Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG Macro HSM OS lens review with samples (Full-frame & APS-C)

[@savnac]

I’ve been subscribed to you for years, and I just want to say please don’t ever change your lens review workflow. It’s the best way for us to compare the newest lenses with the much older ones, or simply just other recent lenses, since it’s basically the same exact test for each lens.. and the basically identical repetition just makes things so comparable. Thanks for being such an honest, non-biased lens reviewer.

[@giklab]

I work in camera/lens repairs, and occasionally sales. Both from a user perspective, and a design/repair perspective, I suggest this lens literally every time I can. Modern Sigma lenses are just superbly made - there's a reason the Art primes weigh as much as they do. I also can't wait to get my hands on the new mirrorless version, as soon as it's released for Nikon Z.

[@chuckp342]

would you recommend this over the nikkor or tamron 90? I'm purchasing for a once-in-seventeen-year insect outbreak.

[@giklab]

@@chuckp342 If you have the budget, the Tamron 90 is a better choice. But at the price, the Sigma 105 is nearly as good as far as image quality goes. The Tamron gets you slightly faster AF and a much more quiet stabilizer.

[@chuckp342]

@@giklab thanks mate!

[@HusseinBerjaoui]

I have never watched a review from start to finish like I did with this one. So soothing!

[@timoteiafanasie4894]

That's my most beloved lens ever. Very, very good.

[@florinhorhat8702]

Thank you, i asked you some time ago for this review, in the mean time i used it for 2 years i think and recently i am the owner of the "brutal" M6 mk 2, i am happy with this lens, i get pretty good pictures with it. All the best.

[@42921520m]

How did you know Chris? I've been looking at this lens as a Christmas present for myself but I had not been able to find a review that lives up to yours. This will most likely help me make the final decision. Thank you for all the great work you do Chris:)

[@mcmoose64]

I have the old non stabilised version and it is one of my favorite lenses .

[@staLkerhu]

Perfect lens! I got it for a few months now, but I simply don't want to attach anything else to my camera!!! Whoever is looking for a 100mm prime just buy it while you can! Even for portraits you won't find anything better with this focal length at this price range!

[@ellyrion8173]

Have you noticed bad focus breathing on your copy?

[@mcmoose64]

I have the older non stabilised version of this lens and it is superb. Capable of razor sharp macro shots (the reason I bought it ) and surprisingly capable as a portrait lens . Stabilisation would be nice to have , but I am so happy with the old version that I am in no hurry to upgrade .

[@ellyrion8173]

Would that be the 105mm EX DG Macro? I've just bought one and noticed it has pretty severe focus breathing - you reckon thats normal for a lens like this? Thanks

[@Poli-IX]

As always, a "highly recommended" review. Thanks a lot!!!

[@sharpskilz]

Chris, 2:42 I don't think this lens goes down to f/32 (at least my copy doesn't) I think its f/22 minimum mate. Correct me if I'm wrong though?

You're right.

[@gpdu57]

When I first got this lens I was surprised how loud the OIS was when it automatically turns off after releasing the shutter button, it doesn't sound right, so I thought the lens was broken, but it seems to be normal. Other than that I really like it, it's currently my favorite lens and I took so many great pictures with it.

[@Plant_Parenthood]

I am curious: Why do people always mention if the AF is loud like it is a horrible thing? Surely, if you are shooting video for a project, you would be using an external audio recording device, no? I can't imagine that anyone is using their camera's built-in mic for capturing audio. Am I missing something there?

[@Bigricky06]

You are absolutely right. Idk why people complain about. No one uses internal audio from a camera when filming a serious video.

[@jacquesmertens3369]

@@Bigricky06 True, but the external microphone is usually mounted near the lens and will pick up the sound anyway.

[@nikkibatts3580]

i enjoy my sigma 105 macro, i've found myself grabbing for it vs my 50mm 1.8

[@carmelabengullo9748]

Thanks for this well-presented review.

[@nightshift809]

this was a great presentation. Just subbed. I just noticed the image of the coin at the 6:50 mark. If the coin was taken with both edges at a slight angle to the camera would I expect the coin to still be in focus. Hope that makes sense.

