Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Macro | ART: Final Review | 4K

[@dunnymonster]

Your reviews are amongst the most thorough and exhaustive on KZbin. Quite how you don't have vastly more subscribers is a mystery to me. Excellent as always Dustin ☺

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Perhaps in time. I'm not as dramatic or exciting as some others, so my growth is more slow and steady.

[@skakdosmer]

I think it has to do with the fact that Dustin uses a lot more words than others would use to convey the same amount of information. I don't mind, but others might be less patient.

[@frankb.1284]

I'm not in the search for a macro lens...yet, but aftet watching your review I feel like I need to throw one into my gear backpack. You sound like someone we can trust. Thank you so much!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do my best to be as unbiased as possible

[@frankb.1284]

Really appreciated.

[@thedarkslide]

I got the older 105mm from Sigma, I will probably pick this 70mm up for negative scanning on a light table. Thanks for the review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Sounds good.

[@Anarki2U]

Thank you very much for link to the written version of this test.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome!

[@6gwilliams]

Dustin I posted my real-world review of this lens in Sony E-Mount, plus a link to two shots I made with the lens and my A7RIII and A7III (posted on Amazon's site). My test shots with this lens are on Sigma's site, B&H and Amazon sites. But it seems my post here has been removed. I am a subscriber and am wondering why that happened. I tested the Sony E-mount version and found the focus great. I am a pro of over 40 years in the business. I have used excellent macro lenses from Nikon, Canon and Sony. I got this lens just a few weeks ago and have been test shooting it with both my Sony A7RIII and A7III and am blown away by its sharpness,clarity and overall image quality. It is solidly built, yet lightweight. Easy to focus in autofocus or manual focus. Focus limiting settings on this lens make quick work of rapid micro autofocusing of moving small subjects .(My test shots showed that with super shots of small fly and dragonfly ).Just a complete pleasure to use. The images are stunning. It is all I could have hoped for at an incredible price. True ART lens IQ. Highly recommend this in whatever your camera mount is. Dustin this lens works well as a short-tele portrait lens and it has NO less focus points on my Sony cameras as any other lens used on my Sonys. Cheers

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I didn't remove the post, but KZbin may have as you linked to an external review. As I replied to your original comment, however, I think that the lens probably makes most sense on Sony. On Canon/Nikon the lack of OS and type of focus motor is a liability compared to competing lenses.

[@EmoEmu]

This kinda confirmed everything I was expecting the lens to be and not be. It's a rather specialised lens in a time where most other macros manage to be rather good at a few other things besides that. I think it'll lose a lot of sales to the lenses that double as a portrait lens like the Sony FE 90/2.8G. BTW if you get your hands on this Sigma lens in an FE version then see if you can run it up against that Sony lens. It's reeeeeeally sharp.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've heard good things about the FE 90, though in some ways that's a tough direct comparison as the price is literally twice as high. I've got a great contact at Sigma, though, so I may be able to bring it back in.

[@kylesharpstudios6794]

I think this will make an excellent addition to my kit. Since switching to Sony, I'm pretty much using all sigma art lenses now (in addition to the Tamron 28-75). Even pros can get good glass on a budget with Sony now!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

And that's the beauty of the third parties starting to develop for the platform.

[@kevinl1492]

You lay out the issues, the pros and cons so clearly. Very helpful. There is an older version of this lens with very high IQ but even slower focusing according to a 2007 review I read. So some of the “quirky” aspects of the design go back a long way. I am tempted to get one of those older models because this will be a lens that is the best you can get for certain tasks but overall, will not get a lot of usage. Digitizing slides is one task that comes to mind.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm glad to have helped out.

[@wfpwfp5104]

Always enjoy your honest reviews. I have been using the sigma 105mm macro for the past 5 years, and I have never used sigmas os on this lens, or auto focus, I prefer to do everything in manual focus. Looking forward to getting this lens soon, picture Quality looked fantastic.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The IQ was very strong on this.

[@Mikey-cc3rf]

i decided for the E/FE version on a Sony AR2 ... stunning results ... good addition to my kit .

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy!

[@qinli3280]

Great review! Looking forward to your opinions on the FE version.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'll squeeze it hopefully in the Q4 this year.

