Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro: Definitive Review | 4K

Build and Handling 03:05 | Stability Discussion 08:22 | Autofocus Performance 09:22 | Image Quality 13:42 | Summation 23:57 | Video sponsored by LensRacks. Visit store.lensracks... and use code DUSTIN15 for 15% off | Read the Text Review: bit.ly/SIG105Mda | Visit the Image Gallery: bit.ly/SIG105Miq | Purchase the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DN Macro @ B&H Photo bhpho.to/2Gd2tGp | Amazon amzn.to/2GfUMz0 | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada amzn.to/3jetgjP | Amazon UK amzn.to/3jhHQar | Amazon Germany amzn.to/2EJei6x | Ebay bit.ly/105DNMacro
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Keywords: Sony, Sigma, Sigma 105mm DN, Sigma 105 2.8, 105M, DN, Sigma 105mm F2.8 Review, Sigma 105mm F2.8 DN Review, Sigma 105 Macro Review, ART, 105mm, F2.8, 2.8, f/2.8, DN, DG, ART, Macro, Portrait, Review, Dustin Abbott, Autofocus, Sample Images, Video, Video Test, review, Video review, Real World, Tracking, Eye AF, Sony a7RIII, Sony a7RIV, Portrait, Sharpness, Resolution, Bokeh, Sony 90mm Macro

[@MannyOrtiz]

Doesn’t get much better than this ✌️

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks, Manny. I'm an admirer of your work. You NAIL the portraits!

[@Francisfphoto_]

Big fan of both of you 2!

[@6gwilliams]

Yes I agree Manny. I am a fan of yours too and met you and your wife in Vegas at WPPI, cheers .

[@holgermac]

I'm to a big fan of both of you. Best regards from Germany 🍻

[@whatwouldthehoffdo]

Love you Manny, But you dont know anything about Macro. Atleast you are not an annoying snob that talks likes hes a trying to appeal to monacle wearing college professors.

[@ginoandereggen3031]

I don't even own a sony but your reviews are so good I still like to watch'em to simply learn what's out on the market. Great work and a big thanks to you Dustin for producing such quality and educative content!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad you like them!

[@tgchism]

As always, another great review! I recently purchased this lens predominantly (at least for now) to scan 35mm & some 120mm film. Having watched your videos on this lens and the Sony 90mm, I was really struggling to choose. I liked the idea of the geared manual focus of the Sony 90mm but was hearing that the Sigma 105mm was sharper edge to edge. That was the deterring factor for what I was wanting to do. I think the Sigma was the better choice. The Sigma does a great job in auto of focusing on the film surface! It's so much easier that trying to nail film grain focus in manual. Also, the lens hood does a great job of blocking any stray light or reflections. If any of your viewers are thinking of using the lens for film scanning, I think they will be as happy as I have been with it.

[@arindamchowdhury16]

Still the best lens reviewer on KZbin 👌🏻

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much

[@AlejandroGonzalez-AGS]

Great review Dustin…Late on this one but I just purchased this lens for my SL2S and wanted to confirm this completed my lens kit for this great camera without braking the bank! This lens complement the newer compact Sigma 24mm f/2 DG DN, the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN and a Panasonic S Pro 70-200mm f/4 . For anything wider I have the newer Voigtlander (M converter) Heliar 15mm f/4.5 (Aspherical III). All these equipment purchased used in like new condition that added to the overall savings. Be safe. Cheers..

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Good for you! Nice kit

[@phillewis2524]

Your review of this lens was a large influence in my decision to buy it for use with my A-7R4. I particularly appreciate the comments regarding how it can deliver the goods for high resolution images . The lens is a great performer and fits my needs very well. Thank you for your valuable review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@NeXMaX]

Looking like Sigma's racking in the wins for their latest DN lenses. The 24-70 Art, 85 1.4 Art and now the 105 Macro.

[@cwschang]

Sigma is certainly hitting it out of the ball park with their DG DN Art series. The 14-24 2.8 and 35 1.2 are also very impressive.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely some of their recent lenses have been winners.

[@GospelLinkUp]

You're definitely one of the best reviewers out here. I liked that you started the review by showing the footage with the lens on the body vs talking about it in your hand lol I also appreciate that you compared it with Sony's vs doing a separate video on that. Thank you!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@GospelLinkUp]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Hey Dustin, I recently switched from the Canon 5D3, 6D and 70D and now using a Sony A7RIV... Is it true that DSLR Canon glass will not get the full resolution of a Mirrorless camera?

[@ian-ut4cr]

Hi Dustin, how does this compare to the voigtlander 110mm Apo Macro, IQ wise?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think the Sigma is stronger, other than color rendition

[@brianl8843]

Amazing review as always! Glad to see someone taking on Sony's offerings with these great lenses.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Absolutely.

[@dauntless48]

I’d love to see more portrait examples with this lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I understand, but the stars don't always align for that.

[@dauntless48]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Ok. Thanks for a great review as always, it was very helpful.

[@shaunreich]

I would as well, I know the macro was gonna be killer but weighing if the portrait gives me anything substantial. I've already got a tamron 70-180mm 2.8

[@edziuniarobuli6746]

Great review! Thank you. How would you compare the Sigma 105 Art Macro to the Voigtlander 110? Which is sharper in macro and distance? Greetings.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think the Sigma is the sharper lens.

