version.

Looks to be a superb lens, and will no doubt be welcomed by insect photographers, amongst others, with a liking for that little bit of extra lens to subject distance.

Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM | PhotographyBLOG

APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM - Macro Lenses - SigmaPhoto.com

Regards,
Mike.

[Geoff F]

But in some ways, I hope I don't have to buy one soon.

Price to be announced I see. I would rather like to see that first.

Their 3.5 version has served me well for a couple of years. Admittedly, the auto focus is rather slow but, like many macro photographers, I mostly manually focus anyway.

[Lacerta]

Yes, I was interested to hear about the new replacement for the 180. I'll be particularly interested to read the reviews once it has been released, especially as I am not sure about having OS and an aperture of 2.8 on this type of lens, I assume that someone will be looking forward to these features.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Lacerta

Yes, I was interested to hear about the new replacement for the 180. I'll be particularly interested to read the reviews once it has been released, especially as I am not sure about having OS and an aperture of 2.8 on this type of lens, I assume that someone will be looking forward to these features.

The big advantage of the F2.8 is the brightness of the image on your camera. I can't remember when I last took a shot at anything other than F16.0 with my 150mm macro lens.

[Lacerta]

Well that was my thought exactly, all my images are shot at f16 or thereabouts but the only reason I can think of having an aperture of f2.8 is for more responsive autofocusing due to the extra light. But I manually focus anyway so again cannot see the benefit really.

[glsammy]

I certainly wouldn't swap or change my 150mm for any other macro lens. It's just about my favourite lens and one I'd hate to be without.
I did look at the 180mm but decided it was just too large for my liking, especially when you consider some of the positions you have to get into when using it!
Like you I also use manual focus most of the time so I can choose what to focus on.

[Geoff F]

I suppose creating a 2.8 lens makes it seem better than the alternative 3.5 Canon but I'm not sure that little bit extra would make much difference to me when shooting F14 or F16 and using flash anyway.

Hopefully though, the direct competition against Canon will be a limiter on price.

Frequently, my current Sigma 180 is used with a 1.4x converter which admittedly makes it a bit heavy and cumbersome, particularly with a Speedlite flash.

But it is the best I can find for really close 'in the wild' shots.