Sigma 105 F2.8 Macro Review [Sony E-Mount Full Frame & APS-C]

[@dunnadidit]

For comparisons to the Sony 90mm f2.8 Macro, check out Dustin Abbott's Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHPOmop-gpJ1aMk

[@stravssgrijalba1554]

Dunna Did It Sony 90mm Macro 330€ in Amazon

[@dunnadidit]

Stravss Grijalba - not from where I’m searching haha

[@ronexdelstudio]

I have this lens (Sony 90mm) now in 2023

[@AlexanderHuarecallo]

Nice Dunna! thanks for considering apsc cameras in the review

[@dunnadidit]

My pleasure!!

[@IndianaMint]

@@dunnadidit seriously, much appreciated. I own the a6400 and just sold my 70-350 and thinking about this?? 105

[@walderlj45able]

I'm getting mine tomorrow from Amazon so far I'm loving it

[@Grisildor]

I've been thinking about picking up a macro over the last couple months. Been shooting with the Tamron 28-75 and 70-180, and their minimum focus has come in so handy, but have definitely found myself wanting to get closer as I get longer in the zoom on both of those. I'd almost caved and got the Laowa 100mm 2:1, then saw this was coming soon and started second guessing everything again :D

[@wadeduvall7026]

I wonder if it was something is up with the preproduction unit wrt the steel grip. Pretty undecided between this, the G, and the 85mm ART. I'd really like to do handheld wilderness macro, which points to the G, but that lens is a bit less flexible at longer focus distances I hear...

[@dunnadidit]

There’s something about the way that the focus ring sits “over” everything else. I’m not quite sure how to describe it. But Like I said, it really wasn’t an issue, mostly just scared me that one time haha. But I figured I’d mention it just in case.

[@CarlosMartinezxFulLxArsenaLx]

I have the Sony 90mm macro and I absolutely love it. It's actually the only other lens I have besides the kit lens and it's so much more versatile than most people think. If I find myself with cash burning a hole in my pocket I think I might pick this one up as well.

[@dunnadidit]

Nice!!

[@mat536t6]

Sticking with the awesome 100mm 2x macro laowa. 2x and sharpness overcomes the lack of AF...

[@dunnadidit]

Noice!

[@BespokeFotografie]

Great vid Dunna 👊🏻😎

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks a ton!

[@brysant_]

Awesome review like always man!

[@BakuResearchInstitute]

Hey man! Thanks for the detailed review. Does it make the same sound/ oise while shooting a video? I guess that sound was in photo mode, right?

[@stevenbrutosky521]

Good review. Appreciate it. Didn’t think the presets complimented your pics.

[@ZekesView]

Such a clean review. Might have some Macro photos in my future and now I have a good idea for a lens. Thanks man.

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks dude!!

[@vesprecid6229]

I own a SAL100m28, and I love it: it's amazing. But for my older cameras, though. Can you tell if the Sigma performs well for sport? Specially indoors...

[@touseef220]

I am looking for a lens to shoot my food video for my a6600. Will it be a good lens to buy to show sharp and crisp colors ? any advice.

[@MarcelVolker]

I've got an older Tamron 90mm for A mount which I'm using with the EA4 adapter. Serviceable but clumsy, and it also sits too close to my 85mm. Because of that and the price i was never going to buy the Sony 90mm. This on the other hand is perfect, cheaper and the 105mm pushes it just far enough away i can use it differently from an 85mm. I'll be saving up for this one.

[@dunnadidit]

Sounds like this lens is perfect!

[@alekav_ph]

I noticed this hunting of autofocus (like it gets lost for some seconds) with A7ii and very good light condition (thing that doesn't happen with my sigma lens 56mm and 30mm for apsc, that are able to get the focus instantly without hunting or problems). So I was just wondering if the problem is the lens or the A7ii, but from your videos it seems the issue is with the lens

[@kipnieuwenhuis777]

In general macro lenses are slower to focus as well, since there so pin point accurate in such a narrow depth of field when they do focus

[@dunnadidit]

Kip nailed it.