[@waawaaweewaa2045]

very pleasing how the image transitions to background blur with this lens and tack sharp. A bargain for 700 bucks. Sigma is crushing it.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Strong value, for sure.

[@Toglander]

Hi Dustin! Thanks for the great review. If you were going to use the lens purely for macro, which lens would you recommend?

[@occipitalexposure5059]

Any chance of you doing a direct comparison of this lens to the new 2024 Tamron 90mm Di III VXD Macro?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Unlikely at this point, as I don't have the access to the Sigma.

[@riverhe2852]

The lens racks are amazing and the prices are great! We need more practical equipment recommendation like this!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

They are cool! I passed your feedback on to the manufacturer.

[@seanbowen4429]

Man, oh man! I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the time you take to share your insights. If only I could subscribe twice!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks a lot.

[@razafiarisonmichael4421]

Thank you for the review, I love Sigma E mount macro lenses 13:00 the lens focus noise sounded like an hungry stomach :D

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL

[@hhielscher]

Thank you for the review. I wonder how it compares with the Tamron 90mm SP with MC-11 or Canon 100mm macro with MC-11. I am not sure if I want to invest in the Sony FE mount yet.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is a sharper lens than either of those lenses, and I don't necessarily love their performance via MC-11. Macro focus is demanding, and so there's some quirks.

[@PH61a]

Very informative well made video again. Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@LucaCarruba]

Great review as always ! I wonder how this lens compares to the laowa 100 2.8 even tho a complete manual lens but with 2x macro and very reasonably priced for the performance.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Optically they are close (though I think Sigma is better), but functionally the Sigma will be easier for most people.

[@artmaltman]

Lens racks looks great!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's an effective system.

[@el-xy]

Awesome review, still looking forward for a video from you showcasing the top 5-10 sharpest lenses you've tested!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've been in an incredibly busy season of my life and have mostly been treading water with this channel, but we are just finishing our major construction project for the church and I'm (hopefully!) going to have a bit more time in the near future.

[@el-xy]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Take care Dustin, whatever work you want & are able to do is awesome!

[@sauravmazumder6762]

Hi Dustin, thanks for the great review. I know you own a Canon EF 2.8 L macro. Is this lens sharper than that?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Slightly sharper, yes.

[@142tech]

Great review and beautiful photos!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much.

[@bardofhighrenown]

Excellent review, as always Dustin! I know this is an old video, but I was curious if you had any thoughts about the performance between this lens and the Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Art? I need a macro lens for film scanning and I was going to pick up the 70mm, which you also reviewed favorably. But I saw this was only $130 more so I was tempted to check out some reviews

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I personally would lean towards this lens. More flexible, better autofocus.

[@bardofhighrenown]

@@DustinAbbottTWI That is what I had been thinking, it seems like a better general purpose lens. I appreciate your input!

[@artmaltman]

105mm is amazing focal length for portraits but do you think the sharpness renders this possibly unflattering for portraits? I love sharpness on eyes but on skin, depending on the lighting, it can be a different story.

[@tkermi]

But it's easy to soften the skin/decrease contrast in post if that's what client wants (or you think it's a wise precaution to take 😆). It's typically the bokeh quality that determins if a macro lens is suitable for the most demanding portrait use. This lens seems to have very nice bokeh for a macro but for me it seems to lag the absolute creamy bokeh found from some more portrait oriented (expensive) options.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Art, there are differing opinions on this, but I’m personally of the opinion that I would rather add softness than try to add sharpness. A good brush can easily soften skin tones.

[@gbee8888]

That aperture lock would be more usefull if it locked in any f-stop and not just the A setting. Or does it?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

No, it locks either A or locks out the A setting so you can just utilize manual aperture.

[@sjenkin88]

12 more days until I walk into the shop to pick myself up a version of this lens. After watching this I'm super excited!!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's exciting.

[@IanHobday]

Not sure if you can change your title but at first I was disappointed to not find your review when searching for 'Sigma 105mm DG DN Macro' as your title is missing the DG part of the lens name. Glad I came across your review as "recommended" when watching a different review!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

hi Ian, I would say your experience is pretty rare, but that's a valid bit of feedback.

[@IanHobday]

@@DustinAbbottTWI With so many different Sigma lens models out there I always include DG DN when searching for reviews of the latest e mount Sigmas. Otherwise a huge array of older lens reviews get included that have to be sifted through.

[@wateaman]

Always read your reviews Dustin. I have a Sony A7R3 and am looking to get a macro lens. The difference in cost between the Sigma 105 and Sony 90mm is not a factor. Is the Sony OSS a factor when hand holding the lens at a 1 to 1 macro distance? In other words, does the A7R3 in- camera stabilization and the Sony lens OSS enable a lower shutter speed, higher f-stop or lower ISO as compared with the non-image stabilized Sigma lens? I will be handholding the lens to shoot bug pics.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would slightly lean towards the Sony.

[@diegoramirez6165]

Great video, thanks a lot. What's your top 5 sharpest lens on 42 mpx? The sigma 105, the sony 135, and the others??

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, at this stage there are a LOT of very sharp lenses available for E-mount. I'm not sure that the Sigma even cracks the top five.

[@diegoramirez6165]

Ok Dustin. Thanks.

[@Apaolino21]

Excellent review! Looks like sigma hit it out of the park again. Would you say this lens has greater sharpness and micro contrast over the Laowa 100mm apo Macro?