[@noah_aviation8845]

I used this lens in my photography class on a sony a77 II it had some trouble focusing but that was probably due to my little knowledge of knowing how to properly use the lens. Its a nice lens and i really like the smoothness in the focus ring, its satisfying to use.

[@gamgoom85]

Could u please review the 7artisans 60mm macro lens !!? It’s far the most budget friendly macro lens with 1:1 magnification

[@davecarrera]

I use this same lens on my Canon EOS R via the mount to digitize my film stock. Always used via a tripod with OS off & have fun sometimes doing macro shots. For what I use it for I can not fault it.

[@danielrosemagic]

I love your channel so much. Thanks for creating these wonderful reviews.

[@MartinSeemann]

Excelent lens. I had this lens with Nikon D750. And also I have it with Sony A7III + MC-11. Great combo for macro shooting.

[@detectivejonesw]

Chris would you open a video with the introduction "Greetings mere mortals" 😂

[@savnac]

no

[@christopherfrost]

My opinion of myself hasn't elevated to that kind of level yet hehe

[@detectivejonesw]

@@christopherfrost maybe one day eh 😂 mind you you have one of the best lens review formats out there. Keep up the great work, thanks!

[@benni1015]

Godlike reviews require godlike greetings :)

[@dr_squirrel]

😂

[@zvxcvxcz]

You've got to get your hands on the 180mm version sometime. Hands down the best lens for live insect macros bar none. Pretty sure I've evangelized it in comments on some of your other videos, lol.

[@frederickletterblair]

Love EX series lenses, they're still good in current standards but very cheap to buy.

[@a_szabo_bence]

I would love to see your review about the Tamron 35-150 f2,8-f4,0. Hope you will test it in the near future.

[@justinoneil6971]

Thank you! This is the one I asked for

[@HappyHubris]

Chris, what mount/adapter did you use for the A7RII (e.g. Canon/MC-11)? Did the OS work adapted, or just the IBIS?

[@Vantrakter]

Does the A7rii's Steadyshot setting (off or on) reflect the physical switch on the lens? I don't know how "Just the IBIS" would work since typically if Steadyshot (IBIS) is in the off setting on the camera it will also say "If the lens has a Steadyshot switch then engage that".

[@bewerberbewerb8101]

Please do a video of the Sigma 180mm 2.8 macro 👌

[@Treo80]

With these older sigma designs make sure to turn off OS before detaching the lens from your camera or the OS system can break. Mine did.

[@rosscosan6647]

What is OS ?

[@jochenkraus7016]

@@rosscosan6647 Optical Stabilisation. In the video its effect is shown starting at about 1:20.

[@paulinap-k8409]

Omg just in time. Tomorrow I should get that lens! 😍 also i am going to sell my 700d and buy rp! Full frame is my dream

[@northernimagesphotography]

One of those classic must have lenses this like a 50mm 1.8. I’ve just bought myself this for Christmas after much faffing about with macro rings.

[@mike969696]

I just got one. Optically it is pleasing, but the delay and noise involved in the stabilisation are a bit offputting. I also hadn't realised quite how big and heavy it was going to be. I used to have the non-IS Canon USM 100/2.8 Macro, and although I do think this is at least as good overall (and in particular my impression is that the bokeh of this is not spoiled by the shape its aperture as the Canon's can be), this is going to be harder to carry and hold than that lens was for me...

[@just_eirik]

I got that Laowa 65mm in part because of your video. It’s amazing.

[@saabvanderlinden9214]

Your happy with that lens?... There no IS and no AF... Is it possible to shoot handheld fotos?

[@Ali.lensman]

Great review as always, really enjoying all your reviews. I think you forgot to mention the Focus limiter switch that can make the lens AF much faster. Also the lens has variable aperture, the closer you get to a subject the smaller the aperture goes. Not constantly f2.8! Cheers

[@seamastergmt]

Really appreciate this review

[@mcallejas01]

I've started to do makeup photography, would this be a good lens for that? I'm also considering the Nikon 85mm 1.8.