[@carmineraspaolo9218]

Hello Dunna, I really enjoy your videos and learning a lot from them. I have a Sony 6500 which I bought last year and I am slowly beginning to learn how to use it and see some good results. I am looking for a Macro lens which I can use to film/photograph food shots for my sister's business. Would like to know which way to go, trying to avoid a hefty price tag if I can. This would be my first Macro lens, I do have a Sony 18-105 zoom and recently purchased a Sigma 30mm 1.4 prime lens. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@mustafak4378]

I just bought this lens. The autofocus is very noisy. I was wondering if it was only my copy or not. Is yours noisy as well?

[@mustafak4378]

Nevermind, you’ve mentioned it.

[@dunnadidit]

Haha there it is!

[@sunilchitolie6771]

Nice Dunna! I think I’ll go for the 85 1.4 sigma released for now and pick this up later on

[@dunnadidit]

That was a great lens too!

[@BalanceSearcher]

Same dilema here, but why did the 85 1.4 win for you?

[@sunilchitolie6771]

@@BalanceSearcher well, the 85 won for me because of its versatility. It’s a 1.4, meaning excellent for low light, it’s sharp and the auto focus is more reliable for video as well. So it’s more of a dual purpose lens. It can get beautiful portraits along with very “cinematic” shots for video, such as interviews, fitness or anything involving a human subject. I also shoot product photography, and although the sigma 105 would technically win, I honestly don’t have any use of macro as of yet. Maybe for shots of watches or anything small but as of right now the 85 is currently my pick. Right now my lineup is just simply the Tamron 28-75 2.8. After this 85 I think I’d go for a wide angle such as the Tamron 17-28 or sigma 14-24

[@BalanceSearcher]

@@sunilchitolie6771 Actually my needs are absolutely the same and this has logic in it. More of videoguy as I have the lumix S1H and picrures are mainly product photography, astro and different artwork. Ihave the sigma 14-24mm f2.8 (you can check the last 3 videos on my channel with that lense. 🙏) and as all the crops and everything I knew that one day i will look for 70 + lense for second lense. Do you have some video footage of the 85mm yet? I'm really in doubt as I thought that the macro will work as good for video but why not have that extra macro lense in the bag (and my lady loves taking macro pictures). You got me thinking again! 🙏

[@sunilchitolie6771]

@@BalanceSearcher sup! I haven’t received this lens yet due to delays BUT, one of the main reason I’m not aiming for the macro as well is because I’m very concerned that the auto focus for video will be really bad since it’s a dedicated macro. I’ll check out your page

[@gitithadani]

I have several macro lenses including the sony 90 and the earlier version of the sigma 105(for digital & slr) It was conceived as part of their exceptional optics and compact series. It has a push & pull clutch like the later sony lens and weighs just 450 grams. It has a focus limiter too so it is a breeze to mf. It is very compact too. They updated the lens with silent af and stabilization for canon & nikon dslr-s. (725grams) and now for sony its about 710 grams. Both the heavier lenses have 9 blades & better bokeh. I was wondering whether I should upgrade the lens to the newer model but I do a lot of handheld work & with the great evf of the sony a7r4 for fine manual focus work and ergonomy it has an advantage. the sony with its oss is better for video. I think the new sigma has great optics but for macro the electronic mf system & the extra size and weight are a hindrance for me. Its more important to have a well balanced lens. I hope sigma will at some later point again make their ultra compact apo with extreme optics again.

[@dunnadidit]

It's a pretty tough call for me having never used the older version but if I had to guess from the information you've given, I'd say that the newer version might not be the way to go for you especially if you're primarily manual focusing.

