SIGMA 105mm 2.8 Macro ART REVIEW for Sony Cameras

[@froknowsphoto]

What tips do you have for MACRO SHOOTING???

[@morvegil]

Extension Tubes

[@tkermi]

You probably felt like you could focus closer than spec'd distance because that distance is to the sensor. So much less from the end of the lens to the subject. That distance is called minimum working distance. It's typically easier to focus by setting the desired magnification and then moving the camera (instead of using the focus ring).

[@michaelscaplis]

Tripod and focus stacking so you can get everything in focus even at lower aperture settings.

[@tkermi]

With high pixel density sensors in macro use you can get the softening from DLA already with surprisingly wide apertures. This is because most of the lenses are designed to be compact and loose light (like with teleconverters/extension tubes). So for example when they are set at f/11 they are that only when focused to infinity. The real effective aperture at different magnifications vary between manufacturers and lens models. But for some Laowa lenses you can calculate the actual aperture by: Actual f = shown f x (1 + magnification) So for 1:1 magnification when you have chosen f/11 from the lens the actual aperture is f/22. And for 2:1 it's f/33.

[@kroomiester]

I use the Nikon D850 with the 60mm macro. I commented my tips for macro shooting as a comment. I love macro and it’s basically what I’ve been doing this summer. @akroonaturephotos is my Instagram where you can see a lot of my shots

[@froston020]

My macro tips: 1) auto focus is pointless. Manual is much easier 2) shooting macro with a handheld flash is a game changer 3) shooting wide open really robs detail from your subject due to the razor thin focal plane. Im usually f/8-f/11 4) focus by moving your body back and forth instead of the focus ring on the lens

[@JoeyStock]

agree

[@bongorama]

nailed it. ..and stay at minimum focusing distance to keep 1:1 =]

[@amritgurung1473]

Which lens do you recommend? I have no idea about it. I want to get a lens as first and final.

[@froston020]

@@amritgurung1473 i usually use a cheap Samyang 100mm macro lens.

[@d.k.1394]

All grate tips

[@Nearest_Neighbor]

I believe that performing the wind tunnel test before the sniff test alters the result of the second. We need to get more accurate here, this is serious bussines.

[@helgividar]

I do own the 1. gen of this lens. Shooting bees close up I would recommend stopping down to at least to f/8. DOF is very narrow at 30 cm. It is more effective to move further away than stopping down to get more DOF. Setting you focus manually and then move the camera slightly in and out to get the subject in focus brings often better results than using AF.

[@PatrickSchraner]

I would love if Sigma redesigned their 50mm 1.4 for the mirrorless systems. Imagine a 50mm which is incredibly sharp, small, well built and less expensive than the Sony 50mm 1.4... That would be a home run if you ask me.

[@HeroShotz]

Hope they make it for rf because im about to break and get the 1.2 lol

[@tom.m.mancini]

Sigma has a 35 1.2 which looks impressive (Jared made a video on that one aswell)

[@GaIvatr0n]

Erm.. Looks at shelf with Sigma 50mm 1.4 for my mirrorless Sony.

[@tom.m.mancini]

@@GaIvatr0n lmao of course sigma has one for e mount, but he’s talking about when they specifically make it for mirrorless (which is the DN series and it usually makes the lenses smaller and sharper), but I see some APS-C options that are near 50mm and DN

[@GaIvatr0n]

@@tom.m.mancini the extra flange they built into it only adds like 2.5 cm or something. It’s large but it’s not that big a deal when it’s performance is almost unparalleled

[@PaulKretz]

*Macro tips:* *1)* Despite regular photographers' love for wide apertures, you really need to close it down severely (to f/8-16) to get all macro subject in focus (don't worry, there still will be a ton of blur in the back\foreground due to close focusing distance) and\or *2)* Use focus stacking (if available in your camera) with steady subjects. P.S. Users of Canon DSLRs can get focus stacking in many old bodies (before Digic 6 era) via *Magic Lantern* firmware. *3)* You don't really need a dedicated macro lens. A set of extension tubes (preferably with electronic contacts for full usual control) paired with ordinary 50mm (or any other, try and choose) lens will do the trick for cheap. Considering you close the aperture a lot, it's gonna be quite sharp even with not the best 50mil.