[@HansBaumeister]

Since the Canon 100mm 2.8 macro lens I have is performing so poorly optically, I was hoping that perhaps this lens would be a good replacement. Thanks to your review, I‘ve now come to realize the problem might be the m6 Mark ii sensor and not the lens that is the issue - I was really surprised to see the difference in performance to a full-frame sensor! Thank you!

[@garymeredith2441]

Good review there Christopher , I have this lens and I use it for butterflies it works great . The only thing this lens has a rattling sound in it when you tested this one that you had did you notice a rattling in the lens when the lens was not mounted to a camera body .

[@mikkiscott9995]

That's the image stabilization. It's normal for this lens and nothing to worry about. I have this lens and it's on my camera a lot. I love macro and I can also take nice landscape shots with it while I'm out shooting macro.

[@garymeredith2441]

@@mikkiscott9995 thank you for the reply to Mickey I was really concerned about that rattling that I did hear in it so it sounds like it's normal and I just take a good picture I just thought with Amanda noise it made maybe I might have to send it back to Sigma to get things repaired but it works .

[@10anoop]

Tamron 35-150mm f2.8-4 review pls

[@TWX1138]

Interesting. While the corners on the full-frame test-shot at f/2.8 were not as nice as the center, they weren't so bad as to grab my attention away from the center of the image. Likewise the longitudinal chromatic abberration was present wide-open but again, wasn't glaringy bad, requiring really zooming-in to make it stand out. Some of the lenses in the f/2-f/3 range may open to those apertures but they don't seem especially usable that way, but this lens looks like it would deliver satisfactory performance at f/2.8 in a wide array of situations, even without the benefit of in-camera corrections that aren't generally available for third-party lenses, at least for full-frame use or APS-C 24 MP.

[@adrianobecherucci35359]

You should do also a review about the Famous Tamron 90mm 2.8 vc usd first version , is a monster when we talk about image quality, and you can find on ebay for only 300€ or less and it doesn't extend

[@BornIntoThis20]

Does this sigma extends? I thought it was only the older non OS version who did. I'm thinking about going for the Tamron you mentionned (F004), don't know wich one would be better. I also heard about firmwares issues on the tamron with autofocus use in liveview being impossible (on some canon cameras at least)

[@adrianobecherucci35359]

@@BornIntoThis20 On my canon 600D is perfect but i used to focus almost exclusively in manual mode when taking macros

[@8man_01]

Thanks for this review, Chris! I'm choosing between this lens and the Tamron 90mm Macro (the previous version, not the new all black one) for my D750 for macro work. Have you tried the older version of the Tamron 90mm macro? How does it compare to this Sigma 105mm Macro?

[@christopherfrost]

I never tried the older Tamron lens

[@mike969696]

There are several generations of Tamron 90mm macro which go back several decades. They are all very good optically, although the one I had about 20 years ago had quite slow AF - very possibly even slower than this Sigma does.

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

I use that lens on my Sony A-mount cameras and adapt to my A7RII as well. The IQ from it is truly astounding.

[@phsergei]

Great! Do you use it with ring sigma mc-11??

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

@@phsergei with the Sony LA-EA4 adapter

[@phsergei]

@@StreetsOfVancouverChannel oh, yes! You said A-mount. :) I'll will try with mc-11. I hope it will be ok.

[@RonaldBuskens]

Would be nice to see with and without lens hood when testing contrast against a bright light. To see the difference. Just a suggestion.

[@shounakhinge8]

I have no money and won't buy any gear till I earn (atleast 5 years from now)... But, I watch every video just because of the quality !

[@77appyi]

Mr Hinge ...my 1st DSLR a Canon 20D i get in 2005 was a semi pro body still takes lovely photos has fast AF (AF still used in new cheap bodys)and is good fast responsive camera to use can be had today for 40 or 50 pounds in the UK with some research a good lens can be had for 50 pounds or less ..one to recommend is the EF 28-70 F3.5-4.5mkii..i pay 35 for one this year

[@xwhite2020]

people are just about giving gear away these days. Buy smart. Buy second hand.