[@gitithadani]

@@dunnadidit The new lens would work very well in studio settings. But for more versatile work that requires AF & OSS I would stick to the sony which one can find much cheaper now. The tests show that the new sigma slightly out performs the sony optically but these tests are at certain ranges. AF is very good on the sony with the newer sony bodies as well as DMF & stabilization. Most lenses have their sweet points and then there is the difference of 90mm and 105 though subtle. I like both focal lengths but when travelling prefer the 90 which is slightly more flexible. Both lenses have very good rendering and the new sigma appears to have built even more on their base optics. I doubt though optically it is very different from the earlier lens - probably tweaked for mirrorless flange & a lens barrel with af. 11/10 elements vs 12/10. Anyway for the L mount the sigma has no competition.

[@mostlymichaela]

I'm looking at using this for macro jewelry photography. Do you have to use a tripod?

[@dunnadidit]

I wouldn’t say you have to, but it definitely helps with not getting any blur in the details.

[@martindennis9531]

Late to the conversation here, but if you use flash you won't need a tripod but without flash you'd need an awful lot of ambient light to nail it without a tripod.

[@SamKaySunito]

Also you said you had to crank the shutter speed up on video mode. Is that a big no no or it doesn’t matter toooo much as long as u r not moving the camera around too much or have a moving subject?

[@dunnadidit]

It mostly matters if you have a lot of movement in the shot but most people wont notice here and there if you slip some overcranked shots in. I try not to if I can, but in a pinch I don't worry about it too much.

[@xuanfeng375]

Sigma just did something amazing

[@dunnadidit]

Agreed!

[@neogod29]

I have the Sony 30mm 3.5 macro. I love it. It's one of my most used lenses. I was thinking of getting a new one.

[@dunnadidit]

Nice!

[@davidreagan2830]

That was one of the first lenses I got when I bought my a6500. Man is it fun to shoot macro. I actually really want a second camera just so I don't have to switch lenses when I see something I want a close up of... :)

[@neogod29]

@@davidreagan2830 you can get an a6000 for really cheap now

[@davidreagan2830]

@@neogod29 I've thought about it. Wonder how steady I can without ibis...

[@DimitriAbrazard]

Nice video as always Donna. I owned the 6500 and 2 other lenses with it but I need a macro lens for product photography or videography so I might go for this lens which will be 168MM on Apsc . Would you consider making a video between the 70 MM macro lens from Sigma and the new 105.. ? Thanks. Happy filming;)

[@jodywaddle4448]

I don't have a macro lens myself. I think the main reason is with building my kit slowly as I can afford it, lenses that have the macro label tend to boost the cost. I'll be waiting to purchase one I think, but definitely checking out the Sigma line.

[@dunnadidit]

Thats super smart of you! If you wanted some macro abilities here and there, you could also pick up some cheap macro tubes : geni.us/Vp6O4jc

[@jodywaddle4448]

@@dunnadidit wait, do you have Canadian Amazon affiliate links for these?!

[@dunnadidit]

Jody Waddle - that should redirect to the Canadian amazon site... does it not for you?

[@jodywaddle4448]

@@dunnadidit dude!! That's awesome, thanks.

[@dunnadidit]

My pleasure!!

[@garyhenderson6523]

I have an A6600 and a BMPCC 4K. I want to add a FF Camera for low light concert photography and not necessarily for video. What Sony camera do you recommend $2500 or less?

[@dunnadidit]

Sony a7iii is probably the way to go!

[@garyhenderson6523]

Thank you. I kept coming to the A7iii. I appreciate your response.

[@dunnadidit]

My pleasure!

[@GeorgeDemner]

Another great video dude! Might have to get this for the A7C haha

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks George!!

[@OregonBladez]

Im currently using a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM with an adapter on my Sony A7Rii and Canon 6D. Nice lens but wouldn't mind having a E mount specific. Would love to see the Sigma and Canon side by side.

