Sigma Macro 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM

£359/$619

A bargain lens for big-brand DSLRs Lens mount s Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma

Launched in 2011, this optically stabilised fullframe-compatible macro lens predates Sigma’s ‘Global Vision’ Art, Sports and Contemporary line-up by a year.

With fast ring-type ultrasonic autofocus and a fully internal focusing arrangement, complete with a range limiter switch that can lock out near or far focusing, the lens works well as a fast telephoto prime. It’s also good for shooting sports and wildlife, with a four-stop stabilizer that has switchable static and panning modes.

Performance

Corner-sharpness is merely mediocre at wide aperture settings, but that’s no real problem in macro photography, where you’ll generally use narrow apertures to gain even a little depth of field in your shot. Handling is excellent, and the lens delivers superb all-round image quality.