[@shounakhinge8]

Thanks for the recommendations ! I have Canon 700D and kit lenses since 2015 😅 It is working fine for my needs so far 🤞🏻

[@o.d5337]

Hi Christopher first of all I would like to thank you for your useful videos, I am using canon 90D I’m interested about macro photography but I have no idea which lens is the best for my camera. Thanks

[@SilverLarry]

Thank you for another fine lens review. I'm looking for a macro with good corner sharpness at macro distances at around f/6.3 to 7.1 or so. It appears the corner sharpness at normal distances but I never see corner sharpness tests at macro distances. I suppose it shouldn't be an issue if the lens is centered. What light can you shed on macro corner sharpness? Thanks in advance for your answer.

[@MarkSynthesis]

This was my first big purchase lens for my 6D MK II (Yes, I'm on a budget). My only complaint is that Canon won't let you use take photos in Live View (only through the eyepiece)....which is very mild complaint (you get the dreaded "Err 70"), and one I'm prepared to live with.

[@KingRelux]

Go to your lens correction on the camera settings. And uncheck the first box. Something with illumination . And then it will work fine.

[@bamsemh1]

I dare you to reverse mount it and try macro that way 😉 but be sure to lock the aperture at f8 before taking it off the camera 😊 enjoy the shock results 😉

[@pierrevilley6675]

Reverse mounting on a telephoto lens isn't good for magnification.

[@GK-dd5ci]

Thank you for the review! I've been waiting for it since video where you compare 6 macro lenses. Which one would ju suggest, Laowa 100mm or this Sigma? They've got different pros and cons and I can't decide :D

[@LeWazZaBee]

I got the sigma 105 but since i only make photo (no video for now) i think i regret my choice for the laowa because af is not so useful if you don't make videos and the laowa is cheaper, sharper and got 2:1

[@GK-dd5ci]

@@LeWazZaBee in my country(Slovakia, EU) laowa is 500€ and sigma is 400€.

[@LeWazZaBee]

@@GK-dd5ci the choice is hard to make 😅

[@christopherfrost]

The Sigma will be much easier to use, the Laowa much more powerful

[@GK-dd5ci]

@@christopherfrost thank you :)

[@Axonteer]

I bought this lense 2 years ago and i had great fun using it for its purpose (macro and telephoto landscape) - for 450$ its a great value! Had loots of fun with it on both APSC and Full Frame. - and yes i prefer landscaping 100mm+ much more than wide angle - as you say chris - the image compression on 100 especially is... just nice :-) Its OS might be on OK levels for close up macro use (especially handheld) but exept that... its a great and VERY FUN to use prime lense. I would love to be able to test it out on a R6 but the adapter isnt available in switzerland since months thus i didnt buy a R6 so far. The 6D sometimes has AF issues (which are especially easy to spot in macro handheld situations) and ill bet the R6 would fare much bette rin that regard. Sidenote: My 6Dmkii (contrary to the 77D) has some issues if in camera corrections are turned on, not always, just sometimes.

[@AFK269]

This lens also can be used for landscape or urban photography, or it's exclusively for macro photography? Also it mounts on Canon EOS 250D?

[@karayuschij]

Excellent lens. I love it! But after updating the firmware of my Nikon, it stopped working! The only solution, they told me, was to buy their dock to update the lens firmware, or to send the lens to Sigma to update the firmware. Finally, I reinstalled the previous firmware on my Nikon... It is excellent for macro and still life photography, but does not focus well on long distances or infinity.

[@rajangm9072]

Dear Chris, I am interested in Macro. I have M50 mark II. Will it be good for me? What would be your other suggestions? Thanks

[@calceolarius]

Christopher, I have this exact lens from when I was shooting with my APS-C Nikon D7200. However, I just bought a Canon EOS R6 and thought I would have to sell this lens. Would you mind sharing how you did adapt that lens to your Canon camera? Did it work alright when adapted? Thanks very much for your feedback!

[@LuigiVN]

I use this lens’ EF mount version on my RP and it works wonderfully. You can get the RF-EF adapter to use the EF version with the R6.

