Sigma APO Macro 180mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM £1,300 / $1,499
Ready for your close-up?
Unique in this test group, the Sigma 180mm is not only a fast telephoto prime with an f/2.8 aperture, but also offers 1.0x macro magnification at its shortest 47cm focus distance. There’s often a compromise in autofocus speed with this sort of lens, but we’ll come to that later.
The Sigma is available in Canon, Nikon, Sigma and Sony mounts, all with optical stabilisation. In our tests, it gave close to a four-stop benefit in general shooting, but was largely ineffective for extreme close-ups – which is only to be expected from any stabilised macro lens. Build quality is of a similar standard to the Sigma 70-200mm zoom on test, being robust but lacking weather seals. The number of top-grade FLD elements is boosted from two to three. A tripod mounting foot is included – just as well, given the need for tripod use in macro photography and this lens’ 1.64kg weight, the heaviest in this group.
Performance
Like most macros, the Sigma has a long travel distance in its manual focus ring, to enable precise close-up focussing. It’s surprising, then, that the autofocus is so fast, snapping into focus even over large transitions of range. There’s a three-position focus limiter switch, for locking the autofocus range to either end or enabling full travel. Sharpness and contrast are excellent, both at the centre and into the corners, even at its widest aperture. It’s pricey, but it’s an excellent dual-purpose lens.