SIGMA MACRO 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM £360/$570

This Sigma has high-end features and performance but it’s refreshingly low in price for what you get

Astonishingly good value in the UK, this Sigma is nevertheless a full-frame compatible macro lens that’s packed with high-end features. The list of attractions includes ring-type ultrasonic autofocus, four-stop image stabilization, a focus distance scale under a viewing panel, and a three-position autofocus limiter switch that can lock out both the short and long sections of the full range.

Unlike many Canon lenses, the Sigma is supplied with a hood. Better still, it also comes with a hood converter, for improved effectiveness with APS-C format cameras, and a smart padded soft case. The build quality and overall handling are excellent, although it doesn’t feature weather-seals. And while the stabilizer isn’t a ‘hybrid’ system, it does have switchable static and panning modes, which are very useful when using the lens as a fast, short telephoto prime, to which it’s extremely well suited. The optical path includes two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements to improve sharpness and contrast, while reducing colour fringing, and Sigma’s Multi-layer Coatings minimize ghosting and flare.

performance

Sharpness at f/2.8 isn’t as good as the Canon 100mm L-series lens or Tamron 90mm, but is excellent across most of the frame at f/4. Sharpness and contrast are very impressive, while colour fringing and distortion are very negligible. Autofocus is very fast and accurate, and manual focusing is smooth and refined. A great performer.