Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art

Launched a couple of years ago, this is Sigma’s first Global Vision macro lens

£439/$469

Despite Sigma launching its ‘Global Vision’ line-up of Art, Sports and Contemporary lenses in 2012, the first macro optic didn’t arrive until 2018. Build quality is ace, combining a weather-sealed brass mounting plate with a TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) barrel. A coreless DC motor enables quick and whisperquiet AF, with great precision. Manual override and precise fully manual focusing are available via the electronically coupled manual focus ring.

The optical design incorporates two top-grade FLD (‘Fluorite’ Low Dispersion) elements and two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements, along with one high refractive index element. Two aspherical elements are also incorporated, with the aim of enhancing resolution at very close focus settings.

Unlike most modern macro lenses, the Sigma doesn’t have internal focusing. Instead, the physical length of the lens increases as the focus distance gets shorter. Sigma says this helps to avoid any compromise in macro image quality, but the working distance from the front of the lens to the subject shrinks to 6cm for full macro magnification.

Performance

Sharpness is stellar between f/2.8 and f/11, with little drop-off towards the edges. However, sharpness isn’t retained as successfully as in the Canon 100mm L-series lens at narrower apertures. Other aspects of image quality are impressive, with almost no colour fringing and practically zero distortion.