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

That lock switch is something the Sony GM lenses need, great idea.

[@LukeBrownFigmentoFilms]

I'm one of the 1% who owns L-Mount lenses 😅, proud Lumix S1 owner! Possibly not the best investment business wise due to possible resale issues but I just love Panasonic for my work, mostly corporate vids and product photography. 🙂

[@sigmaphoto]

Thanks for checking out the lens, Jared. Hope the macro/portrait shooters out there give it a try!

[@GerrickTaylor23]

We need the 70-200!!!

[@luckydogtrainingPS]

Just got one to try it out this past weekend.

[@riothero313]

I use extension tubes and I rarely use autofocus when shooting macro. I might use it to get in the ballpark for the first shot but, after that I am moving the whole camera body back and forth and using the focus ring for the last tiniest fraction if I have to. This works amazingly for anything not moving. If you want to get a bee for example just set in advance and wait or you can start with the closest part of him to you in focus and keep shooting while you move forward. One of them is bound to be perfect.

[@marclabro]

nice presentation. but is it better or less good than 90mm sony macro lens, for photo and video ?

[@djbennyboy1986]

The only thing cooler than the cameras is the Castle Of Grey Skull 💀

[@varuns4918]

Simple tip, use a flash, f8 or smaller, iso 100. Find stuff like insects or frogs thats what most of us macro shooters shoot. Plus we dont really care bout autofocus, usually just shoot with manual focus. Stuff like raynox diopters are pretty useful too. Ps. Thanks jared for dropping a macro review the day i got 100mm tokina and now i feel unsatisfied 😭

[@njrtech]

Jared the AF distance is measured from the sensor plane, so yes you will feel as if your much closer

[@jklphoto]

Pro Tip: If you're going to use AF, make it AF-C (assuming you are handholding). This will help with any small changes in camera to subject distance.

[@JeanPierreBrito]

Hi I use the Nikkor 105VR excellent lens. For large increases bellow PB-6 and Nikkor EL 50mm 2.8

[@jameswhitehead6758]

The lilly pads @5:10: Have you looked at Focus Stacking? I'm no expert in macro either, but focus stacking may give you sharp leaves throughout the center of the subject.

[@starwf07]

If that's the same photo as the beginning, he took it at 2.8. Should have just stopped it down to f5.6, f8, f11, etc... Doing macro, I never find myself shooting wide open, and am almost always pushing the limit in the other direction, trying to shoot with as small of an aperture as possible before it starts losing clarity.

[@RicardoGomezToro]

For macro photography I decide what reproduction ration I want to accomplish and set the focus to that manually and leave it there. I achieve focus by moving the camera in relation to the subject. If you're trying to do 1:1 AF is practically useless. A speedlight will make for much better shots as it will allow you to shoot at f/8 and low ISO. Bracing the lens in relation to your subject when possible yields the best results when hand holding. Whenever you can use a tripod or monopod do so. It really depends on what you want to accomplish. I try to keep my setup as simple as possible but when I want to accomplish technically demanding shots I use a lot of equipment such as two speedlights, focus rail, tripod, etc., etc., etc.

[@MarbooJr]

We need that 70-200 to complete the Sigma Holy Trinity!!!

[@rosetta-stxned]

it was supposed to be autumn of this year that they announced it

[@JustinGrathwohl]

The EF mount 70-200 w/ MC-11 adapter works flawlessly.

