Sigma 180mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens Review

Sigma APO Macro 180mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Sample Photos

Closest focus is 47cm, achieving 1:1 magnification | 1/200 sec | f/16.0 | 180.0 mm | ISO 200 High-Res	The maximum aperture adjusts as the lens is focused closer to ensure accurate metering | 1/125 sec | f/4.0 | 180.0 mm | ISO 360 High-Res
Sharpness is outstanding across the frame when stopped down to between f/5.6 and f/8 | 1/320 sec | f/6.3 | 180.0 mm | ISO 200 High-Res	Even wide open, sharpness is excellent across the frame | 1/640 sec | f/2.8 | 180.0 mm | ISO 200 High-Res
1/1000 sec | f/2.8 | 180.0 mm | ISO 200 High-Res	1/200 sec | f/3.0 | 180.0 mm | ISO 1600 High-Res
1/1000 sec | f/8.0 | 180.0 mm | ISO 200 High-Res	1/200 sec | f/4.5 | 180.0 mm | ISO 360 High-Res

Value for Money

The Sigma 180mm f/2.8 macro lens costs around £1300 and offers optical stabilisation, silent autofocus with full time manual override and life size magnification at its closest focus distance.

If you can live with a slightly shorter focal length then Sigma also offer two 150mm macro lenses with a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture. One version also sports optical stabilisation and is considerably cheaper at around £690. A version without stabilisation is also available for around £600.

Canon's 180mm macro lens costs around £1140 and also offers life size magnification and silent focusing with full time manual override. The maximum aperture is a little slower at f/3.5.

Nikon don't do a 180mm macro lens. Their closest alternative is the venerable 200mm f/4 macro lens, which costs around £995. This lens is one of Nikon's older lens designs, so it lacks a silent focusing motor and optical stabilisation. The maximum aperture is a full stop slower than the Sigma lens also.

Tamron's 180mm macro offers the same maximum aperture as the Canon lens, but lacks a silent focusing motor, although it only costs around £635.

Finally, if you require a macro lens with a focal length greater than 100mm for use with Sony A-mount cameras, then the options listed above from Sigma and Tamron are your only choices.

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