[@tkermi]

I would imagine that being a close call. I'm not sure but I assume Sigma is 1:1 and not 2:1. But it has AF and there have been some news of Laowa lenses breaking in use - so Sigma mught be more durable.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is very close, for sure.

[@elisabethlafontaine8979]

I’m using the older Sigma 105 f/2.8 macro lens on my Panasonic Lumix S5 (with an adapter) and really like it after about seven years! Is it time, and would there be a marked improvement if I were to buy this lens? My main photography interest is macro. You talk about a Sony lens but I need an L mount. I have a Laowa x2 macro lens. Can you offer me any advice? Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, I do think the newer lens is better, but it sounds like you are happy with what you have. If you could make the switch without major expense, it might be worth doing to be able to get a native mount lens, though. If it is going to cost a lot and you are otherwise happy, then stick with what you have.

[@elisabethlafontaine8979]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you. I think then I will keep my limited budget for a 70-200mm lens first and maybe get the new Sigma next year….

[@elisabethlafontaine8979]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks for your comments. I think I will spend my money on a 70-200mm f/4 and save up for the new Sigma next year. Really like your reviews and your replies. Thank you!

[@AnandGopinath]

I wonder if this lens works with the Sony 1.4x and/or 2x TC?

[@tkermi]

If so then with 2x it would be 2:1 just like Laowa, that would be great.

[@AnandGopinath]

@@tkermi indeed that's the case. The L-mount version works with the sigma 1.4x and 2x TC. Unfortunately these are not available on e-mount. I currently own the laowa and it's great but I'd like the increased focal range and/or working distance with TC.

[@tkermi]

@@AnandGopinath I think that Sigma might make their own TCs for E-mount because they already have the new 100-400mm that could use one. Or they designed it so that it works flawlessly with Sony TCs. But either way they might not consider TC usage important for this macro - so they might not work 😟. Like, Canon's new RF-mount TCs don't work with all of the RF lenses and limit the focal length with some.

[@AR-vf7vg]

@@tkermi If only Sigma made a 1.5 (lol, just for fun not 1.4) converter SPECIFICALY for the 105mm f1.4 ! That would boost the sale of the 105 f1.4 that is allready looking like a good 180. (Ok, let's say it could also be used on the macro 205 ;-) )

[@tkermi]

@@AR-vf7vg Yeah, that would be nice 🙂. Sometimes manufacturers do weird things though, like I don't understand why Canon made RF 85mm f/2 macro with 1:2 magnification... Maybe they heard that people like to have 2:1 and the numbers got mixed up 😂.

[@cfidev]

Hi Dustin! Did you film the epsiode with this lens? Could you tell us which camera / lens / brief info on post? you look incredibly sharp in the garden there!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes I did - on the Sony a9.

[@sayanmarketingsolutions5951]

Hello Dustin, I shoot jewelry (bracelets and rings) with the 50mm 1.8 and it is really not bad for that purpose even if this lens is much hated. I also have the 85mm 1.8 but not tried it for jewelry yet... Now I wonder if I can upgrade with the Sigma 105mm 2.8 and get much better images. What do you think? TIA

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You will get much better images

[@kyleeddy7033]

Was the lens the reason for losing focus during your outdoor shot where you were speaking? It seems like it could have been a problem with having the wrong focus mode selected.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think the biggest problem was that I was using a prerelease lens that didn't have the final firmware. I suspect the retail lens performs better.

[@kyleeddy7033]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Ok, I hope that is the case because I'm very close to purchasing this lens!

[@kyleeddy7033]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks for the great review!

[@6gwilliams]

Thanks Dustin, this lens looks super. No real need to spend more for the Sony 90mm macro. I have good IBIS in my A7RIV, A7SIII and A9. I will take better optical quality any day. Cheers

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy!

[@bradylangford5696]

Great review. Timely for me as well as I am looking for a macro lens. I have a question regarding image stabilization. It has been my understanding that stabilization is not very effective for macro work , at least compared to its effectiveness for nonmacro images. And that this is true for both in body as well as lens stabilization. Has that been your experience? Or do you find stabilization valuable for macro images as well? Thanks for your thoughts.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Your best macro results will come off a tripod, but I do a lot of handheld macro with stabilized macro lenses because of convenience. Macro lenses often have a unique stabilization designed for macro work.

[@zollieuncle9647]

Hi Dustin! Thanks a lot for your comprehensive reviews, this was again informative, unbiased and interesting as usual. At around 19:30 it seems that the lens is front focusing a bit. Is that right? Have you managed to calibrate the autofocus before testing its optical performance?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Zollie, as mentioned in the review, this lens was running a pre-retail firmware. That bit of hunting will be solved in retail copies. Very clearly my optical results are properly focused. I always confirm that. The video AF hunting has nothing to do with stills focus accuracy, however.

[@zollieuncle9647]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I have finally decided to order this lens (awaiting for delivery) after studying all the reviews and feedbacks published on the lens. I’m still a bit concerned about the AF performance being weak as both video AF hunting and low light performance issues were admitted by many. Did you have a chance to take a look at the performance of the released version? Did Sigma solved these issues?

[@MikeKareh]

With the small difference in price is the tamron 70-180 f2.8 a better all around lens than the sigma 105 f2.8 or to your eyes the sigma is still sharper? Thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Mike, that's a somewhat odd comparison. A zoom vs a prime...and a macro lens to boot. Do you need a macro lens? If so, buy the Sigma. If you need an excellent general purpose lens, buy the Tamron.