[@eniscc]

@@JustinGrathwohl Well not for video though

[@eniscc]

@@rosetta-stxned OH MY GOD ARE YOU SERIOUS

[@RealRaynedance]

I'm no macro shooter but I do like my close-ups. Regardless, one of the things I repeatedly hear (and follow) is that there's no real reason to shoot wide open unless your subject can actually fit in that tiny in-focus area or you're intentionally trying to single out a very specific part of something that also still fits in that area. Which I'm glad you kind of made a point of with the lily pad shot being at f/7.1 and that flower being at f/5.6. If it doesn't gain from being wide open, don't shoot it wide open, and if you need to for the light, then you need more light. Just keep in mind that diffraction kicks in a lot sooner close up than it does at a distance and you're good.

[@ayfj4572]

A tip for any macro lens review should show the lens and some sort of description showing working distance at max magnification with and without the lens hood in comparison to say the Sony 90mm etc.( I see reviews where the reviewer lays the lens down with a tape measure to a target at 1:1) The distance in front of the lens is the working distance and this is critical. I know you can work it out however it just rounds off a review especially if you compare it to other lenses.

[@hugodalmar8418]

Literally was looking at this lens today, looked up on KZbin to see sample photos and was pleasantly surprised to see this video just uploaded! What a coincidence

[@paulcollingridge8387]

I have the previous a-mount version on a mount convertor... Spectacularly sharp but spectacularly heavy. Most macro shooters use manual focus and gently move their camera towards the subject; with the speed of a Sony you can even capture a focus stack

[@scottfairbairn4790]

How about Sony adds focus stacking to their cameras already? Everyone else has it, and it's really really helpful for macro!

[@Lennox-ym9bg]

I am a local. If any photographers are interested let me know. I have a membership.

[@froknowsphoto]

BOOM!!!

[@justkasee]

Am UK based and will defo hit you up when around.@justpetalsandblooms on instagram

[@Lennox-ym9bg]

@@justkasee awesomesauce... just followed you. Keep me posted!!!!

[@mausto]

Great video.. Waiting for this review some days.. 🙌🏽 So in conclusion and if budget is not a problem.. You would choose this one or the 90mm OSS Sony? Does the Sony would have much better and faster focus?? Thanks!! 💪🏽

[@terryrees8574]

Excellent video for an excellent lens. I bought the 70mm Sigma ART macro version a month ago (typical) and I'm glad to see the focussing's no better than mine. I paid £419 in the UK brand new and it's as sharp as this one. So happy I didn't wait as it wouldn't really be an upgrade over the 70mm. 70mm is fine for how I use it. Keep 'em coming Fro.

[@darrinyo-mamakimble7002]

Spend the extra money on the Sony 90 mm that lens is an absolute beast. Clinical sharp good for portraits good for landscape excellent for macro. I have two Sigma lenses in my bag 100 to 400 and the 14 to 35 They are very sharp and the glass is good quality however I always have focus problems.

[@davidwoods80]

Jared Polin, Bee roll master.

[@justyou_official]

have a Sigma 105 with A7S3. The quality of image is really good. But the AF of Sigma is so so so so slow for macro! And it make so many noise! Finally i will take SONY 90mm f/2.8

[@bala1000mina]

Helpful review! Thank you so much Jared!

[@AinSophAur]

For macro I usually get continuos shooting when taking shoots of insects. As they move you get more chances of better results.

[@mrcowboy69]

My only advice is I'd recommend lower apertures like 2.8, 3.2 for flowers to get a nice blurred beautiful look, shutter speeds 400 and up.. Then it's the opposite for insects you want higher apertures like at least 5.6 7.1 to get more in focus and lower shutter speeds to compensate for light. I absolutely love macro I've been shooting for 1 year now, and I'm using Canon eosr with EF 100mm macro 2.8

[@lukemvincent]

Its crazy how many people have never heard of Longwood! I grew up 25 minutes from there and spent so much time there as a kid!

[@hautehussey]

I’m sure someone has already mentioned this, but that would be a step UP ring!

