can you recommend this lens ?
 

hi everyone,


ive been looking at getting a lens with a fixed focal length for macro shots and came across this one

http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/lenses/macro/50mm.htm

i was wondering if anybody had any experience with this lens, and if it was worth dipping into my pocket for as i have seen one brand new for £159

Not experience but it was certainly well written about in the mags. The main drawback as I see it is how close to the subject you have to be so it very much depends on what you want macro shots of.

Try Googling 'Fredmiranda' and 'Photozone' for lens reviews.

Its also been reviewed on slrgear.com

Try one in a shop the ensure that you will be happy wth the close working distances that you'll experience with this lens compared to say the Sigma 105 f2.8

might do that, i was looking at the sigma 105 but its about an extra £100 for the pleasure of standing an extra 1/2 meter back

Standing that extra 1/2 metre back may well mean your subject it still there to be photographed. I use the Sigma 150 and can still feel too close. If your subject is not going to move away then the 50mm would be fine. I use mine mainly for butterflies and other insects.

Personally I'd opt for the Sigma 105mm DG macro, you will be able to get good results and you will be that bit further away from your subject. I have the 105 and find it good for insects and I've also used it for portraits.

Alan

thanks for your help

PM SDPhotography (Scott), I know he has just bought this lens.

I'm looking at the 70mm myself as another option to the 180mm I have.

Jason

I moved from the sigma 105 to the tamron 180 for that very reason. Also I dont get in my own light now, which could be a problem when working very close up.

Don't you find with the longer (180mm) focal length the DOF is very shallow ?? I know I struggle most of the time with mine.........

Jason

DOF will be the same at the same magnification whatever the focal length of the lens - the working distance for 1:1 magnification will obviously be greater for the longer focal length lenses. The one drawback of the tamron 180 is its minimum apeture is f32, whereas the sigma 105 is f45, so when working at 1:1 there is a bit less wriggle room for focussing. (Mind you, differential focussing is generally something I find quite useful in macro composition)