[@franzpointner1157]

Hey Dustin! Yet another great and helpful review, thank you for your hard work. I've been using your recommendations for my purchasing decisions for a while now and am now very much tempted by this lens as well. By the way, you've mentioned that you recently purchased the Sigma 85 1.4 and the Sigma 100-400 for Sony FE. I would really appreciate a video about your personal lens and camera choices for the Sony E-Mount ecosystem since I get the feeling a lot has changed lately in your gear list. Thank you so much and please keep up your great work. Best regards from Austria

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

There's been a LOT of turnover in my personal kit this year, actually, as I've prepared for the EOS R5 and also streamlined my Sony kit.

[@polarpolepolarisabilitypol9989]

How would you compare the Irix 150mm to the Sigma 105mm DN and Sony 90mm at f/2.8 and also when stopped down to f/5.6? I will use it quite often wide open at short to medium distance but mostly around f/4 and f/5.6 at closer distance or landscape. I’m trying to choose between the Irix and Sigma. I previously used the Voigtländer 105mm but didn’t really like the focus throw and the extending part. I also got the 65mm which I find better overall. I’m not so sure. 150mm might be nice, but AF might be nice as well, and I think that the Sigma is a step above the Irix on the a7R III and even more obvious on the a7R IV. I’m not so sure how practical AF will be at around around 1:2 and 1:1 magnification. I won’t use a 90-105mn as a dual-purpose lens for portraits as well, as I already got a 85mm f/1.4 DN.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I actually really enjoy the Irix on either Sony or Canon bodies with IBIS. Really nice focus ring and beautiful results. If you have the 65mm, then augmenting it with the 150mm is not a bad idea. They are both good at different things due to the difference in focal length. The Sigma is sharper than the Irix, however.

[@cowboyyoga]

Thank you Dustin! Your videos are so valuable, saving lots of time. )))

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad you like them!

[@alvarocfoto]

From Spain, great job!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@nosignal7156]

Hello Dustin! I have 1 question: How many times must the focus ring be turned to move focus from infinity to minimum focus distance? If this number is unreasonable then I fear it is too much of a blemish on this lens in terms of handling.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It’s not linear, so if you turn fast, you make rapid focus changes. If you turn slow, it is smaller, more precise focus changes.

[@bewegt]

great lens, great review... want to use it also for landscape shots, what aperture for maximum depth of field? thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I typically would recommend F8-F11 with a longer focal length like this.

[@prestonosborne2806]

Keep up the great work Dustin

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks! Will do!

[@seanfan1500]

How optimal is the 105mm focal length for doubling it as a portrait lens compared to the 90mm focal length?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I personally think 105mm is a fabulous portrait focal length.

[@DerPhiL]

Your zoom into the images is not often 100% right? especially if you talk about textures etc. It was often to far away to see things xD (20:25)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I go into 200% during my chart test portions.

[@DerPhiL]

@@DustinAbbottTWI 100% would be ok :D

[@pianoman1973]

Thanks for the awesome review ( as usual ! :) Owning the A1 , would this be the recommended macro lens ( assuming I don't intent to shoot manual mostly ) ? Thanks !

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's definitely a very good one. There's no slam dunk superior lens that I could point you to.

[@MyNameIsPetch]

This, the sony, or the voigtländer 110mm for 'scanning' film negatives? 🤔

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I honestly don't know. That's not an application I'm familiar with.

[@arnoldpalleschi3828]

Coupled with the Sony a6400 which doesn't have stabilization would this be a deal breaker?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It would be if you plan to use it handheld. If you do macro on a tripod all the time, no big deal

[@pop0ful]

Is it a 1-1 Mag? Like my 90mm...I dont remember hearing that from the video. That's my deal breaker because I got small.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is 1:1.

[@СергейИгоревич-ф5й]

oh my god, now it is impossible to choose the best macro lense for Sony: G90mm, sigma 105mm or GM135mm ?! I have 90mm macro but I am i bit tired from some blur of this lense. I clearly see it with home macro stacking with Cognisys automated macro rail and ad600pro flash strobes. F5.6 .5mm movement per shot and I still need to apply some "smart sharpness" to remove its blur(

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The 105 might be a nice choice for you, then. It is very, very sharp.

[@quirkworks4076]

Hi Dustin. Thank you for yet another mind-blowing review. I am switching systems to Sony and need to complete my kit with a macro lens. As a professional product photographer, one of my primary concerns is focus breathing as it relates to focus stacking. Probably 80% of my work requires stacking and I need the best lens with the least amount of focus breathing. Most reviews of this lens and other macro lenses rarely discuss this key issue (which is strange because it's critical in so many macro situations) and would like your input. Is this the best lens for us "stackers" or would you recommend another? Thank you very much (you were key, BTW, in helping me to decide to switch to Sony).

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Wow, I'm afraid that it's been too long since I've reviewed this lens to be able to accurately answer that question. You may have to address it to Sigma.

[@ATvisual]

Hi Dustin, would you recommend this new Sigma 105mm Macro lens or the Sony 90mm Macro for video work? Thanks in advance!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would probably say the Sony. More stability, and the amazing focus ring allows you to do beautiful focus pulls.

