Differences

[Wild-Woman]

The Christmas present I wanted to get for my better half didn't go as planned this year, so the macro lens had to sit on hold while I got the brakes fixed on my car(boring but necessary).
My plan was to purchase the Sigma 150 Macro, but I see for a few bob more, you can get a 180 Macro lens from Sigma. Now as you all know, I still put myself in the starting blocks when it comes to photography (probably be there for a heck of a long time yet too)but I'd like to know if there are differences that would make it worthwhile.
Long Winded WW(who knows you top photographers have the answer)
Thank you BTW

[matt_xyz]

Hi Julie,

I don't know why more people don't use the 180mm, the 150mm seems to be the favourite around here. The 180 is a bit more expensive and means a tripod is even more essential than the 150mm, but other than that performance of both lenses seems impressive from the various reviews I've seen. Maybe some of the 150 users might be aware of some potential weaknesses with the 180.

Matt

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

The Christmas present I wanted to get for my better half didn't go as planned this year, so the macro lens had to sit on hold while I got the brakes fixed on my car(boring but necessary).
My plan was to purchase the Sigma 150 Macro, but I see for a few bob more, you can get a 180 Macro lens from Sigma. Now as you all know, I still put myself in the starting blocks when it comes to photography (probably be there for a heck of a long time yet too)but I'd like to know if there are differences that would make it worthwhile.
Long Winded WW(who knows you top photographers have the answer)
Thank you BTW

I considered the 180mm Julie, but rejected it because of it's size. It's heavier and longer than the 150mm. The tests I've seen seem to prefer the images from the 150mm as well, so in my opinion, the 150mm is the one to go for. The 180mm minimum focus distance is 18" against 15" for the 150mm. The 180mm has a maximum aperture of F3.5, compared to F2.8 with the 150mm.

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by glsammy

I considered the 180mm Julie, but rejected it because of it's size. It's heavier and longer than the 150mm. The tests I've seen seem to prefer the images from the 150mm as well, so in my opinion, the 150mm is the one to go for. The 180mm minimum focus distance is 18" against 15" for the 150mm. The 180mm has a maximum aperture of F3.5, compared to F2.8 with the 150mm.

Righto then. That's good enough recommendation for me. The 150 has it. Thank you Graham and Matt.

Julie

[wildlifesnapper]

Hi julie,

I use the 180mm and a cracking lens it is , as is the 150mm.

One thing that hasn't been touched upon is when I bought mine I was still a film user.With film the optimum focal length for flighty insects like butterflies & dragonflies was 180/200mm.
With the advent of digital and their conversion factors these lenses are now equal to 300mm and focus to 1.6 x lifesize.The 180 still has the advantage here as you don't need to get as close to fill the frame.
Sigma brought out the 150 really for digital users as after conversion it is nearer to the 200 mark (220/240).
If I was to buy one of these lenses today I would probably go for the 150mm.

neil