[@shadda]

About FE lenses on APS-C, everywhere I look on youtube people say you shouldn't do it, and give reasonable explanations of why, but I've got a couple FE lenses that look amazing on my A6500 and are my favorite lenses to use. It's definitely not a hard and fast rule. My sony zeiss 35mm 2.8 has the best image quality of any lens I own (except maybe this one, once it arrives)

[@dunnadidit]

It’s one of those pixel peeping things... in actual practice, you’re probably just fine. And certain lenses do even better than others because of crazy resolving power to the smaller photo sites of apsc sensors

[@st.michaelthearchangel7774]

Awesome review! Thank you.

[@dunnadidit]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DragosStoica]

Used for the last 10 years 90% of the time the Nikkor 105mm F2.8 VR on many Nikon DSLRs. I was pleased to see that it stood up to even the D850 46mpx resolution. BUT with a lot and I MEAN A LOT of CA. Now I am all switched to Sony, on A9 mark 2 and A7R4, so I wanted a new macro design for Sony and with new glass for the 61mpx A7r4. A big fan of Sigma Art in general so tomorrow I will order this one.

[@dunnadidit]

That’s awesome!

[@64north]

Did they fix the noise from the focus?

[@zollieuncle9647]

I do own and use a Laowa 65mm f2.8 2X Apo macro lens that I use on a FF body in a crop mode. It is taking stunning shots, however I am struggling to capture subjects that could not wait long enough for me to obtain focus with my MF lens. Hence I have ordered this lens and could not wait till it arrives. Couple of comments to your nice video. At 3:59 it was not perfectly fair to demonstrate the lens' sharpness on a lady's hairy leg, was it. The portraits are really nice, maybe even too sharp to show details portrait subjects may not want you to capture. You mentioned that firmware will likely to be updated - can you update it via the camera? AF hunting: should not you use AF limiter when shooting macros? AF noise: I guess for cost control they applied a generation older AF motor system that is as good as or better than competition of the same AF system, but falling short competing with the state of the art linear focus motors.

[@iam109310]

Hi, would you mind share some thoughts after you got sigma? I'm in your position too owning laowa but wondering if AF on sigma would be more versatile using for portrait, I don't really shot insects so 1X is OK for me.

[@zollieuncle9647]

@@iam109310 Hi Yen! Sure. Well, the Laowa 65mm 2x macro and the Sigma 105mm 1x AF are two different worlds. Both are capable of delivering exceptional image quality, however the AF on the Sigma is very beneficial especially when using it for non-still portraits. The Laowa is more for really still subjects, smaller, lighter, while my even my macro subjects are alive, hence moving and AF improves my keeper rates. I still use both for their own advantages though.

[@iam109310]

@@zollieuncle9647 Appreciate for sharing. May I ask what's your camera body and did you found pixel lossing from using apsc mode on laowa 65mm? I'm currently using a6400 with laowa 65 and tending to move full-frame recently. So i'm figuring to change it to sigma 105.

[@imtunn3d736]

Thank God Dunna did it

[@skippy_243]

Not an owner of a macro yet, looking for one to use with my A7iii

[@dunnadidit]

Nice! This is definitely a solid option!

[@tlpetrella]

ORDERED!

[@dunnadidit]

Nice!! I just had to send my loaner back but I’m very tempted. It’s been an expensive month already haha.

[@karaluxe9882]

I’m looking for a macro lens right now for dope product shoots

[@EasyTigerCreative]

Sounds great! I actually bought a $40 neweer extension to make my lenses macro and honestly work super well for how little I use the macro options for photos haha it’ll do me fine for now!

[@dunnadidit]

I just got some macro tubes as well! A bit finicky but handy to have for how often I need them, like you said!

[@EasyTigerCreative]

Dunna Did It exactly! I also have a tamron 20mm lens which also is macro so I got a few options as well worst case scenario haha great video as always!

[@dunnadidit]

Nice!!

[@domlewis208]

great work

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks a ton!