[@helldvl]

Overall, amazing review, but I find that reviews of macro lenses omit focus capabilities of a lens at narrower apertures, which I hoped you would address that as usually macro photography is done at narrower apertures. Yes, it is mainly through manual focusing, but sometimes you need the autofocus for some quick shots. Can you please tell me which performs better when focusing at smaller apertures, the Sony or the Sigma?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

What are you defining as a smaller aperture, and, you are aware that cameras open up to maximum aperture to focus and then stop down for the shot, right?

[@helldvl]

@@DustinAbbottTWI That is something new to me! I always thought that focusing at f/16 would be challenging due to less light filling in the sensor. Thanks for the info! And I meant "Narrower aperture" by "Smaller apertures", apologies for the confusion.

[@johnnytwo-shoes9798]

I literally ordered a Sony fe 90mm macro on special ($950 USD approx) last week after watching your review there and bunch of comparisons to the sigma 70mm. I wish I'd known sigma would drop this option. It's too late now =(, I really like having aperture ring and weather sealing which the sigma offers though I'm on an A7r mk1 and will eventually upgrade (when there's an A7r4 type with option for smaller raw - hoping for that in a74 or a7rV) (slowly migrating from Pentax k1). My question is how significant do you find the sharpness differences between the sigma 105 dn and the Sony fe 90 in real world use terms? My other question is what are your thoughts on both of these lenses'weather sealing? When I upgrade the camera body I'd like to have an overall weather resistant if not proof, set up like I have with Pentax and the (100ish mm) macro always comes with. Essentially with these in mind, is it worth the trade from the Sony 90 to the sigma (I still haven't received the Sony and cannot cancel order here in AU) Thanks for any helpful advice.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's very hard to determine the internal degree of sealing on both of these lenses. Both claim to be weather sealed. Real world sharpness difference isn't significant.

[@johnnytwo-shoes9798]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank-you for the reply =) I managed to get a refund on the Sony fe 90 and can now wait for the sigma to come out and decide then. I'm with what you said on the absolute resolution as I'd like to go to the A7r4 or to a 40MP+ (depending on what Sony releases for the a7IV or rV) sensor eventually which will have Ibis. I've also read some people having the rubber gasket under the MF AF clutch come out after a few years on the Sony 90mm. Thanks again. Great channel. =)

[@talleyrand9442]

Does this lens allow the Sony a7RII to use magnified in Live View? I need to hone in on exacting focus macro.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It definitely would.

[@jwatanabe90]

Do you find that the newer Art lenses are better focusing on DSLRs? I once had the 35mm Art and the focusing was absolutely terrible; I’ve been extremely hesitant to even attempt an Art lens again. I know the 35mm and 50mm are older....do the other models fare better with AF accuracy and does it maintain this accuracy over time from your experience?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Over the past three years, Sigma has made significant improvements in AF accuracy. I've had no problems with more recent lenses.

[@tkermi]

Thanks again for a detailed review from an interesting lens. Btw. for handheld macro I like to do the final focusing by moving the camera but for tripod use direct mechanical focus is a real benefit for sure.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

For sure.

[@AR-vf7vg]

For art reproductions (I chose Voightlander's Apo macro 60mm), if 105 -110-ish mm becomes more desirable sometimes, I would have to compare this DN to the MF Voightlander 110mm. I know now that in comparison the MF will be a treat on the Voightlander, but what about "APO" vs "no Color-aberation" for instance ? (Color reproduction could also become an issue.)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Sigma is sharper. The 110 isn’t quite as strong as the 65mm, IMO. The Voigt probably wins for color rendition (the Voights have fabulous color), but I’d personally take the Sigma for pretty much everything else

[@AR-vf7vg]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank You !!

[@srijonmondal8842]

Beautiful review . . . Keep it up

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@mjl1958]

This video of you speaking to camera using the 105mm keeps losing focus.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's because this lens (the 105mm, which I was using for filming) has pre-release firmware which is less reliable than the retail firmware.

[@sparrow9982]

Dustin Abbott no it’s because focus is always better on the native glass. I get why u have to be excited about the lense. But 80% “keepers” on sigma and 98% on sony native glass is a big difference. And it’s even more noticeable in video.

[@keplers_dog]

Sparrow Sony has opened the mount to third-party manufacturers like Tamron (of which they hold a substantial amount of shares) and Sigma. Your statement definitely has been true for Canon and Nikon DSLRs, but it certainly doesn’t hold up for Sony mirrorless. Just try Sigma‘s 24-70 2.8 or 35 1.2 - or Tamron’s 28-75 and 70-180 2.8. all these are excellent lenses with great autofocus that I have myself used for photo and video shoots.

[@charruaporelmundo]

@@sparrow9982 That, only true, if you do video.

[@RichardsWorld]

@@sparrow9982 Yeah, we don't know if a new firmware will fix this. I think I'll keep the Sony in mind when buying my next lens. Not this Sigma.

[@borlach321]

Dustin, great review as always! Do you find Sigma lenses to work better with Sony? As opposed to Nikon or Canon? For some reason, with Nikon cameras; I often have focusing issues.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

MUCH better. I didn’t own any EF mount Sigma lenses; I own three FE mount lenses and am very happy with them

[@jackpiccininni2325]

I'm looking forward to a more in-depth review of the 105 Sigma macro lens I've been looking for a good macro lens for my Sony a 7r111 that won't break the bank and this might be one that would work for me. Thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

More in depth than this one? I'm not sure how many of those will come...or maybe you said that in advance of watching this one.