[@JimBailey]

Thank you Mr Abbott

[@mactastic9411]

Dustin, maybe off topic, but the sigma macro lens reminded me of this, I own the sigma 180mm f2.8 macro lens, and it actually works with the canon lens optimizer feature thing (on 5dIV). Of course, as you already know, it adds about a 2-3 second pause between shots, but yeah, I didn’t think any 3rd lenses work with canon’s in camera lens optimization so I was surprised to see that this somewhat older lens actually did. Just thought you would be interested to know this little tidbit.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I doubt that it is actually supported. I've seen this with older lenses sometimes, but its not actually correcting anything. It's only with the past few Sigma lenses (and now some other ART lenses through a firmware update)

[@morvegil]

Very honest review. You're right...the Canon has more versatility

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 VC is another nice choice.

[@billzidis2656]

I really needed a super sharp macro lens for my Blackmagic 6K camera but I didn't want to spend a fortune. Grabed one from eBay like new for £250. Great deal . Thanks for the review Dustin

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's an amazing price.

[@ChimaChindaDev]

Hi Dustin. You are by far my favourite reviewer on KZbin. Is there a chance you would ever review the new Pentax 50mm F1.4 (perhaps a side by side with the Sigma 50 ART). I know you don't do Pentax reviews but it would be really nice to know your thoughts.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm afraid I don't have time to add another system into the mix. Sorry.

[@breathLP]

Fantastic review!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks!

[@skakdosmer]

Thanks for the review which confirms the opinion I had already formed. I would certainly consider buying this lens if I didn't already own the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM. The absence of IS is of little concern to me, as I nearly always use manual focus for macro anyway. I find the technique to first dial in the magnification on the lens and then moving the camera in and out, and fire at the right split second, superior to AF in most cases. And often when taking handheld macro I hold a flash on an off-shoe cable in my left hand to freeze any motion blur.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Using a flash does help freeze action, though that's a technique one has to practice to make sure that the light isn't overwhelming or create weird shadows.

[@skakdosmer]

E-TTL does the trick for me, at least most of the time.

[@razafiarisonmichael4421]

I'll definitely buy it now that I saw your review and images as I use the Sony a7R III as well for landscape photography

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure.

[@phoenix7289]

oh man this takes some gorgeous photos!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That it does.

[@mikeearussi]

You were complaining about the lens not having OS, but in Sigma's case that actually a good thing for two reasons: 1. their OS degrades the image quality by adding a lot of flair 2. their OS is very poorly constructed and easily breaks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Talk about a back-handed compliment, Mike :)

[@mikeearussi]

@@DustinAbbottTWI :) People don't usually think about design trade offs that often. Another thing you and other reviewers didn't care for is the extending front element, the alternative which is internal focusing. But internal focusing also has a price attached to it. Not only does it require a more complex design (with a concomitant increase in price) but it's usually achieved by decreasing the focal length of the lens, AKA the "dreaded" focus breathing some reviewers complain about, which may not be too bad for some lenses but for macros forces you to get even closer to your subject than a fixed focal length lens would. Reviewers also don't usually check focal length but if you ever decided to check, even if it's just for your own curiosity and don't choose to publish it, you may find that many lenses achieve their close focusing via focus breathing. Sigma's desire to maximize optical quality while minimizing cost forced them to give up both internal focusing and OS. The focus by wire concept though does make me nervous because it's too new and untested. The one advantage I can see it having, should Sigma decide to implement it as an option, is the ability to adjust its sensitivity (possibly via their lens dock) where you can set the "barrel turn" to "lens focus speed" ratio. Addendum: if you check the comparison of flair between the Sigma 70 and all other macro lenses (most of which have IS of some sort) you'll see that the 70 has far less than the others: www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Lens-Flare.aspx?FLI=0&API=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0&Lens=1204&Camera=453&LensComp=674

[@winheiMR]

Leider baut Sigma wohl keine 70mm Macro für seine SD QH Kameras. Habe das 105mm , es ist sehr gut (die ältere Version) wollte das 70mm testen, gibt es nicht.

[@navyvet6593]

You described and presented your points very well. But I’m perplexed as to why several reviews on this lens has been adapted to a Canon. You won’t have the stabilization and focus points on the lens with those bodies. Just seems odd

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

hi Dennis, I reviewed a Canon EF version of this lens...on a Canon body primarily. I'm not sure why that is confusing...