[@hautehussey]

@Wiktor Chojnacki when looking for what to purchase, it’s very important to get it right!

[@andrewbrooks2001]

I haven't done photography for too long but I learned something really fast for Macro and Landscape photography. The higher your f-stop, more of the subject is in focus. To compensate for the higher f-stop (f11-f22), a bight flash should be used. External bright LEDs also provide dramatic lighting to the subject. I started macro photography with an adapted A Mount (Tamron 90mm) lens for my A7III. I have missed a lot of shots due to the slow focusing. That's why I am looking for a good native e mount lens now.

[@kevinmossmx]

Sooooo, what do you guys recommend? This one or the sony one?

[@junenorsworthy689]

I got this lens. I use manual focus with hand holding. But tripod is best for stabilization. L-mount Alliance thing is GM for vertical use, right? Do I need one with a tripod? No

[@1946gsp]

Wow. What a personal reveal (about 2nd grade). I almost failed 6th and 8th grades because I was ADD before they had a name for it. Three university degrees later, I'm still trying to figure out how to be a decent photographer and your tutorials have been a big help. Dude.

[@lynndurbin9476]

I love Longwood Gardens. We went as a family when I was young, then I would go for my birthday as an adult. The Christmas season events are fantastic for the green house displays and performances. I shoot macro with my phone 😁

[@scottaguillermo]

Fantastic!! Thankyou for this review!!

[@nerforeos675]

Yeah, I used 400 shots once to get a single sharp close up image of a bee in flight. No lock on AF system I’ve used is quick enough. Usually you just have to manual focus in a specific area and wait for them to fly there. Also a DSLR is better at this than mirrorless I think.

[@bewerberbewerb8101]

Take a Cammera Cage to get a Heavier Rig, it helps a lot not to shake. Than a Magicarm and a little Softbox. I Highly recommend a Long Lens for Macro like the Sigma 180mm F2.8 Macro. You would´t get anykind of problem to shoot a Bee or something. F14 and a little softbox !

[@bewerberbewerb8101]

....and mount a fieldmonitor on your Rig for super accurate focusing, you get almost every shot if you do it like this

[@0ooTheMAXXoo0]

Minimum Focusing distance is measured from the sensor. That is why it seemed the front of your lens could get closer than that 11 inches...

[@tracephoto1823]

12:05 click and repeat. You're welcome. Also, Jared (Mr. Fro) I switched my 24-70 to Manual focus the other day and same thing happened to me! I have the A7R IV....is that a default thing?? super annoying

[@stuartmeador8993]

yes.... I am waiting for my copy of the DGDN 105 for my LLLLLLL mount camera....

[@karlsjostedt8415]

Closest focus distance is measured from the sensor plane, so there will be less distance from subject to front of lens, that distance is called working distance.

[@ewafford]

Have you compared it to the 90mm Sony?

[@shoopSAUCE]

I live about 15 mins from Longwood Gardens.. such a great place, especially during the holidays!

[@d.k.1394]

It looks nice

[@orphanuprising]

I always pick a spot to leave my focus ring, and move my whole body back and forth. Or if you have a spare hand, it helps to reach out and gently pull the flower or plant to the point you need it to be in focus. You'd be surprised how much you can move a plant with a bug on it without the bug flying away. Also if you find yourself chasing a particular insect, just move on. You'll eventually find a willing subject, and get alot more usable shots.

[@artistandcamera3245]

I loved Longwood! I went there in December, forgot a jacket, and stayed inside the greenhouses because it was 26 degrees!

[@basantagautam8224]

How is the Sigma 24-70/2.8 Art Lens for Nikon Mount ?

[@hairoreyeshernandez4439]

what about the canon lenses, the RF and the EF, are those lenses slow as well on AF?

[@C.Stancu]

Will be coming soon with a Nikon mount!?

[@14Ramjet]

Longwood Gardens is always a great place to go, and they have a lot of neat events.

