The Sigma 180mm f/2.8 APO Macro EX DG OS HSM is a highly regarded lens among macro photography enthusiasts, offering several compelling features and a few limitations. Here's an in-depth review highlighting its pros and cons:
Pros
Exceptional Sharpness: The Sigma 180mm macro lens delivers outstanding sharpness across the frame, even at its widest aperture of f/2.8. This level of detail is crucial for macro photography, where fine textures and intricate details are often the focal points.
Impressive Working Distance: With a 180mm focal length, this lens provides a generous working distance between the camera and the subject. This is particularly useful for photographing insects or other subjects that may be easily disturbed by a closer lens. The extra distance also helps in creating a more pronounced background blur.
Wide Aperture (f/2.8): The f/2.8 aperture is relatively fast for a macro lens, allowing for better low-light performance and more control over depth of field. This makes it possible to achieve a beautiful, creamy bokeh effect, isolating the subject from the background.
Optical Stabilization: The inclusion of Optical Stabilization (OS) is a significant advantage, especially for handheld shooting. It compensates for camera shake, allowing for sharper images even at slower shutter speeds—a feature particularly beneficial in macro photography where small movements can be exaggerated.
Build Quality: The lens is solidly built, with a robust and durable construction that can withstand the rigors of fieldwork. It features weather sealing, which offers protection against dust and moisture, making it suitable for outdoor shooting in various conditions.
HSM Autofocus: The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus, which is a significant benefit when photographing live subjects. The lens also offers full-time manual focus override, allowing for precise adjustments without switching out of autofocus mode.
Cons
Weight and Size: One of the main drawbacks of the Sigma 180mm macro lens is its size and weight. Weighing in at around 1.6 kg (3.6 lbs), it can be cumbersome to carry around for extended periods, especially for handheld shooting. Its large size may also make it less convenient for casual photography or traveling.
Price: While the lens offers excellent performance, it comes at a relatively high price point, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious photographers. There are less expensive macro lenses available, though they may not offer the same level of performance.
Slow Autofocus in Low Light: Although the autofocus is generally fast and accurate, it can struggle in low-light conditions or when dealing with subjects that lack contrast. This might lead to missed shots, especially in challenging lighting environments.
Limited General Use: Due to its focal length and design, this lens is specialized for macro photography and may not be as versatile as other lenses in your kit. While it can be used for portraits and telephoto shots, its size and weight might make it less practical for these purposes compared to more general-use lenses.
Conclusion
The Sigma 180mm f/2.8 APO Macro EX DG OS HSM is an exceptional macro lens that offers incredible sharpness, a comfortable working distance, and excellent build quality. It is particularly well-suited for photographers who specialize in macro work and need a lens that can deliver professional-grade results. However, its weight, size, and cost might be limiting factors for some users. Despite these drawbacks, if you're serious about macro photography and need a lens that performs reliably in demanding situations, the Sigma 180mm is a worthy investment.
( I have to say that I agree with everthing in this review. But is this cheating!!!!
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