[@calceolarius]

@@LuigiVN Yeah, i thought of that option as well. But I would have to trade my Nikon lens for a Canon one... Maybe Christopher has an idea!

[@LuigiVN]

Jens Schumacher I think there are NIKON F to Canon EF adapters. You could use one of those on top of an EF-RF lens but that would be super cumbersome and prone to issues. Trading the lens sounds like the best idea :) Congrats on the R6!

[@christopherfrost]

You'd need to get an EF version of the lens for it to work with your adaptor. Ditch that Nikon trash hehe ;-) (just kidding, Nikon fanboys)

[@gogoasa333]

Nice one Chris 👍🏻

[@Dleh22]

Hello, I am considering to buy this lens but im not sure if it will work on my canon M50. I bought a mount adapter too so i can still use my old lens for dslr.

[@phsergei]

Thx for video. I try to find info how it works with nikon z 5/6/7. Do u test with that cameras?

[@kokoletostudio]

Chris, I would like to use this lens for Canon 6d MARK ii, would you suggest it? Thanks a lot :)

[@Azaiya]

Hi great review as usual. I was wondering if you could help me. I have a canon Eos m50 MKII and I am starting to do still photography of watches. Would you recommend this lens for it and also what adaptor would you suggest I use with it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@christopherfrost]

Should work fine. Canon's EF-EOS M adaptor is great

[@Three_watershed_farm]

Chris, do you have any connection with kr? Well, you reviewed some of Samyang lens and there is korean paper money in this video:)

[@christopherfrost]

I lived in Korea for 20 months, teach English :-)

[@moherowyberet4657]

Im buy now for Nikon D810. Nice price on this moment.

[@JonathanChompy]

What is the distance between the camera and the subject in telephoto shots? I have a nikon d7500

[@messylaura]

any plans on testing vintage M42 mount lenses :)

[@christopherfrost]

Nah, too many new ones coming out right now hehe

[@chamithathukorala1985]

Chris Please do some review of Sony 200mm-600mm G lens ❤️❤️❤️

[@Ben-qn3it]

You should do a review on the sigma 70-200mm f2.8 DG HSM OS, i got mine for $200 used after doing some deep searching lol, works like a dream!

[@jeremydemarco8697]

I just bought this lens for jewelry photography, I hope I will have fun with it

[@bintaf]

Hi what adapter did you use? I found an f mount lens like this and I'm curious if I can get it to work on my Sony a7ii e mount camera

[@AdityalikeThe]

WIll this work with Canon EF-M mounts, for example in Canon M50 or M6?

[@peteryates308]

The hood situation is beyond stupid. The crop sensor hood doesn't even stack over the lens which makes carrying it a pain. I've only ever used the wider one.

[@cypherdk85]

Will you ever do the Tamron 17-28 and 70-180, to complete their budget trinity (since you already have the 28-75)?

[@christopherfrost]

Eventually, yes

[@MMB.__]

Great review.

[@Ryezn5057]

Fantastic video. Which mic do use?

[@christopherfrost]

AT2020 USB

[@streetphotographychats6538]

I'm glad I got the older tamron 90mm now.

[@selwynbear4745]

Very interested to know how this shapes up to the new Sigma 105mm Macro for Sony mirrorless. Is the price premium justified?

[@christopherfrost]

The newer lens is much, much, much sharper

[@Vinizuca]

Hey, i have this lens! I love it

[@JustinMcNeil]

Would you say this is sharper than the canon 60mm f/2.8 ?

[@christopherfrost]

Not sure

[@HarshadRiswadkar]

I have Canon EOS M50 with EF adapter. Will this lens work on my camera

[@NaveenKumar-vd8fp]

Hi, Please test new Samyang MK2 Cine lenses.. Please

[@ineedagoodusername3164]

Picked this up on the eBay grey market for ~475 AUD/364 USD. Best purchase I ever made.

[@ineedagoodusername3164]

Also, I've never seen that double lens hood! Interesting concept but I don't use one for macro in the first place.

[@jeanjosephbourge9416]

Hello ,Does this lens make pretty bokeh at a distance of 1.50m or 2m? is the bokeh as important at 2 meters as at 35 cm?