[@navyvet6593]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I'm a total idiot, thanks for the clarification. I'll change my thumbs down to a thumbs up. Actually thought about this last night and wondered if I totally didn't realize you didn't use an adapter. Have an awesome day!

[@skalaveraa]

where are your macro photo in this movie ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

They are in there, but there's also a link to an image gallery if you want to see more photos.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

How does this lens compare to the Sigma 105mm F/2.8 DG Macro HSM, which I own and like? It also has optical stabilization and I have used it handheld in the field.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't used the 105, but it will definitely be easier to use handheld. I would say this focal length needs to be considered. Is it a strength (food or product photography) or a liability (working distance, not as attractive for portraiture).

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Dustin Abbott every lens length is optimal for some things more than others. I don 't use the 105 for portraits. It's great at macro, though in AF it hunts a little.

[@ngekseng]

was hoping this macro art lens would be my choice..too bad its not.was hoping to get this as a replacement for my old canon macro l lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a very sharp macro lens, but I was left with some questions about their logical process in designing it.

[@ngekseng]

@@DustinAbbottTWI yeah.same here.. If it was me and since they decided to go back to the external barrel focusing and a slow motor.i would rather just make a manual lens but with OS. I wouldn't mind.

[@orcungokcek1724]

Hello Dustin, happy new year... wanna ask i have Canon EOS R and wanna buy macro lens but not sure which one... whats your advice for me; canon 100 mm, tamron 90 SP macro or sigma 70? I need help, thank you ( i know sigma not got IS and also EOS R does t have ibis :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Either the Canon or Tamron because of the stabilization.

[@luisbarvalopez]

Im on the edge of buying this for my Sony A7II, have any imput for sony?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't used a Sony mount version yet, but Sony users seem very happy

[@4thNebula]

I am using the Sigma 70mm Art for Sony E-mount on my Sony A7III. Like this lens a lot but want to go exclusively with Canon EOS R so want to sell my Sony. I mainly use the Sigma 70mm Art to copy my old slides (1000s) and film (also 1000s) using the Nikon ES-1. Any idea how the 70mm EF works on the EOS R. I know this is Sigma's job and hope they will come out with a statement as they did with Nikon Z in that the F-mount versions will be adaptable to the Nikon Z. Maybe I will go with Canon 100 macro and use the appropriate conversion filters to adapt to Nikon ES-1.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't tested that combo, though EOS R arrives tomorrow. I don't have that lens on hand, but I will check Sigma lenses there in the future.

[@dee.other.artist8091]

Is there a reason, why you showed the IRIX 15 lens at around 13:55?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes - I took the photos of it with the Sigma while demonstrating how the Sigma works for product photography.

[@ulrickteissier363]

Hello Dustin, did you try the fe version of this lens?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't yet, as I've been so busy with other projects. The rest of this year is booked solid already.

[@edwardsblake3630]

Hey I have a question. Since the lens is focus by wire can you still use cheap/budget extension tubes that and still be able to manually focus? Even though they normally would only allow for manual focus.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a good question, actually. I think they would require electronic contacts for that to work.

[@edwardsblake3630]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks for the quick reply. I think that could have potentially been a pretty big oversight on sigmas part. Considering a lot of macro photographers like to add extension tubes for added magnification. Anyway love your reviews best in the business if you ask me. Take care 🤙.

[@laurencegr5338]

Hi Dustin. Sir, may I ask if this can perform well with an APS-C camera, like the a6000. And is it durable as well?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's hard for me to comment on durability, as I only have review gear for 2-3 weeks on average. It should work fine on your a6000, though.

[@laurencegr5338]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks.

[@julioestebanperezescudero6246]

Dustin, in your opinion what is the best macro lens that is available for Nikon? Thanks 🙏 🙂

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not qualified to make that statement, as I don't shoot Nikon or test Nikon lenses.

[@julioestebanperezescudero6246]

What about other makers that can be used either onCanon or Nikon?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 VC (newest version) is a really excellent lens.