[@wickedninja8599]

Did you notice the focus is slower at macro? I know you said the system isn't as good as Sony's.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Every macro lens focuses slower at macro distances. The sum total of the macro focus (AF and MF) was better on the 90G.

[@ideasphotosvideos3481]

You're an excellent camera gear reviewer. Good job for unbiased review of sigma 105mm f2.8 micro lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much!

[@jasona2305]

Hi Dustin! Are there any future plans for a review of Canon's new RF 100mm macro? That 1.4x magnification I think is a nudge towards Sony (and perhaps the rumours of an upcoming GM macro..) In any case, I would love to hear your opinion on it, if it happens to be in your hands at any time

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would love to review it, though I've had a bit of a hard time getting Canon loaners.

[@viktorskalican1980]

Hi, maybe it's too late to ask, but which lens was sharper on the f / 16 Sigma 105mm or Sony 90mm?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm afraid it is a little late to ask. My memory doesn't run back that far!

[@fellowcitizen]

Finally got hold of this! Strangely, I now have a 62mm-thread trinity of i24mmF2, i65mmF2 and m105mmF2.8

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's not a bad combo.

[@bovver6092]

How does Sigma stack up against Voigtlander 110 macro when it comes to sharpness?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Both lenses are very sharp, though the Voigtlander will have lower CA due to the Apochromatic design. That might give it a slight edge in real world sharpness/contrast.

[@bovver6092]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you! Sounds like on par unless pixelpeeped. But from what I’ve seen I think I prefer Voigtlander’s out of focus/bokeh rendering slightly better than Sigma.

[@RobJorg]

nice lens. wonder how it performs on my A6600

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The A6600 has a good focus system and IBIS, so it should be fine. Just know that's a fairly long focal length on a crop body.

[@Fotograflix]

If $ not an issue- Sony 90 Macro or this Sigma 105 Macro? Also what auto focus is faster?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Autofocus speed is roughly similar. The Sigma is a bit better optically, but the Sony is much better to manually focus.

[@jasona2305]

Let me start by saying thanks for yet another awesome review (as usual) So now we have more options for native FE true macro - the 90mm, the 110mm V and now this! Also having watched your review on the 150mm Irix, it's a shame really they don't make a native FE version of that. Because it kind of seems a very decent alternative. I own the 90mm for over a year now, which I ve been using on my a6300. As I improve my skills, I begin to get an increasing number of photos that I'm satisfied with. One thing that I would like to point out about the 90mm is that I'm not really happy with the damping on that focus (by wire) ring. It just feels somewhat ambiguous when I need to make really tiny focus adjustments. Due to the tiny DoF at 1:1 macro range, I'm struggling to focus stack with the 90mm. Sometimes I can see that although I physically move the ring less than 1mm, nothing happens (focus not shifting on the camera). Then I try again and it jumps a bit more than I would have liked. That ruins most of my stacking attempts (have to start all over again). I have to get really really lucky to have a stack of 10-15 shots, all in equal increments, as to be able to compose a decent result. So a key concern to me is how this new Sigma performs in that respect. Then I hear your comments that you face what I described above with the Sigma and what's more, that the 90mm feels superior in that respect. I'm surprised to hear that, as I ve expected the 105mm to be similar to my 14-24mm DG DN Sigma - which is buttery-smooth when making tiny adjustments and has a very generous focus throw. But it's a landscape lens! So I wonder how did you reach to the conclusion that the 105mm is difficult to make tiny focus adjustments. Few months back, you also reviewed the 14-24mm, so how does focus compare to that? Do you remember? The superior IQ offered by the 105mm is a big plus for me, and could sway me trading my 90mm for it - as long as I'm convinced the 105mm will be able to match (or better) the 90mm when it comes to focus stacking work. One more thing regarding IQ between the 90mm and the 105mm. Are the results presented in your review also apply for 1:1 range? Could it be that the 90mm performs better at this distance (resolution/sharpness)? (pardon my noob-ish speculation here, as I am not sure if distance plays a role in IQ results..?)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

hi Jason, I remain convinced that the 90G is one of the best manual focusing (for an autofocus lens) out there. The new Sigma is NOT better. Manual focus at macro distances is just difficult, period, so it's less a problem with your lens and more with the difficulty of that focus. A wide angle lens is very simple to manually focus by comparison.

[@jasona2305]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Should probably wait for a GM macro lens then (if that's ever going to happen!). One that will retain the virtues of the 90mm and also improve on IQ! As for my current stacking attempts using the 90mm, I m trying to find if there is a way/product, that will allow me to rotate the focus ring using 'clicks' (just as some aperture rings work). That will allow for tiny, equal increments everytime and save me a lot of frustration. I m not willing to spend $$$$ on a automated/geared focus system. Not only because of the cost, but also because I want something more portable, that I could use for field work outdoors. If you happen to have some idea or seeing something, please let me know! Thank you in advance

[@KristianWolfe]

What about the Voigtlander 110mm f/2.5 MACRO? How does it compare to this lens?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The sigma is sharper. I would say that only area of advantage for the Voigtlander is color richness.