[@hdjdgdjdggj677]

Dear this is this lense compatible for Nikon D5300 ? Pls Reply

[@lasselaumann6594]

What do you mean then you say. "It's a full frame lens" i get confused because we see you are using it on a crop camera to. Can you please explain what "full frame lens" means. love your videos.

[@christopherfrost]

It can be used on a full-frame or APS-C camera.

[@andreigheorghe2709]

It means it can be used on a full frame camera (it's image circle can cover a full frame sensor) as well as on a cropped sensor camera. ( In the review the full frame camera he used it on was the Sony A 7r ll, and the cropped sensor camera was the canon M6 mk ll.)

[@lasselaumann6594]

@@andreigheorghe2709 ahh thanks for the answer

[@lasselaumann6594]

@@andreigheorghe2709 so there is no lens that can be used on full frame and then not on crop?

[@andreigheorghe2709]

@@lasselaumann6594 every lens that covers a full frame sensor can be used on a cropped sensor camera. For example this lens can be used on a canon 5d, 6d or 1d series cameras, as they are full frame, but it can also be used on cheaper cameras with cropped sensor like the 1000d series, 200d series ,700d series and other DSLR cameras with the EF mount for canon or FX mount for nikon. You can adapt the lens on any other mirrorless camera like Sony's with an adapter that you can buy separately.

[@dendobriy3684]

Canon EF 24-70 vs RF 24-70 !!! Please !

[@ashrafalameldin7173]

This is the EX or Art?

[@BTScotty2002]

Would this work on a Nikon d5600

[@MetalSlugzMaster]

Sigma's 70mm offerings are king of IQ amongst their macros, it's shame that can't translate to their ~100mm focal lengths. It's a better focal length for most macro applications.

[@ashrafalameldin7173]

It work with the canon m50??

[@ahmedlotfy5145]

Is sigma 105 macrolens that adapt nikon the same one adapt canon ??

[@christopherfrost]

?

[@coldeb8911]

Love your reviews, you get straight to the point with no unnecessary waffling: would using this lens on my Canon 80D crop sensor (for macro photography) give me relatively the same sharp and detailed results as using the Canon 100mm L macro lens on a crop sensor?. Thanks in advance.

[@mike969696]

Broadly speaking, yes, although the Sigma has more purple fringing at wide apertures.

[@soumyasasmal2268]

Is it fix or i can zoom it?

[@chrishalle1982]

Are there macrolenses with 2:1 magnification??????

[@jochenkraus7016]

Most are 1:1. These are the ones I've heard so far that offer more: Laowa has several 2:1 macro lenses. Pergear has a 60mm 2:1. Canon has a 65mm 1x-5x lens. You could check if some macro lenses are compatible with teleconverters. That should also give more magnification.

[@loneranger4765]

What do you think while comparing this lens with Nikon macro lens?

[@-WhizzBang-]

You don't need image stabilization of fast focusing for Macro photography!

[@tobeornotthatistheqs]

1:07 wow 1000won

[@davewebster6945]

The lens hood extender is totally pointless, I dont know why they reccomend using it for apsc sensor cameras 😕. It does nothing but get in the way for actual macro shooting 😑. An excellent lens though 😎👍🏽

[@TikTok-bl1rm]

I have the 150mm variety. Love it optically, but the OS makes a "clung" noise after the warranty period. Disappointed.....

[@foveon4sigma]

1:06 wow 천원

[@froZn991]

Are all photo samples you provide in your videos unedited ?

[@christopherfrost]

I tweak the colours and add a little contrast

[@beavertown2006]

I have considered this brilliant lens until I realized the Sigma USB dock doesn't support it.

[@maxkobzev5742]

This lens is so sharp right out of the box that you wouldn't need a dock. BTW the newest MC converters are also not compatible. Still, the glass is awesome, bokeh is a dream and I love it.

[@beavertown2006]

I use it for firmware update, I have a few Sigma lenses that didn't work with my mirrorless cameras until Sigma fixed it via the USB dock.