[@julioestebanperezescudero6246]

Dustin Abbott Thank you for the advice and your time. 🙂

[@85mattia]

Hi Dustin, what macro lens do you suggest me? Sigma 70mm for Sony a6600 or tamron 90mm g2 for Nikon d500? I'm also interested for Laowa 65mm 2x for sony.. Laowa it's slightly sharper than others? Or definitely?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Laowa is very sharp, though all three of those lenses mentioned are very sharp. What camera will you use more for macro? I would choose the Laowa for the Sony (great fit in terms of size), and the Tamron is you plan to use the Nikon more.

[@85mattia]

I have Nikon d500 and also Sony a6600... I would choose tamron unequivocally for AF, VC and ease of use.... But it's "only" 1:1, instead of laowa 2:1.. Do you think it's a big lack ? Or I'll be quiet with tamron? Tamron is very sharp also at infinity distance?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Sharpness won't be a problem with any of the choices. If you were a Canon and Sony shooter, I'd say go with the Tamron and adapt it, but Nikon mount lenses don't adapt particularly well.

[@michallispl]

Canon 100mm f/2.8 non-L version does the same when it comes to limited af points selection on 5d mark iv

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's interesting. Do you know why?

[@michallispl]

I dont' know, because I don't currently own 5d mk iv but when I rented one I was surprised to find that with EF 100mm 2.8 Macro only the center column was available for af selection.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's not the case for the L version

[@Rjacket]

What mic were you using for this?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I use the Rode Smart Lav+ (bhpho.to/34zkGEm)

[@clippercrafters5067]

So sigma basically pulled a “canon” move. On making a great lense that has potential to be a must have and purposely crippling it by removing key features.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't think that was the case here. I think they really went for a pure macro lens that doesn't work nearly as well as a multipurpose lens like some macro lenses. You are getting very high optical quality for macro, but without much in terms of bells and whistles.

[@DanielM1224]

crossin fingers I didnt get scammed on Ebay. found this lens for 350.00 lol

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've seen it on some steep discounts.

[@SalMightyOne]

That watermark is almost bigger than you..

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yeah, that was a little ridiculous.

[@robertvarner9079]

Nice shirt!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks

[@intrinsicimagery]

Such a weird focal length.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is somewhat. I consider it an excellent food/product photography type focal length, but not as good for insects or as a portrait lens.

[@adrianpocea2287]

Dustin, sorry about the upcoming rant. You used to be the ultimate Canon reviewer. Now Canon is making a big announcement, has a new mirrorless camera out there, basically a BETTER 5div( with a single card slot) and cheaper for 1000 dollars. The sample gallery on the dpreview, especially for the 50 1.2, look mind blowingly amazing. And not a word or a video from you???

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's hard to report on what I haven't touched, Adrian. Canon has not sent me anything yet, so all you would be getting from me would be a rant (which I may do).

[@expatphotographer8745]

Sigma's Art series is great, I love them. For some reason though, whenever Sigma makes a macro lens, they do the dumbest, most backwards things possible.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

There's definitely some choices here that leave me scratching my head.

[@skakdosmer]

Considering the main purpose of the lens, it all makes good sense to me.

[@fellowcitizen]

Very low price point and weight with maximum optical performance. Perfect for students and the retired who may otherwise not be able to afford such cutting-edge quality. No doubt there will be 105mm, 150mm +- 180mm replacements sooner or later with OIS +- mechanical focus.

[@yitzchallevi8208]

Thanks Rev. Love your work and I am a fan. I still love the Tokina "Bokina" 90mm 2.5, however. See phillipreeve.net/blog/tokina-x-macro-90mm-12-5-review/

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've looked at some photos from it before. Some legacy lenses have beautiful rendering.

[@traditionalgirl5585]

Why are today's photographers so lazy with their cameras. Focus manually. Learn how to use your skills with operating a camera instead of having the camera do everything for you. It is truly a big part of being a great photographer.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a pretty broad assumption, and from a reviewer's standpoint, my job is to evaluate the performance of the lens...not the photographers who will use it.

[@traditionalgirl5585]

@@DustinAbbottTWI It is hardly an assumption. Just watch the content put out to people. It's a macro lens. Mostly manual focus to begin with. Pretty soon people will be complaining about robots not wiping their behinds well enough.

[@badhonebrahim7707]

Try to talk less and show more real life features

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - seriously? I've produced more than 600 videos that have had many millions of views.