[@KristianWolfe]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I have been trying to decide between getting this Sigma 105mm Macro lens and the Voigtlander 110mm f2.5 Macro, specifically for "scanning" my 4x5 negatives/transparencies using the 16-shot pixel shift feature (240mp) of my Sony a7R IV. I actually already have the Sigma 70mm f/2.8 ART Macro and with the a7R IV it's GREAT for "scanning", easily surpassing any drum scan, so now I'm wondering, do you think this new 105mm Sigma Macro might be that much better than my 70mm Sigma Macro and worth the extra $800? (The scans of my 4x5 negs/transparencies are my bread and butter, so it's vital to me to have the best lens I can get that can match the a7R IV's crazy 16-shot, 240mp, pixel shift for scanning.) Perhaps there's another macro lens I should consider?

[@young-hoongihl3301]

@@KristianWolfe Scanning 4x5 films, the new Sigma 105mm is sharper than the Sony 90mm. Especially at the edges. I use all a7R IV, Sony 90mm, and the new Sigma 105mm lens.

[@KristianWolfe]

@@young-hoongihl3301 Thank you so much for this! Have you had any experience with the Voigtlander 110mm f2.5 Macro?

[@young-hoongihl3301]

@@KristianWolfe I have no experience with the Voigtlander 110mm f2.5 macro lens. Here, Dustin Abbott says Sigma is sharper. Anyway, You may be able to get some information from www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1666092/0

[@michaelfierman3256]

Will they make a Z mount version of this ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

So far Sigma has made no noises about Z or RF mounts of these new lenses, but they should actually be fairly simple to port over.

[@michaelfierman3256]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks for getting back to me! what would be the best way to port it over? sorry to be such a newbie

[@brucenichols7760]

I usually shoot portraits with my Zeiss 50mm for Sony and I use an aperture of 2.0 quite often. I really like your reviews and I am curious what you think about this question. I saw your review of Sigma's 105mm 1.4 and this video. I already have the 70-200mm 2.8 so if I bought the Sigma 105mm 2.8 in order to save money, would I really be getting something that I don't already have (primes are always "sharper", right?) Thank you for all of your videos AND thank you for your witness as well. I remember you mentioning that you were holding your Bible in one photo...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

hi Bruce, thanks for the kind words, and, to answer your question, if you don't need to the massive aperture of the 105mm, this macro lens does double as a nice portrait option...and gives you a great macro performance, too.

[@brucenichols7760]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you.

[@brucenichols7760]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I did buy the Sigma 105mm 2.8 macro and oh my, nice lens indeed.

[@gitithadani]

I have both the sony lens and the older 2011 version of the sigma lens (for nikon) so I was very curious at the comparison and how they have updated it for the sony. The older sgma lens was around 450gms aprox & had the push pull system for af/mf. There was a focus limiter & no fly by wire so very easy to adapt & manual focus & adjust aperture. Image quality was very good on the lens even then (and performs very well on the r4) - bokeh appears better on the newer version (9 vs 8 bades). Where the sony has an advantage is the af & oss & with all the modern features. The new sigma - from what I am getting from the review - has tweaked the lens but also the weight. For macro af - sony has come up with a 3 range limiter so af can be more precise. This is the quandry with macro lenses - either one really has OSS & very precise - silent af with good dmf or a pure manual lens like laowa or voigtander otherwise it is a little bit like being good but without that extra

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

This is a brand new optical formula, so most similarities to the older lens are incidental.

[@gitithadani]

@@DustinAbbottTWI They have built on the old optical formula(dslr) - naturally a new body - flange distance - af motor tracking - bokeh - transition zone - all of which has heightened the optics of the lens (original design already has very good optics). Its more the issue of af & mf with macro lenses at close distances. Sometimes one needs that precision mf whch the electronic does not give. A modern lens now is a combination of optiics + the af & other electronic features. Its just finding the rght balance for macro - weghtwise as well. To work with a lightweight compact macro at 105mm with mf is very different designwise. All the earlier manual film era lenses were heavy and long in size. Sigma ofcourse has designed the lens with the sony equivalent in mind - also that sensor resolution has grown. But my feeling is that the optics are great (they are an od ens company so huge optical database) but the other features sny got right as an overall macro package

[@coldeb8911]

Great Review as always, and Greetings from the U.K. You said this lens does not have Image Stabilisation, however, Sigma also do a version of this lens that does include image stabilisation, it is the 'Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro EX DG OS HSM'. Would there be any chance of you reviewing this one in the near future. Many thanks.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi there - that lens is actually a much older lens that isn't designed for mirrorless. I won't be reviewing it as I no longer even own any camera that it is natively designed for.

[@coldeb8911]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Ok, no worries, thank you for getting back to me anyway 😊

[@DerPhiL]

Sounds sweet! Nice quality to have no CAs! But the miss of OS is really bad idea of Sigma in the new line I think =/ I was hoping for a new 150mm :/... But do you know what the text mean on the 10 DM bill? XD It means if you copy bank notes/bills or/and you bring them into the market.. you will come into the prison for a minimum of two years xD - it is a really old bill, for everyone who don't know. And the ship should be the Gorch Fock (a legendary sailing ship - and a old training/recruiting ship of the army I think)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I too was surprised by no OS.

[@DerPhiL]

@@DustinAbbottTWI This is the new line of Sigma's non-OS lenses -.-... only because of IBIS you shouldn't stop building IS/OS on lenses I think! double stabilised is better then IBIS only I think^^!

[@bhekuwenza]

Thank you, Dustin 🙏

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@gilbertdebruijn1]

I will stick by my sony 90, briljant lens with OSS and the handy manual twist that I want for all of my lenses :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Agreed on that great MF action!