[@hannomatthysen5894]

Hi Jared .. Love your channel. Watching all the way in South Africa. I had the same problem with focusing. Got some tips someone showed me. Shoot in manual with focus peaking so that you can see how much of the subject is in focus and also stop down.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I have Sigma's EF mount version (non-ART series but it's the 105mm F/2.8 macro). Brilliant lens, though the AF is a bit slow and noisy. I'd love for Sigma to produce this and other lenses for the RF mount, now that I own an R6. We're waiting, Sigma!! Also, that minimum focal distance is the distance from subject to sensor, not to the front element. So yes, you can definitely get the front of the lens much closer than 11.6 inches.

[@EddieInzauto]

So this on an A7III vs the Nikkor MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S on the Nikon Z6II?

[@thevinceedward]

I gave macro a go a hundred years ago in my Nikon days and why I was told my photos weren’t good was that I wasn’t using a small enough aperture. Apparently at real macro distances you really need to stop down quite a lot and my problem was choosing to shoot at 2.8 to 4 all the time. I’m sure I had many other problems at the time if I look back at the quality of my photos...

[@kaxhifali5894]

Can I use this lens with my sony m6 mark2??

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

I like the images that you've taken for this review. Look forward for more macro review.

[@videomaker8532]

What’s the best budget telephoto ef canon lens? Third party lenses work too.

[@Gabe310m]

Sigma is actually awesome especially for beginners wanting to get somewhat pro lenses for a great price

[@powerc7059]

Hi jarred. You are a great and inspirational photographer and I love your style. The only suggestion I could give you with macro is to use a small adjustable led light with color temp and brightness control so you could add shading to your photos...... Just got to the part of the video you asked about that. Hmmmmm the answer is yes. Once again I love your work. Thanks for making these reviews.

[@04.omkarbhiwapurkar44]

Your low light photography guild is awesome 👏 I took it and after reading it changed my low light photography skills . Thank you FRO for sending the Gide.

[@Fotograflix]

If price wasn’t an issue (found a used one at Allen’s Camera!) what would you choose?

[@groundcontrol6876]

If this thing had a manual focus it would be perfect. It could be a clutch system like the sony 90mm where you can use both FBW or manual. Or if that would bump the price up too much, just a regular manual focus ring. The sharpness on this lens is insane but the only thing keeping me on the fence is that it has no manual focus option. (By manual I mean you turn the wheel and focus mechanically instead of electronically). Idk if the lag you get from the FBW would hinder/annoy me too much.

[@saminyeaser1675]

Hello guys. I am planning on buying the Sony a6400. I didn't know which lens would be better for it. The Sony 18-135 or the 18-105. I will be mostly doing photography. If you guys could help me with my decision I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

[@pedropupperson6132]

I was thinking that I had not seen a macro video from you!

[@Thumpr110]

I love your reviews so much.

[@KimEidem]

I need to ask something that might be very obvious to others, but why is samyang lenses so much cheaper? I mean i tried a few and they are quite good if aim being honest. Does price reflect quality that much or is it more branding? Love the video and all your content :)

[@vacciniumaugustifolium1420]

VR on a macro lens if you intend to use it as a macro lens isnt a big dea for most uses, especially if you have IBIS, and the sigma 105 has been proven to be slightly sharper than the sony 90mm, even if they were at equal price, the Sigma appear to be the marginally better choice in most cases...

[@AwadhootShendye]

Why you did not use focus stacking

[@sangotade]

Does it have anyway to see when you are at 1:1 focus?

[@surrogatemarker]

Was curious about its autofocus because I’m interested in doing some macro videos.. for stills, this looks like a very sharp and high resolution lens, colors look great.. but for macro video, I’ll probably go with the Sony 90mm macro.. I love Longwood Gardens BTW

[@thesharpercoder]

Macro shots? Pull out a tripod, and manual focus. Do some product shots. Shoot plates of food, toys, and whatever. A wedding photographer would use a macro lens to photograph the wedding ring, wedding cake, and wedding table place settings. [EDIT] Sometimes you can get better macro shots by backing up a couple of feet, and stopping down the aperture.