[@jedcsh1]

Never owned a macro lens. Not sure if it's for me, but would be cool to have in case I ever wanted to try it

[@dunnadidit]

Yeah it’s one of those things that I wouldn’t use ALL the time, but when you want it, it’s neat to have.

[@nelsonclub7722]

Remember that most macro lenses - due to their design - are also brilliant portrait lenses.

[@dunnadidit]

Very true! There just felt like there was something special about this vs a 30mm, 70mm, or 90mm macros that I’ve tried. Just that bit of extra compression and reach made it feel unique I think.

[@Wistbacka]

Thank you! I've been wanting an affordable portrait lens, and with my zoom, I usually end up between 100-150 mm when I sit portraits. I had a 50 mm, but that wasn't for me. And this would be more versatile than just a regular 85 and 135. Not as bokehlicious, but can then also do macro.

[@randymartosoewito7892]

Was looking at the Sony 90mm f2.8... Got the Sigma 16mm f1.4 and I know how sharp Sigma lenses are. Now I am looking at this Sigma macro lens for $300 less!? It’s a steal!

[@dunnadidit]

It’s a pretty killer lens!

[@beaverbreweryminsk5392]

Man, I love my sony 30mm macro for a6500. So much fun and usefull things you can do with it.

[@dunnadidit]

Awesome!

[@gamebuster800]

This one or the 90mm Sony... I can't decide.

[@TheKidsDaaaaad]

I just bought my first Sigma Lens for my new BMPC6k (18-35) I'd love to get a Macro for my Z6

[@dunnadidit]

That’s a classic lens!!

[@atokwidiarto]

Eccellent review...! As macro photography enthusiast, I wonder how this lens stack up against Tamron SP 90mm Macro and the legendary Canon L series 100mm Macro. As Canon shooter, I would love to see the comparison.

[@dunnadidit]

I might have to round up some adapters to make that! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@piotrovitz]

I've got the Tamron 28-75 2.8 together with my Viltrox 85 1.6. I was thinking about 90 2.8, but common.. 75 2.8 at Tamron, 85 1,6 at Viltrox, and.. 90 2.8? I know what the macro lens main duty is but 105mm 2.8 sounds much better in terms of focal lengths "multiplying". Some would say that I would better sell my Viltrox and get 90 2.8, but wait! Oh... Sigma 105 + Viltrox 85 cost as much as 90 2.8 G! :D

[@MrEddieNunez]

Beast lens!!

[@HeartbeatsPhotography]

Seems like a great option

[@daisukevideo]

Macro lens is very interesting! I also have one. I enjoy shooting every day ♬ Thank you for the video! With love from Japan :)

[@Phoenixrider9241]

I don't have a macro lens, but the Sigma 16mm F1.4 with my Sony A6600 is almost as good as a macro lens. I have used it for similar purposes quite often.

[@dunnadidit]

Yeah the close focusing distance on that is great!

[@SamKaySunito]

I don’t think I’ve owned a macro lens?? I’m not sure. I have a tele lens for 70-200mm so is that a macro lens?

[@dunnadidit]

Not that I’m aware of! Macro lenses have to do with being able to reproduce a 1:1 size image on the sensor (you can focus really close).

[@SamKaySunito]

Dunna Did It then no! I have not owned a macro lens except for my moment macro lens for my iPhone :D haha

[@dunnadidit]

Haha nice!

[@DJHiroProductions]

can i use this with a6000?

[@dunnadidit]

Yes you sure can! I even did some testing in the video on a6600 so you could see how it did on aps-c cameras like your a6000

[@DJHiroProductions]

@@dunnadidit I don't understand when u said it comes with a mount got full frame and e mount. Means it comes with an adapter for me to attach it to my a6000?

[@dunnadidit]

You don't need an adapter. Both Full Frame and APS-C Sony Mirrorless cameras use the same mount (they call it e-mount). So you can use the same lenses on both.