[@wadeduvall7026]

Those soft portions of the lens hood LOVE dust and lint. Jeez.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You think so? I haven’t really noticed that much with my Sigmas

[@wadeduvall7026]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Definitely noticed on my 24-70mm! I think it has a newer hood design? Don't know since its my first and only Siggy for now.

[@jasont9863]

@@wadeduvall7026 Notice it on my 24-70mm too

[@KetansaCreatesArt]

Very amazing review. I guess the IBIS of the A7R IV will never make you feel the lack of optical stabilization in this Sigma lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

There will be some situations you'll miss it it, but mostly because high resolution bodies really show motion blur.

[@Blank_Immortal]

I'd like to add to this, If you need more than what IBIS is supplying it is time to tripod the shot anyway, so there won't be very many situations where you would need to worry about in lens stabilization unless you are in very specific scenarios like being out in the field near dusk.

[@KetansaCreatesArt]

@@Blank_Immortal Yes I understand. Need to do more practise near dusk. And as Dustin Abbot replied, the high resolution sensor catches the motiin blur which can be noticed when zoomed in to the image. I wish there will be a firmware upgrade to correct this.

[@Blank_Immortal]

@@KetansaCreatesArt You definitely need to be much more steady with the α7RIV from what I have experienced. Unfortunately it also doesn't do very well when you have to raise the ISO, otherwise I wouldn't be so adverse to this camera's high ISO performance.

[@TwlShooter]

how does it preform against the tamron 90mm g2?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It’s been a number of years since I’ve reviewed that lens, but I suspect the Sigma is a little stronger optically.

[@momchilyordanov8190]

The new Sigma DN lenses. I cannot think of a review of any of them, that is not positive. They are doing great job with these.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I agree that they are really the most complete version of Sigma lenses that we've seen.

[@photoventureselp]

Excellent review as always! But I really wonder, how and where did you find your 100 drachmas banknote? Really a great surprise to see this! :) :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I used to collect currency from around the world. I would get it from swap meets, missionaries, etc...

[@photoventureselp]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I also used to collect currency but mostly old coins and old bill notes from Greece, where I live. Nevertheless, in case you may be interested, the person depicted on this side of your 100 drachmas note is Adamantios Korais. On the other side is the goddess Athena. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adamantios_Korais

[@singsingmei]

That stomach growl at 13:02. Haha! I think it's a good reference for how loud the lens is.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Exactly.

[@paulgarland3146]

I have just purchased a Sony AI and have watched a number of your review videos. They are so good and your examinations so detailed and comprehensive that I won't buy anything before considering your views. Your review of the Sigma 105mm f2.8 DG DN Macro has influenced me greatly but could you just help me a little more by giving me your assessment of its suitability as a portrait lens? I would consider the Sony 85mm f1.4 G Master but I believe that is due for a refresh soon. Also the Macro will be very useful. Thank you.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do think this lens will double very nicely as a portrait lens.

[@paulgarland3146]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you Dustin.

[@jonspoard8416]

Thanks Dustin.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@SONYAdicto]

This or the Laowa 2X?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Good question. How important is the 2X time magnification...and does manual focus turn you off.

[@SONYAdicto]

​@@DustinAbbottTWI In my case, macro photography would be just a hobbie (not for professional work). I'm intrigued by the 2X and don't have a problem manual focussing, although I've never used a proper macro lens before.

[@alsifjlasieflooo]

Thank you for the review :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@vanjasimunko708]

This all seems great, and I really love Sigmas, but am I the only one that sees a loss of focus on Dustin every couple of seconds throughout the whole video? Maybe that is the pre production firmware Dustin talks about, and I hope it is, but if it is the lens, and is gonna stay that way - then is pretty bad issue.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've found that production firmware has solved that in the previous lenses. The 85mm F1.4 DN was the same, and my retail copy of it is rock solid.

[@keystonebrotherb]

Hard to beat that Sony 90. Mine is flawless. Great review Dustin, as always.

[@kkim4282]

The Sigma dn macro is sharper than the Sony macro. The image quality is better for the Sigma. Seems like you didn't watch the whole video.

[@keystonebrotherb]

I have several Sigma lenses. They are all great. I’m not switching for a minuscule improvement in IQ. Thanks for your input.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

As a whole package, the Sony remains a very tempting lens. Good optics and great handling.

[@bovver6092]

Sometimes you think you have a sharp glass and think you can’t get any sharper than what you have until you come across a better glass.

[@marksummers5504]

Thanks a lot Dustin. I just bought the Sony. Oh well the Sony is a fantastic lens. However, I think the 105mm is my favorite focal length for portraits

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You'll enjoy the Sony.

[@Jaibytes]

Can you share us that settings?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not sure what settings you are referring to

[@Jaibytes]

@@DustinAbbottTWI settings of those amazing photos you take

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a little hard to explain, as each photo is slightly different.

[@Jaibytes]

@@DustinAbbottTWI in case of portraits?

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Let’s hope sigma starts releasing some lenses for the canon RF mount - wouldn’t mind a revised version of their 150-600 contemporary (random comment for engagement) as always great review Dustin.

[@tkermi]

That would be great, I also hope Sigma will make its high price-performance lenses for it 😊!

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

t kermi yeah RF intended- my bad, I’ll edit it.

[@tkermi]

@@dimitristsagdis7340 No problem - I edited my comment as well 😊👍🏻

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I too hope that the DN lenses get an RF mount version