[@tedking4212]

Look up Susan Stripling -wedding photographer. She is a master of macro photography. She shoots from f11 to f/22 at high ISOS at 1/125 sec to get razor sharp images with depth of field.

[@justkasee]

You got the trick there!ISO is not relevant for mirrorless.

[@romanpul]

Kasee Koma err what? ISO is just as relevant for mirrorless as it is for any other camera. But it has very little to do with sharpness

[@liomas1444]

It’s better if u shoot on manual focus. With the focus peaking its easier to know where u r focusing. And move back and forth as u r taking photos. And take a whole bunch I guess. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@painter662]

always use manual focus on Macro. It gives you a ton more control. ends up being much faster over all.

[@richardbuttner1989]

I LOVE He-Man, Battle Cat and Castle Grayskull in your video! The lens sounds fine, too. :)

[@MrPhilbautista]

How good is Sony's animal EyeAF when shooting bees with this lens?

[@chadf3690]

Yes!

[@maaartinmartin1029]

like the way you name your filters 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘

[@jpemile]

I am just here to read comments asking for theses crazy values to come to the RF mount.

[@MrPhilbautista]

Or you could just adapt EF lenses for even better value, specially for macro where AF speed isn't a big factor.

[@jpemile]

@@MrPhilbautista lol I guess every RF camera owner only shoot macro then. My bad

[@thenishtown]

how does the canon equivilant compare?

[@ryanthistleton5371]

Best shirt yet!!!!

[@AmpedGaming404]

So funny because I live like, right near Longwood. I went there frequently before Coronavirus.

[@ynnot65]

My macro-lens never shows f/ 2.8, when I'm a at the closest distance. Why is that, when it's a 105mm f/2.8?🤔

[@ericspeltier]

Where is Sigma with the RF mount lenses???

[@rsstnnr76]

I love the Skeletor castle.

[@fretplec5326]

Why no mention of the Sigma 70mm f2.8 version? It's even cheaper... Good review and humorous too.

[@yttvtv]

I hate how much I want to photograph bees but how hard it is to get them! I always shoot macros at at least f7 and rather up the ISO so I can get higher shutter speed. But... I fail! I am happy for you or your followers to pass me some tips!

[@caiodlimaM]

this lens is better than the sony 90mm macro?

[@Eye-V.]

Jared. You have the power 🗡️🐅

[@justkasee]

Lens tip!Better to use the sony 90mm Macro.Nothing comes close.Must be sharpest Sony Lens ISO tip!If you can't shoot at below ISO 200 then just use ISO 640.Next best ISO for the Sony Sensors. Speed Tip!You can go to A Shutter speed of 1/30 due to the steady shot inside.So base settings are Speed of 1/30 and ISO of 640.You lower the aperture as you please from there for details.

[@stefan_becker]

No the Sigma has clearly better sharpness, less ca and a better bokeh than the Sony. On the other hand the Sony has got image stabilization and the clever af/mf switch built into the focus ring.

[@kennethcheng9947]

Hey Sony, we need insect Eye af !

[@nvztsnl]

01:15 is it funny? YES DAMN IT IS!

[@michapiotrstankiewicz1504]

Love video, Love macro, do not own E mount camers, maybe after pandemic. Good job!

[@leoyan4847]

FINALLY ANOTHER VID!!!!! I've been waiting AGES for you to post something! Even though I don't care about Sony lenses 😅😂 I still really enjoyed watching it! And I love your subtle Canada roasts lol. I know.. our currency is $hit... 💀

[@MrPhilbautista]

There is nothing subtle about Jared's Canada roasts.

[@leoyan4847]

@@MrPhilbautista true...

[@auxmike718]

$300 difference only? I’ll be buying the SONY!