[@DJHiroProductions]

@@dunnadidit isnt full frame using FE mount while we apsc users uses E mount? so they are both the same mount except the crop factor?

[@dunnadidit]

Shindouz Hirono - FE just means that a lens is a Full Frame E-Mount. But the mount itself is the same so you can use lenses on both.

[@JunaidKureshi]

not much videos sony 90 vs sigma 105

[@dunnadidit]

Nope... the 105 is still very new

[@rickyissak565]

I’m dealing with green skin tones of my new a7siii these days, so I couldn’t help but notice those green patches on your face...

[@dunnadidit]

Hmm sounds like you might have a white balance issue? I don’t really see a green shift on mine. This is also filmed with the a7iii not the a7s3 so I dunno

[@underwaterHD]

Sooooo not good for my a6400?

[@dunnadidit]

The no OSS might make it tough for video but for photos it would be just fine!

[@underwaterHD]

@@dunnadidit ok thx DD

[@arttiz01]

Hi. I own the Sigma 70mm Macro and the Tokina 100 mm Macro, both for Canon. I am looking reviews on this new lens, to see... if a Sale attracts me!

[@alexkooistra]

The AF is very loud (not great for video) but what I hate even more you will also hear the motor in manual focus mode. Insane. On top of that the non lineair manual focussing makes it unusable for real macro modes. Spend the extra money and get the Sony.

[@justinmcq78]

Have the Sigma 105mm macro (not the ART)

[@denischasse3567]

Hé merci beaucoup ! 👍

[@dunnadidit]

de rien

[@odysseaskouros4755]

I just take the sony 90mm f2.8 macro lens. 😂❤❤❤

[@vasiliosm]

I am not the macro type ok I wish I had one lens for some wedding shots.

[@dunnadidit]

This might be a decent option for weddings since you could also shoot some portraits with it!

[@vasiliosm]

@@dunnadidit yeah I am more the videographer type the hunting and the noise it's a little bit neeeehhhhhh at the moment. Let see what happens maybe Sony will reduce her macro. Thanks for the video and your answer. 🙏🙏🙏

[@dunnadidit]

Ah there it is! My pleasure!

[@IamFrozenTundra]

How did I miss the notification?! Oh well...

[@dunnadidit]

You got here eventually!

[@nwvideographotographer7186]

I LOVE MACRO!!!! The SDF and the sharpness is amazing. You really should use manual focus when shooting macro, the hunting can be very common. I really like the Sigma 16mm because it has such a close focus distance. You can get wide macro type shots. They are great for portraits and food photography. I would love to know what you think of my channel. Another great video, Cheers!!!

[@villepyykko2948]

I have the sigma 70mm f2.8 macro on my a6000 👌

[@davehandelman2832]

The ONLY thing i Think about this lens is: I WANT IT NOOOOOOOOOWW!!!!

[@dunnadidit]

Haha I feel you

[@Ade5]

deez nuts!

[@dunnadidit]

Interesting thoughts. I can tell you’re certainly a deep thinker on Monday mornings 🤣

[@Ade5]

@@dunnadidit Isnt that what DN stands for.. :P

[@dunnadidit]

Hahaha what’s the DG for then?

[@helldvl]

@@dunnadidit deez groinz 😂

[@vesprecid6229]

If you grip the ring too hard it won't work fine because they want it to last long...

[@LetsGoBJONES]

:) Ayeeeee

[@dunnadidit]

Ayyyeeee!!

[@SidsDrakon]

I have a macro lens. Tokina 100mm. The lens is good the shooter not so much 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@dunnadidit]

Lol 😂

[@darrylsmith3102]

2.8?? it's Tooo Slooo!... should be 1.4

[@dunnadidit]

Lol 😂

[@lldd11]

This is terrible lense for macro, I returned it. its inaccurate, photofocus issue, slow/sluggish, I used it for 2 weeks I didn't get any photo worth keeping with this lense, while my sony lense has like 70-80% keepers.